Fort Erie to honour its role in the Underground Railroad
September 23, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Fort Erie has joined a small but growing group that’s celebrating Underground Railroad Month.
Following a presentation from Dewitt Lee III at the September 22 council meeting, Fort Erie politicians voted to approve a proclamation deeming September as Underground Railroad Month in the town.
Lee is the founder of Caretakers of our Culture, an organization “designed to create and curate days, weeks and months of celebration and commemoration of people of African descent.”
Part of the organization is the US/CAN Underground Railroad Month Committee, which has been working to expand recognition of September as Underground Railroad Month.
Lee said they’ve been focusing on towns and cities that were key parts of the path to freedom for American slaves in the 1800s. But he pointed out it’s not just the places that are important to remember.
“It’s not just a route, it’s the people who managed the route that need to be celebrated,” he said.
The State of Maryland kickstarted the push back in 2019, declaring September as Underground Railroad Month. September was when two of the most well-known freedom seekers–Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman–escaped slavery.
Given its proximity to Buffalo and the United States, Fort Erie was a key point in the Underground Railroad.
Lee said the month is a chance to celebrate when people were at their best.
“When we were able to function together, when we were able to look past the consequences of working together, and for the greater good, decided to see the human in each of us and the right for freedom and peace,” he said.
Buffalo, New York will also be celebrating the month, which Lee said made it extra special given the historical ties between the two municipalities.
Lee also pointed out this year also marks the 120th anniversary of the Niagara Movement, a meeting of influential Black leaders that took place in Fort Erie and ultimately led to the creation of the NAACP.
Lee said September 28 is also Northstar Day, which he said celebrates the risk Canadians took going back into America to help rescue those in bondage.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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