Bromley Armstrong was a Black trade unionist and community activist, widely respected for his impactful contributions. His tireless efforts led to the adoption of laws that improved the lives of Black citizens not only in Ontario and Toronto but throughout Canada. Armstrong was a staunch advocate for racial equality. Learn more about the life and career of Bromley Armstrong at torontoyes.com.
In Search of a Better Life
Bromley Armstrong was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to humble parents who worked tirelessly to provide for their family. Bromley was one of four children and exhibited an active spirit from an early age. Encouraged by his parents, he developed a love for athletics, particularly track and field.
After World War II, Jamaica faced economic decline, making it nearly impossible to secure stable employment. At the age of 19, Bromley and his brother decided to emigrate to Canada. In December 1947, the Armstrongs arrived in Toronto, seeking better opportunities.
Inspired by his parents’ example of hard work, Bromley was determined to succeed. Though finding employment in a new country was challenging, his perseverance paid off.
Armstrong began working at Massey-Harris, a company manufacturing agricultural equipment. Simultaneously, he enrolled in the Vocational Training School to study welding. During this time, Bromley attended classes during the day and worked nights at Massey-Harris.
Eventually, Armstrong became a member of the United Automobile Workers union and later emerged as a leader within the Canadian labour movement, advocating for improved working conditions for industrial workers.
His involvement in the labour movement opened many doors, allowing him to establish several organizations in Toronto, including the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, the Black Business and Professional Association, and the Canadian Ethnocultural Council.
Participation in Legislation
Starting in 1948, the National Unity Association fought for social justice and racial equality. Thanks to the association’s efforts, Ontario enacted groundbreaking legislation banning discrimination against Black citizens in employment practices.
Despite this progress, discrimination persisted in Dresden, Ontario, where racial inequality led to protests. Bromley played an active role in these protests, which were held in the presence of media and ultimately paved the way for new human rights laws.
These demonstrations compelled Ontario’s then-premier Leslie Frost to publicly affirm the province’s commitment to anti-discrimination legislation. This activism also led to the establishment of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1961.
Key Achievements
- Between 1960 and 1970, the fight for civil rights continued across Toronto and Ontario. Armstrong was deeply involved, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the cause.
- In 1962, he co-founded and became president of the Jamaican-Canadian Association to protect the rights of Black Canadians.
- In 1970, Armstrong became Canada’s first Black insurance agent.
- In 1975, he and his colleagues established the Urban Alliance on Race Relations to combat racism and racial violence in Toronto.
For his significant contributions, Bromley Armstrong was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994. He received numerous other accolades, including the Ajax Harmony Award in 1998.
Armstrong was a man who never hesitated to speak truth to power, often critiquing Canadian authorities. Respected by all, his invaluable efforts helped shape Toronto into a city where everyone, regardless of nationality, can feel free and equal.