Barbara Howard was born in Vancouver and is believed to be the first black woman to represent Canada as an athlete in an international competition. Born the youngest of five siblings, Howard was always a fast runner, winning the school championship at her elementary school Laura Secord Elementary. In high school she quickly established herself as one of the fastest sprinters in the city. At seventeen years old she broke the British Empire record for the 100 yard dash and qualified to represent Canada at the British Empire games in 1938. There she finished sixth in the 100 yard dash but went on to win silver as part of the 440 yard dash and bronze as part of the 660 yard dash. She never competed in the Olympics due to the second world war but instead became the first person of colour to be hired by the Vancouver school board. During her time in Australia for the British Empire games Howard was adored by Australians and received many gifts during her stay from admirers. Due to all this attention she did not place as high as she was hoping to and felt she disappointed Canada when she did not return home with a gold medal. Upon the 1940 and 1944 Olympics being cancelled Howard continued her education determined to become a teacher. She attended Normal School for teacher training and later received a Bachelors of Education from UBC. After graduating she got a job in Port Alberni after her instructor recommended her so highly for the position, she quickly returned to teach in Vancouver as a substitute teacher. She was soon offered a full time position with the school and taught for 43 years retiring in 1984. Throughout her life Barbara Howard was an important Vancouver pioneer for African American women not only in sports but also education.

Track and Field / Pixabay