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HB NEWS HALTON'S STRONG LINK TO BLACK HISTORY SHARED IN TEENS’ ESSAYS Continued from page 1 knowledge was the role of Unde: road," said Jack: Both students took dif: ferent paths, but came to similar conclusions. king at how Oak- ville exists today, it is im- possible not to see the in- fluence of the Black com- .. theimpact of the Under- ont Railroad on ware ing and developi: le throughout ‘the 19th Ontusy is profound in terms of the contribution to growing and building eronomit prosperity, which is still present today, 150+ years ‘Tearing about the past informs residents about how the bustling, modern communities of today were built, and gives them an ap- precayon for the “amazing who developed ‘What is even more out- standing, is that these were just ordinary people who chose to make a difference during their time. As Hal- ton residents, we can be in- spired by the perseverance and hard work that they showed," said Tobi. The lives of slaves who escaped to Cana and Halton in eel have significance beyond this region “to Canada as a whole," wrote Tobi in his essay, which focused on several remarkable people who Helped build ‘pe this area. "Black people made up 40 per cent of the Oakville population alone between 1850 and 1860 ... While Hal- ton Black history may not i many promi- nent figures as its neigh- bouring cities and regions, the racism and injustice, as well as the notable actions performed by Black people living in Halton, deserve equal acknowledgement from all Canadians," he wrote. There was "conductor" James Wesley Hill, who nicknamed because Co-winner of the HBHAS essay contest, Jacl Graham Paine/Metroland ‘kson Carter visits Turner Chapel, the heart of the Oakville Black community in the late 1800s. although he had escaped slavery south of the border and settled in Oakville, he returned to Maryland to “lead approximately 700 to 800 African Americans {2 freedom in Oal through the Underground Railro: Many of the slaves he farm, which contributed 1 to Oakville becoming known as the "Strawberry Capital of the Canadas." Tobi also highlighted the life of Alvin B. who was one of two BI Black radar operators with the Royal Canadian Air For DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN 83 Mill St | 905 873 1867 Day, Evening and Saturday Hours | Same day appointments for urgent eye care. Please phone. (oq Dr. Ben Giddens We are open but due to the current virus situation we have to limit the number of people an appointment time for you. This will prevent overcrowding \d keep everyone safe! Dr. Andrea Kozma GIDDENS OPTOMETRY FAMILY EYE CARE SERVICES = OPTOM = oe" re Payee METRO PLAZA 371 Mountainview Rd S |905 873 1861 is) Dr. Brandon. r Pham during the Second World ille's resident Black historian," and phia Pooley, who was ou to, and lived with, the fami- ly of Mohawk leader Jo- seph Brant in the early 0s. While Pooley's achieve- ments may not be as com- pelling as those of others, said Tobi he included her story because of the tre- mendous challenges she faced and survived. “Black history should not be limited to only those that have attained acertain degree of ccomplish- ments in the world, rather, ¢ Dental Implants Black history is open to anyone that has experi- enced the Black struggle in any way.” Jackson's essay exa- mined the impact of the Un- derground Railroad on the economic and social devel- opment of Oakville, begin- ning with the many fugi- tive slaves who arrived at Oakville harbour hidden in cargo ships. Jackson mentions strawberry farmer and Un- derground Railroad "con- ductor" Hill and continues with the “i nomic contributions". “of Samuel Adams, who not only established a black- smith shop but invented the stonehooker "that lifted smooth flat stones from the bottom of Lake Oni John ae ‘worked asa barber and gunsmith and Turner Chapel, which still stands today, became "the heart of the Oakville Black community" and "an unof- ficial community hub," wrote Jackson. ‘I think for ‘freed slaves presented a growth; a place to create ¢ a sense of community, gi ing both physically with the construction of Ele and Because many people o are unaware of the history 3 3 that surrounds them, orga- x nizations such the HBHAS and other local historical societies are im portant in connecting re: dents and students to their local history, said Jackson. "So much of Canada‘: history is intertwined with Black History and it is im- portant that we all strive to learn more about it," said Jackson. The HBHAS is hoping to make the essay contest an annual event, according to Dennis Scott, HBHAS w a Fy 2 a S = = 8 8 8 chair. "It is exceptional when, especially our youth, ap- preciate our diverse cul- ‘anadian histo- ry. We've found this narra- tive contest encouraged in- dividuals to grow and gain confidence in their own histories and genealogies, as well as our exquisite in self-appreciation and es- teem,” said Scott. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: What is the Black history of Halton? Students participating intl 3HAS essay contest were _ on a. Journey of dis- covery, and — with Eman- cipation Day chugs 2 with the opening of businesses by Black entrepreneurs," said Jackson. e Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Clarice ial ¢ Dental Surgery *« Sleep Dentistry MARKETPLACE DENTAL 280 Guelph St (in Georgetown Market Place) 905-877-CARE (ra) pend georgetowndental. com 994 with the first- Place eich. ers to find out what they learned. SCAN THESE CODES to read students’ essays.