About Us Stories

The Amherstburg Freedom

Museum is a curated archive

that preserves and shares

Amherstburg’s stories of the

Underground Railroad, and

the compassion and

solidarity it took to make this

network possible.

277 King Street,

Amherstburg, ON N9V 2C7

Phone: 519-736-5433

Email:

curator@amherstburgfreedom.org

www.amherstburgfreedom.org

November 2018

You are

invited to

Christmas at

the Museum!

We

Remember

Volunteer

Spotlight!:

Crystal Bryan

We Remember

The Talking Drum

The Talking Drum is published monthly by

the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Contributions, story ideas, suggestions and feedback are always welcome. Please contact Mary-Katherine Whelan at

curator@amherstburgfreedom.org

277 King Street, Amherstburg, ON N9V 2C7

519-736-5433 or 800-713-6336 toll free

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Philip H. Alexander,

Director

J. Trisha Bray, Director

Tom Hurst, Director

Dr. Barbara Hughes Smith,

Director

Gary Jean, Treasurer

Monty Logan, President

Dr. Brenda McCurdy,

Director

Barbara Porter, Director

David Van Dyke,

Vice-President

STAFF

Lorene Bridgen, Assistant Curator

Mary-Katherine Whelan, Curator/Manager of

Collections and Research

PART-TIME

Teiana Harris

Darryn Walls

This November 11th we recognize the

bravery of countless African Canadians

who made significant sacrifices for their

country. Although commemorating their

courage would take up more space than is

available in the Talking Drum, we did want

to highlight one person in particular who

has a display within the museum. His

name is Jesse Arlington Louis Henderson.

Jesse, also known as “Uncle Jesse,” was

born in Amherstburg on April 17, 1909 to

the Reverend Thomas Jesse Henderson and Bertha Ann Talbot.

Additionally, Jesse grandparents, Catherine and George

Henderson, were freedom seekers who escaped enslavement in

Virginia.

Jesse bravely fought in WWII and had the rank of “Gunner.” In an

1987 article, he recalled serving in Belgium, France, Sicily, and

Germany, and added that he was very lucky because he got

through it all without a scratch. This is significant considering he

saved a man named Lieutenant Mike Young from under a pile of

dirt after he was buried by an artillery shell. According to his

discharge certificate, Jesse joined the No. 1 District Depot (A.F.)

and was discharged on November 15, 1945 “To return to civil life.”

Jesse was awarded several medals, including The 1939-1945 Star,

The Italy Star, The France & Germany Star, and The Canadian

Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, Following the war, he also

received a Statement of War Service Gratuity and $632.09 for his

service. On display in the museum is also a lighter which has

written on it “Presented to Jesse Henderson By the Citizens of

Amherstburg for Gallant Conduct World War II, 1939-1945.”

The bravery of countless African Canadian soldiers should not just

be remembered on November 11th, but throughout the year. To

learn more about Jesse Henderson and other courageous soldiers,

we encourage you to visit the Amherstburg Freedom Museum to

see our display commemorating their courageous service.

Volunteer Spotlight

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight, features Crystal Bryan. She is studying Aviation at the University of Windsor and is a Student Operations Assistant with the “Top Aces.” Crystal volunteered with the Museum at the 2017 Amherstburg Freedom Summit and was extremely helpful. Not only did she set up all of our AV equipment for the Summit, she also took on the role of student facilitator, which involved leading discussion groups with the high school students in attendance. Crystal learned about volunteer opportunities from a friend who was on the Summit planning committee and was motivated to volunteer because she has led conferences that share the same goal in the past and it was a great way to continue to give back to the community in different environments and expand how many lives we impact.

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Crystal said, “I enjoy the joy that I see on people’s faces when an event goes well and how many are impacted and can leave more motivated than when they came. I also love to see when a project that you have been working on from the beginning just comes together and is executed seamlessly. I just live to make a positive impact and to just help others whenever and wherever I can.” Crystal also has several positive memories while volunteering at the museum, including one that occurred the night before the Summit. “We all came together to help set up and we were having some issues with the AV equipment, but then we had it resolved and we were all just dancing under the tent with pure relief.” Crystal also likes to volunteer her time outside of the museum. She was on the planning committee and acted as the conference coordinator for the African Diaspora Youth Conference for the past 2 years. She was also a team leader and was the master of ceremonies for 3 years at this conference. She also volunteers at her local

church assembly, Rapha Christian Centre, where she is a musician, audiovisual Technician, photographer and whatever else she may be called upon to do.

Volunteer Spotlight

Crystal also facilitates events and gives motivational speeches to students and youth around the community when called upon. She is also a student Ambassador for the university of Windsor where she occasionally gives tours and does promotional photos and videos.

Crystal volunteers because “I like to pay it forward by helping others reach their full potential as I have been aided by so many individuals in my life.” She also said that she “gained new friendships and some networking contacts as well as long lasting memories and I have an appreciation for the museum and the work it does in the community.” Crystal also encourages “anyone to get involved no matter how big or small. Anything you can do to make a positive impact in this world is taking us one step closer to a better tomorrow.”

United Voices

On Thursday, October 11th, the community came together for the United Voices Town

Hall meeting in Windsor to discuss experiences of anti-Black racism and creating positive images for youth. Student facilitators Crystal, Tatiana and Winnie (right image) did a great job asking questions to a panel of community leaders who shared their experiences and advice. This lead to a great discussion. Thanks to the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, Silvertrust Media and AfroGlobal Television for organizing the event.

Please bring a canned good which will be donated to

the Amherstburg Mission!

Christmas at the Museum

Community Calendar

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