Roots & Routes: Black Brantford — Freedom Seekers, Community Builders; A Special Exhibit
WHO
Roots & Routes: Black Brantford — Freedom Seekers, Community Builders centres the histories and lived experiences of Brantford’s Black community, whose presence in the region dates back to the early nineteenth century. Beginning with the arrival of the first known freedom-seekers around 1830, the exhibit highlights generations of Black individuals and families who helped shape Brantford socially, culturally, and economically. Curated by Dr. Christina Han, the exhibit brings together stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and community-building that have too often been overlooked in dominant historical narratives.
WHAT
Roots & Routes is a multi-faceted historical exhibit and community program that explores Black heritage in Brantford through archival materials, storytelling, performance, and dialogue. The exhibit spans both main galleries on the ground floor of the Brant Museum and Archives and will be on display from October 2025 to August 2026. It is part of the broader Memories of Brantford’s Immigrant Communities project, which has previously explored Jewish, Italian, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Armenian histories, and now turns its focus to Black Brantford.
WHEN
The exhibit officially opens on Saturday, October 18, with a full weekend of programming that continues into Sunday, October 19. Opening ceremonies begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a walking tour, theatrical performances, a community dinner, a panel discussion, and a featured musical performance. Together, these events create opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration across generations.
WHERE
The exhibit is housed at the Brant Museum and Archives (57 Charlotte Street), with additional programming taking place across Brantford, including Alexander Park and the Stephen and Helen Kun Theatre at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. By using multiple community spaces, Roots & Routes physically maps Black history onto the city itself, reinforcing its deep and lasting presence.
WHY
Exhibits like Roots & Routes are essential because they preserve, honour, and amplify stories that have historically been marginalized or excluded from public memory. The Black community of Brantford has played a vital role in shaping the city through labour, activism, culture, faith, and community leadership. Yet, these contributions have often remained underrepresented in mainstream historical accounts.
By foregrounding Black voices and experiences, Roots & Routes challenges visitors to rethink whose stories are remembered, how history is told, and why inclusive storytelling matters. This exhibit is not only about the past; it is about recognition, belonging, and continuity. It affirms that Black history is Brantford’s history and that understanding this legacy is critical to building a more informed, inclusive, and empathetic community today.
Through exhibits, performances, shared meals, and conversation, Roots & Routes transforms history into a living, collective experience—one that invites visitors to reflect on freedom, migration, identity, and the enduring impact of community builders whose roots and routes continue to shape Brantford.