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