canadian black history month : john graves simcoe
TRANSCRIPT
Born February 25, 1752 in
Cotterstock, Oundle, England
Raised in a wealthy family and studied at a
prestigious boys’ school as a teenager.
Education Merton College -
University of Oxford
Occupation Military Officer, in 1791 and
became 1st Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (present-day Ontario) in
1792-1794.
Died October 26, 1806 in Exeter,
England
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IntroductionThere is a misconception that Black History Month IN CANADA is only observed to honour the legacy of prominent Black Canadians. However, Black History Month should be used as a period to remember and
teach about all types of people who have been integral in the history of African diaspora.
In this brief presentation John Graves Simcoe’s life and his impact on Black slaves and their emancipation will be reviewed.
My name is Blayne Clarke and I decided to discuss this individual during Black History Month because leaders for change inspire me and John Graves Simcoe helped give rise to change and freedom
for black slaves in canada.3
Opposition to Slavery
John Graves Simcoe was an important advocate for the recruitment and recognition of black men by the British Army.
He significantly supported the livelihoods of black canadians and he showed great opposition to slavery.
Simcoe believed that slavery was contrary to the teachings of Christianity and that the practice was morally wrong.
Enslaved africans in upper canada
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“Act Against Slavery” -1793 In March 1793 John Graves Simcoe recommended a practical
abolishment of slavery.
The proposition was an anti-slavery law that met resistance from the wealthy, Loyalists and other slave owners.
Therefore Simcoe had to settle on a compromise that would lead to a rather gradual slavery abolishment.
As a result of John Graves Simcoe’s efforts, on july 9, 1793 the “act against slavery” was passed preventing any new
slaves from being allowed into Upper Canada. 5
Final pointJohn Graves Simcoe’s motives for inducing
change and being a beacon of hope in the history of black slaves in Upper Canada have
been unclear in my research. However it is certain that Simcoe opened the doors that lead
to the Emancipation of slaves and the eventual establishment of African Canadian
communities.For this, John Graves Simcoe deserves
recognition. 7
“There’s a place the slaves have been whisperin’ around called Canada. The law don’t allow no slavery there. They say you travel north and
follow the North Star, and when you step onto this land you are free.”- Underground to Canada
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Next time you see, “Lake Simcoe” 1st think, “John Graves Simcoe” (who named it), then think, “Canadian Black History.”
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Thanks!
Contact info:
www.blayneclarke.com
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References Doughty, K. (2015). 5 years on: Lake Simcoe Act a model to follow [Photograph found in Federation of Ontario Cottagers'
Associations, Ontario, Canada]. Retrieved February 6, 2016, from https://foca.on.ca/5-years-on-lake-simcoe-act-a-model-to-follow/ (Originally photographed 2015)
Emancipation [Photograph found in Journey to the Present: A Black History Month Exhibit, Toronto History, Toronto]. (1998). Retrieved February 7, 2016, from http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?
vgnextoid=b322407212203410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD (Originally photographed 1998)
Enslaved Africans in Upper Canada [Photograph found in Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, Ontario]. (2012,November). Retrieved February 6, 2016, from http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/slavery/index.aspx(Originally photographed 2012, November)
Freedom [Photograph found in Pinterest, Government of Canada]. (2015, May). Retrieved February 2, 2016, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/561190803537126301/
John Graves Simcoe. (2016). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Graves-Simcoe
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References cont’d Rodriguez, J. P. (2015). Encyclopedia of Emancipation and Abolition in the Transatlantic World. Retrieved February 1, 2016,
from https://books.google.ca/books?id=DXysBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA478&lpg=PA478&dq=john graves simcoe encyclopedia&source=bl&ots=BHqo0FnSfI&sig=0CwcXm0zS4_kMzCQnn4iuiI7BPU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFz6qJvNXKAhWKCBoKHdGmB7gQ6AEISTAI#v=onepage&q=john graves simcoe encyclopedia&f=false
Slavery [Photograph found in African Nova Scotian Museum]. (2015). Retrieved February 7, 2016, from http://www.bccnsweb.com/web/our-history/slavery/
Smucker, B. (2013, November 29). Underground to Canada. Retrieved February 6, 2016, from http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol20/no13/undergroundtocanada.html
Upper Canada, Map [Photograph found in Historica Canada]. (2006, July 02). In R. Hall (Author). Retrieved February 07, 2016, from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/upper-canada/ (Originally photographed 2006, July 02)
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