Introduction

Between Confederation and World War I, free Blacks and runaways escaping the institutionalized racism of the American South entered every Canadian province. Hardships posed by the climate, terrain, vegetation and social attitudes did not stop them. They often encountered individuals both in private life and public office who discriminated against them. One individual in public office encouraged emigration to Trinidad on behalf of that government.

Those insisting on exclusion tried to deny the newcomers equality, to bar them from the opportunity to participate fully as citizens and to control their freedom.

So strong was the determination of the newcomers that many became highly productive citizens contributing economically, socially, culturally and politically. For example, a Canadian Black, William Hall, was one of the first people in the world (November 1857) to be awarded the Victoria Cross for valour.