Designs unveiled for Windsor’s Emancipation Celebration Monument

The designs for the anticipated emancipation monument in Windsor have been shared by the city.

Designs have been shared by the City of Windsor for the upcoming Emancipation Celebration Monument of Walter Perry, also known as ‘Mr. Emancipation’.

The monument will be built and installed at Jackson Park between now and the end of July. It will include:

• A decorative archway, which will reflect the style and shape of the Jackson Park bandstand that burnt down in 1957
• Murals created by local artist Dennis K. Smith
• Interpretive panels with historical information
• Decorative benches
• Landscaping, lighting, and shade structures
• Pathways with opportunities for donor names on bricks around the site
• Overall footprint reflecting the shape of the original bandstand

The space will come together courtesy of an investment of more than $400,000 from city council.

“The Emancipation Celebration Monument at Jackson Park will be something truly special to behold. From the large archway that mirrors the shape and design of the original bandstand, to the life-size bronze sculpture of Walter Perry to be installed in the near future, we are honouring our commitment to make ‘Mr. Emancipation’ proud as we honour ‘The Greatest Freedom Show on Earth’ and create a fitting and inspiring tribute to a shared history that shaped our city, province, and country,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“We are investing responsibly in public art, parks, culture, and heritage through this project. As the fundraising stage officially kicks off for the bronze sculpture component, I thank council for approving the over $400,000 investment to make this happen, Joi Hurst, Gale Carter, all members of the committee, along with the designers, artists, and community members working in lockstep with the city to bring this beautiful vision to life in Jackson Park.”

Emancipation Celebration Monument Commemorative Brick Program

The city is launching a special Emancipation Celebration Monument Commemorative Brick Program, offering an opportunity for those interested in the project to make their mark on helping bring it to life with a commemorative brick installed around the site. Donations of $100.00 will allow for:

• One grey 6-inch by 12-inch brick with a name or message inscribed
• Three rows for the inscription
• 16 characters per row, including spaces/punctuation

To guarantee placement in the circular path around the monument, interested donors are asked to reach out to the City by June 1, 2026.

Funding raised through this commemorative brick program will be directed towards creation and installation of the bronze sculpture of Walter Perry and will help the Committee reach its community fundraising goals. Donors are responsible for the regular maintenance of the brick. Replacement of any brick due to normal wear and tear shall be at the expense of the purchaser. Donors will receive a certificate for their brick, along with an income tax receipt from the City of Windsor.

To donate and receive an Emancipation Celebration Monument Commemorative Brick, please contact: Parks, Recreation & Facilities, at 519-253-2300 ext. 2711 by phone, or [e-mail] by email.

Additional investment

Also included in the announcement, as mentioned by Dilkens, was an additional investment of $47,000 to out into:

• $27,000 to enhance entertainment and support performers participating in the Windsor-based villages of the 2026 Carrousel of the Nations
• $10,000 to support creation of two additional commemorative sidewalks honouring veterans around the cenotaph at City Hall Square
• $10,000 to support additional amenities like the benches in city parks, encouraging community connections and engagement in outdoor spaces

“Emancipation Day commemorates the Slavery Abolition Act that abolished slavery across the British Empire, including here in Canada, where thousands of people of African and Indigenous heritage had been enslaved during both the French and British colonial regimes,” said Joi Hurst, chair of the Emancipation Celebration Monument Committee.

“That is why we talk about ‘freedom’ when we talk about Emancipation Day, and why we have long celebrated all that it stands for. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Drew Dilkens, Councillor Renaldo Agostino, my fellow committee members, and the city team who have worked hard, and from the heart, to move this project forward each step of the way. I am grateful to city council for embracing the vision and standing united in the desire to honour a history that has always mattered so very much to this city, this region, this province, and this country. Cultural monuments such as the Emancipation Celebration Monument are enduring testaments to human history, identity, and creativity, often described as ‘footprints of the past on the sands of time.’ As committee chairperson, it has been a truly remarkable experience to be a part of this committee.”

A ribbon cutting event will take place in the summer to recognize Emancipation Day.