Welcome to Our History
Every street holds a story. Every name carries a legacy.
The Passport to Freedom Learning Journey invites you to discover the remarkable people and historic places that helped shape Black history in Windsor-Essex, Canada and the wider movement toward freedom.
Along your journey, you will meet freedom seekers, abolitionists, educators, faith leaders, physicians, athletes, business owners and community builders. You will also explore the churches, schools, businesses and gathering places where Black families created lives rooted in courage, opportunity and belonging.
The information shared during the Passport to Freedom Emancipation Walk is only the beginning. Select a person or place below to uncover their deeper story.
Choose a historic place or person to begin exploring.
Explore Historic Places
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Meet the People
Freedom fighter, Underground Railroad conductor, and humanitarian who guided dozens of enslaved people to freedom and inspired generations through her courage and unwavering faith.
Formerly enslaved minister, educator, and founder of the Dawn Settlement near Dresden, Ontario. His life inspired generations seeking freedom, education, and opportunity.
Windsor hockey pioneer, coach, mentor, and historian who spent decades breaking barriers and preserving Black sports history in Canada.
Groundbreaking Windsor athlete who shattered racial barriers in basketball, baseball, and football, inspiring future generations through excellence in sport.
Businessman, civic leader, and education advocate whose leadership strengthened Windsor's Black community through enterprise and public service.
Canada's first Black woman ordained as a minister, remembered for her lifelong dedication to faith, education, and community service.
Business leader and community advocate whose leadership and service helped strengthen Windsor through entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and family legacy.
Journalist, educator, lawyer, and abolitionist who founded The Provincial Freeman and became one of North America's most influential voices for equality and justice.
Dentist, civic leader, and youth advocate whose commitment to public service helped shape Windsor through leadership, mentorship, and community development.
The Tower of Freedom Monument
The Final Steps to Freedom
The Tower of Freedom Monument stands along Windsor's riverfront overlooking Detroit. Created by renowned sculptor Ed Dwight and unveiled in 2001, it honours the courage, sacrifice, and hope of the thousands of enslaved African Americans who crossed the Detroit River in search of freedom through the Underground Railroad. It forms one half of the International Underground Railroad Memorial, with its sister monument, the Gateway to Freedom, located across the river in Detroit. Together, the two monuments tell one complete story the journey toward freedom and the moment of arrival.
Why Windsor?
For many freedom seekers, Windsor was more than a destination.
It represented:
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Safety
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Legal freedom
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The opportunity to reunite families
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The chance to build businesses
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The ability to worship freely
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The beginning of new communities
By the mid-1800s, thousands of Black refugees had crossed into Upper Canada through Windsor and Sandwich. Churches, schools, businesses, and neighbourhoods soon flourished because of these courageous individuals and the communities who welcomed them.
Understanding the Monument
Every figure within the monument tells part of the story.
The Two Women
The women represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives who survived the unimaginable hardships of slavery while protecting their families and carrying hope into an unknown future.
The Baby
The child symbolizes future generations born into freedom—children who would grow up never knowing slavery firsthand.
The Man
Standing with his arms raised toward heaven, the man expresses overwhelming gratitude, praise, and relief after reaching freedom. His posture reminds visitors that freedom was not simply political—it was deeply personal and often spiritual.
The Young Girl Looking Back
Perhaps the most emotional figure is the young girl standing on the opposite side of the monument.
Holding a rag doll, she looks back across the Detroit River toward the United States.
Her gaze reminds us that freedom did not erase loss.
Many freedom seekers left behind:
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parents
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spouses
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siblings
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friends
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entire communities
Her expression captures the complicated emotions of freedom—joy mixed with grief, hope mixed with longing. Even after reaching safety, many dreamed of returning one day to a country where slavery had ended so families could be reunited.
Looking Across the River
One of the most remarkable features of the Tower of Freedom is its location.
Standing beside the monument, visitors can see Detroit across the river.
Likewise, visitors at Detroit's Gateway to Freedom can see Windsor.
This intentional placement creates an invisible connection between the two sculptures.
One monument tells the story of waiting.
The other tells the story of arrival.
Together they remind us that freedom depended on countless courageous people working together across borders.
Symbols Hidden Within the Monument
Look closely and you will also find:
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A bronze Canadian flag
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The Flame of Freedom
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Names of local individuals who supported the Underground Railroad
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Important places connected to Windsor's Black history
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A granite tower standing over twenty-two feet high
Each element reminds visitors that freedom was achieved not only through individual bravery but also through communities willing to stand against injustice.
Questions to Think About
As you stand before the monument, consider:
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How would you feel if you had to leave everything behind for freedom?
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What might it have felt like to step onto Canadian soil for the first time?
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Why do you think the young girl is looking back instead of forward?
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What responsibilities do we have today to preserve these stories?
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What does freedom mean to you?
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Did You Know?
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The Tower of Freedom and Gateway to Freedom together form the International Underground Railroad Memorial.
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The monuments were created by celebrated sculptor Ed Dwight, the first African American selected for U.S. Air Force astronaut training, who later became an internationally recognized sculptor.
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The monument was donated to the City of Windsor in 2001.
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The Tower of Freedom stands on Windsor's Civic Esplanade overlooking the Detroit River, where thousands of freedom seekers completed one of the most dangerous journeys of their lives.
Learn More
If you'd like to continue exploring the history of the Tower of Freedom and the Underground Railroad, these resources provide photographs, historical context, and deeper research:
Windsor Arena ("The Barn")
More Than a Hockey Rink
For nearly a century, Windsor Arena stood as one of the city's most beloved gathering places. Known simply as "The Barn," it welcomed generations of families who came to cheer, celebrate, compete, and create lifelong memories.
Opened in 1925 (with construction beginning in 1924), the arena quickly became one of the most recognizable sports venues in Canada. Long before modern stadiums, thousands of fans packed its wooden stands to watch hockey games, boxing matches, concerts, circuses, and community events.
A Piece of Hockey History
One of the arena's greatest claims to fame is that it served as the temporary home of the Detroit Cougars, the NHL team that would later become today's Detroit Red Wings.
While Detroit's Olympia Stadium was being built, the Cougars crossed the river and played the 1926–27 NHL season in Windsor. This means one of hockey's "Original Six" franchises traces part of its early history to Windsor Arena.
Home of the Spitfires
For generations, Windsor Arena was home to the Windsor Spitfires.
Fans remember the building not for luxury, but for its atmosphere. The close seating, low roof, and passionate crowds earned it another nickname:
"The Madhouse on McDougall."
Opposing teams often spoke about how loud and intimidating it was to play inside The Barn.
Legends Played Here
Many famous hockey players stepped onto the ice inside Windsor Arena, including:
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Wayne Gretzky (1978 OHL All-Star Game)
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Grant Fuhr
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Doug Gilmour
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Dale Hawerchuk
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Joel Quenneville
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Eddie Mio
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Don Cherry, who began his hockey career here
These future Hall of Famers once skated on the same ice where local children dreamed of becoming hockey players themselves.
More Than Hockey
Although hockey made The Barn famous, it was truly a community gathering place.
Over the decades it hosted:
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Boxing matches
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Lacrosse games
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Live concerts
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Circuses
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School events
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Community celebrations
For many Windsor families, their first concert, first hockey game, or first community event happened inside these walls.
A Building Worth Saving?
Built using wood, steel, and impressive roof trusses, Windsor Arena became one of the oldest surviving arenas of its kind in North America.
Because of its historic importance, heritage organizations have advocated for its preservation. Discussions about its future have continued for years, with many community members hoping parts of the arena or its legacy can be protected for future generations.
Look Closely
While visiting the site, ask yourself:
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Can you imagine more than 7,000 people filling this space in 1925?
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Why do you think people called it "The Barn"?
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What architectural features made early arenas different from today's stadiums?
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Why might preserving places like this matter even after they are no longer used?
Think About It
Sports bring people together.
People of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds sat side by side cheering for the same team.
What does that teach us about community?
How do places like Windsor Arena become part of a city's identity?
If these walls could talk, what stories do you think they would tell?
Did You Know?
The arena officially opened on November 26, 1925, with more than 7,200 spectators attending the opening game.
The Detroit Cougars—later renamed the Detroit Red Wings—played here before moving into Detroit's Olympia Stadium.
The arena remained a major sports venue for more than 80 years, serving generations of Windsor athletes and fans.
It was affectionately known as The Barn because of its distinctive shape and unforgettable atmosphere.
Why This Stop Matters on the Passport to Freedom
At first glance, Windsor Arena may seem different from the other stops on the Passport to Freedom, which focus on Black history and the Underground Railroad. Yet it tells an important part of Windsor's broader story.
Communities are shaped not only by moments of struggle, but also by the places where people gather, celebrate, and build shared memories. The Barn became one of those places. Families from every neighbourhood came together here, creating connections that helped define Windsor's identity across generations.
By including Windsor Arena in the Passport to Freedom, we remember that history is woven from many kinds of stories—stories of perseverance, neighbourhood pride, sport, entertainment, and community.
