NEW BEGINNINGS AND THE FUTURE OF OLD CITY HALL

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BY: KATIE PAOLOZZA

There's been a lot of buzz lately about the future of Old City Hall. Despite my obvious bias as a Museum Studies student, turning the building into a museum solely dedicated to Toronto history would be a great way for museum professionals to address repatriation issues. Many museums and other cultural institutions in the city are already taking steps to better represent Toronto's diversity, but the specific issue of repatriation is one that continues to be a challenge, partly because it is difficult for many reasons to change a permanent exhibition that has a history of its own.

That being said, we need to not only better represent our visible minorities, but address how their history has been whitewashed, denied, and rewritten. This is much easier said than done, and in my opinion, it is easier still when building a new exhibition from the ground up. A Toronto museum would be a wonderful opportunity for innovation. We could create a place that from its very inception represented ALL of Toronto, in all its controversial and storied glory.

I recently discovered an old Musings entry from 2014 that deals with this very issue. Blair Newby wrote in our African Canadian History column about how Toronto's first cab company was started by an African Canadian named Thornton Blackburn. It's a great blog entry because it chronicles how Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost spent 18 years researching Blackburn and his wife Lucie's story after discovering his identity almost by accident. Without her passion and hard work, the Blackburns might never have been named Persons of National Significance.

Thornton and Lucie Blackburn’s Person of National Significance Plaque.
http://www.torontoplaques.com/Graphics/Thornton_And_Lucie_Blackburn2_Plaque.jpg

There are so many significant contributions to our city that go unrecognized or buried for generations, and needlessly so. A Toronto museum could be a major way we can rectify this problem, because every culture has a distinct voice, we just need to find new avenues of expression. Old City Hall is like a blank canvas. Toronto could use its past to create something new, beautiful, and honest. Even if it never becomes a museum, Old City Hall should be a safe space for everyone to have their voices heard. 

Let's get to it, Toronto!

A JOURNEY ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY BLAIR NEWBY

During the iSchool’s Black History Month Program, those in attendance had the opportunity to hear Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost discuss the harrowing tale of Thornton and Lucie Blackburns escape to freedom.  Throughout my lifetime, I have read countless descriptions of fugitive slaves’ flights and throughout each one there are a couple similarities. First and foremost, there was the will and determination to find freedom. Secondly, within many there was a sense of fear and anxiety, because with each step that a fugitive slave made towards freedom there was a great possibility that their journey could be halted by capture. And if you were caught, the punishments included, but were not limited to, whippings, dismemberment, or being sold like chattel once again.

The Journey to Freedom

As a child, I remember reading Benjamin Drew’s “ The Narratives of Fugitive Slaves in Canada”, and with each narrative that I read I had thoughts of my ancestors and wondered what that journey to freedom was actually like, but I knew I would never know exactly. And then in 1996, I met a man who could provide a glimpse into the mindset of the former slaves. On May 4^th, 1996, historian Anthony Cohen set out a two month journey. Travelling along the trails and pathways that his ancestors had once traversed, Cohen traveled by foot, by boat and by train. However, instead of procuring a train ticket, Cohen traveled, like Henry “Box” Brown, in secret inside a wooden a crate. He embarked on his twelve hundred mile trek in Sandy Spring, Maryland and on July 7^th, he arrived in Amherstburg, Ontario. Throughout his entire journey, he traced the steps that tens of thousands of fugitive slaves had once made. 

Historian Anthony Cohen discussing the escape of Henry "Box" Brown

In 1998, Cohen set out on a more ambitious trek from Mobile, Alabama to Windsor, Ontario. Ten years later, Cohen would lace up his sneakers once more. This time, however, he followed the route that his great, great, grand uncle Patrick Snead made. Snead, who was a slave of African, Jewish, Cherokee and Irish descent, escaped from Savannah Georgia in 1849 by passing as a white man. Pulling from an 1856 interview with Snead, Cohen was able to reconstruct his uncle’s journey.

