Juneteenth Ceremony Memorializes Enslaved Individuals in Canton

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The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance and the CCA hosted a powerful and deeply meaningful Juneteenth Celebration and historic marker unveiling on Thursday, June 19, at O'Donnell Square rk.

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance and the CCA hosted a powerful and deeply meaningful Juneteenth Celebration and historic marker unveiling on Thursday, June 19, at O'Donnell Square Park.

The event centered around the dedication of a new historic marker memorializing 48 enslaved men, women, and children of African descent on the Canton Plantation as of 1805. This marker is a permanent symbol honoring their personhood and humanity, as well as formally recognizing the indelible impact and contributions of their labor to shaping the early foundations of this neighborhood.

The extensive turnout was a moving testament to the growing desire among community members to acknowledge difficult truths and actively celebrate Black history in Canton and beyond.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from John Ford, Co-Chair of the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance, who offered reflections on the marker’s significance and the research that unearthed the names and stories it represents. A heartfelt blessing followed, delivered by Rev. Dr. Marietta Hebert-Davis, Interim Pastor of United Evangelical Church, UCC.

A series of compelling speeches came from community and city leaders:

  • Mark Edelson, Maryland State Delegate (District 46), former CCA President, and founding member of the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance

  • Robbyn Lewis, Maryland State Delegate (District 46)

  • Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President

The program also included the Presentation of a Baltimore City Citation by Deli Okafor, Public Engagement Officer, who attended on behalf of Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. And, the Reading of the Historic Marker was performed by Amari Lindsay, a recent middle school graduate of Hampstead Hill Academy, who received a standing ovation.

To conclude the program, attendees were invited to join in a communal rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” led by Rev. Dr. Marietta Hebert-Davis, Sis. Denise Glover (United Evangelical Church, UCC), and Sheila Anderson (Canton Anti-Racism Alliance). The song, often called the Black national anthem, brought unity and emotional resonance to the final moments of the event.

Amanda Bourgeois, President of the Canton Community Association, offered closing thanks, recognizing the work of many individuals and groups who helped bring the marker and event to life.

The project was made possible through the support of the Baltimore City Law Department, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP), scholars from Morgan State University and the Maryland State Archives, members of the CCA Board of Directors, local business owners, and community residents.

A special thank you was given to John Ford, who discovered the original probate records that identified the 48 enslaved individuals and who championed this project from its inception.

Gratitude was also extended to the Alliance Marker Committee members: Julie Kichline, Sheila Anderson, Maura Taylor, Miriam Kraft, and Raymond Bahr, along with additional supporters who contributed throughout the process.

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance is a coalition of volunteers dedicated to affecting long-term, impactful changes to foster a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming community. In 2025, the Alliance proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary.