Welcome to North Star: A Portal for Black History in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent
Southwestern Ontario’s historic Essex and Kent counties are rich in the history and culture of Black Canadians. From the bustling industrial city of Windsor to agricultural settlements and towns such as Amherstburg, Buxton, Chatham, Colchester, Dresden, Harrow, Maidstone, New Canaan, and Sandwich, the tapestry of this region is intricately woven with the triumphs, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black Canadians and their communities. Leddy Library’s North Star: A Portal for Black History in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent serves as an entry point and guide through this rich and enduring history, providing suggested resources and recommendations for those looking to explore significant locations, communities, events, historical eras, and individuals integral to Ontario’s Black History.
The history of Black Canadians in Southwestern Ontario spans centuries, echoing narratives of migration, perseverance, and ingenuity. In the earliest days of the Underground Railroad, these counties served as a sanctuary to tens of thousands of freedom-seekers escaping enslavement and oppression in the United States. These freedom-seekers founded Black settlements and neighbourhoods which their descendents continued to build and strengthen. The stories of Black people in this region stand as a testament to the determination of those who sought freedom, equality, and the opportunity to forge their own futures.
North Star is a dynamic resource that provides a single gateway to the contributions of numerous volunteers, scholars, societies, and institutions in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent region who work to preserve, promote, and share this vital history. Above all, North Star showcases the resilience and creativity that have enriched the Canadian cultural mosaic. We invite you to engage with the many museums, heritage sites, archives, and interactive learning experiences which tell the story of Black Canadians and their profound impact on this place.