Courtesy
Lorna Gordon

A life in motion

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lorna Gordon’s life has been one of movement—across continents, across stages, and through the ever-changing landscape of race relations in Canada. Born in St. Vincent and raised in Trinidad, she arrived in Canada in 1966, drawn by her passion for dance and a desire to chart her own path, despite familial disapproval.

“My family, they’re lawyers and doctors and teachers. They did not approve of having somebody as a dancer,” Gordon recalled in a recent interview. “I disgraced the family by working to death.”

But her love for dance was unwavering. In the Caribbean, dance was a natural part of life—woven into school plays, cultural celebrations, and community events. Gordon embraced a variety of styles, from calypso and limbo to African dance, performing with fire and taking part in elaborate stage productions. When an opportunity arose to perform in North America, she seized it, touring the United States and Canada before settling in Montreal.

The vibrant arts scene in Montreal reminded her of home, and she found work quickly, performing in supper clubs and theatre productions. “At that time, you had a lot of different shows, all kinds of shows,” she said. “Not like now—it’s not as it was.”

Her career took off when a promoter, impressed by her talent, offered her a contract without an audition. This led to performances with well-known producers, including Madame Grimaldi, a major figure in the Quebec entertainment industry. Grimaldi booked high-profile acts like Michel Louvain and André Roc, and Gordon was one of the few Black dancers in these productions. Over the years, she honed her craft, refining her stage presence and earning a reputation as a captivating performer.

Despite her success, she encountered difficulties. Promoters often sought Black dancers for exoticized performances, reinforcing stereotypes rather than celebrating culture. She also had to navigate the challenges of being a young Black woman in an industry dominated by white men. Some advances were inappropriate, and she quickly learned to stand her ground. “They didn’t respect this girl,” she recalled of one instance and her attitude towards it, “All you guys who were after me, go to hell.”

By the 1970s, she was raising children and seeking stability. She moved to the Eastern Townships around 1971, becoming, she remembers, one of the first Black women in Lennoxville.

Facing racism in the Townships

Adjusting to her new home came with challenges. Gordon encountered racism in ways that were both blatant and insidious. “I found them rude. Really rude,” she said of some of her early experiences. “I heard, ‘Black women are hot, and I never went to bed with a Black woman,’”. She felt like “spitting in their damn face”.

She also faced a troubling culture of sexual aggression, where some men saw her as an object of conquest rather than a respected member of the community. “They were nasty,” she said. “The women didn’t like me, but the men wanted to sleep with me.” Rather than let these experiences define her, Gordon remained firm, ensuring her children understood their worth. “I told my kids, ‘Keep your head up. You are blessed. Don’t let anyone shame you.’”

For Gordon, the prejudice she faced was compounded by being a single mother. “I warned my kids,” she recounted. “I said, I don’t care what you do, but none of these guys—if they come at you, you come get me.”

Despite the challenges, she was determined to carve out a life for herself and her children. She went back to school, earning a diploma in special education and securing a job at the local Butters Home, where she worked for nearly two decades. “We were the second batch of educators that graduated from Champlain [College],” she said proudly.

Building a legacy

Beyond her work in education, Gordon became a business owner, running a home for the elderly while also hosting international students. “The Arab countries, the Muslims, the Chinese, and the Japanese students—they were the best students to have,” she said, speaking of the young people she welcomed into her home.

Over time, attitudes in the Townships shifted. “It changed over the decades,” she acknowledged, though she remained wary of certain lingering biases. “I told my kids, ‘You are immigrants, you are Black, and if you don’t have an education, they think you belong in the kitchen.’”

Gordon made sure her children had opportunities. Her daughter Joanne became a high school teacher in Kingston, while Suzan established her own business in Brockville, helping companies improve their operations. “They got their education and made their own way,” she said proudly.

Her businesses demanded long hours, and she often had to balance multiple responsibilities. “I would sleep at the home some nights because staff was expensive,” she said. Even when she went on vacation, she prepped all the meals in advance, ensuring that the residents were well taken care of. “The first time I left for 12 days, I came back, and they told me how bad the food was. I said, ‘Don’t do that to them,’” she recounted with a laugh.

A voice in the community

Through the years, Gordon also remained deeply involved in the community. She became a lay reader at St. George’s Anglican Church and later took on the role of warden. Her involvement in the church extended to singing in choirs, including at Bishop’s University, where she took part in symphony performances. “We sang with the symphony, and we went to Drummondville—it was really, really nice,” she said. She is a member of the Bishop’s choir to this day.

Her contributions did not go unnoticed. “A lot of people know me in Lennoxville. I am friends with a lot of people, and a lot of people respect me,” she said. “The mayors and different people, they all know me. I’ve been in this town a long time.”

Black History Month and looking forward

For Gordon, Black History Month is more than just a time of reflection—it’s an acknowledgement of the contributions Black Canadians have made to society. “We gave a lot to this place,” she said. “We did a lot. We are part of this society. We gave a lot of our time and energy and education and everything to this place.”

Her journey—marked by perseverance, success, and resilience—mirrors the broader struggle and triumphs of Black Canadians throughout history. From overcoming discrimination to breaking barriers in dance, education, and business, Gordon’s life embodies the spirit of Black History Month.

At nearly 80 years old, she remains active, connected, and determined to share her story. Whether through dance, education, or community involvement, Gordon’s impact on the Eastern Townships will not be forgotten. “I have to say, people respect me,” she said. “And that, I’ve earned.”