The Jackson Park Project (JPP) is a not-for-profit focused on exploring, memorializing, and celebrating the history of Emancipation Day celebrations in Windsor, Ontario. We aim to document and educate the public through a historical drama series, documentary, educational resources, and a digital archive, raising awareness of the rich history of Black communities in the Windsor-Detroit area and beyond.
The Jackson Park Project aims to highlight the contributions of Black Canadians, addressing historical exclusions that perpetuate social disparities and systemic inequalities. Through our content, processes, and programming, we strive to promote cultural representation, accessibility, and understanding of Canada's diverse history.
Journey Back to Jackson Park documents the beginnings of research led by the Jackson Park Project team, as they take a look at the Emancipation Day celebrations that took place in Windsor, Ontario, Canada during the 1930s into the 1960s. These celebrations drew people from all across North America (Canada and the US), becoming known as “the Greatest Freedom Show On Earth”, marking the abolition of slavery in 1834. It’s a little-known legacy but its contribution to Canada’s landscape runs deep.
In pre-development: A one hour dramatic television series historically set and based in one of Canada's largest cross border celebrations that took place between the 1930s and 1960s in Windsor, Ontario: Emancipation Day. The celebration drew thousands of people each year from both Canada and the United States. At a time that was noted for much racism and division, the event drew all ethnicities in a celebration of freedom, faith and music, thus being dubbed "the Greatest Freedom Show On Earth".
The Jackson Park Project Digital Archive is a nonprofit that collects, preserves, and shares the history of Windsor’s Emancipation Day celebrations, especially from 1930–1969. Through virtual exhibits, programs, and events, it aims to educate the public and inspire others to preserve this important legacy.
The education platform explores Black Canadian history through Windsor’s Emancipation Day celebrations (1930s–1960s). It aims to raise awareness of Black resilience, challenge racism, and encourage critical thinking about identity, freedom, and civil rights in Canada.
We’re excited to invite you to the Jackson Park Project Community Gathering & Digital Exhibition on April 12, 2025 in Windsor! This special event is a chance to celebrate community stories, connect with local leaders, and experience a powerful digital exhibition highlighting our shared history.
The stories we are telling are invaluable. We seek organizational support to continue developing each phase of our project, ensuring that our rich history is shared with audiences. Your financial contribution will also support our online digital archives to enhance public access as well as creating curriculum resources for high school students. With Black history, mandated in Ontario high schools starting this September, our educational materials will equip the next generation with vital knowledge. Your support is essential for preserving and sharing these stories.
The Emancipation Day Celebration stories of Windsor & Essex County are treasures. This history matters. Black History matters. The Jackson Park Project aims to weave a narrative that honours original peoples and descendants of the enslaved—because without it, Canadian history is incomplete!
Join us in sharing this rich legacy with wider audiences. Your support makes it possible!
Connect & Share
Spend time with us to share your stories, memories, and insights about the Emancipation Day celebrations between the era of 1930s and 1960s. Your voice helps us preserve and understand their lasting impact.
Collaborate
Join us in preserving and amplifying the significance of this history—past, present, and future—through partnerships and creative collaboration.
Contribute
Financial support helps us grow. This year, we're seeking funding for operations, programming, and key projects in the area of film, education and archival records.
Volunteer
We're currently building capacity and welcoming new board members and volunteers. We're especially looking for key individuals with backgrounds in law, fundraising, finance, as well as administration to help guide and support our work ahead.
Let’s keep Eday’s legacy alive and accessible for future generations.
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