Learn More
For visitors who want to explore the history of Windsor Arena further, these resources provide photographs, historical timelines, and preservation efforts:
Sandwich First Baptist Church
A Legacy of Faith, Freedom & Community
Long before it became a National Historic Site, Sandwich First Baptist Church was a place of hope.
For freedom seekers arriving in Canada through the Underground Railroad, this church represented something many had never experienced before:
A community waiting to welcome them.
Built in 1851 on land donated by the Crown, Sandwich First Baptist Church became one of the most important Black churches in Ontario. More than a place of worship, it served as a refuge, a community centre, a school, and a gathering place where families could begin rebuilding their lives after escaping slavery.
A Journey to Freedom
Crossing the Detroit River was not the end of the journey.
It was only the beginning.
Freedom seekers still needed:
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Food
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Shelter
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Friends
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Employment
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Education
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Spiritual encouragement
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A place where they truly belonged
Sandwich First Baptist Church became that place.
The congregation welcomed newly arrived families, offered assistance, and helped people establish new lives in Canada. It also became a center for anti-slavery meetings and community leadership.
Built by the Community
One of the most inspiring parts of the church's story is how it was built.
Every member contributed.
Some donated money.
Others donated labour.
Many helped make the bricks from local clay.
Rather than waiting for someone else to build their future, the community built it together—brick by brick.
Reverend Madison Lightfoot
The church's first pastor was Rev. Madison J. Lightfoot, an influential Black minister who helped establish Black Baptist congregations on both sides of the Detroit River.
Under his leadership, the church became much more than a Sunday gathering.
It became a center of education, leadership, faith, and resistance to slavery.
A Place of Courage
Local history tells us that freedom seekers sometimes hid inside the church while escaping slave catchers.
Although much of the Underground Railroad was intentionally kept secret, architectural features—including crawlspaces and a former trap door leading to the basement—have contributed to these stories and reflect the church's role in supporting those seeking freedom.
More Than a Church
Throughout the 1800s the church became the heart of Sandwich's Black community.
Here people found:
❤️ Faith
📖 Education
🤝 Friendship
🏠 Community
✊ Hope
It helped establish one of Ontario's earliest and strongest Black communities, whose descendants continue to shape Windsor today.
National Historic Site
The importance of Sandwich First Baptist Church extends far beyond Windsor.
The church was:
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Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1995
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Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1999
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Recognized because of its important role in serving Underground Railroad refugees and representing the many Black churches that once existed in border communities.
Look Closely
As you explore the church, notice:
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The handmade brick walls.
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The simple design, reflecting practicality rather than wealth.
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The Gothic-style windows.
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The modest size of the building.
Its beauty comes not from grand architecture but from the extraordinary history it holds.
Think About It
Imagine arriving in a new country with nothing but the clothes you were wearing.
How would it feel to hear church bells welcoming you?
Why do you think faith became so important for many freedom seekers?
If these walls could speak, what stories might they tell?
How can communities today create places where everyone feels they belong?
Did You Know?
The congregation began meeting in homes before building a small log church in 1847. The brick church you see today was completed in 1851.
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Sandwich First Baptist is one of the oldest continuously active Black churches in Canada.
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It is the only original Underground Railroad-era church built by a Black congregation that still stands within Windsor's city limits.
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The church helped form the Amherstburg Regular Missionary Baptist Association, an important organization in the growth of Black Baptist churches in Ontario.Explore the history of Sandwich First Baptist Church through these trusted resources:
Learn More
Explore the history of Sandwich First Baptist Church through these trusted resources:
Mercer Street School
Education: The Next Step Toward Freedom
For many freedom seekers who escaped slavery and settled in Windsor, freedom meant more than simply crossing the Detroit River.
It meant giving their children something that had often been denied to them:
An education.
Mercer Street School became one of the most important educational institutions in Windsor's historic McDougall Street Corridor. For more than fifty years, it served generations of children, many from Windsor's growing Black community, helping shape future teachers, business leaders, community advocates, and professionals.
Freedom Through Education
The founders of Windsor's Black community understood something powerful:
Education creates opportunity.
Many freedom seekers had risked everything so their children could learn to read, write, and build lives filled with possibilities.
Schools became places where children could dream beyond the limitations slavery had imposed on previous generations
Before Mercer Street School
The road to equal education was not easy.
During the mid-1800s, Ontario law allowed school boards to operate racially segregated schools. Black families often had to fight simply for access to quality education.
Before Mercer Street School, Black students attended the St. George Coloured School, one of Windsor's segregated public schools. Community members, including businessman James L. Dunn, challenged discrimination in education and helped lay the foundation for greater integration in Windsor's schools.
Opening Mercer Street School
Mercer Street School opened in 1891 in the heart of the McDougall Street Corridor.
Although public schools were officially integrated by this time, housing segregation and neighbourhood boundaries meant the school continued to serve a large number of Black children, along with many Jewish and Eastern European students living nearby.
The school became a reflection of Windsor's diverse downtown community.
Black Educators Making History
Mercer Street School was not only important because of its students.
It also became a place where Black educators could inspire the next generation.
Teachers such as:
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Ada Kelly Whitney
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Ann Smith Benson
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Eunice Hyatt Kersey
invested their knowledge, leadership, and encouragement into the children of the community.
Their work reminds us that representation matters. For many students, seeing teachers who looked like them showed that they, too, could become educators, leaders, and professionals.
More Than a School
Mercer Street School was part of a larger community.
Within walking distance were:
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Sandwich First Baptist Church
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Black-owned businesses
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Family homes
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Social halls
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Community organizations
Children didn't simply attend school here.
They grew up surrounded by a neighbourhood that believed in supporting one another.
A Community Changes
After serving Windsor for fifty-five years, tragedy struck.
In June 1946, a fire severely damaged Mercer Street School.
Rather than rebuilding it, officials permanently closed the school.
More than 200 students and six teachers were transferred to schools across the city. Later, the building served other community purposes before eventually being demolished. Today, the Brighton Court apartment complex occupies the site.
Education and Equality
Mercer Street School reminds us that equal access to education has never been automatic.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders worked tirelessly to ensure Black children received opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
Their efforts continue to inspire educators today.
Look Closely
As you stand here, imagine:
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Hundreds of children arriving each morning carrying books and lunches.
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Teachers welcoming students into classrooms filled with hope.
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Parents believing education would open doors that had once been closed to them.
Although the building is gone, the impact of the education received here continues through the lives of those students and their descendants.
Think About It
Imagine if going to school depended on the colour of your skin.
How would that affect your dreams?
Why is education often called the "great equalizer"?
Who are the teachers that have changed your life?
How can we ensure every child today has the opportunity to learn and succeed?
Why This Stop Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Underground Railroad brought people to freedom.
Schools like Mercer Street helped transform that freedom into opportunity.
Here, children learned to read, think, create, and lead. Parents who had once been denied opportunities watched their sons and daughters receive an education that could change the course of their families' futures.
Mercer Street School reminds us that freedom is not only the absence of oppression—it is the presence of opportunity.
Learn More
To explore the history of Mercer Street School and the McDougall Street Corridor, visit these resources:
Dr. Perry & Dr. Taylor Offices
A Legacy of Health, Service & Community
Standing in Windsor's historic McDougall Street Corridor, this building represents more than a medical office.
It symbolizes generations of perseverance, education, and service.
Within these walls, Dr. Roy Perry and Dr. Henry Taylor cared for patients at a time when Black physicians were still rare in Canada. Their practices became places of healing, trust, and hope for families throughout Windsor and Essex County.
Building on a Legacy
The story of Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor began long before either man earned a medical degree.
It began with freedom seekers who crossed the Detroit River seeking a better life.
They built churches.
They established schools.
They opened businesses.
They believed their children deserved opportunities they themselves had been denied.
Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor became living examples of those dreams fulfilled.
Dr. Roy Perry
Dr. Roy Perry devoted his career to caring for the Windsor community while serving as an important role model for future generations.
His work extended beyond medicine.
He demonstrated that education, determination, and compassion could overcome barriers and open doors for others.
For many young people growing up in Windsor's Black community, seeing a successful Black physician inspired them to imagine new possibilities for their own futures.
Dr. Henry Taylor
Working alongside Dr. Perry, Dr. Henry Taylor also dedicated his life to serving the community through medicine.
Together, the two physicians became trusted healthcare providers whose offices welcomed patients from many different backgrounds.
Their commitment reminds us that healthcare is about more than treating illness—it is about caring for people with dignity and respect.
More Than a Medical Office
These offices became an important part of the McDougall Street Corridor.
Patients came seeking:
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Medical care
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Advice
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Comfort
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Encouragement
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Hope
For many families, these doctors were trusted members of the community who celebrated births, cared for children, and supported families through life's greatest joys and challenges.
A Community of Leaders
The success of Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor reflected a larger story unfolding across Windsor.
Within just a few blocks stood:
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Sandwich First Baptist Church
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Mercer Street School
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Black-owned businesses
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Community organizations
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Family homes
Together they formed a neighbourhood where education, faith, entrepreneurship, and public service flourished.
