Monday 24 October 2022

Fred Ngoundjo is first Black male councillor in Cornwall

Fred Ngoundjo

Fred Ngoundjo said he believes he made history on Monday as the first Black man to be voted into Cornwall city council. In the 2018 Cornwall Municipal Election, former mayor Bernadette Clement was the first Black woman to be elected to a mayor’s chair in Ontario.

“I am very, very happy. I am honoured by the trust and confidence the residents have given me… we are writing the history tonight. It’s a big, new chapter for our community,” said Ngoundjo. “I am aware of my responsibilities and I am going to do my best… it’s a big change: we have a new council with new members and I am very excited to work with them. I think it’s going to be a big change for the city, and I think it’s going to bring new energy.”

From left to right: Ikechukwu Ezomike, Josiane Ngo Maa, councillor-elect Fred Ngoundjo, Etienne Saint-Aubin, and Monty Domingo outside of the civic complex on Monday October 24, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network
From left to right: Ikechukwu Ezomike, Josiane Ngo Maa, councillor-elect Fred Ngoundjo, Etienne Saint-Aubin, and Monty Domingo outside of the civic complex on Monday October 24, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network PHOTO BY SHAWNA O’NEILL /Shawna O’Neill/Standard-Freeholder

Fred Ngoundjo is currently a Research Scientist with the Government of Canada, and local amateur sports organizer.

Fluently bilingual, Fred, 46, lives in Cornwall with his wife and two young children. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and other community organizations.

Sources: Recorder & Times and Seaway News