The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway

Book excerpt: When the Lincoln Alexander Parkway was named, it was a triumph not only for this distinguished Canadian, but for all African Canadians, It had indeed been a long journey from the days in the 1880s when a Blacks woman named Julia Berry operated one of the tollgates leading up to Hamilton Mountain. The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway examines the history of Blacks in the Hamilton-Wentworth area, from their status as slaves in Upper Canada to their settlement and development of community, their struggle for justice and equality, and their achievements, presented in a fascinating and meticulously researched historical narrative. Adrienne Shadd's original research offers new insights into urban Black history, filling in gaps on the background of families and individuals, while also exploding stereotypes of poverty and underachievement of early Black Hamiltonians. For the very first time, their contributions to the building and development of the city are heralded and take centre stage.