Kay Livingstone, the founder of the Congress of Black Women of Canada was featured on a Canada Post stamp for Black History month 2018.  On February 17, 2018, the Congress of Black Women Ontario Region, organized a celebration to mark this historic recognition.  The event was well attended by community members and supporters of the Congress.  Premier Kathleen Wynne was in attendance.  She thanked us for the work that we have done and continue to do, to provide a place for women to find their voices and be active on the important issues impacting the community. Also in attendance were the Hon. Michael Coteau, Hon. Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Hon. Marc o Mendicino, and the Hon. Jean Augustine.  Dr. Wanda Thomas-Bernard brought greetings from the Senate – she reminded us that the work we do is relevant and significant, and the fact that “we are not where we would like to be means that we need to continue to push for the kind of changes that will make a real difference for people’s lives on the ground”. 

Twenty-four friends and family members of Kay Livingstone attended the event, including her five children.  Her youngest child, Rene Livingstone emphasized the significance of her mother’s image on a  Canada Post stamp by sharing her childhood experience of applying stamps to Christmas card envelopes for mailing.   Also attending were family members of CANEWA, members of the Ontario Black History Society, several community organizations, members from all eight chapters of the Ontario region, and of course you, our friends and supporters.   

Premier Wynn presented the organization with an award, and MP Celina Caesar Chavannes presented two awards – one from the Prime Minister and one from her. 

Congress of Black Women Ontario Region presented Kay Livingstone Memorial Awards to Mariska Thomas, President of the Ajax/Pickering chapter, and Hon. Celina Caesar-Chavannes.