The Remarkable Life & Witness of Mary Ann Shadd

 

                                              Mary Ann Shadd descendants at her stamp unveiling 

A few weeks ago I reflected here about the the Underground Railroad and the iconic Harriet Tubman's years in Canada. The next day there was a news item about a new Canadian stamp which was to be issued commemorating Mary Ann Shadd, a lesser known yet  remarkable Black woman of the 19th century. 

Shadd was born in the United States and died there but she lived for decades near Windsor, Ontario, starting a school under the auspices of a missionary society. Shad and her siblings had been educated in a Quaker school in the States and her activism and her Christian faith went hand in hand. Here is the description of Shadd provided by Canada Post: 

Part of the Black History Month series, this 2024 stamp pays tribute to Mary Ann Shadd, an abolitionist, educator and lawyer who was the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America.

Through her newspaper, the Provincial Freeman, Shadd played an important role in promoting Canada as a place for Black people to settle, raise families and contribute as free citizens.

Black History Month honours the many Canadians throughout history whose voices have contributed to the struggle to end racism and discrimination.

While the stamp was unveiled last week with a number of descendants present, it will be released to the public today in advance of Black History Month. I listened to an interview with two enthusiastic and articulate family members, women who are proud of the legacy and inspiration Shadd provides them and other Black Canadians. 

There is another Shadd family stamp, issued in 2009, to aknowledge Mary Ann's father, Abraham. Before moving his family to Canada, Abraham "protested racism at countless abolitionist meetings and played a major role in the Underground Railroad, a secret route through which slaves were guided to freedom in Canada. As “stationmaster” and “conductor” for the Railroad, he provided escaping refugees with food, shelter, clothing and guidance." (Canada Post).

We know that the use of stamps has diminished through the years as our society has moved away from "snail mail" but I'm grateful for these tiny invitations and glimpses into an important aspect of Canadian history. Thank God for the witness of this remarkable family. 

                                                                  Abraham Doras Shadd