Barbara Howard

Watch the story of Barbara Howard, the Canadian sprinter and Strathcona teacher who competed at the 1938 British Empire Games.

Barbara Howard became the first Black female athlete to represent Canada in international competition at the 1938 British Empire Games in Australia. In 1948, she became the first visible minority hired by the Vancouver School Board and taught physical education at Strathcona School.

One of ten stories about Vancouver’s historic Black community in Strathcona. Explore the historic map, read the community timeline, or use the Black Strathcona student study guide.