Written by Alisha Ostberg and Edited by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi
Table of Contents
The history of HIV activism in Canada is intertwined with the fight for racial justice, particularly within African, Black and Caribbean (ACB) communities. Since the onset of the HIV epidemic in the early 1980s, these communities have shouldered a disproportionate burden of HIV, facing structural racism, healthcare disparities, and social stigma. Despite these challenges, activists from these communities played and continue to play a vital role in reducing HIV transmission by pioneering education, advocacy, and support services.
This article gives a glimpse into the history of Black HIV activism in Canada. We drew on firsthand accounts of activists who shaped this movement. Sourced from the incredible work of the AIDS History Project and other archival resources.
The Emergence of HIV and the Stigmatization of ACB Communities
From the beginning of the epidemic, people in Canada blamed Black communities for the spread of HIV. This pattern reflected broader patterns of anti-Black racism in public health discourse. Media narratives perpetuated harmful stereotypes, associating HIV with Africa and Blackness. Dionne Falconer recalls the racialized discussions about HIV in the early days: “AIDS came from Africa, and Black people were at fault. It’s from sleeping with Black people that others are being infected” (Shotwell & Kinsmen, Dionne Falconer Interview 2016). This stigma made it difficult for ACB individuals to come forward for testing, support, and treatment.
Activists recognized that AIDS-focused organizations did not address the needs of ACB communities. Douglas Stewart, one of the key figures in Black HIV activism in Toronto, described the early experiences of exclusion: “There were all these different moving parts. There were funders, there’s Public Health, there’s the AIDS Committee of Toronto… but Black people’s position still is tenuous” (Shotwell & Kinsman, Douglas Stewart Interview 2016). The AIDS movement centred on white gay men, leaving ACB communities on the periphery.
The Formation of ACB-Specific HIV Organizations
In response to these disparities, Black activists took matters into their own hands. They formed organizations to provide culturally relevant services. One of the most significant developments was the founding of the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) in 1989. Operating under Harambee, a Black social service agency, Black CAP addressed the unique needs of Black Canadians affected by HIV.
Falconer, who worked with Black CAP, emphasized the importance of having Black-led initiatives: “People didn’t want to go to an agency where they didn’t see themselves reflected. That is why we needed Black CAP” (Shotwell & Kinsmen, Dionne Falconer Interview 2016). Black CAP was instrumental in providing outreach, preventive, and support services to ACB communities. Organizing condom distribution programs during festivals and working with churches to integrate HIV education.
Another key initiative was the Black Outreach Project in Nova Scotia, spearheaded by Kim Bernard. As Bernard described, she was the only Black HIV educator in the province at the time: “I was the only one representing Black people around HIV and AIDS education work, so I kind of became what the Black community called the ‘ambassador of HIV and AIDS'” (Bernard, 2015). The project aimed to dispel misinformation, reduce stigma, and advocate for more resources for Black Nova Scotians living with HIV.
Challenges and Barriers to ACB HIV Activism
One persistent challenge faced by ACB HIV activists was the reluctance of Black communities to engage due to stigma. Falconer recalled how difficult it was to conduct outreach in certain spaces: “You were dealing with HIV stigma but also dealing with homophobia within the Black community” (Shotwell & Kinsmen, Dionne Falconer Interview 2016). Many Black individuals living with HIV were isolated and feared rejection from their families and churches.
Kim Bernard also faced resistance when introducing HIV education in churches: “We fought to put ourselves on the agenda for the African United Baptist Association convention. We managed to provide a short but powerful presentation. This was a breakthrough for the project and the Black community” (Shotwell & Kinsmen, Kim Bernard Interview 2015). Despite obstacles, activists made inroads by working with faith leaders and community influencers.
Another barrier was the lack of sustainable funding for Black-led initiatives. Stewart noted that mainstream organizations received HIV prevention funding but did not prioritize Black communities: “Funders are mostly white and don’t recognize the importance of this work in our community. AIDS work always falls under the radar” (Shotwell & Kinsman, Douglas Stewart Interview 2016). The reliance on short-term grants made it difficult for Black-led organizations to build long-term capacity.
