A Black People's History of Canada

Richard Pierpoint was known for his remarkable life and contributions during the 18th and 19th centuries. Born in Senegal, West Africa, around 1744, when 16 years old Pierpoint was captured and enslaved, eventually being transported to the British colonies in America. Despite facing the hardships of nearly twenty years of enslavement, he fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War with the promise of his service in exchange for freedom. Following the war, Pierpoint resettled in the Niagara region of Canada. Here, he became a vocal advocate for the rights of Black Loyalists. In 1794, he co-signed a petition demanding separate plots of land for Black people, like those granted to White settlers. When war broke out again in 1812, Richard lobbied the government to form a Black military unit to defend Upper Canada against potential American invasions. His efforts led to establishing the Coloured Corps, an army unit composed of Black volunteers. Pierpoint was a man of action and words, thus enlisted in the Coloured Corps at age 68, serving in the 1st Regiment of the Lincoln Militia. Richard Pierpoint died between 1837 and 1838, but his leadership, resilience, and dedication to the well-being of the Black community have left a legacy. Through the many hardships and racial barriers Richard faced and overcame throughout his life, he left an indelible mark on Canadian history as a passionate storyteller, fierce advocate for equality and his military prowess. In 2013, the federal building in London, Ontario, was named in Richard Pierpoint's honour. Finally, in 2020, the government of Canada designated Richard as a National Historic Person.

Illustration credit- Malcolm Jones, courtesy of Canadian War Museum, Canadian Encyclopedia

The Black Settlement Burial Ground in Willow Grove, just outside Saint John, New Brunswick, holds deep cultural and historical importance. It was founded in 1831 as the final resting place for many Black settlers in the area, including Black Loyalists and African American Refugees who fled to Canada in search of freedom during the American Revolutionary War. The site stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Black community in the face of adversity and discrimination. Many individuals laid to rest in the Black Settlement Burial Ground made invaluable contributions to the region's development and prosperity; some of their names, ages, and death dates are listed in the image's background. Gravestones no longer mark burial places, but in the 1980s, a replica of the original church was built and still stands as a reminder of the community's origins. Wieslaw (Victor) Wojcik created and donated a sculpture of three crosses in 1997. He describes their meaning: "The rising cross in my sculpture symbolizes the struggle of human strengths against weakness. The three crosses represent forgiveness, tolerance and understanding through Unity, Equality and Pride of each and every human being, for whom the highest price was paid on the Cross of Calvary." In 2015, marking the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Refugees, the Black Settlement Burial Ground underwent renovations, including repairs to the church and the addition of memorial plaques. Today, the site is recognized as an important heritage site, serving as a solemn reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the Black settlers who helped shape the history of New Brunswick and Canada.

Photo credit- New Brunswick Black History Society

Thomas Peters left a lasting impact on Canadian history through his role as a leader among the Black Loyalists. Born circa 1732 on the West Coast of Africa, he was captured and trafficked to North America around 1760. In 1776, while in the United States, Peters fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War on promises of freedom for himself and other Black individuals. Following the war, with the British defeated, Peters and other Black Loyalists were transported to Nova Scotia, Canada, where they faced challenging living conditions and continued discrimination. Peters emerged as a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of the Black Loyalist community in Nova Scotia. He petitioned for land grants and fair treatment, but the government's promises to the Black Loyalists were never fully kept. Peters then became a crucial figure in establishing the colony of Freetown in Sierra Leone, where in 1792, 1200 Black Loyalists left Halifax aboard fifteen ships to create new lives for themselves. Thomas Peters' died later that year in Sierra Leone on June 25, 1792. His legacy as a military leader, advocate for justice, and pioneer in founding Freetown continues to be remembered and celebrated in Canada and Sierra Leone, with descendants in both countries. In 2011, Freetown unveiled a commemorative statue in his honour, and in 2022, Thomas Peters was designated a National Historic Person by the government of Canada.

