February 2, 2026 at 1:16 PM
This year, Unifor Local 2002 BIWOC proudly marks
30 years of Black History Month in Canada, celebrating this year’s theme:
“Honoring Black Brilliance Across Generations.” We recognize the enduring legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black communities. This month, we honor the nation-builders who paved the way, uplift today’s leaders, and inspire tomorrow’s visionaries, acknowledging how the past, present, and future are deeply connected.
To begin our celebrations, we are honoring Black unionists who have made a lasting impact in the fight for workers’ rights, shaping a better now.
James Calbert (Cal) Best (1926–) – Born in Nova Scotia
Cal Best was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Canadian labour history. He played a key role in forming the
Civil Service Association of Canada (CSAC) in 1958 and served as its president until 1966.
During his tenure, he fought to secure
collective bargaining rights for federal civil servants. Best is considered one of the founders of the
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), leaving a legacy for workers across the country. More information-
A Tribute to Cal Best – Workers History Museum
James Calbert Best
Stanley G. Grizzle (1918-2016)
This story is one that I hold dear to my heart as my grandfather Wibert Shadd was a porter in his younger years, Mr. Grizzle a prominent labor activist and civil rights champion served as the president of the Toronto Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) Division of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters from 1946-1962.
He fought for workers to have better wages and working conditions, and against job segregation. He was also the first Black person to run for the Ontario legislature (1959) and then he became the first Black Canadian citizenship judge.
Stanley G. Grizzle
If you have a story of a unionist that you would like to share, please send it to
Yolanda Cornwall BIWOC Chair. Happy Black History Month. Please email :
[email protected]
Unifor Local 2002 BIWOC COMMITTEE
Yolanda Cornwall, Chairperson
Leanne Sookram, Co-Chairperson
Astraea Sam, Secretary
David Olawale, Liaison to the Executive Board