Blacks first arrived in Canada as slaves by the British, in the early 1600’s. By the 1800’s, many Black people made their way to Oxford County. But not all Blacks came here as slaves. Many were free Blacks, trying to make a living in their communities from Ingersoll to Tillsonburg. There is a rich history of Black people and their contributions within Oxford County. However, these long gone hamlets have since disappeared and are almost forgotten.
(Hit the "Button Text" above to read my article "Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County" that appeared in the The Sentinel-Review on Wednesday, February 28, 2001 page 5.)
Immigrants and Racialized People Wanted for an Online Interview About Their Experiences of Discrimination in Oxford
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
"Are you an immigrant or racialized person who has experienced discrimination in Oxford in the last three years?
If you are, and you have experienced discrimination in a workplace setting, in a public place, or by the police, please consider participating in a virtual interview with researchers at Western University.
By sharing your stories and feedback, you will help communities across the region become more inclusive and welcoming. If you are interested in participating, please fill out a short survey and the researchers will contact you."
https://nest.uwo.ca/research/discrimination_interview.html
If you are, and you have experienced discrimination in a workplace setting, in a public place, or by the police, please consider participating in a virtual interview with researchers at Western University.
By sharing your stories and feedback, you will help communities across the region become more inclusive and welcoming. If you are interested in participating, please fill out a short survey and the researchers will contact you."
https://nest.uwo.ca/research/discrimination_interview.html
A Showcase of Stories: A Two-Day Ontario Trip Filled with Fascinating Black History
Celebrating Black history in Southwestern Ontario
Museum London partners up to bring an educational experience
to London and areas
Southwestern Ontario's Black History Launch for Black History Month
"Museums and heritage sites involved in the interpretation of the region’s Black historical experience have launched a new on-line Black history tour. Coordinators from four areas have selected over 40 images that represent some of the key persons, events and structures in their communities, all delivered right to people’s mobile devices.
Four on-line tours are planned covering areas in Essex-Windsor, Chatham-Kent, the London Region and Oxford County. Each tour begins with the Underground Railway and the arrival of thousands of formerly enslaved persons fleeing the United States before the Civil War, followed by more recent historical events and people such as Emancipation Day celebrations and the Chatham All-Stars Baseball Team....(Continued)
Four on-line tours are planned covering areas in Essex-Windsor, Chatham-Kent, the London Region and Oxford County. Each tour begins with the Underground Railway and the arrival of thousands of formerly enslaved persons fleeing the United States before the Civil War, followed by more recent historical events and people such as Emancipation Day celebrations and the Chatham All-Stars Baseball Team....(Continued)
Oxford County
A Safe Haven
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission by Norwich & District Historical Society)
"The goal was to provide a guide for educators and the general public searching for resources to assist with learning about the Black historical experience.... An app developer - onthisspot.ca - was found with a record of creating historical tours for communities large and small.
...Accessing the tours can be done from anywhere, however, the organizers hope that users will actually visit the region in person. The tours are ideal as cycling adventures and of course visitors are welcome at any of the museums and historic sites, once it is safe to do so.... " (From the Press Release February 1, 2022)
...Accessing the tours can be done from anywhere, however, the organizers hope that users will actually visit the region in person. The tours are ideal as cycling adventures and of course visitors are welcome at any of the museums and historic sites, once it is safe to do so.... " (From the Press Release February 1, 2022)
Check out the three websites:
Aired on Rogers tv London Cable 13 on April 17th & 18, 2020 by Notar Productions
From the Family Day Celebration at London Central Library on Saturday February 15, 2020
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
(Image courtesy of/& used with permission)
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African Canadian Voice
African Canadian Voice (ACV) is a voice for integration, engagement and inclusion of African Canadians in London and Area. African Canadian Voice is a voice of the community conversation on matters that are relevant to African Canadians and the community at large. (From African Canadian Voice website) |
Local Links
Black History Month – Remembering Oxford's Past
Discover Black History - Tour of Southwestern Ontario
Indigenous Tourism in Ontario’s Southwest
Ontario Links
Learn More about Ontario's Black history
- The Banwell Road Area Black Settlement in Tecumseh
- Chloe Cooley and the 1793 Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada in Queenston Heights
- Hugh Burnett and the National Unity Association in Dresden
- The Provincial Freeman in Chatham-Kent
- Puce River Black Community in Lakeshore
- William and Susannah Steward House in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Black History in Dundas Walking Tour - (PDF) 11 sites 40 mins.
Discovering Dawn
"Check out the recent series of videos that the Trust released called Discovering Dawn, which represents our work with community partners to reinterpret the history of the Dawn Settlement and the community. The video below profiles the Josiah Henson and McInnes Family friendship. You can find the entire series here." (From Heritage Matters website)
Explore Ontario's Black history through Heritage Matters
- The Black history of Ontario inspires me and defines who I am, by Dr. Afua Cooper
- To be dignified, stylish and Black in the 19th century was to defy expectations, by Kendra Campbell
- We’ve always been here: Black women’s history of voting rights and politics in Canada, by Natasha Henry
- Overcoming historical amnesia: Recognizing people of African descent as pioneers and community builders, by Marie Carter
- Celebrating Emancipation Day: The greatest freedom show on earth, by Steven Cook
- Digging for the Promised Land, by Karolyn Smardz Frost
Quote: “Black history is not just for black people. Black history is Canadian history.” ~ Jean Augustine ~ (First Black Canadian woman to serve as a federal Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament)
