Our History

Honouring Mary Ann Shadd

Shadd Health & Business Centre is named in tribute to Mary Ann Shadd (1823–1893), a pioneering American-Canadian educator, writer, and passionate advocate for civil rights and gender equality. She broke barriers as the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper and establish a school for Black children, dedicating her life to education, emancipation, and the advancement of justice. 

Her courage, determination, and advocacy for women’s suffrage and civil rights continue to inspire generations to pursue equality and social progress. At Shadd, her values live on in every classroom, guiding us in our mission to provide high-quality, inclusive education.

Recognition in the National Assembly

On September 18, 2024, the Quebec National Assembly formally recognized the Shadd Health & Business Centre for its dedication to educational excellence and its role in honouring Mary Ann Shadd’s legacy. 

As Désirée McGraw, MNA for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, declared: 

“I am very proud and happy to pay tribute to Mary Ann Shadd, a 19th-century American-Canadian pioneer, educator, writer, and fervent advocate for civil rights and gender equality… The Shadd Health & Business Centre represents the very best of NDG and the very best of Quebec when we work to set up every resident and citizen for success.” 

This recognition highlights the Centre’s vital role in reflecting the values Mary Ann Shadd held dear: the promotion of education, equality, and opportunity for all.

A Family Connection Revisited

In a memorable moment, a descended relative of Mary Ann Shadd visited the school with her children. Together, they toured the PAB (Préposés aux bénéficiaires) lab and even joined a class in one of the training activities.

This visit allowed students to experience history in a living way: meeting a family member connected to the very woman who inspired the school’s name. It was a touching reminder that Shadd’s legacy of learning, resilience, and community care is still alive today — not only in history books, but in the classroom itself.

Continuing the Journey

Today, Shadd Health & Business Centre welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries — many of them newcomers to Quebec — just as it was acknowledged in the National Assembly. Our school continues to carry forward Mary Ann Shadd’s mission by equipping every student to learn, grow, and contribute to their fullest potential.