Photo Exhibit showcases Black freedom-seekers’ legacy in Canada

A new photo exhibition titled North Is Freedom, currently on display at Art Windsor-Essex until June 8, is shedding light on a seldom-discussed chapter in Canadian history: the lives and legacies of Black Americans who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad and settled in Canada.

This exhibition highlights the contributions of Black Canadians who shaped the nation's history and showcases the enduring legacies of those who sought freedom.

30,000 freedom-seekers journeyed to Canada via the underground railroad


The North Is Freedom exhibit documents the experiences of some of the estimated 30,000 Black individuals who fled slavery in the United States between the late 18th century and the end of the Civil War. Their journey continued into Canada after passing through northern U.S. states like Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, where slavery had been outlawed.

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The early Black settlers who reached Canada played a significant role in founding communities across Ontario and Nova Scotia, creating abolitionist media outlets, and contributing to Canadian society in various fields. However, their contributions have been historically underrepresented in national narratives. North Is Freedom seeks to correct this oversight by showcasing photographic portraits of their descendants, many of whom are now prominent historians, educators, and community leaders.

Photographer Yuri Dojc captures intergenerational legacies of freedom

The exhibition features 30 captivating images by Slovak-born Canadian photographer Yuri Dojc, whose personal connection to historical struggles for freedom sparked his interest in documenting the lives of freedom-seekers. Dojc, the son of Holocaust survivors, saw parallels between the hardships endured by enslaved Black individuals and the struggles his own family faced.

The project, which was launched in 2016 with support from TD Bank and the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C., has since toured major cities like Ottawa, Niagara Falls, and Brampton, reflecting the significance of the Underground Railroad network across Canada. Windsor, a key location in the story of Black freedom-seekers, now hosts the exhibit, giving visitors an opportunity to engage with these important narratives.

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Curator Dorothy Abbott highlights underground railroad history in Canada

Curator Dorothy Abbott, whose own family settled in Owen Sound, Ontario—the final stop on the Underground Railroad—has long advocated for the preservation and sharing of this important history. Abbott’s family history, deeply intertwined with the Underground Railroad, gives her a unique perspective on the importance of keeping these stories alive.

Abbott and Dojc worked together to expand the exhibit's reach, collaborating to include new individuals and descendants of freedom-seekers in the project. Abbott has also made strides in connecting with various descendants of those who escaped slavery, ensuring that their legacies are honored and preserved for future generations.

The North Is Freedom exhibit not only showcases the stories of these individuals but also highlights the ongoing work of historians and educators who are dedicated to preserving the contributions of Black Canadians and their ancestors. By telling these stories, Abbott and Dojc hope to encourage greater awareness and recognition of Black Canadian history and inspire pride in the descendants of those who paved the way for freedom.