Cohen will be the first to tell you, that his experience was clearly not the same as the tens of thousands of fugitives who escaped to Canada. However, that said, his goal was to gain a better understanding of what fugitive slaves had to endure during their escape and having read his work “The Underground Railroad: A Personal Journey Through History” he achieved his goal. 

Historian Anthony Cohen  

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN CANADA

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY: BLAIR NEWBY

The history and contributions of African Canadian History is often absent in Canadian History books and within in classrooms across the nation. In an attempt to raise awareness of Black history in Canada, In 1995 a motion was made in the House of Commons by the Hon. Jean Augustine PC, CM, CBE (the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament), to have February officially recognized as Black History Month. Although, I certainly contend that the history of African Canadians should not only be studied during one month of the year, I do have to admit that it provides an opportunity to reflect on and honour the contributions and achievements made by people of African descent that often is unfortunately not examined. This past September, over dinner, I had the great fortune to hear Hon. Jean Augustine describe the efforts she made to have February officially designated as Black History Month. It was such a treat to her it first hand from Hon. Jean Augustine, that after that evening, I wanted to research further into how Black History Month was introduced into Canada. As such, I thought I would share the history behind Black History Month in Canada for my post today.

Hon. Jean Augustine

The first thing that must be acknowledged is that Black History Month in Canada is modelled after Black History Month in the United States. In 1926, African American scholar Carter G. Woodson proposed to mark February, Negro History Week. Woodson chose the month of February because it coincided with African American former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. Over the years what began as Negro History Week transformed into Negro History Month. You may be wondering then, how it became popular in Canada. Well interestingly, it was sleeping car porters who worked on the rails and travelled between Canada and the United States who introduced the idea to the Canadian public. In fact in 1950, Stanley G. Grizzle, CM, O. Ont., a World War II veteran and sleeping car porter planned the first Black History Month program in Canada at the Shaw Street British Methodist Episcopal Church. And over the years through the efforts of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association Black History Month programs started to become a tradition.

Stan Grizzle

To bring further awareness to the history African Canadians, founders of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) petitioned the Toronto City Council to proclaim February as Black History Month. As a result of their efforts, in 1979 Canada's first proclamation declaring February, Black History Month was issued. Fourteen years later, in 1993 the OBHS made history once again, by successfully petitioning the Ontario Provincial Government to have it recognized provincially. As previously noted, two years later the Hon. Jean Augustine introduced a motion in the House of Commons to have Black History Month recognized nationwide.

Black History Month continues to be celebrated year after and year and this year in recognition of Black History Month, the iSchool will be hosting a program on February 11th. This year’s program features Governor General Award Winning author and historian, Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost. For more information please visit the event page, Digging for History: Toronto and the Underground Railroad. 

TO ASSIST OR PROFIT: A MISSIONARY AMONGST THE FUGITIVE SLAVES

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY: BLAIR NEWBY

The year was 1855, it had been a calamitous several years for Reverend Isaac Rice, an American Missionary labouring amongst the former slaves in Amherstburg, Ontario, however, nothing would be more detrimental to his character than the events which unfolded on April 13, 1855. This date marked the burning of what was referred to as Rice’s “so called mission house.” As the flames dissipated and the ashes were swept away, a scandal erupted concerning Rice’s mishandling of supplies and finances designated for the relief of former slaves. As the weeks elapsed an investigation was launched into his activities and actions. For items, such as food and clothing designated for the former slaves that Rice claimed he did not possess were found following the fire.

A Presbyterian minister and graduate of Hamilton College, Rice left a comfortable life in Trumbull County, Ohio to begin a new life as a missionary amongst the newly freed slaves in Amherstburg in 1838. As a typical missionary, Rice’s goal was to provide the Black community with their educational and spiritual needs and for ten years Rice laboured within Amherstburg with no incidents, no conflicts and most of all, no accusations of indecency or impropriety. This, however, would not last and by1848, everything began to crumble down around him. Questions regarding his character and reputation and namely his activities within the Black community came under the largest amount of scrutiny.

Amherstburg, Ontario. Circa 1860's.

