Josiah Henson museum in Dresden celebrates Emancipation Day

In a spirit of joy and togetherness, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History helped bring its namesake’s vision to life for Emancipation Day over the weekend.

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A large crowd was on hand at the Dresden site for Saturday’s celebrations, which featured speakers, entertainment, traditional food and other demonstrations.

Curator Steven Cook was pleased with the turnout, but not surprised given the enthusiasm shown for the event over the years.

“It’s fantastic, as usual,” he said. “The people who come, they know the value of freedom. They’re sharing memories from their family and celebrations in the past.

“It’s helping the younger generation understand the importance of commemorating. . . It’s not just a holiday on the calendar. It really is a great community event.”

An escaped American slave who made his way to freedom in Southwestern Ontario, Henson inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s best-selling novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Henson helped found a settlement for others fleeing slavery on the Underground Railroad, making Dresden a key stop today for visitors on the region’s Black history tours.

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Emancipation Day events are held to commemorate an 1833 law that ended slavery in the British empire, of which Canada was then a part. Forty years earlier, Upper Canada, now Ontario, had enacted its own law banning the import of slaves.

While addressing Saturday’s gathering, Cook asked visitors to put themselves in Henson’s shoes, adding he didn’t “rest on his laurels” after finding freedom.

“He got back up and he headed back south to rescue other people who were still suffering in bondage,” he said. “Imagine the mindset. He had the courage and the fortitude. . . There are many people today in the world that don’t have that freedom.”

Saturday’s performers included Awakened Voices Narratives, an acting troupe recognizing the contributions of Ontario’s early Black settlers; Robert Ball, who mixes soul, neo-soul, jazz and easy listening; Blackburn Brothers, an acclaimed band that blends blues, R&B and soul; YVNG JRIP, a 17-year-old Chatham hip-hop artist; and Dwayne Morgan, a writer, producer and two-time Canadian National Poetry Slam Champion.

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Master drummer Babarinde Williams conducted an interactive drumming program, which also involved songs, chants and stories.

Chef Patience Chirisa, a culinary expert in pan-African cuisine, shared her passion for blending traditional ingredients with international flavors.

There was also a community quilt unveiling, the making of which involved students from the Lambton Kent District school board, as well as museum staff, volunteers and the Chatham-Kent Quilters’ Guild.

Whitney Belovicz, museum educator, said they wanted to showcase history in a tangible way, with kids bringing in fabric pieces that hold personal meaning or memories for them.

“Virtually, I was able to teach them how to do some patchwork,” she said, crediting the teachers for their help.

“I had help from the community, which was so exciting.”

Calling it a testament to collaboration, Belovicz said having all ages take part made it a special experience.

“It was just talking, it was visiting, it was everything we wanted it to be,” she said. “It was sharing of knowledge back and forth.”

For more information on the museum, including other events and activities, visit https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/properties/josiah-henson-museum

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