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Black History Learning Resources

Levi Carroll residence in 19th century Berlin Ontario

If you recently attended our Black Presence in Berlin walking tour you might be interested in these resources for further reading and learning about Black History in Canada, Ontario and Waterloo Region. Peggy Plet, writer, researcher and guide for Black Presence in Berlin, used many of these resources when developing Black Presence in Berlin.

Queens Bush Settlement

  • In Search of Freedom: Early Blacks in Waterloo County – by Linda Brown-Kubish (1992) – available in the 1992 Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume ((v.80, p.46-57), Kitchener Public Library, Grace Schmidt Room
  • The Queen’s Bush Settlement: Black Pioneers, 1839 0 1865 – by Linda Brown-Kubish (2002) – available at Kitchener Public Library & some local bookstores
  • African Hope Renewed: Along the Grand River (1400s-1800s) – by Angela Files (2004) a rare find as it was self-published
  • Queen’s Bush Driving Tour – created by Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, Dr. Timothy Epp

Kitchener’s 19th Century Black Residents

Emancipation Day

  • Emancipation Day – by Natasha L. Henry (2010) – available through local bookstores & libraries
  • Talking about freedom: Celebrating Emancipation Day in Canada – by Natasha L. Henry (2012) – YA, available through local bookstores & libraries

West Indian Domestic Scheme

School Segregation

Retired serviceman George Borden worked 30 years in the Canadian Military and signed up with his two older brothers. Borden’s grandfather was part of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
Image Source: The Globe and Mail. 

No. 2 Construction Battalion

More Black history learning resources about Ontario

  • The history of North Buxton, a Black settled community of freedom seekers in Chatham Kent, Ontario.
  • Speakers for the Dead, a documentary about the Black community in Priceville, Ontario and the efforts of the community to save a forgotten Black Cemetery (watch it free on NFB)
  • Canfield Roots, a documentary about the Black community in Canfield, Ontario and the efforts of the community to save a forgotten Black Cemetery

Do you have Black history learning resources or connections we should know about?

We expect to add more Black History learning resources relevant to Waterloo Region as we find them! If you have learning resources or research about Black history in Waterloo Region, please contact us!

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