These accusations included questions of misappropriation of funds and misrepresentation of the Black community’s circumstances in order to solicit more financial support. For instance, after only two years of providing support to Rice, the AMA ended their association with minister in 1850 due to rumours concerning adultery, drunkenness, debt and theft. Moreover, in an article in the Provincial Freeman stated, “Rice [...] has neither the confidence of the fugitives nor of the whites to any extent. His notorious lying and begging operations have been frequently protested against by fugitives and colored people generally in this country…”.

The Provincial Freeman was an anti-slavery newspaper published by Mary Ann Shadd Cary. The newspaper published several letters and articles attacking Rice's mission in Amherstburg.

Rice’s true nature remains a mystery. To a select few, he epitomized the missionary’s devotion, love, and willingness to live in dire circumstance in order to assist the former slaves. While at the same time to a large proportion of the Black community, he was perceived as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and even worst he was perceived as and depicted as a “devil” working for his own gain by many of his critics.

"THE LITTLE CHAPEL THAT COULD": THE FUGITIVE SLAVE CHAPEL PRESERVATION PROJECT

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY: BLAIR NEWBY

As future museum and heritage professionals, we all know that funding for culture can be precarious. Grants may not be given, donations and sponsorships can decrease and admission and gift shop sales can decline. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to procure funds for a museum. As the Director of the Chatham-Kent Black Mecca Museum, I had to go before Council and ask that our Community Development Grant be granted year after year. In our case, I am thankful that the Council saw the value in our museum. But I know that this is not always case, as I saw in 2013 other cultural institutions lose their funding as the budget for cultural initiatives decreased. I have also seen community activists and supporters band together to prevent the closing or the demolition of historic buildings and museums. One such initiative includes what many have referred to as the “Little Chapel that Could”.

London's first Black Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

To prevent the demolition of the first Black Church in London, Ontario, a group of like-minded individuals from London’s African Canadian, Heritage/ Historic, and SoHo communities initiated the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP). Built in 1848, the AME Church was a refuge for Fugitive Slaves. It was a place where they were able to heal both spiritually and psychologically from the horrors of slavery. The goal of FCSPP was to raise enough funds to move the African Methodist Church from its present location to a lot located next to the Beth Emmanuel Church in London. Once relocated, FSCPP members intend to install a small exhibit as well as create a small African Canadian History library.

The Move!

The FSCPP estimated that stage one and two of the project would cost $165,000.00. Receiving a $60,000.00 grant from the City of London, the FSCPP raised the rest of the funds through a public donation drive and by hosting events, such as plays and concerts. Although, the FSCPP has not raised the entire $165,000.00, the project team had successfully raised $133,621,88. And this past Wednesday, November 12, the Fugitive Slave Chapel was finally moved.

Its new home.

 The FSCPP truly embodies a community driven fundraising project. So in conclusion, I would like to say congratulations to the Fugitive Slave Church Preservation Project team members. Moreover, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to you. Because of your efforts a piece of Canada’s history will not be lost.

CLARISSA BRISTOW JOHNSTON, PHENOMENALLY

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY BLAIR NEWBY

As October is Women’s History month, I thought it would be fitting to feature an extraordinary woman from African Canadian history. As a child, I spent a lot of time with my mother at the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. I can still remember the riveting narratives my mother would recount during her tours and it was always the stories of the courageous female inhabitants of the Buxton Settlement that livened up the museum. One story in particular that was always her favourite to tell and mine to hear was that of Clarissa Bristow Johnston.

Clarissa Bristow Johnston. Photo Courtesy of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.

Born a slave in Louisiana, Clarissa was the personal maid to her mistress. Catering to her every whim, it was not surprising that when her mistress traveled to Detroit, Michigan, she brought Clarissa with her. It was here that Clarissa first saw Canada. She had never been so close to freedom, because as she gazed across the Detroit River, it was less than a mile away. After telling her mother what she had seen, her mother grew rather distressed that young daughter because she failed an escape attempt. In that moment, she made Clarissa promise if ever given the opportunity to travel to Detroit again she had to try to escape. As though predetermined by the fates, Clarissa’s mistress returned to Detroit and once again she brought the young girl with her. Unbeknownst to her mistress, Clarissa and her mother had said their final goodbyes and at the age of twelve, Clarissa mustered up all of the strength and courage she had and made that perilous journey alone.