Photo credit- Afrique Photos, Parks Canada, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Nova Scotia Archives, The British Library

Marie-Joseph Angélique was an enslaved woman accused of setting the Montreal fire in 1734. We know little about her early life, but she was born around 1705 in Madeira, Portugal, and likely enslaved there before being trafficked to North America. After being bought and sold by different owners, she ended up with Madame de Francheville in Montreal. She was the mother of three children, none surviving past infancy. Although it remains unclear whether she started the 1734 fire that destroyed forty-five homes and businesses, White society deemed it a deliberate act and intended to make an example of her. During the trial, she maintained her innocence but was ultimately convicted based on a child's testimony and a confession obtained through intense torture. Marie-Joseph's subsequent ex*****on on June 21, 1724, highlights the profound injustices faced by enslaved individuals in colonial Canada. Her case exemplifies the systemic biases and prejudices of the time, as well as the severe lack of legal protections for enslaved people. Historians have re-examined Angélique's case in recent years and acknowledged the broader historical context surrounding her trial and ex*****on, such as in Dr. Afua Cooper's book "The Hanging of Angélique." By revisiting and reevaluating these historical events, there is an opportunity to honour the memory of individuals like Marie-Joseph Angélique and to foster a deeper understanding of the complex and often painful legacies of slavery across the two hundred years it was legally practiced in Canada. Today, Marie-Joseph Angélique is remembered as a symbol of Black resistance and sheds light on the hidden history of slavery in Canada. In 2012, a plaque was unveiled in a public square facing City Hall in Montreal; the area was renamed “Place Marie-Joseph Angélique” in her honour.

Illustration by Marilyn Carr-Harris
Photo credit- Bibliothèque et Archives Nationale du Québec, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Dr. Afua Cooper

*****on

Sam Langford, born on 4 March 1886 in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, was a remarkable professional boxer who left an indelible mark on the sport despite facing numerous challenges. Langford, a well-rounded boxer with fierce punching power, competed across multiple weight classes during his 24-year career. Despite his relatively small stature, standing at five feet seven inches, he fearlessly fought and defeated much larger opponents. This earned Sam a reputation for his remarkable skill, tenacity and the nickname "Boston Bonecrusher." Racial barriers plagued Langford's career, preventing him from competing for a title in the United States, as White champion boxers at the time were reluctant to be seen losing to Black opponents. Despite this, he achieved renowned success and was crowned heavyweight champion of England, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. However, Sam is considered one of the best fighters never to win a title in the United States. Sam Langford faced adversity with courage and determination, becoming a role model of resilience and perseverance in the face of discrimination. In 1955, one year before his passing, he was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his profound influence on the world of sports. His impact on the sport of boxing and his enduring legacy continues. In 1999, Sam was named Nova Scotia's male athlete of the 20th century, and "Ring" magazine ranked him as number two on their list of the "Top 100 punchers of all-time." Sam Langford's remarkable career and the challenges he overcame have solidified his place as a legendary figure in boxing history.

Photo credit- Canadian Encyclopedia, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Medium, weymouthnovascotia.com, blackpast.org

Henry Bibb was an author, abolitionist, newspaper editor and lecturer. He was born into slavery on May 10, 1814, in Shelby County, Kentucky. He made several attempts to gain his freedom before finally escaping to Detroit in 1838 after twenty-five years of enslavement. In 1848, Bibb married Mary Elizabeth Miles, and due to the Fugitive Slave Act, they moved to Sandwich, Ontario, now called Windsor. There, he became an active member of the abolitionist movement and co-founded the Anti-Slavery Society of Canada. He continued to speak out against the horrors of slavery and advocate for the rights of free and enslaved Black people. Henry founded the Black Canadian press by establishing Canada's first Black-owned and edited newspaper, "The Voice of the Fugitive." This paper became a powerful platform for advocating equality and freedom. He also wrote an autobiography, "Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, An American Slave," which documented his experiences and became an important piece of abolitionist literature. Henry Bibb's efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about enslaved individuals' plight and building support for the abolitionist movement. His life in Canada was marked by his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and social justice. His many contributions to the abolitionist movement helped shape Canada's stance on slavery. Tragically, at age 39, Henry died on August 1, 1854, and was buried in Windsor, Ontario. An Ohio newspaper reported his passing with the words, "His death is therefore a real and great loss to the cause of the successful fugitive and of the still bound slave." In 2002, the Government of Canada formally designated Henry and Mary Bibb as National Historic Persons for having "fought all their lives to improve the well-being of the African Canadian community."

