Explore & Engage for a Brighter World

Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh is a professor at McMaster University and has taught at schools in Africa, Europe and North America. He is also an author and has published a book and many articles.

Dr. Juliet Daniel conducts studies in her laboratory at McMaster University. Her research focuses on malfunctions within the cells that contribute to cancer. She also discovered and named a new gene, “Kaiso”. Dr. Daniel has received several awards recognizing her research and contributions to science.

Right Honorable Lincoln Alexander was the first Black Canadian member of parliament and served for a total of 12 years. In 1985, he became the first Black Canadian to be lieutenant governor. Right Honorable Lincoln Alexander graduated from McMaster University with a bachelor of arts. There is an elementary school and parkway named after him in Hamilton, Ontario.

Dr. Mae Jemison is an engineer, physician and former NASA astronaut. In 1987, out of 2,000 applicants, she was one of the 15 people chosen by NASA and became the first black woman to travel to space.

Marsha P Johnson was an activist, drag queen and Black transgender woman who fought for the safety of the LGBTQAI+ community. Marsha was central to the gay liberation movement for 25 years. In 1970, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera founded the street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) which is an organization that helped LGBTQAI+ youth by providing housing and support.

Maya Angelou is a civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author. She has written over 36 books and a memoir, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”, which was the first nonfiction bestseller by an African American woman. In 1972, Maya Angelou became the first African American woman to have a screenplay produced.