Our Story
45 years of breaking down barriers, celebrating diversity, and building cultural bridges across our community.
Our History
P.R.U.D.E was founded in Saint John in 1981 through the leadership and organizing of members of the local Black community. Its beginnings were connected to a longer history of Black advocacy, education and community-building in New Brunswick, including the work of PROBE (Provincial Resources of Black Energy).
From its earliest years, education was central to P.R.U.D.E’s work. The organization sought to challenge racism and racial stereotypes, strengthen understanding between communities, create opportunities for participation and leadership, and ensure that the experiences and contributions of Black communities were recognized and valued.
Growing With Our Communities
Over the decades, P.R.U.D.E’s work grew alongside the changing communities of Saint John and New Brunswick. Its programs and partnerships expanded to engage racialized and ethnocultural communities, newcomers, women, youth, schools, workplaces and community organizations while continuing the organization’s longstanding commitment to education, dignity, equity and anti-racism.
Many community leaders, volunteers, staff members and partners have contributed to P.R.U.D.E’s development. Among those closely connected to its history are Dr. Clifford “Nick” Skinner, David Peters and Dr. Ralph “Tiger” Thomas, whose decades of community leadership contributed to advancing Black history, human rights, education and racial equity in Saint John and across New Brunswick.
In more recent decades, P.R.U.D.E continued to expand its programming, partnerships and organizational capacity, including increased work with newcomer and multicultural communities. Under the leadership of staff, volunteers and successive Boards of Directors, the organization has continued to evolve in response to changing community needs while remaining grounded in the principles on which it was established.
Pride. Unity. Dignity. Through Education.
More than four decades after its founding, P.R.U.D.E continues to build on its roots in Saint John’s Black community while working across communities to address racism, strengthen belonging, advance equity and create opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in community life.
At the heart of P.R.U.D.E is people, and the belief that education, relationships and collective action can create lasting change.
A New Look, the Same Heart
For 45 years, our logo carried PRUDE’s story. As we mark this milestone, we’re stepping into a new chapter — here’s how our look has grown with us.
1981
Where We Started
For more than four decades, this seal carried our name and our promise — Pride of Race, Unity, Dignity through Education. It was a symbol of welcome, dignity, and belonging through four decades of breaking down barriers and building bridges.
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2026
At the Heart of PRUDE Is People
Our logo reflects PRUDE’s belief that meaningful change begins with human dignity, belonging, and community. The heart symbolizes compassion, care, and our commitment to creating communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
At its centre, the abstract human figure represents the people we serve, the communities we walk alongside, and our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Surrounding the individual are three interconnected forms representing the integrated ways PRUDE advances its mission: Education, Research & Advocacy; Programs & Community Engagement; and Organizational Sustainability & Governance. Together, they reflect how education informs action, programs strengthen communities, and strong leadership and stewardship sustain lasting impact.
The logo is intentionally adaptable, allowing colours to shift across programs, campaigns, cultural celebrations, and organizational milestones while its meaning remains constant.
Together, the heart, the individual, and the three interconnected forms express our commitment to advancing racial equity, belonging, and anti-racism while keeping people at the centre of everything we do.
Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that New Brunswick is located on the unceded and unsurrendered traditional territories of the Wolastoqey, Mi’gmaw, and Peskotomuhkati peoples. We recognize that our presence in Menaquesk (Saint John) is shaped by the ongoing impacts of colonization and assimilation experienced by Indigenous Peoples. We honour the Elders, knowledge keepers, and descendants of this land and are committed to moving forward in the spirit of truth, respect, and reconciliation.
We recognize the long-standing contributions of Black communities across the territories of Mi’kma’ki, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkati, known as New Brunswick, and honour their histories and legacies that continue to enrich the province’s culture.
Wolastoqey land acknowledgement coming soon. This placeholder will be replaced with the Wolastoqey translation once it is provided.
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