The City of Windsor unveiled a design for an Emancipation Celebration Monument in Jackson Park.
The overall footprint of the monument reflects the shape of the original Jackson Park bandstand, which burned down in 1957. Throughout the monument will be three murals depicting Emancipation Day celebrations in Windsor and a life-size bronze sculpture of Walter Perry.
"This just adds to our history, something to hold on to, something to come out and see and to attach it to the actual celebration. That's important to a lot of people," said committee chair Joi Hurst.
The City of Windsor has committed $400,000 for the monument and gathering space in Jackson Park.
“Windsor has long been a place of refuge for freedom seekers and those who fight for independence, safety, and stability. Emancipation Day celebrations helped to shape our community, and it’s amazing to see the stunning design of the monument and sculpture that are being created to honour that history today," said Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino. "This will be a lasting tribute to so many who helped build our community and will connect generations of Windsorites to the stories that defined our past, shaped our present, and are helping to build our future.”
The majority of the monument should be completed in time for Emancipation Day this August 1.
A $140,000 fundraising campaign is currently underway for the Walter Perry sculpture. Donations can be made through the WindsorEssex Community Foundation or the commemorative brick program through the City of Windsor.
The sculpture will be a later addition to the monument.
