Nadia Aristyl is a tireless advocate for racial justice, a strong union activist, and now an Ed Blackman Award winner.
Aristyl, member of CUPE 2000, was honoured with the award in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the fight for racial justice and a more inclusive labour movement.
As the only black woman with a disability in her workplace, Aristyl has always had to fight for her place—and in doing so, she’s created space for others.
Aristyl challenged assumptions, educating her employer that her visual impairment is a condition and not an illness. Within CUPE Quebec, she’s been a powerful voice, pushing for structures that reflect the diversity of the membership and uplift voices long forced to the margins. Nationally, she has helped transform CUPE’s conversation around equity and anti-racism, helping bring the National Racial Justice Committee to life while grounding it in her own lived experience as a Black, French-speaking Haitian woman with albinism and a visual impairment.
“My work has been to have racial justice occupy greater space within our movement,” said Nadia in accepting the 2025 Ed Blackman award. “Our goal is to create healthier environments and better union spaces for everyone.”
In her local, division, workplace, and community, Nadia’s work has done just that. Her dedication, courage and advocacy carry forward Ed Blackman’s legacy and strengthen our collective fight for racial justice.