Join Us in Making History
The Annual Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture Series: Voices of Change in Canadian Journalism
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Journalism
In 1853, Mary Ann Shadd Cary broke barriers by founding The Provincial Freeman, becoming the first Black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. Her pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to supporting and advancing Black communities, education, and women’s rights through journalism laid the foundation for a more inclusive and just society.
Today, we have the opportunity to honour her legacy and continue her vital work through the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture Series, a new cornerstone initiative led by the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Centre for Journalism and Belonging and journalism faculty in Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication.
Our goal is to raise $55,000 to support the lecture for its first four years, starting in October 2025.
The Power of Representation
Each year, the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture will feature prominent women and non-binary speakers from historically misrepresented or underrepresented communities, following in Shadd Cary’s footsteps. These lectures will:
Inspire the next generation of diverse journalists and media leaders
Provide critical insights on creating a more inclusive media environment
Connect students with role models who bring classroom concepts to life
Each lecture will also be accompanied by an intimate practical workshop for journalism students led by the speaker in collaboration with journalism faculty.
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Join Us in Making History
To support us, please donate to our Carleton University FutureFunder campaign
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