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Canada is a diverse and multicultural country, with a rich history of contributions from people of different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most amazing black Canadians you should know
When you think of Canada, you might think of maple syrup, hockey, and polite people. But did you know that Canada is also home to some of the most inspiring and influential black people in the world?
From politicians to musicians, from athletes to activists, these black Canadians have made their mark on history and culture. In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight some amazing Black Canadians who have made a positive impact on Canada and the world.
This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a sample of the many Black Canadian trailblazers who deserve recognition and appreciation.
Karena Evans
Karena Evans is an actor and director, who has made a name for herself in the music industry by directing videos for some of the biggest stars, such as Drake, SZA, and Coldplay. She is the first woman to win the Prism Prize Lipsett Award, which recognizes innovative and creative approaches to music video art in Canada. 
She is also a rising star in the film industry, having starred in the acclaimed drama Firecrackers, which premiered at TIFF in 2018. Evans is a talented storyteller who uses her vision and voice to create powerful and diverse narratives.
Vinessa Antoine
Vinessa Antoine is a Toronto-born actor who made television history as the first Black Canadian woman to star in an hour-long Canadian series. She plays the lead role of Marcie Diggs, a corporate lawyer who becomes a social justice advocate, in the CBC drama Diggstown.
Antoine is also known for her roles in shows like Being Erica, Heartland, and the. She is a trailblazer who breaks barriers and stereotypes for Black women in the entertainment industry.
Cynthia Appiah
Cynthia Appiah is one of Canada’s first Black bobsleigh pilots and a contender for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. She was born to Ghanaian immigrants and raised in Toronto’s community housing, where she faced racism and discrimination.
She pursued athletics and excelled in shot put, before switching to bobsleigh in 2011. She is also a university graduate with honors and a mentor for young girls in her community. She is a role model who challenges the norms and expectations of what a Winter Olympian looks like.
Jael Richardson
Jael Richardson is an author, speaker, and activist, who is the founder and artistic director of the FOLD Festival (Festival of Literary Diversity), Canada’s first festival for diverse authors and stories.
She is also the author of two books: The Stone Thrower, a memoir about her father, former CFL quarterback Chuck Ealey, and Gutter Child, a dystopian novel about a society divided by privilege and oppression. She is also a columnist and a book reviewer for various media outlets.
Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng
Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a critical care and palliative care physician at The Ottawa Hospital and the head of the department of critical care. He cares for the sickest of the sick patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is interested in using ICU resources more efficiently and improving access to palliative care in the ICU.
He is the founder of the Resource Optimization Network, a research group that aims to reduce health spending without compromising care. He also hosts a podcast called Solving Healthcare, which features interviews and discussions on how to improve the healthcare system and address health inequities.
Conclusion: Amazing Black Canadians You Should Know
These are just some of the many inspiring and influential Black Canadians who have made a difference in Canada and beyond. They are examples of excellence, resilience, creativity, and courage, and they deserve to be celebrated and honored not only during Black History Month but all year round.
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