This year marks the 200th anniversary commemorating the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire.

Upper Canada (now known as Ontario) was a vital leader in forging the path to freedom for thousands of Africans enslaved by unjust social and legal regulations established in various regions across the globe.

Continuing in the tradition of Ontario's trailblazing spirit, a travelling exhibit called Enslaved Africans in Upper Canada will leave a lasting legacy toward this historic milestone. The project was funded by the Ontario government, which has invested $1 million toward community-based initiatives that commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

The exhibit was developed in collaboration with the Archives of Ontario and aims to educate and inform viewers about the abolitionists and lawmakers involved in this historic process. The display also reveals insights into the plights experienced by enslaved Africans who bravely forged the trail of freedom.

"This year has been an opportunity for Ontarians to learn about a little known part of our province's history," said Michael Chan, Ontario's minister of citizenship and immigration. "This exhibit will help ensure this history is not lost to Ontarians today and in the future."

On March 25, 1807, the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade received Royal Assent and became law throughout the British Empire. It was the result of a long and difficult campaign that took place both in the British Parliament and society. The struggle was the fruit of an alliance of Evangelical Anglicans and Quakers led by William Wilberforce. (1759-1833).

The 1807 act did not abolish slavery itself, but prohibited the traffic in slaves and, as such, was a monumental step toward recognition of the damaging effects of slavery and toward the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833.

A decade before any significant abolitionist movement had taken place in the British Parliament, Upper Canada's Lt.-Gov. John Graves Simcoe passed the Anti-slavery Act. This legislation was passed in 1793 and freed slaves aged 25 and over, while making it illegal to bring slaves into Upper Canada, which became a safe haven for runaway slaves.

Simcoe's law also made Upper Canada the first jurisdiction in the Empire to move toward the abolition of slavery. Between 1800 and 1865, about 20,000 enslaved Africans escaped to British North America via the Underground Railroad.

"I'd like to thank the Ontario government for supporting this important initiative," said Jean Augustine, chair of the Ontario Bicentenary Commemorative Committee on the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. "This exhibit is an important legacy for the people of this province. It honours the courage and contributions of enslaved African Canadians and their descendants."

The exhibit will be on display at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Dresden until Feb. 29. It will then travel to historic sites across the province, including stops at the Ontario Heritage Trust in Toronto in December and January, at a University of Ottawa conference in March and at the Greater Sudbury Public Library from April to the end of May.

Visit www.pch.gc.ca for details regarding Canada's commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British transatlantic slave trade.

 

Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.