Our Founders:
Bernice Carnegie
My name is Bernice Carnegie, and in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, my late father, Herb Carnegie, was an anomaly in semi-pro hockey. As recounted in thousands of articles, books and documentaries, this black trailblazer had an outstanding 17-year career in semi-pro hockey playing on predominantly all-white teams. Like the title of his autobiography, he was “A Fly in a Pail of Milk.” Was racism a factor back then? It sure was!
We invite you to follow Herb Carnegie’s lead by supporting the goals of The CI project that aim to pass the puck forward to build a hockey legacy that strives to unify humanity through initiatives that foster inclusion and acceptance.
Bryant McBride
Hi. My name is Bryant McBride. I’m the Co-Chairman of The Carnegie Initiative. The Carnegie Initiative was built to grow the game of hockey; to increase the acceptance and belonging in the game. I got the opportunity to play at a very young age and it changed the trajectory of my life. It’s an opportunity that all kids should get — Kids of all backgrounds , all colors, all differences.
The game is an opportunity to learn how to win, to learn how to lose, to learn how to overcome obstacles. It’s a great equalizer for kids of all ages of all backgrounds. And every opportunity that we get to accelerate that growth, that acceptance, is something that we’re going to pursue. We welcome your help in doing that. Thank you again for supporting The Carnegie Initiative and we look forward to working with you.
CI News
- Sports Business Journal: NHL ignored Herb Carnegie as a player; he never stopped believing in the sport, or a better world
During the same week in 1955 that Rosa Parks nobly refused to relinquish her seat on that Montgomery, Ala., bus, the best […] - Herb Carnegie’s Hockey Hall of Fame Call was Long Overdue, but Welcome
“I didn’t really believe it was ever going to happen,” says Bernice Carnegie, after decades of support for her father’s induction based on a legacy of inspiration and achievement. […]Read More… from Herb Carnegie’s Hockey Hall of Fame Call was Long Overdue, but Welcome
- The Globe and Mail: Herb Carnegie’s Legacy Keeps Growing StrongerBernice Carnegie will be introduced to most hockey fans on Nov. 14, when the Hockey Hall of Fame inducts her […]
Read More… from The Globe and Mail: Herb Carnegie’s Legacy Keeps Growing Stronger
- Transition Game: A Deep Dive into the GTHL’s Inclusion Efforts
The Carnegie Initiative (CI), in partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, MLSE, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), and the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), is excited to announce the Transition Game: A Deep Dive into GTHL Inclusion Efforts on November 8. The event will take place on the late Herb Carnegie’s 103rd birthday at MLSE Launchpad. […]Read More… from Transition Game: A Deep Dive into the GTHL’s Inclusion Efforts
- Herb Carnegie Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2022
The Carnegie Initiative (CI), in partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, MLSE, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), and the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), is excited to announce the Transition Game: A Deep Dive into GTHL Inclusion Efforts on November 8. The event will take place on the late Herb Carnegie’s 103rd birthday at MLSE Launchpad. […]Read More… from Herb Carnegie Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2022
- The CI and Partners Announce ‘Celebrating Black Excellence and Joy in Hockey’ Campaign
On Thursday, Feb. 17, The CI along with Wollman Park Partners, the Premier Hockey Federation and Turner Sports/Bleacher Report launched […]
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