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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ju ly 28 ,2 02 2 | 20 Underground Railroad," said Jackson. Both students took dif- ferent paths, but came to similar conclusions. "In looking at how Oak- ville exists today, it is im- possible not to see the influ- ence of the Black communi- ty on the success of the town," writes Jackson. " ... the impact of the Under- ground Railroad on shap- ing and developing Oak- ville throughout the 19th century is profound in terms of the contribution to growing the population and building economic prosperity, which is still present today, 150+ years later." Learning about the past informs residents about how the bustling, modern communities of today were built, and gives them an ap- preciation for the "amazing people" who developed them, said Tobi. "What is even more out- standing, is that these were just ordinary people who chose to make a difference during their time. As Hal- ton residents, we can be in- spired by the perseverance and hard work that they showed," said Tobi. The lives of slaves who escaped to Canada, and Halton in particular, have significance beyond this re- gion "to Canada as a whole," wrote Tobi in his essay, which focused on several remarkable people who helped build and shape this area. "Black people made up 40 per cent of the Oakville population alone between 1850 and 1860 ... While Hal- ton Black history may not contain as many promi- nent figures as its neigh- bouring cities and regions, the racism and injustice, as well as the notable actions performed by Black people living in Halton, deserve equal acknowledgement from all Canadians," he wrote. There was "conductor" James Wesley Hill, who was so nicknamed because although he had escaped slavery south of the border and settled in Oakville, he returned to Maryland to "lead approximately 700 to 800 African Americans to freedom in Oakville through the Underground Railroad." Many of the slaves he helped escape ended up working on his strawberry farm, which contributed to Oakville becoming known as the "Strawberry Capital of the Canadas." Tobi also highlighted the life of Alvin B. Duncan, who was one of two Black radar operators with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and eventually be- came "Oakville's resident Black historian," and So- phia Pooley, who was sold to, and lived with, the fami- ly of Mohawk leader Jo- seph Brant in the early 1800s. While Pooley's achieve- ments may not be as com- pelling as those of others, said Tobi, he included her story because of the tre- mendous challenges she faced and survived. "Black history should not be limited to only those that have attained a certain degree of accomplishments in the world; rather, Black history is open to anyone that has experienced the Black struggle in any way." Jackson's essay exa- mined the impact of the Un- derground Railroad on the economic and social devel- opment of Oakville, begin- ning with the many fugitive slaves who arrived at Oak- ville harbour hidden in car- go ships. Jackson mentions strawberry farmer and Un- derground Railroad "con- ductor" Hill and continues with the "immense eco- nomic contributions" of Samuel Adams, who not only established a black- smith shop but invented the stonehooker "that lifted smooth flat stones from the bottom of Lake Ontario, which were then used to construct houses." John Cosley worked as a barber and gunsmith and Turner Chapel, which still stands today, became "the heart of the Oakville Black community" and "an unof- ficial community hub," wrote Jackson. "I think for freed slaves arriving in the town, I think it would have re- presented a place for growth; a place to create a sense of community, grow- ing both physically with the construction of houses and economically with the opening of businesses by Black entrepreneurs," said Jackson. Because many people are unaware of the history that surrounds them, orga- nizations such as the HBHAS and other local his- torical societies are impor- tant in connecting resi- dents and students to their local history, said Jackson. "So much of Canada's history is intertwined with Black History and it is im- portant that we all strive to learn more about it," said Jackson. The HBHAS is hoping to make the essay contest an annual event, according to Dennis Scott, HBHAS chair. "It is exceptional when, especially our youth, ap- preciate our diverse cul- tures and Canadian histo- ry. We've found this narra- tive contest encouraged in- dividuals to grow and gain confidence in their own histories and genealogies, as well as our exquisite Halton community. And the biggest value is growth in self-appreciation and es- teem," said Scott. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: What is the Black history of Halton? Students participating in the HBHAS essay contest were sent on a journey of dis- covery, and -- with Eman- cipation Day (August 1) approaching -- we spoke with the first-place finish- ers to find out what they learned. NEWS Continued from page 1 HALTON'S STRONG LINK TO BLACK HISTORY SHARED IN TEENS' ESSAYS Co-winner of the HBHAS essay contest, Jackson Carter visits Turner Chapel, the heart of the Oakville Black community in the late 1800s. Graham Paine/Metroland SCAN THESE CODES to read students' essays. Residents are invited to mark this special day with a community celebration that recognizes Oakville's role in the Underground Railroad as a port of entry to Canada. The event is being host- ed by the Oakville Museum in partnership with the Ca- nadian Caribbean Associa- Oakville's annual Eman- cipation Day Picnic, which celebrates the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire, will take place on Monday, Aug. 1. The event is being held on the grounds of the Oak- ville Museum at Erchless Estate and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. tion of Halton (CCAH). Attendees are encour- aged to pre-order a free, hot Caribbean meal prepared by chef Romaine Newell to be enjoyed at the event. Up to 200 meals will be prepared so attendees are reminded to pre-order now. Hot dogs, chips, and a juice box will be prepared as an alternative meal for children. Residents are asked to bring lawn chairs and a blanket so they can enjoy their meal while listening to a performance by jazz gospel singer John Camp- bell and the CCAH Steel- pan Band. Attendees can also visit the museum to take a tour, learn about Oakville's ear- ly Black history, and ex- plore the multimedia ex- hibit, "The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Free- dom." Town staff noted the Emancipation Day Picnic dates back to 1850, when Af- rican Canadians from across the province would gather at Oakville's George's Square to honour their journey to freedom. Located at 8 Navy St., in downtown Oakville, the Oakville Museum at Erch- less Estate is easily accessi- ble by foot, bike or public transit. To view the Oakville Transit holiday schedule, visit the Oakville Transit page. For more informa- tion on this event or other programs and activities please visit the Oakville Museum page or CCAH page. TOWN TO CELEBRATE EMANCIPATION DAY WITH PICNIC WHAT'S ON