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In 1933, the Canadian Ambassadors, led by saxophonist Myron Sutton, relocated to Montréal and became the city’s first organized Black Canadian jazz band. The six-piece ensemble performed regularly in “white only” clubs and cabarets, including…

Founded in 1957 by Charlie Burke, the Black Bottom opened at 1350 rue Saint-Antoine Ouest in Petite-Burgundy, the heart of Montreal’s Black community. The club quickly became one of the city’s most vibrant venues, celebrated for its affordable…

An article remembering the life and achievements of Anne C. Cools. Ms.Cools was one of the leaders of the protesting at Sir George Williams University and led an eventful life, determined to make change for the better in the world. She was a…

Plaque giving description of Gaines' life and achievements, placed in Regent Park, Toronto

Charles Burke grew up on Coursol Street in Montreal and, after finishing school, worked as a railway porter. His seniority on the railway allowed him to select a schedule that left his weekends free, which gave him the opportunity to start a side…

In 1946, Louis Metcalf, a trumpet player who had been a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the late 1920s, relocated to Montréal. He formed the Louis Metcalf International Band, which quickly became a cornerstone of the city’s jazz scene and…

A photo of the street outside the Henry F. Hall building on the Sir George Williams campus, on February 11th, 1969. The computer lab on the ninth floor was both where the protestors stayed during their sit-in and where they made their last stand in…

Cape Breton Island outline

A photo of the Henry F. Hall building on the Sir George Williams campus. This was the building used by the protestors for their sit-in and the location of the subsequent events February 11th, 1969. After beginning their sit-in on January 29, the 400…

Louis Metcalf returned to one of Montreal’s most iconic jazz venues, reconnecting with a stage where he first helped bring be-bop to the city. Just opposite Rockhead’s Paradise stood the Café Saint-Michel, a cornerstone of Montreal nightlife during…