We The North Buxton - event recap
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“We The North Buxton”
Event recap of the Buxton Annual Homecoming
Happy new year to you and yours!!!!!!!!!!!
Since the last time I wrote here, I hope you've been continuing to work towards your dreams, navigating obstacles as best you can, moving your body, and spreading kindness. You know I always set out to write a post here once every month; but man, 2023 required so much of me and as a result, my social media and blog took a hit. I ultimately stopped posting and focused on being present. What I managed to complete before December 31st was my monthly recaps on instagram. IF interested, here they are:
Now for this month’s blog! I am excited to share more about my trip to North Buxton, Ontario. There's no better time than Black History month! You see, from my brief visit to the town I was introduced to so much history and community that was rich in tradition, generational blessings, and BLACK culture. Yet, throughout all levels of my educational career, I never learned about the community before.
Located just after Chatham and right before Windsor Ontario, North Buxton is one of the largest and most successful settlement communities from the Underground Railroad. Many former American slaves who had gained freedom settled there and many of their descendants have remained till this day. Currently, over 50% of the population is Black.
To commemorate its rich history, the town hosts an annual Homecoming celebration where many descendants return home to honour their family legacies.
In September of 2023, the community celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Homecoming celebration. My company Carnival Spice was invited to perform during the event’s parade. The team and I had no idea what to expect. We just looked forward to an adventure ahead and were excited for this unique opportunity where we can share the spice.
Homecoming morning was arguably the hottest day of the year, and because it was a rural area with much farmland, the sun was beating down HARD. We embraced it and was excited to go down de road. I had the pleasure of being the MC on our music truck and the spice dancers showcased beautiful costumes and choreography.
You could feel the joy from the thousands that lined the streets. To many folks in the audience, carnival costumes and soca was a new experience for them; It was a beautiful exchange.
Once we completed the parade route, we were able to enjoy the fair afterward and spend time with folks in the town.
It felt like a big cookout filled with food, and basketball, dancing and true connection. We also learned that many of the attendees traveled from all over North America.
After covid, attendance for Homecoming had declined - so the 100th anniversary had to be extra special because many would return for this great milestone.
I loved seeing the families who wore matching t-shirts to showcase their family name. The pride was beaming and the Blackness shined bright throughout. I never thought l'd ever meet 5th, 6th, 7th and even 8th generation BLACK CANADIANS. Keep in, my family are immigrants from the Caribbean; so it was certainly a new experience for me to meet Black folks with such deep roots in this country.
Thank you North Buxton for one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The ancestral connection, Blackness, and joy will never leave me. Looking forward to returning again soon.
“Thank you once again for helping us celebrate out 100th Labour Day Homecoming celebration! It was absolutely amazing! And you guys were the hit of the parade and in the park!!!!”
Shannon Prince retired as the Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in December 2023, after 25 years of distinguished service. Shannon has received many awards and honours in recognition of extraordinary contributions, most recently she was appointed to the Order of Canada for exemplifying the Order’s motto: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). Her work has also earned her an honorary doctorate from the University of Windsor for her achievements. In January 2024, the Buxton Historical Society formally acknowledged Shannon's achievements on behalf of the museum, community, and country by appointing her as Curator Emeritus of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. (CONTINUE READING BIO)
