Ottawa's Sheila Pitt recognized for contributions to Black History

She has made her mark while championing causes in the capital region for more than 40 years.

Published Jan 27, 2024 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 1 minute read

Sheila Pitt has been presented with a United Way Eastern Ontario Community Builder Award for her contributions to Black History Month. The presentation was made during Black History Ottawa’s launch event at the National Gallery of Canada on Saturday. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA

Tireless black rights volunteer Sheila Pitt was honoured Saturday afternoon with a Community Builder Award by the United Way’s Eastern Ontario chapter.

The presentation was made during Black History Ottawa’s launch event at the National Gallery of Canada.

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The event attracted a “who’s who” of official Ottawa, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Chief Eric Stubbs, and a number of city councillors.

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A broad number of other politicians and members of the diplomatic corps were also present.

Pitt has made her mark while championing causes in the capital region for more than 40 years.

She organized the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in Ottawa at St. Albans Church in the 1970s and hasn’t stopped since.

Sheila Pitt, middle, was presented with a United Way Eastern Ontario Community Builder Award. Helping present the award on Saturday were Black History Ottawa board member Sarah Onyango, left, and June Girvan, right, Black History Ottawa past-president. Photo by Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA

Her many contributions have included providing information tables and educational resources, arranging speakers and organizing fundraising events — including garage sales and bake sales — to raise funds for celebrations of the day.

Her overall philosophy on nonviolent social change is in keeping with Martin Luther King Jr.’s approach.

In addition, Pitt spent a decade volunteering with Impact Heritage and is a founding member of Black History Ottawa.

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