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Stanley Grizzle Honoured at Rideau Hall for His Contributions and Donations to Library and Archives Canada

Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, greets Stanley G. Grizzle.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Mark Holleron

Stanley G. Grizzle, a leading figure in the Black Canadian community and the Canadian labour movement, was honoured for his achievements and contributions to the Library and Archives Canada's National Collections at a Special Citizenship Ceremony at Rideau Hall. Among the attendees were Librarian and Archivist Ian E. Wilson, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Diane Finely.

The honourable mention was made by Mr. Ian E. Wilson at the Citizenship Ceremony on July 1, 2007 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, which marked the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship:

Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, honours Stanley G. Grizzle.
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Mijin Kim

"Mr. Stanley Grizzle's donation fits well with Library and Archives Canada's goal to develop a truly national collection that is representative of the full geographic, intellectual and cultural diversity of Canada, said Mr. Wilson. "Not only is this an important record of a prominent Canadian, but also it reflects the Black community's contribution to Canadian life."

Stanley G. Grizzle, born in Toronto to Jamaican parents in 1918, has had an expansive and impressive career. During the Second World War, he served overseas in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Upon returning to Canada, Grizzle was highly active in the trade union and labour movements. He served as an officer of the Toronto CPR Division of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a delegate to the Toronto Labour Council, a member of the Toronto Labour Committee for Human Rights and an Officer with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean thanks Stanley G. Grizzle for his contributions.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Mark Holleron

Grizzle made history when he became the first appointed Black Canadian Judge in the Canadian Court of Citizenship in 1978. Many of his honours include the induction into the Labour Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Order of Canada in 1995 for his early activist work in the human rights and labour movement. Additionally, he has published several brochures on Blacks in Canada and a book My Name's Not George: The Story of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in Canada.

Grizzle's donations to Library and Archives Canada consist of primarily textual records relating to his life and career. The records relate to his work as officer of the Toronto CPR division of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, including correspondence, case files, as well as notebooks, account books, and audio material. Other material relates to his research and activism in the Black community in Toronto, including his work on anti-racism and human rights campaigns, and involvement with various associations and organizations.

"By donating my papers to Library and Archives Canada," said Mr. Grizzle. "I hope to encourage other members of Black communities across Canada to make similar donations of their papers. It is important to ensure that the experiences and stories of Blacks in Canada can be shared with all Canadians."

Grizzle's donations will be accessible at the Library and Archives Canada at a later announced date.

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