In the summer of 2006, I was able to explore the history of the formers African slaves of the United States and African-Canadians following the Underground Railroad in Detroit, Michigan and in the southwestern part of the province of Ontario (Windsor, Chatham-Kent, Amherstberg, Dresden, Sandwich, North Buxton and parts of Toronto).
The goal for this summer was to continue my studies with travels throughout other communities in Ontario (Buffalo, NY plus at least 13 sites in northern and eastern Ontario), Quebec (Montreal) and in British Columbia (Victoria and Vancouver). What I discovered is that while it is possible to reach these sites by cab, it is easier to make use of rental car or to try to get with a tour group. Unfortunately, groups were not an option at that time. This site (http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/proj/cfc-ugrr/index_E.asp) and educational materials were especially useful. The experience was deeply moving, worthwhile and educational. I uploaded photos to the internet and immediately shared them, as well as maintained an album and cd-r of the journey. I was even able to use some resources as part of a graduate course I was enrolled in as an educational tool for teachers.
It also became evident to me, through my studies, that African Canadians established relationships with First Nations (Six Nation Confederacy of the Iroquois) peoples similar to what occurred in the southern part of the United States when African runaways formed maroon communities. This kind of collaboration is of special interest to me as I work to understand my own African-American and Native ancestries. I am interested in exploring these, again through cultural celebrations, observations and personal interactions with actual residents. While the proposed funds did not/will not cover the entire expenses of this quest, any support is greatly appreciated and will be used for its intended purpose.
Friday, August 20, 2010
July 19, 2007 Reflections on the UGRR of SE Ontario
Native Canadians nations once held slaves. From 1628-1834, 1,600 Africans were brought to Canada by Europeans. Oliver LeJeune, age 8 of Madagascar, was the first (Quebec). 1792 was the year the earliest records indicate a black resident (Mr. Diamond) in the Niagara region. Governor John G. Simcoe passed legislation that guaranteed freedom to any blacks arriving in Canada after 1793. Finally on August 1, 1834, all slaves in the British colonies were emancipated.
A horrible monsoon Thursday morning almost made me call off our visit to the Niagara region, but our tour guide, Lezlie of niagaraboundtours.com made it a pleasant day. There wasn't a whole lot of time to write on the tour, but there were definite moments of import. The connections between Canada, Britain and the isles of the Caribbean is branch of history that's obvious in the diversity you see walking the streets of Ontario and hearing these diverse variations on the English language. It's unfortunate to find out that in Canada, as in the States, class struggles exist within the Black community, but unlike here efforts are made by the government to nationalize the history of the Underground Railroad and emancipation. Similar to here, Black culture is popular and a source of capital for the government - Caribana is a big draw as are the cultural festivals relevant to the Black Caribbean communities taking place at Harbourfront and other areas. Black heritage tour guides that collaborate with larger chains tend to do better than independent tour companies. All that aside, the experience provided by Niagara Bound Tours is unique in that it can be tailored to suit your needs - small and individualized, like my trip or for groups. It would be great, however, if these smaller companies could work together to insure that the history isn't lost and that the revenues are kept in the Black community.
In Niagara, it was moving to travel down the dark stairs into the basement hiding place of runaway slaves. It stood just across from the Crossing Point in Fort Erie, ON from New York. The crossing point is where Josiah Henson (known as the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin) found his way to freedom before moving to Dresden (near Windsor). Of course the lake is a little higher but I could imagine canoes sneaking slaves across in the darkness, climbing the banks and rushing to safety in what is now home to a $4 million doll house, Bertie Hall. It was damp, dark and quiet but you could feel the spirits of those that hid there. As a bookshelf/part of the wall was pulled back, another room was revealed. It was a moving experience - much like stepping through the slave slip replicas at the Field Museum of Chicago's Africa exhibit or the And Still We Rise exhibit at the Wright Museum in Detroit.
It was interesting to find out that a member of Marcus Garvey's O.A.U. was the impetus for Emancipation Day celebrations that took place at Port Dalhousie Park, which Harry (a church member of the BME Church/Salem Chapel Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Site). Once this Garveyite left the community, the emancipation ceremonies that once brought thousands to the area ended abruptly. I felt like I could hear the footsteps of Harriet Tubman moving through the chapel. Running my fingers across the original pughs and pulpit, looking over old church registers and records, seeing the name Moore in these lists only made the experience more intriguing. at the "Dirty Corner"/Colored Cemetery, I immediately fel the spirits of the ancestors around me. Much like the cemetery where my ancestors are buried off Highway 43 in Alabama, many of the graves were hard to read as the names were rubbed off by years of wear and tear. I recalled running my fingers across my great grandparents' head stones -barely able to trace out the first letters of their names.
Dr. Martin Delany of Ohio, after attending Harvard Medical School made his way to Ontario visiting the Nathaniel Dett Chapel in Niagara Falls. This church holds connection to the Victoria Chapel in Chatham, Ontario.