A Community of Leaders
The success of Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor reflected a larger story unfolding across Windsor.
Within just a few blocks stood:
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Sandwich First Baptist Church
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Mercer Street School
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Black-owned businesses
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Community organizations
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Family homes
Together they formed a neighbourhood where education, faith, entrepreneurship, and public service flourished.
Look Closely
As you look at this building, imagine:
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Families arriving for appointments.
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Children proudly saying, "My doctor looks like me."
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Two physicians serving a community that trusted them not only as doctors, but as neighbours.
Buildings like this remind us that history is often made in ordinary places through extraordinary people.
Think About It
Why is representation in professions like medicine important?
How might seeing someone who shares your background inspire your own dreams?
In what ways do doctors contribute to the strength of a community beyond treating illness?
How can we honour people whose service quietly changed countless lives?
Did You Know?
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Black physicians in the early and mid-20th century often overcame significant barriers to education, licensing, and professional opportunities.
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Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor became respected community leaders whose work extended far beyond their medical practice.
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Their offices stand as a reminder that Windsor's Black history includes not only stories of freedom seekers but also generations of professionals who helped build the city through service, leadership, and compassion.
Why This Stop Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Every stop on the Passport to Freedom tells part of a larger story.
The Tower of Freedom reminds us of arrival.
Sandwich First Baptist Church reminds us of belonging.
Mercer Street School reminds us of education.
Dr. Perry and Dr. Taylor's offices remind us of achievement through service.
The dreams of those who escaped slavery did not end when they crossed the river. Those dreams continued in classrooms, churches, businesses, and medical offices like this one, where future generations transformed opportunity into lasting contributions to Windsor.
Learn More
To learn more about the history of Windsor's Black community and the McDougall Street Corridor, explore:
Walker House Hotel
A Historic Landmark in Windsor's Black Community
Standing at the corner of McDougall Street and University Avenue in the heart of Windsor's historic Black community, the Walker House Hotel was far more than a hotel.
It was a place of safety.
A place of welcome.
A place where travelers, freedom seekers, families, community leaders, and activists found dignity during a time when discrimination often denied Black people equal access to public accommodations.
For decades, the Walker House stood as one of Windsor's premier Black-owned businesses and became one of the anchors of the McDougall Street Corridor.
A Safe Place to Stay
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, many hotels refused to serve Black travellers.
Whether journeying for work, family, education, or community events, finding safe lodging could be difficult.
The Walker House changed that.
Owned first by Edward Walker, and later by brothers George and John Alexander Smith, the hotel welcomed Black travellers from both Canada and the United States, offering comfortable accommodations, meals, and a place where guests were treated with dignity and respect. The Walker family operated the hotel for more than twenty years, and the Smith brothers continued its legacy for another fifty-five years.
More Than a Hotel
The Walker House quickly became much more than a business.
It became a community gathering place.
Within its walls people:
Shared meals
Celebrated milestones
Held meetings
Planned community initiatives
Organized political gatherings
Built lifelong friendships
The hotel served as an important meeting place for Black organizations and civic leaders, helping strengthen the close-knit McDougall Street community.
The Heart of a Thriving Community
The Walker House stood in the centre of a remarkable neighbourhood.
Within just a few blocks visitors could find:
Sandwich First Baptist Church
Mercer Street School
Doctors' offices
Black-owned businesses
Social halls
Barbershops
Restaurants
This wasn't simply a hotel—it was part of an entire community built by freedom seekers and their descendants who created opportunities when discrimination limited access elsewhere.
A Legacy Lost to Urban Renewal
Like many important landmarks in the McDougall Street Corridor, the Walker House did not disappear because it had lost its importance.
In 1961, the hotel was expropriated and demolished during Windsor's urban renewal program.
The city sought to modernize the downtown core, but the redevelopment also erased many of the neighbourhood's historic Black homes, businesses, churches, and gathering places.
Today, the Walker House no longer stands, but its story remains an essential part of Windsor's history.
A Symbol of Resilience
The Walker House reminds us that freedom was about more than escaping slavery.
It was also about creating places where Black families could:
Build businesses
Welcome visitors
Earn a living
Support one another
Create lasting institutions
The hotel stands as a symbol of entrepreneurship, hospitality, and community leadership.
Look Closely
As you stand here, imagine:
Families arriving after long journeys.
Travellers sharing stories from across Canada and the United States.
Community leaders gathering around tables to discuss the future.
Music, laughter, and conversation filling the rooms.
Although the building is gone, the stories it held continue to shape Windsor's history.
Think About It
Why was a Black-owned hotel so important during this period?
What does it mean to create a place where everyone is welcomed with dignity?
How do local businesses strengthen a community?
What places in your own community make people feel they belong?
Did You Know?
The Walker House was built in the mid-1880s at the corner of McDougall Street and University Avenue.
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Edward Walker, a Black merchant, founded the hotel, and later George and John Alexander Smith operated it for more than five decades.
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The hotel provided safe accommodations for Black travelers at a time when segregation and discrimination often limited where they could stay.
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The building was demolished in 1961 during Windsor's urban renewal program, along with many other historic landmarks in the McDougall Street Corridor.
Why This Stop Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Walker House tells the story of hospitality and belonging.
Freedom seekers crossed the Detroit River hoping for safety.
The Walker House ensured that visitors and community members alike could find not only shelter, but dignity, friendship, and welcome.
Its story reminds us that communities are built through everyday acts of service—opening a door, offering a meal, providing a safe bed, and creating spaces where everyone is valued.
Learn More
Explore the history of the Walker House and Windsor's historic Black business district:
Harriet Tubman
"The Moses of Her People"
Few people in history embody courage the way Harriet Tubman does.
Born into slavery as Araminta "Minty" Ross in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, she endured violence, forced labour, and hardship from an early age. As a young girl, she suffered a severe head injury while protecting another enslaved person, an injury that affected her health for the rest of her life. Yet she never allowed it to define her.
Choosing Freedom
In 1849, Harriet made one of the bravest decisions imaginable.
She escaped slavery alone.
Travelling mostly at night and guided by the North Star and a network of abolitionists, she reached freedom in Philadelphia.
But once she was safe, she realized something profound.
Freedom meant little if her family and others remained enslaved.
She later said she had only two choices:
"Liberty or death."
She chose liberty—not only for herself, but for countless others.
The Underground Railroad
Harriet Tubman became one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad.
Between 1850 and 1860, she repeatedly returned to the American South, risking capture each time.
Armed with extraordinary determination, careful planning, and an unwavering faith in God, she guided approximately 70 enslaved people, including members of her own family, to freedom.
She famously declared:
"I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger."
Why Canada Became Home
Everything changed in 1850 with the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act.
This law allowed freedom seekers to be captured even in free Northern states and returned to slavery.
For that reason, many people Harriet rescued continued beyond the northern United States into Canada, where slavery had been abolished throughout the British Empire in 1834.
For nearly a decade, Harriet Tubman lived in St. Catharines, Ontario, using the city as her base while organizing rescue missions and supporting newly arrived freedom seekers. From there, she made numerous journeys back into the United States to guide others to safety.
A Woman of Faith
Harriet often spoke of her deep faith.
She believed God guided her throughout every dangerous journey.
Her courage was rooted not only in determination but also in her conviction that every person deserved the God-given right to live in freedom.
This faith earned her the nickname:
"Moses."
Like the biblical Moses, Harriet led people out of bondage toward freedom.
Beyond the Underground Railroad
Harriet's work did not end with the Civil War.
She became:
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A nurse caring for wounded soldiers.
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A scout and spy for the Union Army.
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The first woman known to lead an armed U.S. military expedition, helping liberate more than 700 enslaved people during the Combahee River Raid.
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An advocate for women's voting rights.
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A humanitarian who established a home for elderly African Americans.
Harriet Tubman and Canada
Canada was more than a destination.
It became a place where Harriet built friendships, worshipped, worked alongside abolitionists, and organized missions that changed hundreds of lives.
Today, her legacy is remembered throughout Ontario, especially in St. Catharines, where she lived for nearly ten years and where her work continues to be celebrated
Look Closely
As you stand before Harriet Tubman's portrait, think about:
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She was only about 4 feet 11 inches tall.
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She could not read or write.
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She lived with the effects of a traumatic brain injury.
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Despite enormous danger, she repeatedly returned to rescue others.
Her greatest strength was not physical—it was her courage.
Think About It
If you had finally reached safety, would you risk everything to go back for someone else?
What gives a person the courage to stand against injustice?
Who are the "Harriet Tubmans" in our communities today—people who quietly help others even when it is difficult?
What responsibilities come with freedom?
Did You Know?
Harriet Tubman's birth name was Araminta Ross. She later adopted the name Harriet after her mother.
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She is believed to have made about 13 rescue missions, leading approximately 70 people to freedom while helping many others through guidance and planning.
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She lived in St. Catharines, Ontario, for nearly ten years, making Canada an important part of her life and work.
