Michaelle Jean

Born: September 6, 1957
Place of Birth: Port au Prince, Haiti

• Michaelle Jean was born in Haiti at a time when the country was ruled by a vicious dictator, François Duvalier.

• Her parents would not let her go to the country's public schools because she was required to swear allegiance to the dictator.

• In 1965, Jean's father, who was a teacher himself, was arrested, tortured, and put in jail.

• When he was released from jail, her father decided to escape Haiti and moved the family to Canada.

• Being black and only 11 at the time, Jean was soon introduced to racism in Quebec.

• Because of family problems, Jean, her sister, and mother moved to Montreal and lived in a basement apartment.

• After high school, Jean attended several universities and became proficient in five languages.

• While in university, Jean also worked in shelters for battered women.

• She became active in helping to set up a network of shelters throughout Quebec and Canada.

• In 1988, she became a reporter for Radio Canada and hosted shows dealing with news and public affairs.

• Throughout the 1990's, Jean helped in the production of several documentary shows that received various awards.

• By the early 2000's, she had worked on both French and English CBC radio and television productions and was well recognized across Canada.

• In 2005, Jean was asked to become the first black Governor General of Canada.

• Michaelle Jean, after some early controversy, has stressed the importance of freedom in the fundamental makeup of Canada.

Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003