Fort Erie celebrates freedom seeker Josiah Henson

A parkette along Fort Erie’s waterfront is more than a place to sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery of the Niagara River.

Freedom Park, on Niagara Parkway, was the landing spot for Josiah Henson, a freedom seeker who, among others, escaped slavery and made his way into Canada at that location.

“It’s the first time freedom seekers were able to experience freedom,” said Dewitt Lee, founder of Caretakers of Our Culture, a group with a mandate to celebrate people of African descent.

Lee addressed town council recently and received unanimous support to locally celebrate September as International Underground Railroad Month.

Jenson arrived in Fort Erie on October 28, 1830, after escaping more than 40 years of being a slave in America.

He was born into slavery in Maryland, made his way to Kentucky and then landed in Ohio before boarding a ship that would take him to Buffalo, N.Y.

Lee said Henson had his two young children with him on the journey, often having to carry them in knapsacks.

After landing in Buffalo, Henson crossed the Niagara River and stepped foot onto Canadian soil at what is known today as Freedom Park, an important stop along the Underground Railroad.

Lee said a plaque affixed to a large stone at the site, installed by the Niagara Parks Commission about 25 years ago, is a significant marker recognizing Henson and also “those who were never able to make it to this side of freedom.”

Mayor Wayne Redekop called the park a “very sacred place” and said the town is pleased to be part of celebrating and honouring those people who escaped slavery.

“We’re part of a legacy of individuals who cared about each other and took a risk to ensure everyone can belong,” said Redekop.

In 2030, it will be 200 years since Henson landed in Fort Erie. This is an example of how long the town has welcomed people with open arms, Redekop said.

“This type of endeavour highlights how long we’ve been a welcoming and caring community,” he said.

Even though the Canadian and U.S. governments are going through some “rough waters” now due to trade tensions, Redekop said he believes that welcoming attitude will continue for many years.

Saladin Allah is a third great-grandson of Henson, as well as a historian and expert in Black culture and history.

He said there are still people today seeking freedom in Canada, a country that has been well ahead of other nations for decades when it comes to acceptance of all people.

“You really are setting a standard for the world in many ways that a lot of times people don’t acknowledge or respect,” said Allah.

He added Henson is considered to be the inspiration for the book ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’

A small ceremony was the focus on Tuesday before participants visited Fort Erie Public Library’s centennial branch for a presentation.

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