The fight continues
Today in Chatham-Kent and Ontario, the need for advocacy against anti-Black racism persists and new organizations have emerged to continue the fight of the NUA. With the mission of furthering equity for Black Canadians, these organizations also actively promote cultural identity and foster a sense of community.
Black Lives Matter – Canada
The Black Lives Matter movement was first established in the United States in 2013 in response to the unjust prosecution of Trayvon Martin’s death. By late 2014, Toronto community leaders saw a need for a similar network in their community.
The movement gained international attention in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Within a few weeks of Floyd’s death in the United States, Canadians were also responding to institutionalized racism in Canada. D’Andre Campbell of Brampton, Ontario was a cooperative black man fatally shot by police when experiencing a mental health crisis. Regis Korchinski-Paquet of Toronto, Ontario was an Indigenous-Ukrainian-Black woman who similarly died during an interaction with police. Subsequent investigations cleared officers of any criminal responsibility.
In every province and territory, vigils and protests occurred through May and June 2020. Canadians protested to demonstrate solidarity with Americans seeking justice as well as against issues of discrimination by the police, police brutality, and racism at home in Canada.
Black Lives Matter – Canada now supports Black activism across Canada including launching the Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism and coordinating the national campaigns Defund the Police and the Black Mutual Aid Fund.
Top (left to right): Rebecca Smyth, Tessa Van Zetten, Jeral Lumley, Maija Dudley, and Mike Smith
Bottom (left to right): Michelle Robbins, Heather Robbins, Melanie Smith, and Camryn Dudley Details
Buxton's Next Generation
Locally, one organization on a mission to promote cultural identity and a sense of community is Buxton’s Next Generation (BNG). Their executive committee provided the following description of their mission and activities:
"The purpose and mission of BNG are to engage youth in Buxton and surrounding communities, and to preserve our community's culture. We are committed to enriching our community, as well as promoting and sharing the rich history of the place we call home, allowing others to learn about Buxton and its vital role in shaping both American and Canadian History.
Members of BNG are actively involved in community development initiatives. During Black History Month 2021, BNG collaborated with the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum to develop Black History Month Youth Activity Boxes. Each box was filled with fun, engaging, and educational activities for youth to learn about Black History near and far throughout the month of February. Monetary donations from Community Living Chatham-Kent, Chatham-Kent Children's Services, and One Vision One Voice helped to make this idea a reality. We host various annual events in our community such as an Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with Santa and we also assist with the planning and hosting of activities during Buxton’s Annual Homecoming Celebration, our largest community-wide event.
Our Annual Homecoming Celebration perfectly sums up BNG, as it represents who we are as a group. The majority of us are direct descendants of enslaved people who came to Canada to seek their freedom. Homecoming is a celebration of that. Every year, people from near and far, whether they have ties to Buxton or not, come “home” to celebrate us as a people and as a community.
The future goals of BNG are to continue to grow and evolve with new members and a diverse range of events. We have had such strong support, not only in the community of Buxton, but throughout CK, which has been incredible! BNG is always looking to increase our membership. You do not have to be from Buxton to be a member of BNG. Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , or email buxtonsng@gmail.com to learn more about how you can get involved by participating in our activities and events or becoming a member."
Reflecting on the legacy of the National Unity Association and her father, Hugh Burnett’s daughter Patricia says, “I don’t know if I believe in destiny, but I think that he was on this earth to do what he did. He had to do it.”
Just as the members felt compelled to fight the injustice they saw in their community, we all share a responsibility to continue the fight of the trailblazers highlighted in this exhibition.
