02/02/2026
Black History Month is a time to honour resilience, courage, and the powerful stories that shaped Canada. Right here in Southwestern Ontario, the communities of Amherstburg and Windsor played a life-changing role in one of the most important freedom movements in history: the Underground Railroad.
During the 19th century, Canada was seen as the final destination for thousands of enslaved Black people escaping the United States. The Detroit River was more than a body of water—it was the last barrier between slavery and freedom. For many, crossing it meant safety, dignity, and the chance to build a new life.
Amherstburg: A Gateway to Freedom
Amherstburg became one of the most significant settlement points for freedom seekers arriving from the U.S. Formerly enslaved people didn’t just pass through—they stayed, built homes, opened businesses, and formed strong Black communities. Today, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum preserves these stories, sharing the legacy of Black settlers who helped shape the town culturally, economically, and socially.
Windsor: The Last Step to Safety
Just across the river from Detroit, Windsor was often the final step on the Underground Railroad. Abolitionists, Black church leaders, and local allies worked together to shelter freedom seekers as they arrived by boat under cover of darkness. Once in Windsor, many continued on to communities like Amherstburg, Chatham, and Buxton—places where Black Canadians could live freely, own land, and educate their children.
Why This History Matters
The stories of Amherstburg and Windsor remind us that Black history is Canadian history. These communities weren’t just places of refuge—they were places of leadership, resistance, and hope. The courage of those who crossed the river, and the strength of those who welcomed them, laid the foundation for generations of Black Canadians who followed.
This Black History Month, we honour the bravery of freedom seekers, the compassion of those who helped them, and the lasting impact their journeys continue to have on our country. Their stories live on—in our towns, our families, and our shared history.