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Harriet Tubman devoted her entire life to serving others—as an abolitionist, Civil War scout, nurse, humanitarian, and advocate for women's rights.
Why Harriet Tubman Matters on the Passport to
Harriet Tubman reminds us that freedom is not only something we receive—it is something we help others achieve.
She crossed rivers, forests, swamps, and borders so that families could be reunited and children could grow up free.
Her story connects every stop on the Passport to Freedom.
The Tower of Freedom represents arrival.
Sandwich First Baptist Church represents belonging.
Mercer Street School represents education.
Walker House represents community.
Harriet Tubman represents the courage that made all of those stories possible.
Learn More
For visitors who want to explore Harriet Tubman's remarkable life, these resources provide biographies, educational materials, and historical context:
Josiah Henson
Josiah Henson was born into slavery on June 15, 1789, in Charles County, Maryland. As a child, he witnessed the violence and cruelty inflicted on enslaved families, including the separation of members of his own family. He later endured years of forced labour and abuse while being denied control over his own life.
Yet Josiah Henson refused to allow slavery to destroy his faith, dignity, or hope.
His life became a powerful example of what one person could accomplish after gaining freedom—not only for himself, but for an entire community.
The Journey to Freedom
Josiah worked for years under the belief that he might eventually be permitted to purchase his freedom. After promises made to him were broken, he realized that remaining in the United States placed both him and his family in danger.
In 1830, Josiah, his wife Nancy, and their children escaped north through the Underground Railroad and reached Upper Canada, now Ontario.
Crossing into Canada meant more than arriving in a new country.
It meant that, for the first time, Josiah could legally live as a free man and protect his family from enslavement.
“I’ll Use My Freedom Well”
Josiah believed freedom carried a responsibility.
He reportedly promised:
“I’ll use my freedom well.”
He kept that promise throughout the rest of his life.
Rather than focusing only on his own safety and success, Josiah began helping other freedom seekers adjust to life in Canada. He became a minister, abolitionist, author, public speaker, educator, businessman, and community leader.
Building the Dawn Settlement
In the 1840s, Josiah helped establish the Dawn Settlement near present-day Dresden, Ontario.
The settlement was created as a place where freedom seekers could build independent lives through education, agriculture, skilled trades, faith, and cooperation.
At its height, the Dawn community included:
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Homes and farmland
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A church
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A sawmill and gristmill
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Businesses and workshops
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The British-American Institute
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Training in trades and practical skills
The settlement offered newly arrived families more than shelter. It gave them the tools needed to earn a living, educate their children, and build a permanent community.
Education as a Path to Independence
Josiah understood that freedom without opportunity could remain fragile.
That is why education became central to the Dawn Settlement.
The British-American Institute provided academic learning and practical training. Students could study while also developing skills in farming, carpentry, milling, and other trades.
The goal was not charity.
It was independence.
Josiah wanted Black families to have the knowledge and skills needed to support themselves, build businesses, and shape their own futures.
A Spiritual Leader
Faith remained at the centre of Josiah Henson’s life.
He became a Methodist preacher and spiritual leader who encouraged people to believe that slavery did not determine their worth.
His ministry offered hope to people carrying the pain of violence, family separation, displacement, and discrimination.
Like Harriet Tubman, Josiah believed that freedom was connected to faith, courage, and service to others.
Author and Abolitionist
Josiah published the story of his life in 1849.
His autobiography described the realities of slavery, his escape to Canada, and his work within the abolitionist movement. It helped readers understand slavery through the testimony of someone who had personally endured it.
His story became internationally known and is widely associated with Harriet Beecher Stowe’s anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. However, Josiah Henson was far more than a literary inspiration.
He was a real man with his own voice, achievements, family, leadership, and legacy. Today, historians and heritage organizations increasingly centre his name rather than defining him through a fictional character.
A Voice Heard Around the World
Josiah travelled throughout Canada, the United States, and Britain speaking against slavery and raising support for the Dawn Settlement.
In 1851, he attended the Great Exhibition in London, England, where products from the settlement were displayed. His travels allowed him to share the accomplishments of Black Canadians and challenge racist beliefs about the abilities of formerly enslaved people.
His life demonstrated that when people were given freedom and opportunity, they could build institutions, educate families, create businesses, and lead communities.
The Josiah Henson Museum
Today, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History stands on part of the former Dawn Settlement near Dresden, Ontario.
The museum preserves and interprets Josiah’s life, the history of the Underground Railroad, slavery, abolition, and the experiences of Black settlers in Canada.
Visitors can explore historical buildings, artifacts, books, exhibits, videos, and stories connected to the settlement and the wider Black Canadian experience.
In 2022, the site was renamed the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History. The change placed Josiah’s own identity and accomplishments at the centre of the story rather than continuing to identify the site primarily through a fictional character.
Look Closely
As you study Josiah Henson’s story, notice the many forms his leadership took.
He did not lead only through speeches.
He led by:
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Protecting his family
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Helping freedom seekers
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Teaching practical skills
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Building institutions
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Preaching faith and hope
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Sharing his testimony
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Creating opportunities for future generations
His life reminds us that leadership can mean building something that others will benefit from long after we are gone.
Think About It
What does it mean to “use freedom well”?
Why did Josiah believe education and skilled trades were necessary for independence?
How can one person’s freedom be used to create opportunities for others?
What institutions should communities build today to help future generations thrive?
Did You Know?
Josiah Henson was born in 1789 and escaped to Upper Canada with his family in 1830.
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He helped establish the Dawn Settlement, which became an important refuge and community for people escaping slavery.
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The settlement included the British-American Institute, which emphasized education and practical skills.
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Josiah published an autobiography describing slavery, escape, faith, and community-building.
-
He travelled internationally as an abolitionist and speaker.
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His legacy is preserved at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in Dresden, Ontario.
Why Josiah Henson Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Harriet Tubman teaches us the courage required to pursue freedom.
Josiah Henson teaches us what can be built once freedom is reached.
He did not view Canada only as a place of escape. He viewed it as a place where Black families could establish schools, farms, businesses, churches, and institutions of their own.
His story reminds us that freedom is not simply crossing a border.
Freedom is being able to protect your family.
Freedom is learning.
Freedom is ownership.
Freedom is leadership.
Freedom is having the power to build something for the next generation.
Josiah Henson used his freedom to help others become free, independent, and hopeful.
Learn More
George "Kirk" Scott
Breaking Barriers On and Off the Ice
"If you don't see a path, become the one who creates it."
George "Kirk" Scott was born in Windsor, Ontario, on March 31, 1941.
Growing up, he attended a segregated school in Harrow, Ontario, where he later reflected that his childhood was often marked by confusion and loneliness. Despite those challenges, he discovered a passion that would shape the rest of his life: hockey.
Discovering Hockey
In 1953, a young Kirk spent time around Windsor Arena.
One day he offered to help a man carrying hockey equipment.
That simple act changed his life.
The man hired him as a stick boy, and Kirk suddenly found himself surrounded by National Hockey League players preparing for a game.
Watching them sparked a dream.
Although he saw almost no Black players on the ice, he decided hockey would become his passion.
Breaking Barriers
Kirk began playing organized hockey during the 1954–1955 season with the Windsor Minor Hockey Association.
His team captured the league championship.
The following year he joined Patterson Collegiate as its only Black hockey player.
Rather than allowing prejudice to discourage him, Kirk became determined to prove that Black athletes belonged in Canada's national sport.
His goal was simple:
To show the world that Black players possessed the same talent, determination, and love for hockey as anyone else.
Courage Through Adversity
As Kirk advanced through competitive hockey, he regularly encountered racism and discrimination.
Instead of walking away from the game he loved, he continued to compete with determination and resilience.
During the 1960–1961 season, Kirk played alongside Mel Carter and Ronald "Pud" Smith Jr., making their team one of the few in hockey history at that time to feature three Black players together.
Chasing the NHL Dream
Kirk's dedication eventually earned him a tryout with the Detroit Red Wings in 1972.
Although he ultimately did not earn a roster spot, he later explained that his size made it difficult to compete at the NHL level.
Even without reaching the NHL, his perseverance helped challenge stereotypes about who belonged in hockey.
A Coach and Mentor
Kirk's influence extended far beyond his playing career.
While supporting his family through several jobs, he also coached young athletes at Windsor Arena.
He later coached both the Windsor Spitfires and the Plymouth Whalers, helping develop future generations of hockey players.
His dedication to teaching and mentoring earned him induction into the International Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame in Detroit.
Preserving Black Hockey History
After his coaching career, Kirk focused on another mission:
Ensuring that the history of Black athletes would not be forgotten.
He authored the book Half In Half Out, sharing both his own experiences and the broader history of Black athletes in Canada and the United States.
Kirk often explained that the book wasn't written only for the Black community—it belonged to everyone.
His hope was that future generations would understand the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black athletes to Canadian sport.
A Windsor Legacy
George "Kirk" Scott represents more than athletic achievement.
He represents perseverance.
