Brandeis Denham Jolly

Civil Rights Activist & Teacher

Brandeis Denham Jolly, teacher, entrepreneur, publisher, broadcaster, philanthropist, civil rights activist, community leader (born in Industry Cove, Jamaica).  Jolly began his business career by purchasing and operating rooming houses and nursing homes.  He later purchased and became the publisher of Contrast, a Black community newspaper in Toronto and established FLOW 93.5, the first Black-owned radio station and the first station in Canada to showcase Black music and the stories of the Black community.

Jolly also was involved with or founded and led community groups — such as the Black Action Defence Committee — that sought to end police violence targeting young Black men.  Jolly also contributed generously to several causes including scholarships for promising young Black Canadians.