Monday 6 October 2025
First Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture Celebrates Legacy of Black Journalism and Truth-Telling
By Obasola Bamigbola
On Monday, October 6, 2025, the atmosphere at Carleton University’s Richcraft Hall was one of reflection, pride, and inspiration as students, faculty, and community members gathered for the First Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture. Organized by Diversity and Inclusion Studies at Carleton University’s School of Journalism, the event marked the launch of an annual lecture series honouring the legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, a 19th-century trailblazer, journalist, and the first Black woman newspaper publisher in North America.
The evening opened with a stirring spoken word performance by Abena Green, whose poetic delivery set the tone for an event that celebrated courage, identity, and the power of voice. Following the performance, Nana Aba Duncan, Assistant Professor of Journalism and the Carty Chair of Journalism, Diversity, and Inclusion Studies, extended a warm welcome to attendees. In her opening address, Duncan emphasized the importance of honouring Shadd Cary’s legacy, describing her as a symbol of resistance and innovation in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Duncan then introduced Adrienne Shadd, historian, curator, and great-great-great niece of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, to deliver the opening remarks. With a deep sense of familial pride and historical insight, Adrienne reflected on Shadd Cary’s pioneering newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, which served as a powerful voice for people of African descent in 19th-century Canada. She commended the Carleton University School of Journalism for hosting the inaugural lecture, acknowledging the effort to keep Shadd Cary’s legacy alive in contemporary conversations about representation and advocacy.
To highlight Mary Ann Shadd’s entrepreneurial spirit, the evening also featured a collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, a national center for research and insights on Black entrepreneurship ecosystems in Canada. This partnership underscored Shadd Cary’s dual legacy as both an educator and an economic visionary, who understood the importance of self-sufficiency in the Black community.
The keynote address was delivered by Camille Dundas, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Toronto-based newspaper, ByBlacks.com. Dundas began by sharing a personal story of discovery, how, as a young journalist during her first summer job, she stumbled upon a book featuring Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s photo on the cover and noting how Shadd Cary’s fearless journalism inspired her own career and her vision for ByBlacks.com. This award-winning digital publication amplifies Black Canadian voices.
Dundas spoke candidly about the importance of authenticity in storytelling and her commitment to writing “not just about people, but with people.” She reflected on one of her most impactful works, When Black Boys Go Missing: A 3-Part Series, which challenged media narratives and amplified stories often overlooked by mainstream outlets. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, drawing a connection between Shadd Cary’s 19th-century activism and the ongoing struggle for equity in media representation today.
The keynote was followed by a moderated session led by journalism students Simone R. Brown, Sarah J. Harb, and Georgia Looman, who guided an engaging dialogue with Dundas. Questions focused on the evolving practice of journalism, the impact of social media on truth-telling, and the responsibilities of journalists in the digital age. Dundas emphasized the need for journalists to defend the integrity of storytelling while adapting to new platforms that shape public discourse. Audience members also participated, posing thoughtful questions that sparked meaningful exchanges on community-centred journalism and media accountability.
As the evening drew to a close, Trish Audette-Longo, Associate Professor at the School of Journalism, joined Nana Aba Duncan to deliver heartfelt closing remarks. They expressed gratitude to the speakers and attendees for making the inaugural lecture a resounding success.
The First Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture was more than an academic gathering; it was a celebration of history, heritage, and hope. Through the words of Adrienne Shadd and Camille Dundas, attendees were reminded that Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s pioneering spirit continues to echo through generations, urging journalists and citizens alike to seek truth, challenge inequity, and tell stories that matter.
