Black Canadians have undisputedly made a major contribution to Canada's heritage and have influenced culture to reflect the diversity of Canadian society. Through exemplary Canadians such as Donovan Bailey, Oscar Peterson, and Michaëlle Jean, the nation has experienced major changes in its national identity due to the great contributions of these influential Canadians.

Donovan Bailey, for example, one of the most historic and well known Canadian athletes, has managed to influence and inspire a large number of Canadians, and helped to re-establish Canada as a major contender for international competition by displaying his ability in the Olympic Games. Donovan Bailey set longstanding records and was for many years the fastest man in the world. He served as an example to all Canadians of what someone can accomplish if they put forth their best effort. Although he had little interest in sprinting until 1994, his dedication eventually led Canada to athletic greatness. Within a year of becoming a professional sprinter, he became a champion at the World Championships, and then again in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. At the time of his retirement he was a five time international champion and helped restore Canada's image, after Ben Johnson's disqualification, to regain the respect of nations across the world.

Oscar Peterson was another stellar example of an important Canadian of African heritage. He revolutionized music with his unique jazz styling. Despite having been born into a poor area in Montreal, he started learning piano at an early age, was admitted to the Conservatoire de Musique au Quebec a Montreal and had played on the radio several times before the age of twenty. He was recognized across the music industry by all Canadians as an amazing musician and received invitations to play alongside well-known musicians such as Jimmie Lunceford and Count Basie. He was made an honourary member of the Canadian Music Council and was awarded the Order of Canada for his major contributions to jazz. Oscar Peterson's music has had a significant influence on Canadian music and has been enjoyed by many Canadians, including myself, for many years.

A third example of a Black Canadian who greatly influenced Canada is the former viceregal, representative to the Queen, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada. After emigrating from her native Haiti, she became a celebrated journalist who received several awards including a Gemini in 2001, as well as awards from Amnesty International and the CBC. In addition to these she received the Medaille de l'Ordre des Chevaliers de La Pleiade des Parlementaires de la Francophonie in 2003 for her endorsement of French culture. After being named Governor General of Canada in 2005 she displayed a keen knack for her job and took her role very seriously as shown during the Canadian political turmoil in 2008, when she decided not to allow a coalition government in the best interests of the country. She was a very popular Governor General and her appointment was met with large approval across the nation. By the end of her career as Governor General, she had proven to possess great aptitude for her position and has influenced Canada by being an excellent role model through promoting bilingualism, human rights and multiculturalism, as well as demonstrating responsibility and determination.

In conclusion, the importance of Black Canadians to Canadian society cannot be overlooked. Through examples of great Canadians such as Donovan Bailey, Oscar Peterson, and Michaëlle Jean, Canada's identity and society have been forever influenced in many diverse ways including the worlds of athletics, the arts and politics. These accomplishments serve as inspiration for all Canadians and display the true character of the country.

Bibliography

• CBC.ca. "Michaëlle Jean - Canada - News."
• "Donovan Bailey Biography." Biography Base Home.
• "Oscar Peterson - The Canadian Encyclopedia."

The essays submitted pursuant to the RBC^® Black History Month Student Essay Competition and provided herein are the original work of the students who have entered the Competition. Royal Bank of Canada assumes no responsibility for material that is false, inaccurate or violates or infringes upon the rights of third parties, including privacy and intellectual property rights.