The Way It Was: Celebrating “Black History” Month

THE WAY IT WAS Seeded By Struggle, Courage And Faith — Building The African-Canadian Frontier Story And Photo By Andrea Grimes

When reflecting upon Canada’s vibrant diversity, we come to know how African Canadian refugees, pioneers, settlers, civic leaders, and war Veterans not only endured challenges and sacrifice, but also how their achievements contributed to strengthen our national identity.

History has shown that generations of lifeways define how African American refugees fled indignities and oppression with resolve and perseverance and; although families confronted uncertainties during their exodus from the southern United States to Canada, giving up on reaching their destination just wasn’t an option.

Education shapes and defines society. When families, mentors and advocates “opt in” to encourage and motivate youth to move forward with their continued learning opportunities, the dynamics of a sense-of-community becomes apparent.

One such education initiative, funded by the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan is the Coalition For Justice, Unity and Equity (Children.gov. on.ca/htdocs/English/youthopportunities/eoyap/ obyap.aspx). This four year mentorship program is committed to providing “crisis” youth (nine to 24 years of age) with incentives they need to “pull back the curtain” to further their education. Joi Hurst is Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition For Justice, Unity and Equity (CJUE.org) responsible for programming, public relations, marketing, recruitment and media development. Hurst says, “Our team recognized that culturallydiverse youth in the Windsor area were underresourced. Subsequent research identified the importance to develop and deliver a ‘needs specific’ curriculum that will give our youth the tools to put their post-secondary school education action plan

on their radar and to follow the critical path to stay disciplined about their education goals. This program accomplishes its action plan through the delivery of STEM — instruction in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.”

The program operates in a former school in historic Olde Sandwich Towne where Black pioneers, fur-traders, farmers, civic leaders and the local militia advocated to preserve the foundation of African Canadian heritage and defended our Canadian values of freedom. Much the same as Mary Shadd, Elijah J. McCoy, Josiah Henson, William Hall, Henry Bibb, Elijah J. McCoy, Richard Pierpoint and Delos Rogest Davis did all those years ago.

Like any treasure, the family legacy deserves to be held in high regard. Understandably, when it comes to researching our ancestors, families of all backgrounds find themselves compelled to get to the heart of the matter — to explore traditions, to celebrate accomplishments, to respect hardships and to acknowledge the depth of family values — the fundamental strengths that build society — all of which have a way of moving from one generation to another.

African Canadian Heritage Consultant Elise Harding-Davis has invested her life to raising the profile of our Black Canadian history … “the black thread in the Canadian tapestry”.

As a partner in the Coalition For Justice, Unity and Equity program, Harding-Davis developed the history curriculumas well as developing, producing and directing a heritage production entitled, “The Genius and Meaning of the Underground Railroad Quilt to the Freedom Movement” to promote “Black History” month in February.

Harding-Davis says, “Through the Ontario Students of Mercer Street Public School, circa 1930. Photo courtesy of the Windsor Public Library — Helen E. Caldwell collection.

Black Youth Action Plan, in alignment with ‘A Better Way Forward: Ontario’s 3-Year Anti-Racism Strategic Plan’ (see: Ontario.ca), the government is increasing support that will provide 10,800 Black children and youth across Ontario with access to post-secondary education, skills development and employment opportunities.” American reformer, Frederick Douglass (who lectured in our Essex County area) was bound in slavery throughout his childhood. Although Douglass faced horrific experiences at the hands of cruel and malicious owners, he learned how to overcome obstacles because giving up just wasn’t an alternative.

Over the years, Douglass earned a respected reputation as an advocate speaking to equality and inclusion. Douglass is quoted as having said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” and the “Governor General’s Medal” recognizing her volunteer service to Veterans and military families of our Canadian Armed Forces, as well as with military family service-support organizations to include North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association. Writing for Biz X magazine since 2012, Andrea has brought our community closer to recognizing our Veterans for their military service and the sacrifice made to preserve our Canadian values of democracy.