Photo Credit: Copper engraving by Patrick H. Reason, Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Archives of Ontario

In June of 1987, locals made a curious discovery in L'Anse au Loup, a small fishing community on the southern coast of Labrador along the Strait of Belle Isle. Jutting out from the sandy soil were bones, clothing, and wood. Experts from Newfoundland's Memorial University revealed that the bones were human, and the wood was the remnants of a coffin buried outside the local cemetery, slowly eroding into the sea. Further examination confirmed these remains belonged to a young Black man, around 28 years old when he died. The man was laid to rest with seeming care, covered with woollen cloth as a shroud, a marlinespike (used to splice rope), and a fur hat. His jacket and pants, a style worn by sailors in the late 18th to early 19th century, were folded neatly on top of him. A pair of shoes and the wooden handle of a knife were tucked inside the coffin, both inscribed with the initials "WH." Despite these clues, over the passing years, little more is known about who WH was, what brought him to Labrador, and why he died. He could have been a merchant sailor or in the British Navy. Was WH a free man or enslaved? Possibly, he died before the establishment of L'anse au Loup's cemetery in 1840, explaining the location of his unmarked grave. Perhaps infectious disease was the cause requiring his burial to be farther away from town. There are more questions than answers. But what WH does reveal is the long, often undiscovered, history of Black and people of African descent living on the shores and working on the seas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Illustration- taken from Bushra Junaid’s “The Possible Lives of W.H., Sailor,” published by Running the Goat Books and Broadsides. Used with permission of the illustrator.
Photo credit- The Rooms, Heather Barrett, CBC, Running The Goat Books

Lucille Hunter, also known as Lucile, was a pioneering prospector born around 1874–1882 in the United States. She was among the first Black individuals to settle in the Yukon with her husband Charles during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897. Despite Lucille being pregnant, the couple left Michigan and travelled along the Stikine Trail, which is considered one of the most challenging routes to the Yukon. In British Columbia, Lucille gave birth to her daughter at Teslin Lake, naming her Teslin. The trio reached the Klondike by mid-winter using a dog team and sled. Here, the Hunters staked claims to mine for gold in Dawson City and silver in Mayo. Lucille played a significant role in their prospecting endeavours, assisting Charles while managing responsibilities as a mother and working as a nanny and cook. Following Charles' passing in 1939, Lucille continued their prospecting work, making an annual 230 km journey on foot to check their claims in Mayo. She moved to Whitehorse in 1942 and established a successful laundry business. Despite facing blindness in her later years, she lived independently until a broken hip led her to spend the remainder of her life in a hospital, where she passed away on June 10, 1972, and was laid to rest in the Yukon Grey Mountain Cemetery. Lucille Hunter made history as the first woman to receive honorary membership in the Yukon Order of Pioneers in recognition of her significant contributions as a miner and prospector. Her legacy as a pioneering Black woman in the Yukon and her trail-blazing spirit continues to be remembered and honoured.

