In 1971 the City of Toronto experienced the first track meet that catered exclusively to the Black participants since it was managed and operated primarily by active members of the Black community.  

 

The nature of the event was such that it was one of the few occasions where indigenous African Canadian and Caribbean people would plan and work together. It was no secret that there was a definite lack of understand and appreciation of the contributions that both groups gave to Canada.

 

 

One of the main purposes was to demonstrate to our youth that our community was quite capable of managing a track meet and our roles were not limited to being athletes. This was critical because it was necessary to show Afro Canadians as Track and Field judges, announcers, clerks of the course etc. When one speaks of the Black Track Meet or the Tubman Games, special mention and tribute should be given to Hank Clarke who kept the spirit of the meet alive whether we had a few or a large number of athletes.

The nature of the Black Track Meet began to change in the early eighties as community organizers differed on the focus between catering to the elite athletes and continuing to have it as a general community event. It was at that time the community invited Percy Duncan to participate and concentrate on developing and promoting the elite athletes. The Black Track Meet reached a low point with the decline of community interest and athlete participation. In order to maintain this very significant and worthwhile event the Harriet Tubman Community Organization assumed responsibility for the meet for the good and interest of our community.

 

The meet was eventually taken over by the Harriet Tubman Community Organization and incorporated as part of their recreation program. Harriet Tubman was founded by Ken Jeffers in 1972. Since then the games have become a successful provincial meet that attracts athletes from across Canada, the USA and the Caribbean. As it enters the 19th year the tradition of great athletic performances, an opportunity for the community to celebrate together and the formation of great friendships continue.

 

 

in 2005 Tubman Games became its own entity and continues to be supported by Harriet Tubman Community Organization with in kind contributions of administrative support but is solely led by the community members who still value this tradition and want to keep the legacy of excellence in athletics and community fun and achievement, alive.

 

 

Youth will be trained and mentored to research, document, interview and capture in pod casts the life’s work, teachable moments, and strategies that still work for today’s youth. Many of these individuals and others who continue to lead the way, just as Harriet did so many moons ago as she travelled to The True North, strong and free will finally be recognized and the most creative, focused and dedicated youth will be recognized for their efforts and contributions.

 

The rich history continues as we gear up to celebrate the 

25th Annual Harriet Tubman Games in 2015.