Barbara Howard's Impact On Canadian History

Throughout history there have been many people who have had a great impact on Canadian history and breaking social constructs and barriers, one of those people is Barbara Howard. Barbara Howard's story is one of determination, talent, and revolutionary accomplishments that went beyond the sporting scene and left a mark in Canadian history. As the first Black woman to represent Canada in international sports, she not only broke barriers of race, but also opened the way for future generations of female coloured athletes. This essay will explore Howard's groundbreaking participation in the 1938 competitions, highlighting her remarkable resilience and determination amidst widespread racial discrimination. Additionally, it will delve into her transition
Firstly, Barbara Howard ended her sprinting career for many reasons, one of them included the beginning of World War II. After her groundbreaking participation in the 1938 British Empire Games, World War II disrupted international sports, limiting her opportunities to compete further. “The Olympics were canceled during World War II. 1940 summer and winter Olympics” (Roos, 2020). This global conflict not only halted sports events but also shifted societal focus away from athletics, making it difficult for her to sustain a career in sprinting. Recognizing the uncertain future in sports, Howard decided to pursue a more stable and impactful path. Thirdly, the ending of her sprinting career did not stop Barbara Howard from continuing to impact and change the world. She returned to school to become a teacher, driven by a passion for education and a desire to contribute to her community. In 1959, Barbara Howard got her bachelors in teaching from the university of British Columbia, this began her teaching
In conclusion, after breaking racial barriers, breaking records and gaining medals, Barbara Howard continued her path of change through her teaching career. Following her athletic career, Barbara Howard embarked on a pioneering journey in education, becoming one of the first Black teachers in Vancouver. Firstly, within Barbara Howard's teaching career, she continued breaking racial barriers by becoming the first black teacher in Vancouver. This title also meant she faced racial and sexist discrimination within her field. For example, “It never occurred to me that people did not hire Black teachers. About 10 years later, I found out that the principal of the Normal School thought so highly of me for being a hard worker that he went out of his way to get me that first job.” (Barbara Howard, 2018b). In her own words, Barbara Howard describes the challenges she faced within the education system. Being the first black teacher and the first black woman to join the Vancouver School Board brought a lot of pressure and problems for Barbara Howard, as many did not agree with this