JANUARY 28, 2021
Early communities honoured in 13th Black History Month series
Stamps tell of the struggle and strength of two Black Canadian settlements
SAINT JOHN, NB and ATHABASCA, AB – The challenges faced by two waves of Black immigrants from the United States in the early 19th and early 20th centuries come to light in a pair of stamps issued this month by Canada Post. These stamps – the 13th issue in our Black History Month series – celebrate the hope and perseverance of the Black pioneers who founded Willow Grove, New Brunswick, and Amber Valley, Alberta.
About the Communities
Willow Grove was founded in 1817 by Black refugees. Most had been enslaved African Americans who were offered their freedom and land in exchange for supporting the British in the War of 1812. They were issued licences to live on land that turned out to be of poor farming quality and received little assistance. When they tried to support themselves temporarily in nearby Saint John, they were met with racist restrictions. But the residents fought for their rights and formed a thriving community.
The Black settlers who founded Amber Valley around 1910 had journeyed from the American south to escape escalating violence and segregation laws. Seeking a better life for their families, they carved a living from the dense bush and muskeg but continued to endure ongoing racial discrimination, including government measures that prevented other people of African descent from settling in Canada. The residents, however, were determined to succeed, and the community they built flourished.
Although separated by nearly a hundred years, the two communities experienced similar hardships and triumphs, and both served as stepping stones for the success of future generations of Black Canadians.
About the Stamps
Designed by Lara Minja of Lime Design Inc. and illustrated by Rick Jacobson, these stamps feature illustrations based on archival photos of community members, maps showing the location of each settlement, and images of the different