He represents mentorship.
He represents courage.
Through decades of playing, coaching, teaching, and preserving history, he helped ensure that future generations of Black hockey players would see greater opportunities than those available when he first stepped onto the ice.
Today, his story is preserved through the University of Windsor's "Telling the Stories of Race and Sport in Canada" project, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire young athletes and historians alike.
Look Closely
Imagine standing inside Windsor Arena in the 1950s.
A young Black boy watches NHL players preparing for a game.
He doesn't see anyone who looks like him.
Instead of giving up on his dream...
He decides to become the person others will one day look up to.
Think About It
How important is it to see someone who looks like you succeeding in a sport or profession?
What obstacles did George "Kirk" Scott have to overcome that had nothing to do with hockey?
How can coaches and mentors change a young person's life?
What responsibility do we have to preserve the stories of local heroes?
Did You Know?
George "Kirk" Scott was born in Windsor in 1941.
🏒 He began his hockey journey as a stick boy at Windsor Arena after offering to carry hockey bags for a player.
🏒 He was the only Black player on his Patterson Collegiate hockey team.
🏒 He earned a tryout with the Detroit Red Wings in 1972.
🏒 He later coached the Windsor Spitfires and Plymouth Whalers and was inducted into the International Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame.
🏒 He wrote Half In Half Out, helping preserve the history of Black athletes in hockey.
Why George "Kirk" Scott Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Every stop on the Passport to Freedom shows what became possible because previous generations fought for freedom.
George "Kirk" Scott represents a generation that continued breaking barriers in new ways.
His story reminds us that the struggle for equality did not end with the Underground Railroad. It continued in classrooms, workplaces, neighbourhoods—and on the ice.
By refusing to let discrimination define his future, Kirk Scott opened doors for those who came after him.
His legacy reminds us that history is not only made by famous national figures. Sometimes it is made by local heroes whose courage changes an entire community.
Learn More
Fred Thomas
"Talent opened the door. Character left the legacy."
Born in Windsor, Ontario, on December 26, 1923, Fred Thomas grew up in the historic McDougall Street community, where Black families built churches, businesses, schools, and strong neighbourhoods despite the barriers of discrimination. He attended Mercer Street Public School before going on to Patterson Collegiate Institute, where his extraordinary athletic ability quickly became apparent.
Fred wasn't simply good at one sport.
He became one of Canada's greatest multi-sport athletes, excelling in basketball, baseball, football, track and field, and softball. Yet because he competed during an era of racial discrimination, his remarkable accomplishments were not widely recognized for many years.
A Champion Begins in Windsor
As a student at Patterson Collegiate Institute, Fred helped lead his school to the All-Ontario Basketball Championship.
After graduating in 1943, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Once the RCAF removed its racial restrictions, Fred became one of the first Black Canadians to earn his fighter pilot wings during the Second World War.
After the war, he returned home and enrolled at Assumption College (now the University of Windsor).
There, he would make sports history.
A Basketball Legend
Fred Thomas dominated college basketball.
During his four seasons at Assumption College, he scored 2,059 career points, becoming the first player in the school's history to surpass 2,000 points—a record that still stands as one of the university's greatest athletic achievements.
In 1945, he helped lead Assumption College to an incredible 49–45 victory over the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, one of the strongest basketball teams of the era.
A 1950 Canadian Press poll ranked Fred as the second greatest Canadian basketball player of the first half of the twentieth century
Breaking Baseball's Colour Barrier
Fred also became a trailblazer in baseball.
In 1948, he signed with the Wilkes-Barre Barons, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland organization.
By taking the field, he became the first Black player to compete in the professional Eastern League, helping break another racial barrier in North American sports.
He later starred in Ontario's Intercounty Baseball League, winning the 1951 batting championship with the Kitchener Panthers and earning recognition as one of Canada's finest baseball players.
Football and Beyond
Fred's talents didn't stop there.
In 1949, he became the first Black Canadian and only the second Black athlete to play for the Toronto Argonauts.
Few athletes in Canadian history have competed professionally in basketball, baseball, and football. Fred Thomas accomplished all three.
A Teacher Who Inspired Others
When a knee injury ended his professional sports career, Fred chose another way to make a difference.
He became a mathematics and physical education teacher in Toronto.
Students remembered him not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his kindness, humility, and encouragement.
He believed success was measured not only by trophies but by the positive impact a person had on others.
A Legacy Finally Recognized
Although many of Fred's accomplishments were overlooked during his lifetime, history has begun to recognize his extraordinary contributions.
Today he has been inducted into:
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Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame
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University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame
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Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame
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Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame
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Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
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Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (Order of Sport)
A Windsor park now proudly bears his name: Fred Thomas Park.
Look Closely
Imagine being told that you didn't belong because of the colour of your skin.
Now imagine becoming one of the best athletes in the country anyway.
Fred Thomas answered prejudice not with anger—but with excellence.
Think About It
How do determination and hard work help people overcome barriers?
Why is it important to celebrate local heroes alongside famous national figures?
What can young people learn from someone who succeeded in so many different areas?
How can one person's quiet determination inspire generations?
Did You Know?
Fred Thomas led Assumption College to a victory over the Harlem Globetrotters in 1945.
⚾ He became the first Black player in the professional Eastern League in 1948.
🏈 He was the first Black Canadian to play for the Toronto Argonauts.
✈️ Before becoming a professional athlete, he earned his wings as one of the first Black Canadian fighter pilots in the Royal Canadian Air Force after racial restrictions were lifted.
🏆 In 2024, he received one of Canada's highest sporting honours with induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Why Fred Thomas Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom tells the story of what became possible because generations before us fought for liberty.
Fred Thomas represents the dreams those generations hoped their children would one day achieve.
A boy raised in Windsor's historic Black community became a fighter pilot, a record-setting university athlete, a professional baseball player, a professional football player, a professional basketball player, a teacher, and a role model.
His story reminds us that freedom creates opportunity—but courage, perseverance, and character determine what we do with it.
Fred Thomas proved that greatness is not measured by how many barriers stand in your way, but by the determination to keep moving forward despite them.
Learn More
James L. Dunn
A Voice for Equality in Windsor
James Lewellyn Dunn was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, in 1848. His parents had survived slavery and reached Canada through the Underground Railroad, making his life part of the next chapter of the freedom story: what Black families built after arriving in Canada.
James became a successful businessman, community leader, school trustee, and elected municipal representative. At a time when Black residents faced discrimination in education, employment, housing, and public life, he used his position to challenge injustice and create opportunities for future generations.
From Freedom Seekers to Community Builders
James was the son of parents who had escaped slavery.
Their journey to freedom gave him opportunities that had been denied to earlier generations, but equality was still far from complete. Black Canadians continued to encounter segregation and exclusion, especially within the school system.
James understood that reaching Canada was only the beginning.
True freedom also required:
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Education
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Employment
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Political representation
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Business ownership
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Equal treatment under public institutions
His life became dedicated to advancing those opportunities.
A Successful Black Businessman
As a young adult, James worked as a manager at the Paint and Varnish Company.
In 1867, he purchased the business and renamed it the J. L. Dunn Paint and Varnish Company. The company later became the Standard Paint and Varnish Company.
Owning a successful company during the nineteenth century was an extraordinary accomplishment for a Black Canadian businessman.
James demonstrated that Black residents were not simply seeking acceptance within Windsor. They were actively building businesses, employing people, contributing to the economy, and helping shape the city.
Fighting School Segregation
One of James L. Dunn’s most important contributions was his work to challenge racial segregation in Windsor’s schools.
During this period, Black children could be excluded from certain schools or directed toward segregated educational spaces. James believed every child deserved equal access to public education.
He served as a trustee on the Windsor Board of Education and worked toward the desegregation of the city’s school system.
His advocacy was especially meaningful because education had been denied to many enslaved people, including the generations before him.
By fighting for integrated schools, James helped ensure that Black children would have opportunities their ancestors had been forbidden to receive.
Windsor’s First Black Alderman
James also entered municipal politics.
He became Windsor’s first Black alderman, making him one of the earliest African Canadian elected officials in the city’s history. He also served as the first Black trustee on the Windsor Board of Education.
His election challenged assumptions about who could represent the public and participate in government.
James used public office not simply as a personal achievement, but as a way to advocate for fairness and inclusion.
His presence at the decision-making table meant that the experiences and concerns of Windsor’s Black community could no longer be ignored as easily.
Education as Freedom
James L. Dunn understood that freedom was incomplete when children were denied equal education.
For families whose ancestors had risked their lives to escape slavery, education represented something deeply meaningful:
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The ability to read and write
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The freedom to make choices
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The opportunity to enter a profession
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The power to understand and defend one’s rights
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The chance to build a better future
His fight against school segregation was therefore not just about where children sat in a classroom.
It was about whether Black children would be treated as full and equal members of society.
A School Carrying His Name
In 2020, trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board unanimously voted to name a new school after James L. Dunn. Community advocates supported the decision because of his legacy as a businessman, school trustee, elected representative, and opponent of segregation.
