People Make History lecture returns with Jennifer Hosten, the first woman of colour crowned Miss World

Nov. 4, 2021
For Immediate Release

Brantford – The History program at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus presents its People Make History lecture series, featuring Jennifer Hosten, the first woman of colour to win the title of Miss World in 1970.

Hosten grew up on the island of Grenada before making Canada her home. After winning the Miss World title, she visited a diverse array of countries and continued exploring her love of different cultures through broadcasting, academia, diplomacy and business ownership.

She recently released her memoir, Miss World 1970: How I Entered a Pageant and Wound Up Making History. The book was the inspiration for the major motion picture Misbehaviour (2020), starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keira Knightley and Greg Kinnear. 

“We are very fortunate and thrilled to have Jennifer Hosten as our speaker for the Fall 2021 People Make History lecture,” said Christina Han, associate professor of History at Laurier’s Brantford campus. “I believe the stories of Jennifer's resilience and adaptability and her willingness to embrace challenges and learn new skills and knowledge throughout her long and colourful life and career will inspire many people.”

The free event will be held virtually through Zoom on Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Registration and a Zoom account is required.

The biannual lecture series, generously supported by the estate of Mary Stedman, invites witnesses and participants of historic events or moments to tell their stories. Past guest speakers have included Degrassi co-creator Linda Schuyler, former lieutenant-governor James Bartleman, polio survivor Catherine Bell, Hiroshima survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Setsuko Thurlow and more.

By sharing their memories, the guest speakers bring history alive and make critical links between past and contemporary times.