Home - Congress of Black Women of Canada

The Congress of Black Women of Canada (London Chapter) was founded in 1989 by the late Gwen Jenkins. The Congress is a voluntary, non-profit, national organization with chapters across Canada, from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to Vancouver on the Pacific coast.
We are always looking for new members. Any Black female, age 16 years and over, is more than welcome to join.

Our Mandate

Through a program of education and services:

to motivate black women to participate in the life of the community in which they live;
to clarify and bring due recognition to the role of black women in Canadian society; and
to improve the welfare of black women and their families in their communities, and in all matters pertaining to black women in London, Ontario

Goals, Objectives and Membership

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The objectives for which the Congress was established.

To provide a network of solidarity for Black Women of South-Western Ontario and to be a united voice in the defense and extension of human rights and liberties of Black Women of Canada.
To foster a climate in which it is acceptable for Black Women to openly examine the issues which affect them and their families.
To plan and implement a program of service and action geared to the needs of Black Women of South-Western Ontario
To provide a dynamic forum for the Black Women of South-Western Ontario to discuss those issues that are relevant to them and to develop the situations to bring about constructive change.
To constantly re-examine objectives and purpose, and adjust our efforts accordingly.

Membership

Individual membership in the Congress shall be:

Open to all Black Women, sixteen (16) years of age and older
Membership in the London Chapter of Congress, upon payment of the required fees, is automatically affiliated with the Ontario Region of the Congress and with the National Congress of Black Women of Canada.

Founding of the Congress

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Mrs. K. Livingstone, founder, Congress of Black Women of Canada 1971.
Kay's ancestors came from Cayuga and settled in the Chatham/London area during the early 19th century. Her early education and training was in the city of London and in Toronto, where she excelled in Drama and Speech Arts at The Royal Conservatory of Music, and later at the Ontario College of Music in Ottawa.

Her father, James Jenkins, an Assistant Judge of the Juvenile Court in London and a leading figure in the local black community, and her mother Christina, instilled in her a concept of community awareness. One of the Province's earliest black newspapers, The Dawn of Tomorrow founded by Kay's parents had a great influence on her interest in black history and the contributions of black people in North America.

After leaving London, Kay worked as a civil servant in Ottawa, where she met and married George Livingstone of Antigua. During this same period, she hosted her own radio show, The Kathleen Livingstone Show, featuring poetry and music. At this time, she also became an accomplished horsewoman. Kay and George established their home in Toronto, where George founded his own contracting firm, and they raised a family of five children. She continued to be actively involved in performing arts appearing as one of Canada's leading black actresses, receiving very favourable reviews, in the amateur and professional stage, and television and motion pictures. In addition to her interest in the performing arts Kay was concerned with promoting Canadian understanding of black people and their contributions. She also hosted The Kay Livingstone Show on CBC, CKEY, and CFPL (London), dealing with the traditions and cultural activities of black peoples of the World.