Photo credit- Roloff Beny, Library and Archives Canada, Wikimedia Commons, the Whitehorse Star

"The Bog" in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is one of Canada's historic Black communities. It was established in the late 1780s and initially inhabited by enslaved Black Loyalists, but grew over time to include Black, White and people of mixed race. The community was named "The Bog" for being situated on undesirable marshy land near Government Pond, in the city's west end. Despite facing social and economic challenges, the residents of The Bog created a vibrant and close-knit community, contributing to the cultural tapestry of Charlottetown. They were known for their resilience, resourcefulness, and strong community spirit. Over time, the area became a hub for Black cultural and social life, with traditions, music, and cuisine that enriched the island's heritage. The Bog was home to famous athletes like boxers George Godfrey and George Byers. Like many children from The Bog, Tommy Mills grew up skating on Government Pond and helped form the West End Rangers hockey team, which played in the "Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes." The Bog also had The West End School, commonly known as The Bog School, which taught both Black and White students at a time when other provinces adhered strictly to segregated education. In the late 1800s, The Bog and surrounding land was redeveloped, erasing the historic Black community and filling in Government Pond. Today, government buildings and parking lots replace where The Bog once stood, with no signage or plaque commemorating the history and legacy of the once thriving historic Black community. Still, advocates and descendants of The Bog continue to press for the area to be formally recognized by the city and province, working tirelessly to ensure the history and stories are not lost.

Photo credit- The Canadian Encyclopedia, Isaac L. Stewart, CBC

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a pioneering figure in Canadian History. Born in Delaware in 1823, she moved to Canada in the 1850s to escape the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. While living in what is now Windsor, Ontario, she became one of the first Black women in North America to publish and edit a newspaper, “The Provincial Freeman,” which advocated for equality and civil rights. An abolitionist and strong advocate for Black emigration to Canada. She was also a dedicated educator, establishing one of Canada's first schools for Black children. Cary was a passionate advocate for women's rights and suffrage and was involved in the movements in both the United States and Canada. Her work as a lecturer and activist helped advance the cause of women's rights and paved the way for future activists. In addition to her activism, Cary was also a trailblazer in the legal field, becoming one of the first Black female lawyers in the United States. Her legacy as a journalist, educator, activist, and lawyer continues to inspire and empower people today. She died on June 5, 1893, in Washington, D.C., leaving a last legacy in Canada and the United States. As a Black woman living in the 19th- century, her accomplishments pushed the boundaries of what was possible and blazed a trail for many to come. The legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary lives on in many ways. Scarborough, Ontario, opened The Mary Shadd Public School in 1985; in 1994, the Canadian Government designated her as a National Historic Person; Chatham, Ontario, placed a bust of her in BME Park in 2009; a sculpture of Mary Ann holding The Provincial Freeman was unveiled in Windsor, Ontario in 2022, and Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in January 2024. Mary Ann Shadd Cary is also honoured in the United States, as her house on W Street NW in Washington D.C. is a national historic landmark, and a post office in Wilmington, Delaware, is named after her.

Photo credit- Library and Archives of Canada, Archives of Ontario, History of American Women

Andrew Harding, also known as "Andy," was a talented baseball player who played for the Chatham Coloured All-Stars in the late 1930s. Andy was an exceptional athlete born in Chatham on June 3, 1919. After joining the All-Stars in 1935, he and his brother Wilfred "Boomer" Harding continued playing for them until 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, when the team disbanded. Andy, Boomer and other teammates left to serve their country in the Canadian Armed Forces. In 1946, after the war, Boomer began to manage a new baseball team, the Taylor A.C., which Andy and many of the former All-Stars joined. On February 1, 1948, Andy made history again when he became Chatham, Ontario's first Black police officer, serving the community for 30 years with dedication and integrity. Andrew Harding died on August 19, 2000, but his legacy in sports, policing, and as a devoted husband and father live on. His daughter Tracey recalls her father, "He was very proud to do his job. He loved serving the community. He faced the difficulties of racism in the community and the force when he first started, but with his perseverance and integrity, he gained respect and many friends. He had never drawn his gun on duty and believed talking and listening could solve most situations. He always had empathy, knowing that he encountered people on one of the worst days of their lives."

Photo credit- Chatham-Kent Police, Breaking the Colour Barrier (University of Windsor), Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario