David Coon, MLA/Député

Fredericton – David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick issued the following statement in recognition of Black History Month.

“February is Black History Month. It’s a time to recognize the struggles, contributions and achievements black New Brunswickers throughout the history of New Brunswick. This month holds an opportunity for all New Brunswickers to learn of the unique black experience in New Brunswick since the arrival of both black loyalists and black slaves in 1783. The year 1800 marked the beginning of the end of slavery in New Brunswick when a Black woman named Nancy Morten protested her enslavement to Caleb Jones of York County. The case went to New Brunswick’s Supreme Court where Solicitor General Ward Chipman made the case against slavery. The case ended in a split decision. While Nancy Morton did not win her freedom, the resulting social turmoil made slavery socially unacceptable, but it wasn’t until 1836 that the slavery was actually prohibited in law. As we mark Black History Month, I encourage all New Brunswickers to reflect on the courage of Nancy Morten and learn her story so it can be told and retold through the generations.”

To learn more, visit the links provided below:
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitLo.do?method=preview&id=151&lang=EN
http://preserve.lib.unb.ca/wayback/20141205155436/http://atlanticportal.hil.unb.ca/acva/blackloyalists/en/context/biographies/nancy.html
http://archives.gnb.ca/exhibits/forthavoc/html/Loyalists-and-Slavery-in-NB.aspx?culture=en-CA