Amherstburg Freedom Museum celebrates 50th anniversary gala
- Ron Giofu
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The dream of Mac and Betty Simpson became reality five decades ago and it is still alive and well today.
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum, originally known as the North American Black Historical Museum, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala last Saturday night at the Caboto Club in Windsor. Museum staff past and present, volunteers and area dignitaries gathered to celebrate the milestone.
“I’m elated to be able to celebrate this organization making it 50 years,” said board chair Monty Logan. “It’s tough as a non-profit to continually generate revenue to keep the doors open.”Logan said the accomplishment in keeping the museum going for a half-century, to tell their stories and to keep it on an upward trajectory was exciting to him.
Over 300 people attended the gala, with tables added late in the week to accommodate more guests, with Logan stating he was happy to see so many people wanting to attend.
Logan stated: “Fifty years ago, in 1975, Melvin ‘Mac’ Simpson had a vision. He wanted to do something tangible to ensure that our story — your story — was told so that future generations could claim the dignity, strength and purpose of being that comes from understanding our history. Alongside his wife Betty, he founded what was then called the North American Black Historical Museum. Their mission was clear - to tell the story of African Canadian’s journey and contributions, including the contributions of their descendants, by preserving and presenting artifacts that educate and inspire.”
The keynote speaker was Bishop Paul S. Morton, a former Windsor resident who now lives in New Orleans. He started and oversees several churches in the southern U.S., including in Atlanta, and several members of his family were also there.
Morton and his family accepted the 2025 Legacy Hero Award on behalf the late Bishop Clarence Leslie Morton Sr., who founded numerous churches in the Windsor-Essex County area, Chatham-Kent and in Michigan. Amherstburg was one of the municipalities where he founded a church. Bishop Clarence Morton also had a radio show every Sunday and Thursday on AM 800 CKLW with the broadcast also available in Toronto on CHUN. The radio ministry lasted over 30 years, eventually moving to WGPR in Detroit.
Bishop Clarence Morton has been described as “a spiritual architect, a media trail-blazer, and a builder of community and culture.”
The public is understanding of what the mission of the museum is and the stories they are telling, he added. The goal is to continue celebrating their stories and to ensure they don’t get erased from history, Logan added.
Logan told the large crowd that time and monetary contributions are still important in keeping the doors open. He expressed appreciation for people who took the time to attend the gala and told them the museum was built thanks to the support of the community.
“We didn’t get here by ourselves. We needed the help,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be where we are at.”
Bishop Paul S. Morton said although he lives in the U.S., he is a proud Canadian. The award for his father was special due to the love the family has for him.
Noting they were proud to be at the museum’s 50th anniversary gala, Bishop Morton said he learned several lessons from his father, such as discipline, timing and excellence.
“History is important,” said Bishop Morton. “We all have to remember where we come from.”
Using an analogy of an eagle, he encouraged people to “fly high” and pursue their goals. He said Mac and Betty Simpson had to face the unknown and the untried and were able to make it.
“The future belongs to those open to positive change,” said Bishop Morton.
Morton urged people to not settle for average, saying that’s like being “on top of the bottom,” and to pursue excellence.
“You were designed to be on top of the top,” he said. “You’ve got to understand who you really are.”
Stopping the “pity parties” and low self-esteem were also highlighted, and Bishop Morton encouraged people to conquer their fears.
“Keep the legacy alive,” he said. “Don’t worry about the enemies. Just fly high.”
Museum vice chair Barbara Porter paid tribute to all previous board members, staff and volunteers, as well as the general public. She noted former curator Elise Harding-Davis worked hard for 30 years and built up the museum.
“Without Elise, the museum would not be what it is today,” she said.
Current curator Mary-Katherine Whelan was also honoured, as she was recognized for her ten years working for the museum.
Derrick Hurst was honoured as the Betty Simpson Volunteer of the Year. The Mac Simpson Scholarship was awarded to Amira Strode while the Maturine-Romain Scholarship went to Favour Anto and Thandiwe Baylis. The Nancy M. Allen Scholarship was earned by Daniella Adekoya and Logan Richardson. Winning the Juanita Yearwood, Florence Logan, Esther Nolan Scholarship were Baylis, Richardson and Anto.
The museum will be having an open house from 2-4 p.m. this Sunday with Whelan stating the community is welcome to attend. She said the gala took about one year to plan.
“We’ve been working on this since last year,” said Whelan.
A committee of volunteers helped plan the gala, she noted.
“It means a lot to the community,” she said of the 50th anniversary. “Reaching this milestone is a huge achievement.”
Amherstburg Freedom Museum celebrates 50th anniversary gala
By Ron Giofu