Our guide's family escaped from Kentucky but had roots in Illinois before heading back to St. Catherine's area. Much of what we were shown reminded me of the South, Alabama in particular. I thought of how all of those old churches, cemeteries and residences in Ontario were historical landmarks and how even my grandmother's town and residence could theoretically be thought of in much the same way.
A horrible monsoon Thursday morning almost made me call off our visit to the Niagara region, but our tour guide, Lezlie of niagaraboundtours.com made it a pleasant day. There wasn't a whole lot of time to write on the tour, but there were definite moments of import. The connections between Canada, Britain and the isles of the Caribbean is branch of history that's obvious in the diversity you see walking the streets of Ontario and hearing these diverse variations on the English language. It's unfortunate to find out that in Canada, as in the States, class struggles exist within the Black community, but unlike here efforts are made by the government to nationalize the history of the Underground Railroad and emancipation. Similar to here, Black culture is popular and a source of capital for the government - Caribana is a big draw as are the cultural festivals relevant to the Black Caribbean communities taking place at Harbourfront and other areas. Black heritage tour guides that collaborate with larger chains tend to do better than independent tour companies. All that aside, the experience provided by Niagara Bound Tours is unique in that it can be tailored to suit your needs - small and individualized, like my trip or for groups. It would be great, however, if these smaller companies could work together to insure that the history isn't lost and that the revenues are kept in the Black community.
In Niagara, it was moving to travel down the dark stairs into the basement hiding place of runaway slaves. It stood just across from the Crossing Point in Fort Erie, ON from New York. The crossing point is where Josiah Henson (known as the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin) found his way to freedom before moving to Dresden (near Windsor). Of course the lake is a little higher but I could imagine canoes sneaking slaves across in the darkness, climbing the banks and rushing to safety in what is now home to a $4 million doll house, Bertie Hall. It was damp, dark and quiet but you could feel the spirits of those that hid there. As a bookshelf/part of the wall was pulled back, another room was revealed. It was a moving experience - much like stepping through the slave slip replicas at the Field Museum of Chicago's Africa exhibit or the And Still We Rise exhibit at the Wright Museum in Detroit.
It was interesting to find out that a member of Marcus Garvey's O.A.U. was the impetus for Emancipation Day celebrations that took place at Port Dalhousie Park, which Harry (a church member of the BME Church/Salem Chapel Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Site). Once this Garveyite left the community, the emancipation ceremonies that once brought thousands to the area ended abruptly. I felt like I could hear the footsteps of Harriet Tubman moving through the chapel. Running my fingers across the original pughs and pulpit, looking over old church registers and records, seeing the name Moore in these lists only made the experience more intriguing. at the "Dirty Corner"/Colored Cemetery, I immediately fel the spirits of the ancestors around me. Much like the cemetery where my ancestors are buried off Highway 43 in Alabama, many of the graves were hard to read as the names were rubbed off by years of wear and tear. I recalled running my fingers across my great grandparents' head stones -barely able to trace out the first letters of their names.
Dr. Martin Delany of Ohio, after attending Harvard Medical School made his way to Ontario visiting the Nathaniel Dett Chapel in Niagara Falls. This church holds connection to the Victoria Chapel in Chatham, Ontario.
Our guide's family escaped from Kentucky but had roots in Illinois before heading back to St. Catherine's area. Much of what we were shown reminded me of the South, Alabama in particular. I thought of how all of those old churches, cemeteries and residences in Ontario were historical landmarks and how even my grandmother's town and residence could theoretically be thought of in much the same way.
UGRR Facts/Resources
It's important to note that the USA does have a National Underground Railroad Museum in Ohio (I haven't been yet) and there are also simulation-experiences in Ohio where you can (similar to a rites of passage type retreat) see what it was like to be on the railroad during slavery time.
I've been told that hundreds of people do it annually - alone, with church groups or with their children- as a way to connect with our origins here in this land.
http://www.freedomcenter.org/
There's also a biking project where you can ride the thousands of miles of the underground railroad from Mobile, AL (where I was born) to Owen Sound, Ontario (about 2 hours north of Toronto...I hope to get there in July). Do the whole trip or connect at certain points.
http://www.adv-cycling.org/news/2007ugrr2release.cfm
This brochure, though, highlights the 2 monuments, done by Ed Dwight, in Detroit and in Windsor. It designed to give you an idea of what you'll see and where to learn more.
http://www.eddwight.com/public_art/underground_railroads/ http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/urr.html
http://www.blackhistorysociety.ca/URR.htm http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/proj/cfc-ugrr/index_E.asp
I've been told that hundreds of people do it annually - alone, with church groups or with their children- as a way to connect with our origins here in this land.
http://www.freedomcenter.org/
There's also a biking project where you can ride the thousands of miles of the underground railroad from Mobile, AL (where I was born) to Owen Sound, Ontario (about 2 hours north of Toronto...I hope to get there in July). Do the whole trip or connect at certain points.
http://www.adv-cycling.org/news/2007ugrr2release.cfm
This brochure, though, highlights the 2 monuments, done by Ed Dwight, in Detroit and in Windsor. It designed to give you an idea of what you'll see and where to learn more.
