Black History Speaker Series
Discover this three-part speaker series exploring perspectives on Black history and culture in Canada, delivered by prominent historians, community leaders and commentators. These thought-provoking in-person events will be held on the last Sunday of the month in January, February and March, inside the Queenston Chapel, a former Methodist meeting house at the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston, Ontario.
Tickets grant access to the speaker series, along with coffee and tea at the event.
Tickets are $15 per event, or gain access to the entire series for $35. All sessions begin at 2:00 p.m.
The Speakers

LEZLIE HARPER
Celebrating Black History in Niagara • January 29, 2023

SALADIN ALLAH
Present-Day Freedom Seekers and The Power of our Stories•February 26, 2023

KEVIN COTTRELL
Interpreting The Underground Railroad in the age of Heritage Tourism and the built environment in the Niagara Region• March 26, 2023

Lezlie Harper: Celebrating Black History in Niagara
January 29, 2023
This session will explore an overview about the experiences of Black families coming to Canada, an overview of the experience of families coming to the Niagara Region and Canada.
Saladin Allah: Present-Day Freedom Seekers and The Power of our Stories
February 26, 2023
This session will explore Present Day Freedom Seekers and the Power of our Stories in an enlightening presentation about the value of our local heritage and preserving the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Through highlighting the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and sharing his personal story as a descendant of famed underground railroad freedom seeker Josiah Henson, Saladin discusses the importance of everyday people finding a sense of agency in their legacy as modern-day freedom seekers.


Kevin Cottrell: Interpreting The Underground Railroad in the age of Heritage Tourism and the built environment in the Niagara Region
March 26, 2023
In this session, Cottrell takes guests through the history of Black history stories along the Niagara River.
Discover more Black History along the Niagara River
Discover some of Canada’s most poignant stories of freedom and courage with Niagara Parks’ extensive collection of displays and monuments honouring Black Canadian history.
Follow the scenic Niagara Parkway, whether driving leisurely, walking or cycling the 56-km (35 mi) Niagara River Recreation Trail, you’ll encounter a number of opportunities to enrich your experience with over 20 plaques and displays highlighting some of Canada’s most historic moments that unfolded right here in the Niagara region.