Slave wanted poster.

Settling in the Buxton Settlement, she was placed in the care of one of the local families. Years later, Clarissa married Abraham Johnston. Together the couple would have twelve had children. Sadly, however, only four of their children reached maturity. Widowed at a young age, Clarissa once again conjured up the strength and courage that she exhibited when she had escaped years earlier and in time when a woman would have normally remarried, she chose not to. She managed to not only provide for her family, but also to keep their farm in her name. When I think of Clarissa Bristow Johnston, the late Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman always comes to mind. She personified Dr. Angelou’s brilliant words, “Cause I am woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”

A replica of  the Buxton Liberty Bell. When a fugitive slave arrived in the Buxton Settlement, the liberty bell, which was housed in the settlements Mission church, would ring out in celebration. The replica now sits in front of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. 

THE WILBERFORCE SETTLEMENT

AFRICAN CANADIAN HISTORY

BY BLAIR NEWBY

As the curator of the Buxton Museum, my mother would occasionally attend Historical fairs, Black Expos and other events to promote the museum, and sometimes I had the chance to go with her. One fair in particular was in Lucan, Ontario. I remember two things from that trip. First and foremost, the fact that I was absolutely terrified after hearing about the Donnelly Murders that occurred in the town in 1880, and secondly it was my first exposure to the history of Ontario’s first planned black settlement, Wilberforce. Four years ago, I returned to Lucan and visited the Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum; this time thankfully I did not leave with nightmares. However, what I did leave with was a greater appreciation for the history of Wilberforce.

Photo Credit: 

http://www.tourmiddlesex.ca/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/event-images/DONN_1225_K_REV_0.jpg

In 1804 and 1807, the state of Ohio enacted Black Laws to discourage the migration of blacks into the State. These laws stipulated that in order to remain in the state all persons of colour had to have a certificate of freedom that was issued by a U.S. State. Moreover, in 1807 the state legislated that no black person could enter the State unless they could post a bond of $500.00 to guarantee their good behaviour and that they would be able to support themselves while in Ohio. Furthermore, originally the fine for hiding a fugitive slave was $50.00, however in 1804 it rose to $100.00. Lastly, the law now stated that no black person could testify against a white person in court. When the population of blacks living in Ohio was small, the laws were not enforced. This, however, all changed when their numbers began to increase.

To escape from this unjust persecution, members of the black community began to seek out alternative places to settle and their land of choice was Upper Canada. Members of the Colonization Society, James C. Brown and Stephen Dutton travelled to York (Toronto) to ask the government of Upper Canada to grant the black community in Ohio asylum. To this request, it was reported that Sir John Colborne, the Lieutenant Governor, remarked, “Tell the Republicans on your side of the line that we Royalists do not know men by their colour. Should you come to us you will be entitled to all the privileges of the rest of His Majesty’s subjects.” By the fall of 1830, the negotiations over the purchase of land had concluded and with the assistance of American Quakers, the Colonization Society was able to purchase 800 acres. However, according to Brown, only 460 of the 2700 black citizens in Cincinnati, Ohio that had agreed to relocate actually moved north of the border. By 1833 there were 32 families living in Wilberforce and the settlement boasted two schools and a saw mill, however, by the 1840’s the population began to dwindle.

Sir John Colborne
Photo credit:  http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/images/paintings/gec/large/ci_gec_14_large.jpg    

To learn more about the Wilberforce community visit the Lucan Area Heritage and Donnelly Museum. http://www.donnellymuseum.com/index.php.

Wilberforce Settlement Provincial Plaque
Photo credit:  http://www.ontarioplaques.com/Plaques_MNO/Plaque_Middlesex27.html