Rhonda McEwen, the first Black woman to lead a Canadian university, was appointed an honorary captain of the Canadian navy, an honour that connects to her ancestors' journey as Black Refugees who fled Nova Scotia for Trinidad in 1820 due to discrimination. This historical event, stemming from the War of 1812 and British promises of freedom, highlights the challenges faced by these refugees and their eventual settlement in Trinidad.
Saga of Black Refugees who left N.S. 200 years ago shaped a Canadian trailblazer
Being Black in CanadaBeing Black in Nova ScotiaNorth AmericaNova ScotiaTrinidad and TobagoUnited StatesSir Alexander CochraneRefugeesWar and unrest
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Rhonda McEwen, the first Black woman to lead a Canadian university, was appointed an honorary captain of the Canadian navy, an honour that connects to her ancestors' journey as Black Refugees who fled Nova Scotia for Trinidad in 1820 due to discrimination. This historical event, stemming from the War of 1812 and British promises of freedom, highlights the challenges faced by these refugees and their eventual settlement in Trinidad.
- 1 1802: Trinidad became a British colony.
- 2 1812: War of 1812 began.
- 3 1814: Sir Alexander Cochrane issued proclamation promising freedom.
- 4 1815: Nova Scotia's economic boom collapsed; Legislature passed resolution about African population.
- 5 December 1816: Lord Dalhousie wrote letter to Lord Bathurst.
- 6 Late 1820: Refugees boarded schooner William for Trinidad.
- 7 1821: McEwen's ancestors among migrants to Trinidad.
- 8 1825: Merikin settlers producing crops in Trinidad.
- 9 2022: Rhonda McEwen made president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto.
- 10 June 21: Rhonda McEwen received official royal letter of appointment as honorary captain of the Canadian navy in Halifax.
- Formation of historic Black communities in Nova Scotia
- Establishment of Black landowners in Trinidad
- Continued legacy of Black resilience and achievement (e.g., Rhonda McEwen's career)
- Ongoing historical research and understanding of Black refugee experiences
What: Rhonda McEwen, the first Black woman to lead a Canadian university, was appointed an honorary captain of the Canadian navy. This honour connects to her ancestors, who were Black Refugees that left Nova Scotia for Trinidad in 1820 due to ill treatment and discrimination, a historical event stemming from the War of 1812 and British promises of freedom to enslaved Africans.
When: June 21 (McEwen's appointment); 1802 (Trinidad became British colony); 1812 (War of 1812 began); 1814 (Sir Alexander Cochrane's proclamation); 1815 (Nova Scotia's economic boom collapsed, attitudes changed); December 1816 (Lord Dalhousie's letter); Late 1820 (refugees boarded schooner William for Trinidad); 1821 (McEwen's ancestors among migrants); 1825 (Merikin settlers' production figures); 2022 (McEwen made president of Victoria University); 200 years ago (refugees left NS).
Where: Halifax (McEwen's appointment, ancestors boarded schooner), Nova Scotia (ancestors settled, historic Black communities), Trinidad (ancestors fled to, Good Hope plantation, company villages, Port of Spain, Moruga), North America, Caribbean, United States (origin of enslaved people), London (Lord Bathurst's location).
Why: Black Refugees left Nova Scotia due to ill treatment, discrimination, and deteriorating economic conditions, despite initial promises of freedom and resettlement by the British during the War of 1812. They sought a better life and freedom, with Trinidad offering land and opportunities.
How: Sir Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation promising freedom and resettlement. Some refugees settled in Nova Scotia, but faced poor conditions and discrimination. Nova Scotia officials then offered relocation to Trinidad as an alternative. A small percentage accepted, boarding a schooner for Trinidad, where they became farmers. Rhonda McEwen's personal connection was discovered through family research.