WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Sylvia Stark

Sylvia Stark was born a black slave in 1839 in Clay County, Missouri. As a nine-year-old slave girl, Sylvia had to care for one of her master's children, even though she was sick with fever herself. Sylvia's parents were Howard and Hannah Estes, and when she was 10 years old, her father bought the family's freedom by getting a job driving cattle west to California. As a young adult, Sylvia married Louis Stark and had two children. Soon after, Sylvia, her family and her parents sought refuge from the racism in California and moved to Vancouver Island. Sylvia lived to the age of 106 on Saltspring Island, B.C.

Sylvia worked as a volunteer midwife and nurse, and brought many Saltspring Island children into the world. Sylvia was a brave woman who struggled through a life of slavery and exile. She will always be remembered for her strength and contributions to her community.

More information on Women's History Month can be obtained from The Ministry of Women's Equality.