André Michel Lwoff
A Canadian sprinter who broke racial barriers as the first Black woman to represent her country at an international games.
1902–1994 (age 92)·French microbiologist·Birthday: May 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Barbara Howard's speed was undeniable. As a 17-year-old high school student in Vancouver in 1938, she shattered the British Empire games record in the 100-yard dash during trials, earning a spot on the Canadian team for the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney. Her participation made history, marking the first time a Black woman competed for Canada internationally. While an injury hampered her individual performance in Sydney, she still contributed to a silver medal in the 440-yard relay. Her athletic career, paused by World War II, was just one chapter in a life of service. She became a pioneering educator in Vancouver, teaching physical education and special education for over four decades. Howard dedicated herself to community work, advocating for racial equality and youth sports, leaving a legacy defined not just by her groundbreaking race, but by the finish line of a long, impactful life.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
André was born in 1902, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When André Was Born
The biggest hits of 1902
André's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1902Born
The eruption of Mount Pelee kills 30,000 in Martinique
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1907Started school
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1915Became a teenager
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1918Could drive
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Could vote
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Turned 21
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1932Turned 30
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1942Turned 40
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 50
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 60
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 70
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 80
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1994Died at 92
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Black female athlete to represent Canada at an international competition, the 1938 British Empire Games.
- Won a silver medal in the 440-yard relay at those same 1938 Games in Sydney, Australia.
- Set a new British Empire Games record in the 100-yard dash during the Canadian trials in 1938.
- Was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame for her pioneering role.
Did You Know?
She was only 17 years old and still a high school student when she qualified for the 1938 Empire Games team.
After her athletic career, she earned two degrees in education and taught in Vancouver schools for 43 years.
During WWII, she worked in a munitions factory while also coaching women's basketball.
She was a dedicated volunteer with the Baptist Church and organizations supporting seniors and new immigrants.
“A virus hiding in a bacterium is not a guest; it is a dormant command.”
