It turns out our polite Canadian society wasn’t quite so polite in the 1950s. And this knowledge should serve as a reminder in today’s society.
How a Black Second World War veteran was treated after returning from service is a case in point. Following a stint in the military, Dresden native Hugh Burnett was refused a cup of coffee in a restaurant in his hometown.
And while he and the rest of the Black community had faced racism growing up, the restaurant incident was a final straw for Burnett. It led him to join other Black activists from North Buxton and Chatham to form the National Unity Association.
In turn, the NUA took action against racial discrimination. This included Burnett writing a letter to then federal Justice Minister Louis St. Laurent, who went on to become Canada’s 12th Prime Minister.
In response, St. Laurent informed Burnett racial discrimination wasn’t illegal, adding fuel to the fire of the NUA cause.
Outrage grew as Toronto journalists started reporting on the issues in Dresden, pushing the matter into the public’s consciousness.
Burnett’s actions led to powerful anti-discrimination laws being passed in Ontario – considered to be part of the framework of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms we know today.
Burnett, a carpenter, was a catalyst for change in Ontario, and subsequently Canada. But historical records show he paid the price for standing up. He could no longer get jobs in Dresden and area, and had to move on to London, where he died in 1991.
On Aug. 1, at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, a commemorative pen that was presented to Burnett in 1957 for his indefatigable work fighting for civil rights, was returned to Dresden. Discovered in a London thrift store, the pen set was obtained by Dresden residents Thomas Peacock and Stefan Premdas, who in turn presented the historical artifact to the Ontario Heritage Trust in honour of Emancipation Day.
On Aug. 1, 1883, the stroke of pen ended slavery in the British Empire, freeing hundreds of thousands of enslaved people.
It’s wise to remember that the 1950s were not that long ago, particularly in light of rising xenophobia on social media. We should all pay heed to actions of heroes such as Hugh Burnett and Rev. Josiah Henson for shining a light in the darkness.
It is all our jobs to keep the light shining bright.
