On March 9, during Canada Life Free Sunday @ WAG-Qaumajuq, Judy will be on-site to engage in conversations about themes explored in the exhibition, including Black history in Manitoba. She will also share personal insights into the images on display, which come directly from her own family archive dating back to 1906.
This is a unique opportunity to ask questions, connect with the community, and experience the exhibition through a dynamic, discussion-based format. See you there at 1pm!
Judy Williams
Judy Williams has been active as a community builder for over 40 years. Her career has spanned work as a human resource practitioner, employment coach, upholsterer and policy analyst. Judy is a board member of the St. Norbert Arts Centre (SNAC) and a co-chair of the SNAC mentorship program and GerryFest, an annual event in recognition of her late brother Gerry Atwell’s legacy of providing support to artists and community organizations. GerryFest has an anti-racism agenda and supports artists (writers, visual artists, performers of various genres) from communities underrepresented in artistic sectors with professional mentorship. Judy is a co-coordinator for the Mb. Writer’s Guild BIPOC writing circle.
Since 2014, Judy has been the coordinator of Fort Garry Young at Heart Fitness; a volunteer-run organization that provides free introductory fitness classes to community members in partnership with the St. Norbert Community Centre. Judy’s entrepreneurial ventures include a family run seasonal restaurant called La Trappe that served Caribbean fare and mainstream food items during the summer months. She currently operates Black Beauty Projects named after an enslaved ancestor. This business fulfills other passion areas; a love for fabric and sewing, upholstering, designing jewellery, catering and providing workshops from learn to sew to career planning.
Judy regularly presents information to groups about her family’s Black Canadian history and their experiences living in Manitoba. This is the focus of her current research and interest in the establishment of a Black Canadian Museum in Winnipeg. This community led vision will support Black families document archival material as they sort through family heirlooms to be preserved, and then exhibit these items to tell stories of the Black Canadian experience. The museum initiative is being launched in collaboration with organizations, such as Black History Manitoba, Pilgrim Baptist Church, the Manitoba Museum, University of Winnipeg Archival and Oral History Departments with many invested community members in key roles.
Ages 18-24 enjoy 50% off admission until September 7, 2026 through the Canada Strong Pass supported by the Government of Canada. Youth under 18 always get in for free. Learn more
