LEGACY

The Underground Railroad operated until the thirteenth amendment to the US constitution banned enslavement in 1865. Freedom-seekers along with free Blacks and the descendants of Black Loyalists settled throughout British North America in small towns and larger city centres. Some lived in all-Black settlements such as the Elgin Settlement and Buxton Mission, the Queen’s Bush Settlement, and the Dawn Settlement near Dresden, in Ontario, as well as Birchtown in Nova Scotia. Others chose to live in racially integrated communities in towns and cities.
Early African Canadian settlers were productive and innovative citizens. They cleared and cultivated the land, built homes and raised families. Black persons established a range of religious, educational, social and cultural institutions, political groups and community-building organizations. They founded churches, schools, benevolent societies, fraternal organizations and two newspapers (see Mary Ann Shadd). During the era of the Underground Railroad, Black men and women possessed and contributed a wide range of skills and abilities. They operated various businesses such as grocery stores, ladies boutiques and hat shops, blacksmith shops, a saw company, an ice company, livery stables, pharmacies, herbal treatment services, and carpentry businesses, as well as Toronto’s first taxi company. African Canadians held an array of occupations to support their families and meet the needs of their local communities — including barbers and hairdressers, teachers, farmers, waiters, carpenters, washerwomen, carters, domestic servants, whitewashers, church ministers, farmers, rope makers, dressmakers, blacksmiths, coopers, mariners and dockside workers. Others pursued professions such as medicine and law.
Blacks were active in fighting for racial equality. Their communities were centres for abolitionist activities. Closer to home, they waged attacks against the prejudice and racial discrimination they encountered in their daily lives in Canada by finding gainful employment, securing housing, and obtaining an education for their children. Black persons were often relegated to certain jobs because of their skin colour. Many were denied the right to live in particular places due to their race, and parents had to send their children to segregated schools that existed in some parts in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Through publications, conventions and other public events, such as Emancipation Day celebrations, Black communities spoke out against the racial discrimination they faced and aimed to improve society for all.
Wherever African Canadians settled in British North America, they contributed to the socio-economic growth of the communities in which they lived. In their quest for freedom, security, prosperity and human rights, early Black colonists strived to make a better life for themselves, their descendants and their fellow citizens. They leave behind an enduring and rich legacy that is evident to this day. The descendants of these courageous men and women continue to lead full, productive lives in Canadian society.