We’ve come a long way from the dark years of history, and we still have further to go before we can see a truly equal society.

On August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished in the British Empire and was enacted in the corresponding colonies- including Canada. However, Upper Canada (now Ontario) was ahead of its British superior. In 1793, Governor John Graves Simcoe passed the anti-slavery act and freed enslaved people aged 25 and over while making it illegal to bring enslaved people into Upper Canada. This would lead to Canada becoming a safe haven for those seeking freedom and an important base for the abolitionist movement. (Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/key-events/abolition-slavery.html)

Windsor would become especially important in the abolitionist movement, as the Underground Railroad would lead oppressed Black men, women, and children from Detroit and into Windsor. This contribution by Windsor is commemorated by a downtown statue pictured below.

Take some time today to reflect on the abolition of slavery and how we can continue to create a better future for all.