Ottawa’s foremost iconic social justice advocate has left to join his ancestors
by Godwin Ifedi, Editor
Friday 28 July 2023
Ottawa has lost one of the icons within the African Canadian community in the nation’s capital, Ewart Walters., who left us yesterday to join his ancestors. One of the earliest Black migrants to Ottawa, late Ewart was the editor and publisher of the city’s first newspaper. The Spectrum, which focussed entirely on the lived experience of African Canadians in the city, was distributed at no cost to its numerous readers. Sadly, he was forced, in 2013, to shut down this esteemed print newspaper, after 29 years of continuous publication, due to rapidly escalating costs of production. Indeed it was out of the ashes of The Spectrum that Black Ottawa Scene was born, to continue the tradition and provide a legacy to this icon of Ottawa’s Black community. Even in retirement, Ewart was a regular contributor to Black Ottawa Scene since its inception in 2013. See the footnote for his story and recorded by our community new magazine.
No words can better describe the contribution of Ewart Walters to Ottawa and Canada than this citation (below) when he as awarded the Order of Ottawa in November 2015, by the City of Ottawa.
Ewart Walters – citation
With a lifetime passion for justice, strong journalistic skills, and a talent for writing, Ewart Walters edited and published “The Spectrum,” Ottawa’s Black-community monthly newspaper, for 29 years ending 2013 while working full-time as a Federal public servant. As a defender and promoter of the rights of Visible Minorities in Canada mainly through his newspaper, it was an enduring contribution to the City of Ottawa.
Described as “a committed individual with an effervescent personality that allows him to speak truth to power” Ewart is a champion of community support through media and cultural diversity. He has been involved in a range of activities and organisations designed to bring unity and progress to the city he calls home. His contributions to Ottawa’s Black community began in 1964 as a co-founder of the West Indian Association of Ottawa, and expanded as one of the creators of Black History Ottawa; Harambee Canada, which replaced the National Black Coalition of Canada; the National Council of Jamaican-Canadians; and the National Council of Visible Minorities.
A triple-gold medallist prize-winner of Seprod Awards for Excellence in Journalism, Mr. Walters graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University in 1968 and received his Master’s degree in 1979. In 1965-66 he served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Carleton, becoming the first Black editor of this weekly student newspaper. He hosted public affairs programs for Ottawa Cablevision and CKCU-FM 93.1 Mr. Walters has published five books, most recently completing a history of Jamaica’s journey from colonialism to Independence, We Come From Jamaica: The National Movement 1937-1962. He also served as a diplomat in New York and this city for six years.
Mr. Walters retired from the Public Service in 2010 to focus on his writing. He has received many awards including the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, from the Government of Jamaica; the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Keepers Award; Black History Ottawa Community Builders’ award, and several other local, provincial and national level honours.
The entire editorial team of Black Ottawa Scene extends its condolences to Ewart’s spouse Merle, his family, and his numerous friends and fans for this sad loss to our community.
Read Ewart Walters’ story on Black Ottawa Scene: Search Results for “ewart walters” – Black Ottawa Scene
Thank you for your well written tribute for loved and rspected Ewart
Ewart’s family and the Black Community in Ottawa must thank the Editor of Ottawa Black Scene for this authentic and richly-deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution and service..i He was a man so present that he seemed ubiquitous . Ever consistent in his advocacy, he left no doubt about his determination to pursue the apparently elusive objective of social justice and the end of racial discrimination…
You are correct in describing him as an icon. His passing leaves a void which cannot to filled but a legacy which will be celebrated for years to come.