The James L. Dunn Public School opened on Mercer Street for the 2022–2023 school year in the former International Playing Card factory.
The location is especially meaningful.
Mercer Street was at the heart of Windsor’s historic Black community and stood near the former Mercer Street School, where generations of local children were educated.
Today, children entering James L. Dunn Public School walk into a building bearing the name of a man who fought so that students of every race could learn together.
More Than a Name
Naming a school after James L. Dunn does more than honour one individual.
It introduces thousands of children and families to a part of Windsor’s history that was often overlooked.
Each time someone asks, “Who was James L. Dunn?” another door opens to learning about:
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The Underground Railroad
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Black settlement in Windsor
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Segregated education in Ontario
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Black-owned businesses
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Municipal leadership
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The long struggle for racial equality
His name transforms the school itself into a place of remembrance.
Think About It
Why was equal access to education so important to James L. Dunn?
How can representation in government help a community?
Why does it matter whose names appear on schools and public buildings?
What responsibilities do elected leaders have when they see unfair treatment?
How can young people continue James L. Dunn’s work for equality today?
Did You Know?
🏫 James L. Dunn worked to end segregation within Windsor’s school system.
🏛️ He became Windsor’s first Black alderman and its first Black school board trustee.
🎨 He owned the J. L. Dunn Paint and Varnish Company, which later became the Standard Paint and Varnish Company.
🚂 He was the son of Underground Railroad survivors.
📚 A Windsor public school now carries his name, preserving his legacy for future generations.
Why James L. Dunn Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Think about the journey represented by James L. Dunn’s life.
His parents escaped slavery.
Their son became:
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A business owner
-
A school board trustee
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An elected alderman
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An advocate for integrated education
In a single generation, one family moved from enslavement to public leadership.
That does not mean discrimination disappeared.
It means they refused to allow discrimination to determine what future generations could become.
Reverend Mabel Adeline "Addie" Aylestock
Answering God's Call
"God calls us by our faithfulness, not by the barriers others place before us."
Mabel Adeline "Addie" Aylestock was born on September 8, 1909, in Glen Allan, Ontario. She was the eldest of eight children and descended from Black settlers whose families had escaped slavery in the United States and established new lives in Ontario's historic Queen's Bush settlement.
Growing up, Addie believed that God had called her to become a minister. At the time, however, this seemed impossible. Few women were permitted to lead churches, and opportunities for Black women were even more limited. Despite these obstacles, she never abandoned her calling.
A Dream Bigger Than the Obstacles
As a young woman, Addie moved to Toronto during the Great Depression in search of work.
Like many Black women of her generation, she found employment as a domestic worker, cooking and cleaning in private homes because few other opportunities were available. Even while working long hours, she remained active in her church and continued preparing for ministry.
She enrolled at Toronto Bible College (now Tyndale University), graduating in 1945. Although she dreamed of becoming a missionary in Liberia, God led her to serve Black communities across Canada instead.
Serving Before Recognition
After graduating, Addie became a deaconess in the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church.
Her first assignment took her to Africville, Nova Scotia, a historic Black community whose residents persevered despite difficult living conditions and unequal treatment. She later served congregations in Montreal and Toronto, faithfully carrying out many of the same responsibilities as ordained ministers.
Yet there was one obstacle she could not overcome through hard work alone.
She still could not be ordained because she was a woman.
Breaking a Historic Barrier
Church leaders recognized Addie's gifts for leadership, preaching, and pastoral care.
In 1951, the British Methodist Episcopal Church changed its rules, and Addie Aylestock became the first woman ordained in the BME Church and the first Black woman ordained as a minister in Canada.
This was a landmark moment in Canadian history.
Her ordination opened doors for future generations of women who felt called to ministry.
A Lifetime of Service
Over the next several decades, Rev. Aylestock faithfully served congregations throughout Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, including North Buxton, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Owen Sound, St. Catharines, Montreal, and Halifax. From 1958 to 1982, she also served as General Secretary of the British Methodist Episcopal Conference, helping guide the denomination across Canada.
She became known not only for her preaching, but also for her compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.
A Legacy That Lives On
Rev. Addie Aylestock passed away in 1998 at the age of 88.
Her influence continues today.
In 2022, Tyndale University honoured her with its first Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her extraordinary Christian witness and her role in paving the way for generations of Black Canadian women in ministry.
Her story reminds us that true leadership often begins long before recognition arrives.
Look Closely
Think about the barriers Addie faced.
She was:
-
A woman in a time when women rarely led churches.
-
A Black Canadian living during an era of widespread discrimination.
-
Someone who never stopped serving, even when she was denied the title she had earned.
Instead of giving up, she continued to follow her calling until the barriers changed.
Think About It
Why is it important to remain faithful to your calling, even when others say you cannot succeed?
How can one person's courage create opportunities for future generations?
What qualities make a good spiritual leader?
How can faith help people overcome injustice?
Did You Know?
⛪ Rev. Addie Aylestock became the first Black woman ordained as a minister in Canada in 1951.
📖 She graduated from Toronto Bible College (now Tyndale University) in 1945.
🌍 She served Black communities across Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, including the historic community of Africville.
🏆 In 2022, Tyndale University posthumously honoured her with its first Distinguished Service Award.
Why Rev. Addie Aylestock Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom tells the story of people who crossed borders in search of liberty.
Rev. Addie Aylestock reminds us that freedom also means having the opportunity to answer God's call and serve others with courage.
She did not seek recognition or power.
She simply remained faithful.
Her life opened doors for women in ministry, strengthened Black communities across Canada, and demonstrated that leadership is measured not by titles, but by service.
Rev. Addie Aylestock showed that faith, perseverance, and courage can change history—one life, one congregation, and one generation at a time.
Walter Perry
"A community that remembers its history builds a stronger future."
Walter Perry was born in 1899 and became one of Windsor's most influential community leaders. Although he was an accomplished athlete in his youth, he is remembered most for ensuring that the story of emancipation would never be forgotten. Through his vision and determination, he transformed Windsor into one of the most important places in North America to celebrate Emancipation Day.
Because of his lifelong dedication, people came to know him simply as "Mr. Emancipation."
Keeping History Alive
On August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished throughout most of the British Empire.
Nearly one hundred years later, Walter Perry believed that this historic achievement deserved to be remembered every year—not only by Black Canadians, but by everyone.
Beginning in 1932, he organized annual Emancipation Day celebrations in Windsor that honoured the courage of those who had endured slavery and celebrated the achievements of generations who followed.
"The Greatest Freedom Show on Earth"
Under Walter Perry's leadership, Windsor's Emancipation Day celebration grew into one of the largest Black cultural festivals in North America.
For several days each summer, the city came alive with:
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Parades
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Marching bands
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Concerts
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Community gatherings
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Sporting events
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Educational programs
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Family activities
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Talent competitions
People travelled from across Canada and the United States to take part.
At its height, tens of thousands of visitors attended each year, making it one of Windsor's most celebrated annual traditions.
Bringing Great Leaders to Windsor
Walter Perry believed that young people should have the opportunity to hear from inspiring leaders.
Through his remarkable network of connections, he invited many internationally known guests to Windsor's Emancipation Day celebrations, including:
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Mary McLeod Bethune
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Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth
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Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
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Jesse Owens
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W. C. Handy
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Diana Ross and The Supremes
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Stevie Wonder (before he became internationally famous)
These visits connected Windsor to the wider Civil Rights Movement and made the city an important gathering place for Black history, culture, and leadership.
More Than Entertainment
Walter Perry understood that celebrations could also educate.
The Emancipation Day events reminded families why August 1 mattered.
Children learned about the abolition of slavery.
Communities celebrated their achievements.
Visitors discovered Windsor's important role in the Underground Railroad.
Through music, speeches, sports, and fellowship, Walter Perry helped preserve a history that might otherwise have faded from public memory.
A Lasting Legacy
Walter Perry organized Windsor's Emancipation Day celebrations for more than three decades.
After his passing in 1967, the celebrations changed dramatically, but his influence never disappeared.
Today, his story is preserved through books, archives, museums, documentaries, and community organizations. The 2020 documentary Mister Emancipation: The Walter Perry Story introduced his remarkable life to a new generation.
In 2026, the City of Windsor also announced an Emancipation Celebration Monument in Jackson Park, with plans for a future life-size bronze sculpture honouring Walter Perry and his extraordinary legacy.
Look Closely
Imagine organizing an event that brings together thousands of people every year.
Now imagine doing it not for fame or money—
—but because you believe history should never be forgotten.
That was Walter Perry's mission.
Did You Know?
Walter Perry became known throughout Windsor as "Mr. Emancipation."
He organized Windsor's Emancipation Day celebrations for more than 30 years.
His celebrations attracted tens of thousands of visitors from Canada and the United States.
Guests included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and many other influential leaders and performers.
A monument in Jackson Park is being created to honour the history of Windsor's Emancipation Day celebrations, with plans for a bronze statue of Walter Perry.
