By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When Canada Post unveiled abolitionist Mary Ann Shadd’s new postage stamp, her kin stood tall and proud.
To mark Black History Month in February, more than a dozen descendants gathered recently in Chatham to honour the fearless freedom fighter who changed the course of history.
An image of a serious young woman – taken from the only existing photograph of Shadd – is set in shades of purple on a cream and brown background of black-eyed Susans in the stamp. Beneath her is the official masthead of The Provincial Freeman – the weekly newspaper Shadd founded and edited. The young journalist used the paper to push for an end to slavery, while advocating for equal rights for all – regardless of colour or gender.
Two of Shadd’s descendants, spoke from the podium, both bursting with pride in Shadd’s accomplishments and the commemorative stamp.
Toronto educator Brenda Edmonds Travis, whose great-great grandfather was Shadd’s younger brother Garrison, said the recognition has given the Shadd family “so much pride.
“We have always been at the forefront of making a difference in the community,” Travis explained, noting she’s in “awe” of her famous ancestor, feting Shadd for blazing trails, including that of being one of the first Black woman to go to law school and to promote women’s rights.
“She influenced our family to get more education,” she said. “So, if you look at the Shadds, many of them have higher education.”
Travis said she also appreciated Mary Ann’s forthrightness.
“She didn’t mince words and she didn’t worry about it being a man’s world,” Travis stressed.
Toronto historian Adrienne Shadd, another descendent, also offered words of praise, noting the recognition will “live on for the ages.
Adrienne pointed out that Mary Ann expressed what she believed in “letting the chips fall where they may.
“That was Mary Ann Shadd to at ‘T,’ and she didn’t seem to shy away from criticizing…calling out leaders of the community, whether they were black or white, most of them were men,” said Adrienne. “She seemed to be fearless that way.”
According to Adrienne, the Shadd family “carries on the spirit” as there are many Shadds that have accomplished great things.
“I guess they have to have that fearlessness as well, to do what they’re doing,” she said.
Brandy Ryan, Canada Post director of equity, diversity and inclusion, said Mary Ann Shadd was a great selection, as she helped “shape the country.
“She was big on education and women’s rights,” Ryan said.
In addition to Mary Ann’s work as an abolitionist, lawyer and newspaper founder, Ryan said the woman lived a “remarkable life.
Ryan, a Black woman from Alberta, said her family came to Canada in part because of Shadd’s promotion of Canada as a safe haven for those escaping slavery and oppression in the U.S.
The stamp was designed by Underline Studio and illustrated by Natasha Cunningham.
