Unnoticed Histories of Black Communities in Hamilton: Fighting For Justice From 1900-1950

The presence of people of African descent in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, predates its incorporation in 1846, yet the experiences, contributions, struggles, and imaginations often go unnoticed. This presentation shares the stories of several Black Hamiltonians from 1800 to 1900. It provides a snapshot of how Black Hamiltonians lived collectively, asserted their own self-determination, and stood up against the global impact of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act. The individuals and stories shared in this presentation include George Morton, Norman "Pinky Thomas Lewis, Ray Lewis, Oliver Holland, Rev. John C. Holland, Jackie Washington, Wilma Morrison, Rachel Holland, Evelyn Myrie, to name a few. This presentation would not be possible without my supervisor, Dr. Ameil Joseph, and the author of "The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway: African Canadians in Hamilton," Adrienne Shadd.