Zanana Akande

Zanana Lorraine Akande (born c. 1937) is a Canadian politician in Ontario. She was a New Democratic member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1990 to 1994 who represented the downtown Toronto riding of St. Andrew—St. Patrick. She served as a cabinet minister in the government of Bob Rae. She was the first woman from the African Diaspora elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and the first Black woman to serve as a cabinet minister in Canada. Quotes "History-making politician and educator Zanana Akande receives U of T honorary degree" (2024) Scott Anderson "History-making politician and educator Zanana Akande receives U of T honorary degree", University of Toronto News (June 19, 2024) Both of my parents were interested in politics, but it was really my father who encouraged us from a very young age to watch the news and consider why certain decisions were being made. I supported their platform because I thought it spoke to the issues that were most unfair and needed to be addressed. It becomes more possible to elect another Black person, so that it seems not that exceptional. Change is not always welcomed. The default position for many of the people in government is white male. I felt I could do more on the outside, which I continued to do working for long-term care and integrated services for children. Quotes about Zanana Akande "History-making politician and educator Zanana Akande receives U of T honorary degree" (2024) Scott Anderson "History-making politician and educator Zanana Akande receives U of T honorary degree", University of Toronto News (June 19, 2024) A passionate and determined advocate for social justice, Zanana Akande made history in Canada as the first Black woman to serve as a cabinet minister. As an educator and community-builder in Toronto, she has dedicated her career to the well-being of others, particularly those in marginalized communities. Today, for her tireless leadership in public service and her fearless advocacy for equity and diversity, Akande will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Toronto. External Links Category:Women from Canada Category:1937 births Category:Politicians from Toronto Category:Living people Category:Women politicians in Canada Category:Women born in the 1930s