Yuri Dojc, Irene Moore Davis, 2016
digital photograph on metal aluminum backing, 30 x 40”
Courtesy of the artist
This evocative photographic essay celebrates the descendants of freedom-seekers who escaped slavery in the United States in the years before the American Civil War. Some came entirely alone and unaided; others found their way to Canada with the help of a clandestine network of “conductors” and “stations” called the “Underground Railroad.” Approximately 30,000 men, women and children fled north to freedom, settling from the Maritimes as far west as the Manitoba border. Most came to what is now Ontario, to places such as Windsor, Chatham, Buxton, the Niagara Peninsula, Owen Sound, and larger cities like Hamilton and Toronto.
The title of this exhibit comes from the poem written by George Elliott Clarke which appears in his book – Red. A sculpture was erected outside of the Halifax North End Library bearing the poem in 2007.
North is freedom–
Uptown, down-home:
Each book a drum;
Each life a poem
Some 150 years later, starting in 2016, Canadian photographer Yuri Dojc began exploring the northern end of the “Underground Railroad,” presenting 30 images of descendants. Black and white, young and old, these are the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren of once-enslaved African Americans who have contributed to the growth of this great nation.
Irene Moore Davis – Windsor, Ontario
Descendant of Susan & Charles Christian – Mason County, Kentucky and George Braxton Dunn – Cleveland, Ohio
“It’s important to utilize every opportunity to tell people that our ancestors made it to Canada despite the odds and, further, that generations of people of African descent have remained here in Canada, an integral part of Canadian society.”
Dr. Bryan Walls, C.M., O.Ont., DDS – Essex, Ontario
Descendant of John Freeman Walls & Jane King Walls – Rockingham County, North Carolina
“The Underground Railroad was the first great freedom movement in the Americas.”
Darryl Hogan – Windsor, Ontario
Descendant of Sam & Jane Harper – Kansas
“My ancestors’ story provides examples of both the worst and best in humanity. It also proves that oppression can be overcome. People can decide to overcome a bad situation and declare that they will find a better life.”
Steven Cook – Dresden, Ontario
Descendant of Robert Dudley – Kentucky
“The stories of our ancestors are often filled with hardships and adversity, but from this struggle a flame was ignited that drives our ambition to succeed and honour their memory.”
Shannon Prince – North Buxton, Ontario
Descendant of Dennis Calico Robbins – Raleigh, North Carolina
“Even though they shackled my ancestors’ hands and feet, they could not shackle their spirit or their hearts or passion to survive, and survive they did.”
Spencer Alexander – North Buxton, Ontario
Descendant of Thomas & Catherine Alexander – Kentucky
“My heart and soul feel their suffering, but I also burn with pride over their strength, determination and accomplishments.”
Susan Johnson Washington – Windsor, Ontario
Descendant of Elias Earl – Kentucky & Louisa Douglas – Baltimore, Maryland
“To be included in this project is to finally pay homage to each of our ancestors. They may have had to follow the “North Star”, but we can say to the world, we are here, and we remain here.”
Wilma Morrison, O.Ont. – Niagara Falls, Ontario (1929-2020)
Descendant of the Miller Family
“During my early years, no one spoke of family history. All older friends or relatives were referred to as aunt or uncle, and now that family has passed, the story has gone as well.”