Why Walter Perry Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Every year, thousands of freedom seekers crossed the Detroit River hoping to begin new lives in Canada.
Walter Perry understood that freedom also needed memory.
He believed that if people forgot the sacrifices of those who came before them, they might also forget the value of freedom itself.
Through music, education, celebration, and community, he kept that memory alive.
Because of Walter Perry, Windsor became known across North America as a place where the story of emancipation was celebrated—not just remembered.
Walter Perry reminded us that freedom is more than a moment in history—it is a legacy that must be celebrated, shared, and passed on to every new generation.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary
"Self-reliance is the true road to independence."
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was born October 9, 1823, in Wilmington, Delaware, to free Black parents who were active abolitionists. Her childhood home served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, where freedom seekers found shelter and hope. Growing up in that environment inspired Mary Ann to dedicate her life to justice, education, and equality.
After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 placed even free Black Americans at greater risk, she moved to Canada West (now Ontario) in 1851, believing Canada offered new opportunities for Black families seeking safety and freedom.
Windsor's First Integrated School
Soon after arriving in Canada, Mary Ann settled in Windsor.
She believed education should unite people rather than separate them.
In Windsor, she established a racially integrated school, welcoming children regardless of race at a time when segregation was still common in many places. This reflected her belief that equality should be lived every day—not simply discussed.
Canada's Trailblazing Newspaper Publisher
Mary Ann understood that ideas could change society.
In 1853, she founded The Provincial Freeman, becoming the first Black woman newspaper publisher in North America and one of Canada's earliest women journalists. The newspaper championed the abolition of slavery, promoted education, encouraged self-reliance, and celebrated the accomplishments of Black communities throughout Canada West.
Her newspaper challenged prejudice and reminded readers that freedom meant more than escaping slavery—it meant having opportunities to learn, work, vote, and participate fully in society.
Speaking for Equality
Mary Ann was also an author, lecturer, abolitionist, and advocate for women's rights.
She believed that Black people should have equal opportunities and encouraged newcomers to Canada to build businesses, attend school, and become active members of their communities.
At a time when many believed women should remain silent in public life, Mary Ann chose to speak boldly.
She demonstrated that one determined voice could inspire thousands.
A Legacy That Lives On
In 2023, the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Archives were added to the Canada Memory of the World Register, administered by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
The collection includes her correspondence, articles, notes, and writings, preserving her own words for future generations.
This recognition honours her contributions as an educator, abolitionist, journalist, feminist, and one of the most influential voices in Canadian history.
Look Closely
Imagine arriving in a new country.
Instead of simply starting over, you decide to:
-
Open a school.
-
Publish a newspaper.
-
Challenge injustice.
-
Encourage an entire community.
-
Change history.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary did all of these.
Think About It
Why are education and journalism important to a free society?
How can one person's words inspire change?
Why do you think Mary Ann believed integrated schools were important?
If you started a newspaper today, what story would you want people to know?
Did You Know?
Mary Ann Shadd Cary became the first Black woman newspaper publisher in North America.
She opened an integrated school in Windsor after arriving in Canada in 1851.
Her newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, promoted abolition, education, equality, and self-reliance.
She later became one of the first Black women to earn a law degree in the United States.
In 2023, her archives were added to the Canada Memory of the World Register, preserving her writings as documentary heritage of national significance.
Why Mary Ann Shadd Cary Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom tells the story of people who escaped slavery and crossed the Detroit River seeking safety.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary reminds us that freedom is only the beginning.
She transformed freedom into education.
She transformed education into opportunity.
She transformed opportunity into action.
Through her school, her newspaper, and her fearless advocacy, she gave Black Canadians a stronger voice and helped build a more just society.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary showed us that freedom is not only won by courageous actions—it is also protected by courageous voices.
Dr. Roy Prince Edward Perry
Healing Smiles, Building Community
"Success means lifting others as you climb."
Dr. Roy Prince Edward Perry was born in 1905 in Chatham, Ontario. When he was just two years old, his family moved to Windsor, where he grew up in the city's historic Black community. As a student at Patterson Collegiate Institute, Roy excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track, showing an early commitment to hard work and leadership.
His love of learning eventually led him to pursue dentistry—a profession in which very few Black Canadians were represented at the time.
A Trailblazing Dentist
Roy attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, one of the leading institutions educating Black medical professionals, before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto.
He returned to Windsor and practiced dentistry for more than 30 years, caring for generations of families with skill, compassion, and dedication.
His office became more than a place to receive dental care—it became a symbol of what education and perseverance could achieve.
Breaking Barriers in Dentistry
Dr. Perry made history by becoming the first Black member of the Essex County Dental Association.
He later became the association's first Black president, proving that excellence could overcome barriers that once seemed impossible to break.
His achievements opened doors for future generations of Black dentists across Ontario and Canada.
Serving the City
Dr. Perry believed that serving patients was only one way to improve people's lives.
He entered public service and was elected Alderman for Ward 3 in Windsor in 1949. He later served additional terms, chaired the Windsor Board of Health, served as Director of the YMCA, and even acted as Acting Mayor for a period. In 1958, he also ran for mayor of Windsor.
Whether in his dental office or at City Hall, Dr. Perry worked to improve public health, recreation, and opportunities for young people.
Investing in Children
One of Dr. Perry's most beloved traditions was his annual community skating party.
Each winter, thousands of children gathered at Windsor Arena for an afternoon of skating, entertainment, and fun. Many children also received Christmas gifts through celebrations hosted by Dr. Perry and his wife, Charlotte Brontë Perry.
For Dr. Perry, community leadership meant ensuring every child felt welcomed, valued, and encouraged to dream.
A Partnership in History
Behind many of Dr. Perry's accomplishments stood his wife, Charlotte Brontë Perry.
Charlotte was a journalist, historian, and author of The Long Road: The History of the Coloured Canadian in Windsor, Ontario, 1867–1967, one of the most important books ever written about Windsor's Black history.
Together, the Perrys welcomed visitors from around the world into their home and became respected leaders within Windsor's Black community. Their legacy continues to inspire historians and community builders today.
A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Roy Perry passed away in 1972, but his contributions continue to shape Windsor.
He is remembered not only as a skilled dentist but also as a public servant, mentor, and advocate for community well-being.
His life reminds us that leadership is about more than professional success—it is about using your gifts to improve the lives of others.
Look Closely
Imagine becoming one of the few Black dentists in Canada during the early twentieth century.
Now imagine also becoming:
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A community leader
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A city alderman
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Chairman of the Board of Health
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President of a professional association
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A mentor to thousands of children
Dr. Perry proved that one person can make a lasting difference in many ways.
Think About It
Why is access to healthcare important for every community?
How can professionals use their careers to help others beyond their jobs?
Why do role models matter for young people?
What kind of legacy would you like to leave in your own community?
Did You Know?
Dr. Roy Perry became the first Black member and later the first Black president of the Essex County Dental Association.
He served as a Windsor alderman, Chairman of the Board of Health, Director of the YMCA, and Acting Mayor.
His annual community skating party welcomed thousands of local children each year.
His wife, Charlotte Brontë Perry, wrote one of the foundational histories of Windsor's Black community: The Long Road.
Today, artifacts from the Perry family, including Charlotte Perry's artwork and historical contributions, are preserved and celebrated by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Why Dr. Roy Perry Matters on the Passport to Freedom
Dr. Roy Perry understood that freedom should lead to healthier lives, better opportunities, and stronger neighbourhoods.
As a dentist, he cared for people's health.
As an elected leader, he cared for his city.
As a mentor, he cared for its children.
His life reminds us that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by how many lives we improve along the way.
Dr. Roy Prince Edward Perry showed that education, compassion, and public service can build a healthier, stronger community for generations to come.
Dr. Henry David Taylor
A Doctor Who Helped Build a Better Windsor
"Education and service are two of the greatest gifts we can give to future generations."
Dr. Henry David Taylor was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1888. After earning his medical degree from McGill University, he chose to build his career in Windsor, opening his medical practice in 1922. In doing so, he became the first African Canadian physician to establish a medical practice in Windsor.
His patients knew him as a skilled physician, but the community came to know him as something even greater—a leader who believed education, health, and equality belonged to everyone.
Healing a Growing Community
For decades, Dr. Taylor cared for families throughout Windsor.
His medical practice served people during a time when Black professionals often faced discrimination and limited opportunities.
By becoming a respected physician, Dr. Taylor demonstrated that determination, education, and compassion could overcome barriers that once seemed impossible.
His success inspired young people to dream beyond the limits society often placed before them.
A Champion for Education
Dr. Taylor believed that education was one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity.
In 1935, he was elected to the Windsor Board of Education, where he served until 1963.
During those twenty-eight years, he served six terms as Chairman of the Board, helping guide educational decisions that affected thousands of students across Windsor.
His leadership reflected a simple belief:
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
A Voice for Civil Rights
Dr. Taylor understood that healthy communities required more than hospitals and schools.
He became the first president of the Central Citizens' Association, one of Canada's earliest civil rights organizations dedicated to improving opportunities and challenging discrimination faced by African Canadians.
