Women Empowered
Beverley Salmon remembered for her legacy in civic advocacy and social activism
BY PAUL JUNOR
The death of Beverley Noel Salmon on Thursday, July 6th, 2023, triggered a wide range of responses across Toronto and GTA.
She was born to Jamaican Herbert McLean Bell, and Violet Bryan on December 25th, 1930, in Toronto. She studied at Wellesley Hospital in the 1950’s where she graduated as a public health nurse in 1954 with the Distinction of Most Outstanding Nurse.
She started her nursing career in Detroit in 1956 and engaged in civic rights activism, which she continued in Toronto upon her return in the 1960’s. While she had not practiced for many years, Bev has “mothered” and “nursed” countless people facing difficulties and personal problems over the years. Beverly was not only known for leading with a sympathetic ear but would not hesitate to step in as a point person to help people resolve issues and move forward.
Heather Salmon confirmed her death on social media on July 6th, 2023, in a Facebook post. She wrote, “It is with deep sorrow that I share that our beloved mother Beverley Salmon made her transition in the early hours today, July 6th, 2023.” Newly elected Toronto mayor Olivia Chow had fond recollections of the roles she played as a unifying force on Metro Council and her visionary leadership. She tweeted @oliviachow, “As friends and colleagues on Metro Council, I learned a great deal from her leadership, advancing human rights and social justice. Thank you, Bev, for inspiring so many.”
The Urban Alliance of Race Relations tweeted (@UARR) Toronto, “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Beverley Salmon. As Toronto’s first Black woman to become a city councillor and a founding member of the UARR, Beverley was an extraordinary trailblazer who tirelessly ignited social change and amplified marginalized voices in our community.”
On July 6th, 2023, Dayo Kefentse wrote on her Facebook page, “Beverley Salmon was a giant in Toronto’s Black community. A leader with quiet but clear influence. She let me know I was on the board of Obsidian Theatre Company, and I felt special that it was she who gave me the news. I sat next to her in those meetings and watched how she thoughtfully offered her perspective with a measure of kindness that was her signature. I would see her at multiple events in the community and city and she would always say hello. Her influence and touch will be missed.”
The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) wrote a tribute to Beverly on July 20th, the date of her funeral, in their newsletter. It read, “Today, we gather to bid farewell to Beverly Salmon, a true trailblazer and a passionate advocate for inclusive policies. As Toronto’s first Black female city councillor, Beverly left an indelible mark on our community. Her tireless work in advancing social change and amplifying marginalized voices has inspired generations.
In addition to being a recipient of the Order of Ontario in 2016 and the Order of Canada in 2017, she was also a recipient of the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards in 1998. She was named in the Federation of Canadian municipalities roll of honour, she received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee, and was appointed a member of the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. What a life lived and what an incredible honour it is for us to work for Bev’s outstanding legacy. I hope you take honour knowing that your mother touched so many lives.”
The Celebration of Life services for Beverly Salmon was held at St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church in North York, Toronto. There were personal reflections from The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Dr. Jean Augustine, and Elaine Mintz. Family reflections were read by daughter Leslie Salmon Jones and son-in-law Jeff Jones as well as reflections from grandchildren: Caitlyn, Tyler, Jordan, Sierra, and Shakarri. There were musical tributes by The Nathaniel Dett. Chorale conducted by D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, soloists; Jackie Richardson and Morley Shanti-Kamen and Niyongere Family. Donny Regalmuto accompanied on the piano and Jeff W. Jones on the bass.
The obituary was read by Warren Salmon who shared personal details about his mother and how he met her dad, Dr. Douglas Salmon. He mentioned that she was one of the founders of Caribana in 1967, Urban Alliance on Race Relations in 1975, supported the Ontario Black History Society with Dr. Daniel Hill and became one of the first Black Female Commissioners of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
He noted that his mother enrolled her children in the Black Heritage Program in Flemington Park in order for them to know their history and culture. Her love for the community was recognized when she adopted a single family of three who lived in Regent Park.
After she was elected in 1985 at the municipal level as an alderman, her first motion was to change “alderman” to “councillor” which is still used today. She was Vice-Chair of the TTC, engaged in educational advocacy with the Toronto District School Board, was a member of the Black Liaison Committee, and formed the Black Educators Work Group.
He concluded, “Mom really set a good example by living her life to the fullest, and she showed us about living a life of service, treating others with dignity and respect and also living a well-balanced life, while having courage and tenacity.”
She lived a life of service and was an advocate for the marginalized and disenfranchised. Bev worked tirelessly and courageously as a champion of fair and equitable treatment of all regardless of their: race, gender identity, sexual expression, ability, or ethnicity.
Bev was a social justice warrior, whose impact and presence will be missed here in Toronto, and throughout Canada.