Impact and Legacy of ACB HIV Activism
Despite limitations, HIV activism led by members of the ACB community has had an impact on Canada’s public health. Organizations like Black CAP have evolved to offer housing help, immigration aid, and mental health resources for Black persons living with HIV.
Moreover, activists like Kamau B. demonstrated the importance of visibility in reducing stigma. After years of silence, Kamau decided to share her HIV-positive status publicly: “When I started speaking out about HIV, it was in ’98. I was in the newspaper. My neighbours knew about it, but they weren’t educated. There would be discrimination” (HIV in My Day, Interview with Kamau Bushby 2018). Her courage in sharing her story helped to humanize the epidemic and advocate for better policies.
Recent years have seen significant progress in addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on ACB communities in Canada. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African and Caribbean Network has advocated equitable healthcare policies and represented Black voices in national HIV strategies (CATIE, 2023).
Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle for Equity
The history of Black, African, and Caribbean HIV activism in Canada proves activists’ resilience and community solidarity. Despite navigating racism, homophobia, and institutional neglect, they have fought against systemic inequities to protect their communities. As Stewart aptly summarized: “It’s about how we radicalize and challenge the system while still making sure that people get the care they need” (Shotwell & Kinsman, Douglas Stewart Interview 2016). While Canada has made significant progress, the struggle for equity in addressing HIV in ACB communities continues. Continued advocacy, funding, and community engagement are necessary to ensure that ACB Canadians affected by HIV receive the support and dignity they deserve.
The Activists
Kim Bernard
Full Transcript of Kim Bernard’s Interview with the AIDS Activist History Project: https://www.aidsactivisthistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/aahp-kim-bernard1.pdf
Dionne Falconer
Full Transcript of Dionne Falconer’s Interview with the AIDS Activist History Project: https://www.aidsactivisthistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/aahp-dionne-falconer.pdf
Douglas Stewart
Full Transcript of Douglas Stewart’s Interview with the AIDS Activist History Project: https://www.aidsactivisthistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/aahp-douglas-stewart.pdf
Kamau Bushby
Full Transcript of Kamau B’s Interview with the HIV In My Day Project: https://vault.library.uvic.ca/concern/file_sets/4e4032a4-b485-4726-b750-d428163e2b10
About How SafeLink Alberta Serves the ACB Community
SafeLink Alberta’s Drumbeat program is dedicated to providing culturally responsive services for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities who face unique barriers to HIV and STBBI prevention. ACB individuals represent 37% of new HIV diagnoses in Alberta, yet stigma, discrimination, and cultural barriers often prevent them from accessing essential healthcare and support. Through education, outreach, and peer support, Drumbeat fosters trust, reduces stigma, and promotes health equity within the community.
Our initiatives include culturally relevant community events like In the African Kitchen, systems navigation, harm reduction services, and peer-led support groups. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and accessibility, Drumbeat connects ACB individuals with the resources, advocacy, and care they need to live healthier lives.
References
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE). (2023). A History of HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from https://www.catie.ca/a-history-of-hivaids
HIV in My Day. (2018, December 12). Interview with Kamau Bushby. UVIC Vault Libraries. Retrieved from https://vault.library.uvic.ca/concern/generic_works/8ece183c-4006-44d4-8b27-9938f501d6cc
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2021). HIV in Canada: Surveillance Report 2021. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/hiv-surveillance-report-2021.html
Shotwell, A., & Kinsmen, G. (2015, August 5). Kim Bernard Interview. other. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.aidsactivisthistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/aahp-kim-bernard1.pdf
Shotwell, A., & Kinsman, G. (2016, April 2). Douglas Stewart Interview. other. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.aidsactivisthistory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/aahp-douglas-stewart.pdf.
UNAIDS. (2022). The Global Impact of HIV on Racialized Communities. Retrieved from https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2022