This is the final post of a 3 part series in honour of Black Philanthropy Month. For part 1, click here. For part 2, click here.
Within the first two posts of this series we learned about the early Black philanthropists that helped shape Niagara today. Their generosity brought the community together and created space for collective action to take place. These stories laid the groundwork for future generations in Niagara. Here we share two of those stories.
RECLAIM
Wilma Morrison (c.1929-2020)
Wilma Morrison moved from Hamilton Ontario to Niagara Falls in 1955 and quickly became known in the area as a historian of Black History and an advocate for the preservation of Black history and culture.
Her impact in Niagara is far reaching, with countless awards and recognitions to her name. She was a member of the Niagara Falls BME Church and when the iconic landmark was being threatened to be torn down, Morrison rallied the community and fought tirelessly for the preservation of the building, representing nearly 200 years of Black history in Niagara. Thanks to her advocacy work, the BME Church was saved and was declared a National Historic Site in 2000.
Wilma Morrison died in 2020 due to complications with Covid-19, however, her legacy lives on as a testament of generosity, curiosity and leadership.
Rick Bell
Rick Bell was Niagara’s first black professional firefighter in 1979. A decedent of former freedom seekers, Bell’s family has a long history in Niagara. Generations of Bells and Tyrells lived in St. Catharines, and were involved in coal and ice delivery, and jewelry and watch-making.
In the mid 1980’s when some renovations were being done in his grandmother’s house, Rick went rummaging through an old steamer box in the attic and discovered a treasure trove of history. Over 150 items that chronicled his family’s history dating back to the 1850’s. Photographs, birth certificates, marriage registries and tithing receipts. Many of these documents tied back to the BME Church in St. Catharines; a gathering place and the home of Black generosity in Niagara.
In 2011 Rick Bell donated the iconic collection to Brock University to preserve the rich history of the Black community in Niagara.
RISE
The stories shared above are merely a snapshot of the long, rich and deep history of the collective action and community investment of Black leaders in Niagara. There could be entire research projects dedicated to looking at how Black philanthropy has shaped Niagara and continues to lead our community. Tubman Tours Canada, led by Rochelle Bush, local historian and respected leader, provides an opportunity for you to learn more and dig deeper into the history of Niagara. We encourage you to book a tour, read an article linked below and expand your understanding of Black history in Niagara. You will be encouraged, humbled and inspired to rise to action.
In honour of this year's Black Philanthropy month theme- Sankofa Now- we remember this stories of the past, reclaim their wisdom for today, and rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow!