http://www.eddwight.com/public_art/underground_railroads/ http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/urr.html
http://www.blackhistorysociety.ca/URR.htm http://www.pc.gc.ca/canada/proj/cfc-ugrr/index_E.asp
What's So Great About Canada? (written 12/2008)
Okay, so folks have been asking..."what is it about Canada that you love so much?" "why toronto? what's happening up there?" well it's kinda like being in the Chi and then, stepping thru the Stargate (did you see that movie with James Spader or watch the series? check it out or google it). T.O. has all the things the CHI has but it's cleaner, nicer. Of course, like all places it has its negatives - I'm not that naive, but it's diverse and full of culture. Tons of little excursions within a day's reach. It has the lure of CHI, but some areas make you feel like you're off in a distant paradise or an ancient timeperiod. It's also interesting that they honor FIRST NATIONS people....those are the folks we call "indians" or "native americans" here in the States!
I love that Canada honors and respects the contributions of the descendants of runaway slaves fromAmerica...they actually celebrate EMANCIPATION DAY....it's not just some random celebration like how few communities celebrate Juneteenth here in the states...it's on their calendars! When i get some time I'll chat about the underground railroad sites and add descrips to the photos on yahoo because it was/is such a moving experience to walk in the footsteps of ancestors. Doing that journey last summer (starting in Windsor and hitting Amherstburg, Chatham-Kent, Dresden, North Buxton), was moving to say the least. Sitting on that grassy knoll in front of the memorial statue on the Canada side of the river brought a wave of emotions over me. I followed the gaze of one of the statue figures as she looked back towards the US and realized that she was looking for those that were left behind (like me and mine...) I knew I'd have to see the other statue on the other side.
Later that year (Nov), on my journey to Detroit, I visited "sister monument" on the US side...walking up to it my steps got heavy and tears flowed as I got closer. When I looked out onto the water it was like I could see and hear the cries of the ancients calling to me from beneath the waters and across on the Canada side. I looked in the direction of the girl on the Windsor side, said a few prayers, journaled and just stood for awhile taking it all in. I thought back on my journeys to the mountains outside Mo-Bay, Jamaica...to that maroon village so high in the mountains that the indigenous folks and runaway slaves could pick off any REDCOATS coming to invade the village cause they stood out against the green! I thought back to the way the villagers took care of me when I passed out from heat exhaustion and the way the showed me around and took me in as if I was one of their own - just as the shopkeeper across from my hotel had done down in Mo-Bay. It reminded me of the way I feel whenever I was down home in Mt. Vernon, AL at Mama Nora's house - like I was in a different time and space where folks just take care of one another cause that's how it's always been done.
Being at those monuments and the other sites made me realize that no matter how down-trodden and trifling African Americans may seem...the Afrikan Diaspora still thrives on and since, "massa" is NOT going to bring our people and our history to us...those of us "lost sheep" in America gotta get out and find it for ourselves!
Toronto 2004
Toronto 2005
Ontario 2006
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/
I love that Canada honors and respects the contributions of the descendants of runaway slaves fromAmerica...they actually celebrate EMANCIPATION DAY....it's not just some random celebration like how few communities celebrate Juneteenth here in the states...it's on their calendars! When i get some time I'll chat about the underground railroad sites and add descrips to the photos on yahoo because it was/is such a moving experience to walk in the footsteps of ancestors. Doing that journey last summer (starting in Windsor and hitting Amherstburg, Chatham-Kent, Dresden, North Buxton), was moving to say the least. Sitting on that grassy knoll in front of the memorial statue on the Canada side of the river brought a wave of emotions over me. I followed the gaze of one of the statue figures as she looked back towards the US and realized that she was looking for those that were left behind (like me and mine...) I knew I'd have to see the other statue on the other side.
Later that year (Nov), on my journey to Detroit, I visited "sister monument" on the US side...walking up to it my steps got heavy and tears flowed as I got closer. When I looked out onto the water it was like I could see and hear the cries of the ancients calling to me from beneath the waters and across on the Canada side. I looked in the direction of the girl on the Windsor side, said a few prayers, journaled and just stood for awhile taking it all in. I thought back on my journeys to the mountains outside Mo-Bay, Jamaica...to that maroon village so high in the mountains that the indigenous folks and runaway slaves could pick off any REDCOATS coming to invade the village cause they stood out against the green! I thought back to the way the villagers took care of me when I passed out from heat exhaustion and the way the showed me around and took me in as if I was one of their own - just as the shopkeeper across from my hotel had done down in Mo-Bay. It reminded me of the way I feel whenever I was down home in Mt. Vernon, AL at Mama Nora's house - like I was in a different time and space where folks just take care of one another cause that's how it's always been done.
Being at those monuments and the other sites made me realize that no matter how down-trodden and trifling African Americans may seem...the Afrikan Diaspora still thrives on and since, "massa" is NOT going to bring our people and our history to us...those of us "lost sheep" in America gotta get out and find it for ourselves!
Toronto 2004
Toronto 2005
Ontario 2006
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/
Friday, February 27, 2009
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
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