Canton Anti-Racism Alliance Honors Juneteenth with annual Freedom Walk

On June 19, the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance hosted a symbolic Freedom Walk in observance of Juneteenth. The walk traced Frederick Douglass’ path to freedom while reflecting on Canton’s history and the contributions of enslaved people whose labor helped build the neighborhood. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—and serves as an important day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of freedom.

Participants stopped at the Frederick Douglass Historical Marker outside Sprouts Market (3802 Boston St.), the Peter Cooper Historical Marker at Boston & Clinton, the Frederick Douglass Wayside Markers at Tindeco Wharf (2800 block of Boston St.), and the Canton Plantation Enslavement Historical Marker in O'Donnell Square Park.

Along the route, participants heard remarks from Tom Chalkley, co-author of A History Lover’s Guide to Baltimore; John Ford of the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance and CCA Board; and Shauntee Daniels, Director of the Baltimore National Heritage Area. Twenty-two people participated in the walk, with 14 continuing the conversation afterward over coffee at Simply Marie’s, a Black woman-owned breakfast spot in Canton.

The event provided an opportunity for neighbors to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about freedom, history, and the lasting impact of enslaved people on the community we know today.

The Canton History Project, founded by Dr. Raymond Bahr, has installed 13 historical markers throughout Canton that help tell the story of the neighborhood's people, industries, and significant events. To explore all of the markers and their locations, visit this map.

Those interested in learning more about Frederick Douglass's escape through Canton can request a copy of a research paper co-authored by Tom Chalkley and Dr. Raymond Bahr. To receive the paper and supporting maps, images, and source materials, email Tom Chalkley at tomchalkley@gmail.com with "DOUGLASS PAPER" in the subject line.

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance, founded in 2020, is a coalition of volunteers dedicated to affecting long-term, impactful changes to foster a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming community. To get involved with the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance and support future initiatives, community members can contact info@CantonCommunity.org.