Speakers for the Dead
Synopsis
Over 200 signatures were collected on a petition to preserve a Black cemetery in rural Ontario, which had been disturbed to create farmland.
Synopsis
Les Kenon recalls a time when a farmer buried tombstones from a Black cemetery to plant potatoes in rural Ontario. This act erased a significant part of local history. In the 1980s, Kenon and others, including archaeologist Carolyn Smarts, worked to restore the cemetery. They unearthed headstones and confronted the area's hidden racial tensions. The film includes interviews with residents and scenes of the excavation, revealing the emotional weight of this forgotten history. Directed by Jennifer Holness and David Sutherland, "Speakers for the Dead" runs for 50 minutes.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Les Kenon as he confronts historical inaccuracies.
- Find out about the black community in early Gray County.
- See how a petition aims to protect ancestral burial sites.
Did You Know
- There were over 200 signatures on a petition to preserve burial sites.
- A black community existed in Gray County around 1835.
- Some early black settlers were veterans of the War of 1812.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was the documentary 'Speakers for the Dead' released?
The documentary 'Speakers for the Dead' was released in 2016.
What community is mentioned as having settled in Southern Ontario around 1835?
A black community is mentioned as having settled in Southern Ontario around 1835.
What was the misconception about the first non-native settlers in Gray County?
The misconception was that Irish and Scottish settlers were the first non-native settlers in Gray County, which was later revealed to be false.
What are people saying?
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