Backgrounder:
MARY AND HENRY BIBB
WINDSOR, ONTARIO, October 8, 2005 -- On behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jerry Pickard, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of Mary and Henry Bibb.
"The lives of Mary and Henry Bibb left an indelible mark on South-Western Ontario and on Canada as a whole," said Minister Dion. "Their many achievements and successes for the cause of freedom speak to the power of the individual spirit to overcome adversity. It is only appropriate that we commemorate such meaningful individuals in Canada's history, especially for the African Canadians and for all other immigrants who, fleeing persecution and slavery, came to this country on the promises of liberty and opportunity."
Mary Miles and Henry Bibb met in 1847 at the annual meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society held in New York City. Married in 1848, the couple moved two years later to Sandwich, Canada West, where they became active leaders in a number of anti-slavery societies. Together they produced The Voice of the Fugitive, the first major newspaper to be published by and for African Canadians. It became an important medium for abolitionism and racial understanding and a voice for promotion of a better life for Blacks in Canada. Henry became a popular speaker on the abolitionist lecture circuit and involved himself in the Underground Railroad as a conductor. By teaching, Mary put into practice their beliefs that a better life included the ability to read and write. Despite discrimination in the public school system, the Bibbs established their own schools improving the education of African Canadian children and adults. They were also leaders of the "Refugee Home Society" which sought to obtain land for refugee Blacks to settle on.
One of their most important contributions was the role in organizing the North American Coloured Convention, held in Toronto in 1851. During this convention people of colour vigorously debated emigration without the involvement of well-meaning Whites and other outside forces, thereby taking command of their own destiny. Henry Bibb was chosen convention president, a testament to his importance in the abolition movement.
"Mary and Henry Bibb's designation is part of a series marking important figures involved with the Underground Railroad. The commemoration of their accomplishments will ensure that Canadians learn more about their story and be inspired by their determination," said Mr. Pickard.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of our cultural heritage which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Eva Guthrie
A/Site Manager
Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada
Parks Canada
(519) 736-5416
