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During the nineteenth century, escaped slaves and free blacks migrated to Canada with dreams of a better life, a world that promised both opportunities and obstacles. African Canadians helped forge Canada, yet by the end of the nineteenth century, increased European immigration pushed Black Canadians into the lowest status, lowest pay, menial / unskilled jobs. Despite these restrictions, African Canadians set down roots and proudly established their own communities.
African Canadians had defended Canada in every war at least since the War of 1812. However, during World War II, they won the right for the first time to enlist in the same units as their white counterparts. Afterwards, they increasingly agitated for inclusion in all aspects of society.
This exhibit seeks to locate the voices and stories of Hamilton’s Black community within the context of the larger experiences of African-Canadians. At heart, the project celebrates and commemorates the lives of individual families while recognizing the ties that bind their saga to the historical narrative of African Canadians, their struggles and triumphs, quest for equality and dignity. Stewart Memorial Church, long the centre of the social and spiritual life of the local community is the backdrop against which the story unfolds.
