Today, Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, announced that the
Government of Canada will replace the stolen Mary and Henry Bibb plaque in Windsor.
On March 26th, the plaque – dedicated to slavery abolitionist and writer Mary E. Bibb and her husband –
was reported missing to Windsor Police.

The City of Windsor recently restored the plaque in February for Black History Month, while also
announcing that Mackenzie Hall Park in Sandwich Town would be renamed to Mary E. Bibb Park.
Mary and Henry Bibb were designated national historic persons in 2002 as one of the country’s most
influential couples of African descent in their time, including for their role in the development of the
African Canadian community through their newspaper, “Voice of the Fugitive”.
The plaque will be installed in Summer of 2021 by agency staff.

Quotes

“My sincere thanks to Environment Minister Johnathon Wilkinson, the Minister responsible for Parks
Canada for acting swiftly to replace the plaque honouring the lives of Mary and Henry Bibb. The
restoration of this plaque has tremendous importance for our community, and it is critical to honouring the
remarkable story of Mary and Henry Bibb while preserving and sharing an important chapter in the rich,
proud Black history of our region”.
–Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh

"As abolitionists, journalists, leaders, and advocates for African-descended peoples, Henry and Mary
Bibb left an indelible imprint on Canadian society that outlasted their lives by generations. The
disappearance of the federal plaque recognizing them as Persons of National Historic Significance has
been a painful episode for many members of our community, whether persons of African heritage or
allies. The news of its replacement is a tremendous relief."
–Irene Moore Davis, President, Essex County Black Historical Research Society