Black community leader Clarence Bayne remembered for life of advocacy

Dr. Clarence Bayne, a revered educator, advocate, and leader within Montreal’s Black community, passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.

Bayne, who was instrumental in founding the Black Studies Centre and the Black Theatre Workshop in the early 1970s, is remembered as a key figure who remained dedicated to his advocacy work throughout his life.

“Dr. Bayne was a pillar of strength and a guiding light for our community,” the Black Community Resource Centre stated on Tuesday. “His lifelong dedication to championing the rights and voices of the English-speaking Black community in Quebec has left a profound impact on all of us."

In addition to his involvement with various Black community institutions, Bayne was a professor and lecturer at Concordia University. In the early 1990s, he was part of a group that successfully urged then-mayor Jean Doré to officially recognize Black History Month in Montreal.

Originally from Trinidad, Bayne came to Canada in 1955 to study at the University of British Columbia. By 1964, he had settled in Montreal, where he later spoke passionately about the racism he encountered as an emerging economist with CN Rail and as a PhD candidate at McGill University.

Bayne's numerous contributions have been recognized over the years, earning him accolades such as a Governor General’s Award and the Black Theatre Workshop’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

The Black Theatre Workshop, Canada’s oldest Black theatre company, described Bayne as “Montreal’s English language theatre community’s greatest advocate and supporter, dedicating countless hours and resources to its success” in a social media post on Tuesday. The organization noted that, in addition to his involvement with various companies and associations, Bayne not only opened doors for others but also ensured they remained open through his lifelong advocacy.

In a 1996 interview with The Gazette, Bayne reflected on his career, stating that the creation of the Black Theatre Workshop in the early 1970s was one of his proudest achievements.

“Despite the difficulties of funding, the difficulties of still not being seen as the equivalent of francophone theatre or high-art English theatres, despite all of these things, it has found ways to survive and to be respected in many circles,” he said.

Reflecting on his broader work within the Black community, Bayne made it clear that he had no plans to slow down. “Although there have been major changes, progress has to continue,” he said.

More recently, Bayne spoke out against the Quebec government’s plan to eliminate school boards in 2019 and criticized its language reform law, Bill 96. In 2020, he also voiced support for the widespread protests against systemic racism and police violence across the province.

On Tuesday, Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa paid tribute to Bayne on social media, acknowledging his tireless work and contributions. “His leadership and commitment opened doors for many,” Kasoki Katahwa wrote, “and his impact will be felt for generations.”

Bayne’s family confirmed his passing on social media earlier this week, and funeral arrangements are currently being finalized.