ABOUT HERBERT ‘POPS’ BROWN

(My grandparents) provided a sense of community. He said if someone has an issue with your colour or your culture — that’s their issue, not your own. ALBERT BEDWARD

“He was a very gregarious

individual. My grandmother used to say if it wasn’t for the fact that he was blind, he would be out dancing two to three times a week.” Albert Bedward

“(Moving to Canada) was a

hard decision. But when you look out and see opportunity that you don’t have where you are, you want more choices.” Nessa Bedward Sherwood

“When we were here we

were a novelty, because there weren’t very many of us. I always found, and I still find, that if they don’t know you, they’re reticent. But if they get to know you, it’s different. It’s how you break through to spend time with people so that they understand you’re not necessarily just like them, but you’re a person.” Marvin Bedward on growing up as one of the few black students in his high school in Ottawa, and being a part of one of the few black families.