Nicole Brown is a graduate assistant for the William & Mary Bray School Lab and a PhD student in American Studies at William & Mary. She is also a Program Design Manager at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Lindsay Beutin is the Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University. She is an established author and has been involved with many community projects for racial and economic justice and historic preservation.

Morning Session

Afternoon Session

Evening Session

Opening Thoughts...

The importance of the conference's location, Birchtown, in preserving Black Loyalist history and promoting ongoing scholarship cannot be overemphasized. Nor can there be a need for better integration of community and academic research. This conference is my intervention... my critique of the disconnection between the two spheres. Personally, I consider this conference a call for a respectful and accurate portrayal of history, urging participants to engage critically with the content presented. In that light, the panel discussions and interactions within the sessions present a critical discussion of Black Loyalist history, especially since so much of community knowledge has been omitted. Here, the land around us is literally an unexplored tapestry of Black Loyalist history, as apparent as the people who live on the land and whose skin has been kissed by the African sun, centuries ago...

Finding Catherine Edwards

Cady Berardi (and Erin Isaac) explored the complex interplay between community memory and institutional archives regarding the history of enslavement at the Ross Thompson House and Store Museum. She detailed the evolution of local memories and institutional records about supposed shackles and the lives of enslaved individuals at the site. Cady shared their insights into historical documents and community narratives, emphasizing how perceptions of enslavement have shifted over time. Her research revealed that while institutional records often lacked definitive proof of slavery at the site, persistent community memories and emerging research shed light on the broader context of enslavement involving figures like George Ross. Their work highlights the importance of continuing to question and reinterpret historical narratives to understand the lived experiences of enslaved individuals better. 

Unfinished Journeys

Lindsay Beutin, a professor at McMaster University, delves into the intersection of historical memory and contemporary social movements. Focusing on her research and collaboration with the Black Loyalist Heritage Center, Beutin explores how the memory of slavery is mobilized in modern social justice campaigns. She examines how historical representations, such as those at the Heritage Center, connect past injustices to present-day issues like systemic racism and labor exploitation. Beutin critiques the contemporary use of terms like "modern-day slavery," arguing that they often serve as rhetorical devices that obscure the real impact of historical injustices and perpetuate structural inequalities. Through her analysis, Beutin emphasizes the need to critically assess how historical narratives are leveraged in current political contexts to either challenge or sustain existing power dynamics.

The Bray School and Black Atlantic Connections 

Nichole Brown's presentation focused on the intersection of community, history, and education, particularly through the lens of the Williamsburg Bray School and its impact on Black communities. The Williamsburg Bray School is Virginia's oldest official school for Black Americans, and it played a seminal role in providing education to both free and enslaved Black children. But the school had a dual purpose: religious instruction and the perpetuation of slavery. In her work, Nichole contrasts education and enslavement with the experiences of students like Hannah, Isaac B., and Sam, who navigated their education amidst oppression. In Birchtown, Nichole was able to draw connections between Virginia and Nova Scotia, illustrating the broader impact of Bray Schools and Black education. In this presentation, Nichole advocates for a shift in historical narrative to include the voices of those directly affected by these institutions. This presentation stands as a clarion call for continued dialogue and collaboration to better understand and tell these interconnected histories. 

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society thanks Nichole for her contribution to our archives!

Digital Curation as Capacity Building

Gabriel Jones, a museum professional with three decades of experience, discussed his work in curating Indigenous arts and visual culture, both in Canada and globally. Reflecting on his involvement in projects like the "Liminal Faces in Public Spaces" exhibition, he emphasized how digital curation can serve as a tool for activism and community building. This approach, which allowed Indigenous voices to be heard in oppressive regions, also helped marginalized communities gain visibility and recognition. He shared examples of how digital exhibitions preserved cultural heritage and empowered small institutions to overcome limitations by using online platforms. Jones also questioned the motivations behind institutional interest in these projects, suggesting a need for ongoing critical reflection. His presentation underscored the power of digital resources in giving communities the tools to tell their own stories. 

"An Average Black Guy From Yarmouth."

In a blend of personal recollections, oral history and research, Chuck Smith shared the powerful story of the Number 2 Construction Battalion, the only all-Black battalion in Canadian military history. As a descendant of Black Loyalists and with a deep personal connection to military history, Chuck highlighted the systemic racism that Black Canadians faced during World War I, including being rejected from combat roles and told that the war was a "white man's war." He shared the journey of the battalion, which was eventually formed in 1916, and their contributions, such as cutting lumber and laying barbed wire in France, despite not being allowed to fight on the front lines. Chuck also recounted the battalion's lack of recognition after the war and the eventual apology in 2022, 106 years after the unit was formed. His personal connection to this history, including his grandfather's service in the battalion and his efforts to erect a monument in Yarmouth honoring local soldiers, underscored the emotional impact of this overlooked chapter in Canadian military history.

The Black Rose Nation

Tanya and Joel McPherson's cerebral presentation at the Black Loyalist Academic Conference of Knowledge emphasized the importance of cultural, environmental, and self-repair for Black communities. They introduced the concept of "culture farming," which involves nurturing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being by reconnecting with nature and cultural roots. Drawing on historical figures such as Zora Neale Hurston and Neil deGrasse Tyson, they underscored that the foundation of humanity and the universe is interconnected, with Black people at the core of civilization. They also highlighted the significance of protecting women, recognizing elders, and honoring history through peer-reviewed lessons. Ultimately, the message was empowering, self-reflection, and taking actionable steps toward community-led reparations, cultural preservation, and environmental harmony.

Sandi Stewart presented early results in research on Black Loyalist descendants in the historic local work force.

Isaac Maclean presented his research, titled "The Development of Land-Based Racism through Capitalist Ambition." Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, the video wasn't recorded, but it will be available as an audio recording at a later date.