A journey into our past; Tangible evidence of African history in Ontario

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I have always been amazed by the number of Africans living or born in Canada who have not ventured outside their own city, or even taken time to explore Canada. This is no condemnation, it is an observation made when I mention different parts of Ontario to members of the community in Toronto. “There are actually black people who live in Chatham?” is a popular comment that I hear when I mention Chatham-Kent or one of the cities that are located west on the 401. African Canadian’s rich history stems back to Mathieu Da Costa, one of the most fascinating African figures in our early Canadian history. Da Costa is said to be one of the first black Africans to set foot on Canadian soil; he had been employed as a translator by French and Dutch traders and explorers. Apparently, this was not unusual for Africans to act as translators for European explorers; this practice had been going on for over 100 years. In our need to educate and empower our community, we are going to take you on a short journey through history; one that we hope will motivate you to expand your horizons and learn more about our beautiful historically rich province.

Our first stop is in the town of Dresden, at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site located at 29251 Uncle Tom’s Road. Reverend Josiah Henson was known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, and the current museum sits on part of the original property purchased in 1841 by Henson and his supporters. The purpose was to establish a place of refuge for the many fugitive slaves crossing over into Canada. Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a celebration of the human spirit; visitors can stop in at the Josiah Henson Interpretive Centre that houses a collection of 19^th century artifacts and rare books. You would be able to view the Henson House, which was the last residence of Josiah Henson; he lived there until his death in 1883. Visit them at www.uncletomscabin.org because I believe their emancipation celebration is approaching. Every August, Uncle Tom Cabin’s Historic Site hosts Emancipation Day, a day where they celebrate the end of slavery in Canada.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

The next stop on our journey is in Chatham-Kent at the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. The site is located in North Buxton, more commonly referred to as the Buxton Settlement. Reverend William King established the settlement in 1849; he was an abolitionist from Scotland who had grown intolerant of slavery and had to leave the United States because living there went against everything that he believed. The scripture verse above stayed with William throughout his life, and he has stated that it had a “forceful effect,” on his life. Interestingly enough, the majority of the population of the village are direct decedents of some of the original families that settled in Buxton. When visiting this museum, you will have the privilege of hearing stories from a staff of people who have an ancestral and present tie with the village. Take time to visit this remarkable North American landmark; you can set up a tour by visiting them at http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/.

 “Chatham was not a mecca only. In a broader and truer sense, it was the coloured man’s Paris.” Rev. Richard R. Disney

Our final stop is just a drive down to 177 King Street East (located in the WISH Centre). I personally enjoyed this museum. In a modest-sized space, the community of Chatham has managed to compile some of the most interesting stories of African History here in Canada. The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum is located in an area that used to be referred to as “The Forks.” In the 1800s five black families settled along McGregor’s Creek and established a thriving community that had their own businesses, schools, and medical facilities. The area became so successful that it attracted Africans from all over North America. The Black Mecca Museum shares stories of Chatham’s black community in the 18^th century, and it houses a wide range of primary and secondary sources of family tree information.  For more information, or to book a guided tour visit www.ckbhs.org.

I have only briefly highlighted what can be discovered in a journey throughout Ontario, now it is on you to delve in and open your spirit and mind to our wonderful established history in Canada.