United Way Bruce Grey is honoured to announce a new charitable partnership with the Negro Creek Committee in support of the Early Black Settlers of Negro Creek Memorial Park, a landmark project that will preserve and celebrate the history of one of Grey County’s earliest Black communities.

As the project’s charitable partner, United Way Bruce Grey will receive and administer charitable donations in support of the memorial park, making it easier for individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute while helping the committee achieve its vision of creating a permanent place of remembrance, education, and reflection.

Beginning in the 1840s, Black families settled in the Negro Creek area after seeking freedom and opportunity in Upper Canada. Their perseverance, resilience, and contributions helped shape the region’s history, yet their stories have often gone untold. The Early Black Settlers of Negro Creek Memorial Park will honour these families while providing future generations with an opportunity to learn about this important chapter of local history.

The memorial park, planned for Chatsworth Township, will include a central commemorative monument, interpretive storyboards, a walking trail, family history markers, and educational displays that tell the story of the area’s early Black settlers and their legacy.

“United Way Bruce Grey believes strong communities are built by recognizing every story that has shaped them,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way Bruce Grey. “We are proud to partner with the Negro Creek Committee to help preserve this important history and ensure these stories continue to educate and inspire generations to come.”

The Negro Creek Committee has spent years researching family histories, collecting historical records, engaging descendants, and building awareness of the community’s significance. The memorial park represents the culmination of those efforts and will serve as both a place of remembrance and a community gathering space dedicated to education, reconciliation, and inclusion.

“I believe that this partnership marks a huge step forward as we preserve, protect, and share the history of The Early Black Settlers of Negro Creek,” said Nancy Lee, Direct Descendant and Lead Committee Member of The Early Black Settlers of Negro Creek Memorial Park Committee. 

This partnership reflects United Way Bruce Grey’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, preserve local heritage, and promote equity and inclusion throughout Bruce and Grey counties.

Construction of the memorial park continues to move forward following years of planning and collaboration with descendants, local historians, volunteers, and community partners. The project has also received support from the Township of Chatsworth and other organizations committed to preserving local Black history.

Community members who would like to support the Early Black Settlers of Negro Creek Memorial Park can make a charitable donation through United Way Bruce Grey. Every contribution will help create a lasting tribute that honours the courage, determination, and legacy of the families who helped shape Grey County.

For more information about the project, visit https://negrocreek.community. To make a donation, go to https://unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/negro-creek-memorial-park/.