Reverend John Christie Holland was born in Hamilton in 1882 to parents who escaped slavery from southern United States and made their home in Hamilton. For 33 years he worked as a railway porter (one of the few jobs opened to Black men during that time).

Despite racial discrimination and bigotry, Reverend Holland worked his way up through the ranks to become head Porter and later to the position of private car attendant with the TH&B Railway.

In 1924, he became an ordained Minister and served as Pastor of Hamilton's Steward Memorial Church. The church has been designated an historic site by the Ontario government because its solid history and connection to the infamous Underground Railroad.

Reverend Holland was well loved by Hamiltonians from all walks of life and in 1953 he was honored as Citizen of the Year, the first African Canadian to be given that recognition. In 2003, he was inducted (post humously) into Hamilton's prestigious Gallery of Distinction.


Founded:
The Rev. John C. Holland Awards were established in 1996 as a part of Hamilton Sesquicentennial celebrations. An initiative of the Hamilton Black History Committee, these awards serve to recognize the significant contributions of African Canadians to our entire community.

Members:
Evelyn Myrie,Chair, Hamilton Black History Committee
Dr. Fred Ofosu, Chair, John Holland Institute for Leadership
Norma Rookwood, Black History Committee-HWDSB
Marlene Thomas, Member, Hamilton Black History Committee
Bashir  Kurfundi, Sudanese League of Hamilton
Matthew Green, Mount Olive Lodge
Vince Morgan, Stewart Memorial Church
Michael Highgate, Stewart memorial Church

Other Programs:

• Youth Leadership Training
• Lifting As We Climb: One-on-one Mentorship