Black History, Update on Michelle and Photos of Griffyn

Photo above is of black settlers in Elgin Country, Ontario.

Since I've had lots of comments on how much people are enjoying my tidbits of black history, I wanted to share a bit more with you today.

If a slave living in American was able to obtain freedom papers, either by self-purchase or by the generosity (?) of their owner, they considered those papers a treasure and guarded them for the rest of their lives. These people lived in constant fear that they would have to prove that they were free. The majority of slaves had to escape the clutches of their owners by running and were often hunted down by bounty hunters and slave catchers.

In 1850, the second American Fugitive Slave Act was passed. It caused African Americans to be highly at risk because it was possible for free and enslaved African Americans to be accused of being a runaway slave and no proof of slavery was needed. At this time a great exodus began. Approximatley 60,000 African Americans took the risk of fleeing for freedom and Canada was a safe haven.

Slaves followed rivers and military trails, weaving across the countryside to one safe house after another. They traveled mostly by night and used the North Star as their compass. They watched for signs that identified the safe houses. Still, each time they approached a house, they were fearful for their lives.

Many of these people arrived in Upper Canada, which is now known as Ontario and once here, claimed liberty to live and work here. They were also free to have their children educated - something that hadn't been possible in America.
The photo above is of rhe Marble Village Black School that was established in Ontario.

Former slaves did not live in Upper Canada without challenges. Slave and bounty hunters would often capture them and return them to the US. At times they were ostracized by the community. At other times they were extradited by government officials.

Black Canadians banded together to actively fight for their freedom. They established their own communities and built their own churches and schools. Life was hard and continued to be for many generations. These people were pioneers in their own right and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to Ontario history.

Photo of settlers courtesy of Archives of Ontario 10014677 - no restrictions on use.
Photo of the Marble Village School courtesy of Archives of Ontario 100024783 no restrictions on use.

I realize I've been AWOL. I usually post everyday, but wasn't feeling myself over the weekend and so didn't post yesterday. That is very unusual for me and then I didn't get time to post earlier today.

This morning I took Michelle to the GYN to have her staples removed. We were there around 10 am and she was out by 10:30. It was supposed to be in and out but when the nurse took the staples out, she realized that part of Michelle's incision was red. Her regular GYN wasn't available so they called one of the other doctor's in the practice in to have a look. He said there was a bit of infection and told her to wash it really well twice a day and to keep an eye on it. If it gets hard or the redness increases, she is to phone immediately. Otherwise she has to go back next Monday.

He did tell her that she can go up and downstairs now and do more things around the house as long as she doesn't tire herself out or lift anything. So I'm asking for prayers for Michelle that her infection doesn't worsen.

My niece, Melissa, was nice enough to come and stay with Michelle this week. She will be returning home on Friday morning. She has a little boy that will be 8 months old on February 28th and she is expecting another baby in August. I thought it was nice of her to come when she has her hands so full.

When Michelle and I got back to the house, I went in to visit Griffyn. I haven't seen him since Canadian Thanksgiving, which was in October. Melissa did send me some photos that I shared with my readers, but I wanted to take some of him while I had the opportunity. He is getting around really well. He is starting to stand up at furniture and make his way around the house. He's had several bumps and bruises while attempting to discover the world and get his land legs.
Above Griffyn is sitting by his Mom who is trying to get a bit of time on the computer. She had several toys on the highchair table, but his little arms and hands cleared them in two minutes flat.
He thinks he is a smart boy and he is. Look at that angelic face and those eyes that are sparkling with mischief.
He knows he's the center of attention and he loves it. He is clinging to his very last toy for dear life. All the rest are scattered across the living room floor.
I took him out of his highchair and played with him for a few minutes, then put him down on the floor. Michelle's dog kept trying to kiss him and Griffyn wasn't sure if he liked that. He does have a dog at home, but she is a more docile creature than Michelle's dog. A few minutes before this photo was taken, Griffyn had been checking out the vacuum in the background. Then he decided he wanted to come to me. I was standing on the six steps that go from the living room to the foyer. He started for me...
And he came really quickly. Look at that smile and the look of achievement. Notice the red cheeks that are caused from teething.

Melissa is really lucky. For the most part he is a really good baby. He entertains himself nicely and loves his Jolly Jumper. However, sleep is not in his vocabulary and he doesn't want it to be in Mom's either. He puts up quite a fuss when she tries to get him to sleep.

Do you enjoy giveaways. If so be sure to stop by and visit Garden Goose and find out how to join in on the fun. Click on the magazine cover to visit Small Town Living.

Well, that is all for today. Please leave a comment and I will do my best to catch up with all my friends tomorrow. ~Blessings, Mary~