Remembering Black History Month in Windsor

Windsor is celebrating Black History Month and the city’s critical role in the Underground Railroad Movement.

During the month of February, we look back and understand the history of Black descendants in our community.

Irene Moore Davis, president of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society and teacher at St. Clair College, was recently awarded the Harriet Tubman Award for her work regarding Black history and culture.

“There’s still an opportunity for February every year to shine a light on those special stories, and to highlight particular achievements or forms of resistance,” said Davis. “Forms of overcoming that have taken place, whether individually or collectively in the Black community.”

As a border city of Detroit, Windsor has many ties to its background of slavery as well as the Underground Railroad.

Comprised of safe houses and escape route where slaves were taken to a new life of freedom, it included tunnels burrowing underneath buildings in Windsor such as Sandwich First Baptist Church, the oldest active Black church in Canada.

Numerous historical sites and prominent figures have all originated in the city. Black history murals featuring 16 notable names can be found at Paterson Park in Sandwich Towne.

Today, the history and culture are still becoming a more frequently taught topic.

African Canadians and Americans have dealt with racism for centuries and the issue to this day is still being progressively addressed and dealt with.

“We want to make sure there is a solid representation of our community,” said Davis. “Despite the best intentions of many educators, there are issues such as streaming, which is really now just beginning to be addressed.”

Windsor-Essex County has many sites and exhibits which allow everybody to understand and learn about the history of Black communities in Windsor.

Learn more by visiting visitwindsoressex.com/black-history.