Frequently Asked Questions

Questions answered for the 2nd edition:

1. Why do we need a new edition of Who's Who in Black Canada?
The first edition came out in December 2002. Since then there have been a number of developments: there are new people on the scene making their mark and should be included in such a compilation; some people in the book have had new successes or have new contact information; some have died.
2. When will the new edition be available?
We plan to have the book completed and on the market in the Fall of 2006.
3. I never even heard of the first edition; how did you promote your book?
In collecting names for the book, we used professional and social networks across the country to let people know this initiative was underway; there were a number of radio interviews and some articles in community publications; I also attended conferences and workshops and used these opportunities to inform others about this project and to invite their participation.
Once the book was completed, there were a number of radio interviews, and a few on television (TVO, OMNI TV), presentations to groups and schools. In addition the book was reviewed in a number of academic journals.
Admittedly, it is very challenging for anyone in the book business to sell books. Those which are self-published, such as WWIBC, are even harder to promote and distribute across a country as big as Canada. This time around, we hope to build on the network already established.
4. Must everyone re-qualify to be in the book or will those included in the first edition automatically appear in the new one?
Everyone still living who is in the first edition of Who's Who in Black Canada will be contacted and invited to update their information or confirm that it is still accurate. Even if there are no changes, they must respond so that we know that we have their consent, in order to be included in the second edition. Without their written feedback, they will not be included in the second edition of the book.
At the same time, we will be doing an extensive outreach looking for new candidates who are achieving success in their professional lives or their community service, and inviting them to participate in this compilation.
5. Some very important people were missing from the first edition; why did you leave them out?
There's a number of reasons why some well-known or important figures are missing and that is why we are doing a second edition: to ensure that the book is as complete as possible. Here though, are some of the reasons:
  • Admittedly, we missed some people: their names were not provided and we had no way of knowing that they were out there.
  • We needed each person's consent-if s/he did not agree to be in the book or did not approve the final version of the text for the book, we could not include him/her (fear of libel!)
  • Some people declined for a variety of reasons: too busy; did not know what the end product would look like; did not know the writer; prefer to keep a low profile; only want to be known in their professional capacity, not according to an ethno or racial description; were concerned that the writer would make money from their name and their successes.
6. Who uses a book such as Who's Who in Black Canada?
The book has been of particular interest to secondary schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries. It has also been purchased for use by executive search firms, government departments, and community service agencies. This book is recognized as having real educational value, a resource for researchers, a networking tool, and a good reference for exploring a wide variety of career possibilities in which people of African descent are involved.
7. There were no photos in the first book. Will you add photos this time?
Yes, we received requests both from people in the book and from those who bought the book that photos be included. Recognising that we live in a very visual age, we have agreed to provide those people whose biographical summaries are in the book, with the option of including their photos.
8. How much do people pay to be in Who's Who in Black Canada?
People are selected based on merit or accomplishments (which must be verifiable and quantifiable), according to the criteria established by the Advisory Group. From those people selected, their narrative biographical profiles are included at no cost to the individual. Those who choose to have their photo included with their profiles will be required to pay a fee.

And, some questions answered for the 1st edition:

Why do we need a Who's Who in Black Canada?
Blacks are included in mainstream publications of achievers, such as Who's Who in Canada, Who's Who in Canadian Business, and Who's Who of Canadian Women. However, because Blacks represent less than 7% of the total population in Canada, many of those who are excelling in their chosen fields are not captured nor reflected.
Who's Who in Black Canada will allow us to have a more complete idea of who, within the Black population across Canada are doing what, and how they are doing. In addition to identifying those who are doing extremely well, this directory will provide us with an opportunity to identify those who are active in less-traditional careers, and youth who are showing promise of being real achievers.
Who is eligible to be included in this directory?
All who are achieving excellence and who are attaining success in their chosen area of activity are eligible for inclusion in Who's Who in Black Canada. No profession or activity is ineligible. No one is too young or too old. We invite nominations for those who perhaps, earlier in their lives might have made a significant contribution whether through their work or their service to the community. Youth as well who are making a difference are also encouraged.
There is an admitted bias to identify those individuals who are not in the performing arts. Why? Simply because these individuals, by virtue of their activities are often better known to the public than those in the "hidden" and less public professions.
Is this only for professionals like doctors, lawyers, business owners, etc.?
While doctors, lawyers, and business owners are included in Who's Who in Black Canada they are not be the only ones. Other professions include: teachers, bankers, journalists, nurses, researchers, social workers, designers, engineers, playwrights, photographers, composers, scientists, soldiers, IT specialists, administrators, ministers, labour union activists, philanthropists, community workers, etc.
What are your criteria for selection in each category?
The selection criteria will vary according to the sector of activity in which the individual has been involved. Individuals are selected based on their accomplishments which must be quantifiable and verifiable.
Generally though, we are interested in highlighting firsts, meaning those who are or who have been the first to attain a certain level of responsibility or achievement.
We are interested in highest ranking; this could be senior executives, public servants, military officials, etc.
Beyond these criteria, we are looking for those who are innovative and who have clear, definable accomplishments (i.e. for writers — published works; for executives — senior position with major corporations; for entrepreneurs — innovation/revenues generated/jobs created; community workers — creativity/impact of initiatives