“He was the first black tenured professor in Canada, the first black head of the department head in Canada, and all these things that he accomplished, I remember looking like him like Canada’s Martin Luther King” -Leslie McCurdy, daughter
Howard McCurdy was a Canadian scientist. He earned bachelor’s degrees from University of Western Ontario and Assumption University, and his PhD (in Microbiology and Chemistry) from Michigan State University. In 1959 he joined the University of Windsor. In parallel with his scientific career, Howard McCurdy was also a pioneer in Canadian civil right activism and a politician.
Howard McCurdy blazed the trail in science within Canada for scientists of African descent. Howard McCurdy authored over 50 scientific papers and held positions on numerous scientific associations and editorial boards. He is even more famous for his political activism and leadership, helping form the New Democratic Party (and is credited with choosing the name) and serving a in a variety of elected positions including as a member of the federal parliament. He also founded the Guardian Club and the National Black Coalition of Canada.
Second African Canadian to be elected a member of parliament (MP)
Canadian Centennial Medal
Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal
Order of Ontario
Order of Canada
Relevant Courses at SUNY New Paltz
Bio350 Microbiology
Bio 388 Biological Chemistry
Photo 1:Howard McCurdy at University of Windsor in 1984 (Tim McKenna/Windsor Star)
Photo 2:Howard McCurdy receives Order of Canada in 2012 (pridenews.ca)