Résumés
Abstract
To date, there is limited literature documenting contributions of people of African descent to Canadian social welfare history. Based on both secondary and archival sources, we critically explore from anti-Black racism and African-Canadian feminist per\spectives, the contributions of the Coloured Women’s Club of Montreal (CWCM) from 1902-1940 to the social well-being of Montreal’s Black community. The CWCM played a major role as one of the leading supports for members who encountered harsh challenges in a society where racism prevailed and opportunities for men and women were severely restricted. Club members organized several events that enabled community members to survive in an environment that was hostile to people of African descent, therefore becoming a “pillar of strength” that fostered a stronger sense of community among Blacks living in Montreal. We contend that through their contributions during this time period, these African-Canadian women emerged as key players in the community and secondly, as early social welfare practitioners. It is imperative for social workers to acknowledge the contributions of the women who were involved in the CWCM as a means of interrupting the historical narratives shaping our profession that have predominantly been told from the perspectives of a hegemonic, white culture.
Keywords:
- Coloured Women’s Club,
- Anti-Black Racism,
- African-Canadian Feminist Perspective
Résumé
À ce jour, il existe très peu d’écrits sur la contribution des personnes d’ascendance africaine à l’histoire de l’assistance sociale canadienne. À partir de sources secondaires et archivistiques, nous analysons la contribution du Club des femmes de couleur de Montréal (CFCM) au bien-être de la communauté noire de Montréal entre 1902 et 1940 du point de vue du racisme contre les Noirs et du féminisme afro-canadien. Le CFCM a joué un rôle prépondérant dans ce bien-être en étant l’un des grands soutiens auprès des membres aux prises avec d’importantes difficultés dans une société où le racisme était omniprésent et où les perspectives d’avenir pour les hommes et les femmes étaient fortement limitées. Le club a organisé plusieurs activités qui ont permis aux membres de la communauté de survivre dans un milieu hostile aux personnes d’ascendance africaine. Il a ainsi été d’un grand secours et a favorisé un sentiment de communauté chez les Noirs de Montréal. Nous avançons que, grâce aux efforts de ce club durant cette période, les Afro-Canadiennes sont d’abord devenues des actrices clés de la communauté et ensuite les premières intervenantes sociales. Il est impératif que les travailleurs sociaux reconnaissent la contribution des femmes engagées dans le CFCM afin de faire contrepoids aux récits historiques de notre profession qui proviennent surtout d’une culture hégémonique blanche.
Mots-clés :
- Club des femmes de couleur,
- racisme contre les Noirs,
- perspective féministe afro-canadienne
Parties annexes
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