The organization worked to promote fairness, improve living conditions, and encourage equal opportunities within Windsor.
Dr. Taylor used his education and respected position to help create positive change throughout the city.
Serving Beyond Medicine
Dr. Taylor's leadership extended far beyond his doctor's office.
He also served as:
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Chairman of the Windsor Board of Health
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Chairman of the Board of Governors of Metropolitan Hospital
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Community educator
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Human rights advocate
Whether treating patients or serving on public boards, he remained committed to improving the lives of others.
A Legacy of Excellence
Throughout his life, Dr. Taylor received numerous honours for his dedication to education and public service.
Among them were:
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Civitan International's "Citizen of the Year" (1956)
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The Lamp of Learning Award from the Ontario School Teachers' Federation (1963)
In 1955, Windsor honoured his contributions by naming Dr. H. D. Taylor Public School after him—ensuring future generations would continue learning about his remarkable legacy.
Remembering Dr. Taylor
Dr. Henry David Taylor continued serving the Windsor community until his passing in 1974.
Today, his story reminds us that leadership comes in many forms.
Sometimes it looks like caring for patients.
Sometimes it means improving schools.
Sometimes it means standing up for fairness and equality.
Look Closely
Think about everything Dr. Taylor accomplished.
He was:
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A physician.
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An educator.
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A civil rights leader.
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A public servant.
He understood that helping people meant caring for both their health and their future.
Think About It
Why are doctors often trusted community leaders?
How can education improve a community?
Why is it important for people from different backgrounds to serve in leadership roles?
What kind of difference can one person make over a lifetime?
Did You Know?
Dr. Henry David Taylor became the first African Canadian physician to establish a medical practice in Windsor in 1922.
🏫 He served on the Windsor Board of Education for 28 years, including six terms as chairman.
🤝 He was the first president of the Central Citizens' Association, one of Canada's earliest civil rights organizations.
🏥 He also chaired the Windsor Board of Health and the Board of Governors of Metropolitan Hospital.
🎓 A Windsor public school was named Dr. H. D. Taylor Public School in recognition of his lifelong service to education and the community.
Why Dr. Henry David Taylor Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom celebrates people who transformed freedom into opportunity.
Dr. Henry David Taylor understood that building a better future required healthy families, excellent schools, and equal opportunities for everyone.
As a physician, he healed people.
As an educator, he shaped generations of students.
As a civil rights leader, he helped build a more inclusive Windsor.
His legacy reminds us that real leadership is measured not only by personal success, but by the lives we help improve.
Dr. Henry David Taylor believed that every child deserved the opportunity to learn, every family deserved quality healthcare, and every community deserved leaders willing to serve.
Anna Ardella Jacobs
Preserving Our Stories for Future Generations
"History survives because someone chooses to protect it."
Anna Ardella Jacobs was a lifelong community leader, educator, historian, and proud descendant of the Black families who helped build Windsor and Essex County after escaping slavery through the Underground Railroad. She believed that preserving the stories of those who came before us was one of the greatest gifts we could leave to future generations.
Throughout her life, Anna devoted herself to education, community service, and documenting the rich history of African Canadians in Windsor-Essex. Through her leadership, countless stories that might have been forgotten continue to inspire people today.
A Leader in the Hour-A-Day Study Club
Anna Ardella Jacobs was a dedicated member and leader of the Hour-A-Day Study Club, Canada's oldest continuously operating Black women's organization.
The Club believed that learning should never stop. Its members encouraged education, scholarship, leadership, and service while preserving the history of Black families who helped shape Windsor and Essex County.
Anna embraced that mission wholeheartedly, ensuring that the stories of local Black pioneers would never be lost.
Protecting Black History
Anna understood that history is more than dates in a textbook.
It is the stories of families.
The memories of communities.
The accomplishments of ordinary people who made extraordinary differences.
She worked tirelessly to collect photographs, family histories, newspaper articles, and historical records that documented the achievements of African Canadians throughout Windsor-Essex.
Because of people like Anna, researchers, students, and families can continue learning about the remarkable individuals who helped build this region.
A Teacher at Heart
Whether speaking with students, community members, or visitors, Anna believed education created understanding.
She encouraged people to ask questions, learn about their ancestors, and appreciate the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
For Anna, preserving history was not simply about remembering the past—it was about preparing young people to build a better future.
A Lasting Legacy
Anna Ardella Jacobs' dedication continues to influence local historical organizations and educational programs today.
Her work reminds us that history is not preserved by accident.
It survives because people choose to protect it, share it, and pass it on.
Every photograph saved, every story recorded, and every lesson taught helps ensure that future generations understand where they came from.
Look Closely
Imagine if no one wrote down your family's story.
What memories would disappear?
Who would remember the people who came before you?
Anna Ardella Jacobs believed every family's story mattered.
Did You Know?
📚 Anna Ardella Jacobs was a respected leader in the Hour-A-Day Study Club, Canada's oldest continuously operating Black women's organization. (houradaystudyclub.org)
🏛️ She dedicated much of her life to preserving the history of African Canadians in Windsor and Essex County.
📖 Her work helped ensure that the stories of Underground Railroad descendants and local community leaders would continue to be shared with future generations.
Why Anna Ardella Jacobs Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom shares the stories of courageous people who sought liberty and built thriving communities.
Anna Ardella Jacobs reminds us that these stories survive only because someone cared enough to preserve them.
Her lifelong commitment to education, history, and community ensures that the voices of the past continue to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Anna Ardella Jacobs showed us that preserving history is an act of love—one that connects generations and keeps the legacy of freedom alive.
Ronald Smith
Building Community Through Sport
During the 1930s, Black athletes in Windsor built their own teams, developed their talents, and created opportunities in a sporting world where discrimination often limited where they could play.
Ronald Smith was part of that important history.
He played with the Coloured Giants, a Windsor team that brought together several talented Black athletes. The team included Ronald Smith, future multi-sport star Fred Thomas, boxer Earl Walls, former Chatham Coloured All-Stars player Cliff Olbey, Warren Allen, and other local players.
Through teams like the Coloured Giants, Black athletes created places where skill, teamwork, pride, and community could grow.
The Coloured Giants
The Coloured Giants played in Windsor during the 1930s.
Their team photograph preserves more than a sporting moment. It represents a generation of Black men who gathered, competed, and supported one another during an era when racial barriers remained deeply rooted in Canadian society.
Several members went on to contribute to sport in different ways. Fred Thomas became one of Windsor’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes. Earl Walls became a celebrated boxer. Warren Allen later managed the Mavericks boys’ team.
Ronald Smith stood among this remarkable group.
Guiding the Next Generation
Ronald Smith’s contribution extended beyond playing.
He also coached the South End Tigers, a Windsor team active during the early 1930s.
Coaching offered young athletes more than instruction in a game. A coach could provide discipline, encouragement, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
By helping young people participate in organized sport, Ronald Smith contributed to a tradition of community leadership that reached far beyond the playing field.
Sport as a Place of Belonging
For many Black communities, sport became a place to gather, celebrate achievement, and challenge stereotypes.
Players demonstrated their abilities before spectators who might otherwise have overlooked or underestimated them. Teams also allowed young athletes to see Black coaches, leaders, and accomplished players within their own community.
The Coloured Giants were therefore more than a team.
They were part of a wider story of Black determination and community-building in Windsor.
A History Preserved
A surviving photograph of Ronald Smith and the Coloured Giants is preserved within the University of Windsor’s Telling the Stories of Race and Sport in Canada collection.
The photograph was provided by the Northstar Cultural Community Centre, helping ensure that the names and contributions of these athletes remain part of Windsor’s public history.
Without photographs, community records, and the people who preserve them, many stories like this could disappear.
Look Closely
Look at the team photograph.
Notice how the players stand together.
They were not only individual athletes. They were teammates representing their neighbourhood, their community, and one another.
A team photograph can preserve names, friendships, ambitions, and memories long after the final game has ended.
Think About It
Why were community sports teams important during times of discrimination?
What qualities does a good coach teach beyond athletic skill?
How can belonging to a team build confidence?
Why is it important to preserve photographs of local athletes?
Did You Know?
Ronald Smith played with Windsor’s Coloured Giants during the 1930s.
🏆 His teammates included celebrated athletes such as Fred Thomas and Earl Walls.
📣 Ronald Smith also coached the South End Tigers, another Windsor team active during the early 1930s.
📷 The Coloured Giants photograph is preserved by the University of Windsor and was shared courtesy of the Northstar Cultural Community Centre.
Why Ronald Smith Matters on the Passport to Freedom
The Passport to Freedom tells the story of people who transformed freedom into community, opportunity, and progress.
Ronald Smith helped create opportunities through sport.
As a player, he stood alongside some of Windsor’s most talented Black athletes.
As a coach, he helped guide another generation.
His story reminds us that community leaders are not found only in government offices or history books. Sometimes they are found beside a playing field, encouraging young people to believe in themselves and in one another.