THE PROJECT
PROJECT SUMMARY
This online newspaper was inspired by “The Provincial Freeman,” a historic newspaper first published by anti-slavery activist Mary Ann Shadd Cary in the 1850s. Free Black populations and freedom-seekers from the Underground Railroad could flip through the pages to hear the latest news about the global efforts to end slavery and the realities of the Black Experience in Canada.
The artwork featured in this digital reimagining of “The Provincial Freeman” was created by the students of the Africentric Alternative School, Amesbury Middle School, Weston Collegiate Institute and Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute.
The students worked in collaboration with Dwayne Morgan, Tanika Riley aka iNsight, Neil Donaldson aka Logik and Danilo Deluxo, as well as The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. They provide powerful commentary on the same themes Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s had advocated for nearly 200 years earlier.
THE PROJECT
The artwork featured in this digital reimagining of “The Provincial Freeman” was created by the students of the Africentric Alternative School, Amesbury Middle School, Weston Collegiate Institute and Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute.
The TDSB Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with the City of Toronto would like to express our sincere appreciation to the four (4) TDSB schools who engaged actively in this initiative. Through their work on the Reimagining the Provincial Freeman, these young leaders challenged dominant narratives to foster a more inclusive, understanding and informed city.
We’d also like to recognize the following students for their leadership, and contributions in creating a new vision for the Provincial Freeman.
Kayshaun A., Grade 7
Harlym J., Grade 7
Cassadee N., Grade 7
Daniel S., Grade 7
Niniola Y., Grade 7
Janielia S., Grade 7
Aaron F., Grade 7
Jario R., Grade 7
Shaina H., Grade 7
Sha'myah A., Grade 8
Tianna R., Grade 8
Ti'Yah E-R., Grade 8
Neil S., Grade 8
Aniyah M-M., Grade 10
Lyndonna C., Grade 11
Adna O., Grade 11
Mercayia H., Grade 11
Leen D., Grade 12
Shahana S., Grade 12
Lily M., Grade 12
Symphony B., Grade 12
Irahs B., Grade 12
Alleyah B., Grade 12
This platform and experience would not be possible without the guidance and dedication of the artist-educators and community members who brought this project to life.