MARY ANN SHADD CARY: PURSUIT FOR JUSTICE
As a Canadian, I am continuously moved by the beauty of my nation and the richness in its boundless diversity. Never have I seen nor lived in a country so exuberant in culture to which I may ubiquitously encounter myriads of communities, each woven seamlessly together regardless of their distinctive races, religions, traditions, languages and beliefs no matter where I roam. Yet, one of the communities I am unremittingly astonished by for their ambitious accomplishments in spite of their merciless hardships, are the Afro-Canadians. Just as did their ancestors toil under the harsh African sun, among the scant expanses of water and their arid soils to miraculously blossom forth the fruits which would feed their families for months; various Afro-Americans emanate their tenacious courage to break free from the injustices they were dealt since birth as slaves and a minority. These very Afro-Canadians, who established themselves on the grounds we stand upon and prospered sublimely in the freedom of this land fundamentally impacted Canada’s identity and heritage; one particular woman being Mary Ann Shadd Cary.
On October 9th, 1823, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was born to free parents in Wilmington, Delaware1. Though she spent her days studying at Quaker boarding school, at night, Cary witnessed daily the desperate American slaves escaping to Canada whom took refuge in her parents’ home - a safe haven in the Underground Railroad2. Mary, who fiercely believed in the power of education to improve African-Americans’ rights, organized a school for the black youth at the mere age of 163. Teaching from 1839 to 1850, she dedicated the majority of her life educating her fellow Afro-Americans so they may blossom in the political, economic, literary and scientific sectors constituting society and bring forth the radical changes necessary towards racial integration4. Furthermore, in 1849, she published the pamphlet, “Hints to the colored people of the North,” where she echoed these views and challenged black leaders as well as churches to further advocate education5.
Shortly after immigrating to Canada in 1851, Mary began actively protesting her rights, notably at the first North American Convention of Coloured Freemen - breaking barriers as a black leader and a suffragist6. Moreover, through her newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, she strongly urged African-Americans to immigrate to Canada in order to be free of enslavement7. However, as the American Civil War progressed, Mary left Canada to be at the forefront of this imperative war, working as a recruitment agent in the Union army8. In her final years, Cary completed a law degree at Howard University, until she passed away from cancer in 18939. Alas, in 1944, Mary’s efforts earned her the title of a “Canadian Person of National Historic Significance10.”
Undoubtedly, Mary had vast impacts on Canadian society through the lives she touched as a mother to her children, as a teacher to her countless students, as a black activist to the Afro-Canadians, and as a suffragist to Canadian women. Mary Ann Shadd wore her heart on her sleeve fearlessly - to the beat of the djembe drum she hears with each heartbeat, her fingers bracing her pen dance on her paper in symphony to write so eloquently the words she reverberates within; the words that urge radical change towards racial parity and criticize her political leaders against the outrageous discrimination far too many Afro-Americans have faced and died for. Through her journalism, Cary saved countless lives by enticing Afro-Americans to flee from their enslavement to thrive and integrate themselves within Canadian society11. Moreover, Cary was a pioneer in journalism and law - not only was she the first black female newspaper publisher in Canada, but one of the first black female lawyers in America12. Thus, her unwavering bravery to overcome her discriminatory obstacles to prosper in these fields, allowed for a next generation of inspired women and black Canadians to follow in her footsteps and more equitable rights for the Afro-Canadians and women - both of which define Canada so eminently today. Furthermore, Cary educated innumerous black youths, which allowed them to pursue greater jobs with their studies for fairer salaries and safer conditions, thus a grander quality of life.
As a Canadian woman, I am proud to be a part of a society that today reflects the racial integration and equitable rights Mary fought for her whole life. As a human, I am forever touched by Mary’s heroic achievements in times of hateful tragedy and aspire to evoke such virtue in a world yet to be abolished of injustice.
1 “Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
2 Stevens, Patsy, “Mary Ann Shadd Cary.” Garden of Praise, https://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcary.htm. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
3 Silverman, Jason H., “SHADD, MARY ANN CAMBERTON.” Dictionary of Canadian Biography, www.biographi.ca/en/bio/shadd_mary_ann_camberton_12E.html. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
4 “Mary Ann Shadd.” Walkerville Times, http://www.walkervilletimes.com/41/mary-ann-shadd.html. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
5 Stevens, Patsy, “Mary Ann Shadd Cary.” Garden of Praise, https://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcary.htm. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
6 “Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
7 ibid.
8 Stevens, Patsy, “Mary Ann Shadd Cary.” Garden of Praise, https://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcary.htm. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
9 “Mary Ann Shadd.” Walkerville Times, http://www.walkervilletimes.com/41/mary-ann-shadd.html. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
10 “Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
11 “Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
12 ibid.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kaitlin, “Mary Ann Shadd Cary.” Heritage Toronto, http://heritagetoronto.org/mary-ann-shadd-cary/. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
“Mary Ann Shadd.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mary-ann-shadd. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
“Mary Ann Shadd.” Walkerville Times, http://www.walkervilletimes.com/41/mary-ann-shadd.html. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
Silverman, Jason H., “SHADD, MARY ANN CAMBERTON.” Dictionary of Canadian Biography, www.biographi.ca/en/bio/shadd_mary_ann_camberton_12E.html. Accessed December 5th, 2018.
Stevens, Patsy, “Mary Ann Shadd Cary.” Garden of Praise, https://gardenofpraise.com/ibdcary.htm. Accessed December 5th, 2018.