Honouring Oakville’s black community

On November 24, 2019 Town Councillors Ray Chisholm, Cathy Duddeck, and Natalia Lishchyna joined Andrew Tyrrell of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, and Lorraine Unett and Arlene Duncan, descendants of Jeremiah Adams, at Burnet Park for the unveiling of a heritage plaque entitled, Burnet Street and Oakville’s Black Community. 

The plaque commemorates Oakville’s black history and community members. As an official Port of Entry into Canada, Oakville was one of the major destinations along the Underground Railroad and the first glimpse of freedom for many freed and escaped African-American slaves. The Underground Railroad saw over 40,000 African-American people migrating from the United States to Canada between 1850 and 1860 alone. 

 “It is an honour to celebrate Oakville’s vibrant black history and the legacy of the many African-American individuals who have contributed so much to the fabric of our community,” said Councillor Cathy Duddeck.