Music from the Underground Railroad brings history and truth to Windsor stage

Songs that likely came to Canada on the Underground Railroad are part of the family history of singer Khari Wendell McClelland. Now, that history passed down from his great-great-great grandmother Kizzy, will be shared on stage in Windsor.

Last fall, McClelland toured with The Freedom Singertheatre production. Now he's back in Windsor for two performances on Feb. 15 at the Phog Lounge as part of the the Freedom Singeralbum tour.

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"My great-great-great grandmother Kizzy left U.S. slavery and came to Canada in the mid-1800s. She went to Amherstburg," he said. "She actually ended up losing her legs due to the cold here. She had two children by a British man. At some point, when those children were old enough and strong enough they actually brought her back across the river into the U.S."

McClelland was born and raised in Detroit, eventually migrating back to Canada. The Freedom Singerproject allows him to take the music hisgreat-great-great grandmother help create and tour it around he country.

The Freedom Singer creator on performing in Windsor

7 years ago

Duration 0:37

Khari Wendell McClelland collected and recorded songs that were part of his family's past. The Freedom Singer is a collection of songs that likely came to Canada on the Underground Railroad.

"I think there's something very special for me in doing it here too, because I almost feel like I'm tracing the footsteps of my great-great-great grandmother Kizzy," he said. "There'ssomething special and sweet about being ableto share it here in this land that was a safe harbour."

The show touches on an array ofemotions, according toMcClelland.

"People might shed a tear, clapping, singing along, hooting and hollering," he explained."I think it's a unique experience."

His hope for the show is that people can see themselves in the story, making it possible to own the stories and be inspired to change moving forward.

The Freedom Singer performance

7 years ago

Duration 0:46

A sample of one of the songs from The Freedom Singer. A collection of songs that likely came to Canada on the Underground Railroad. Created by Khari Wendell McClelland.

"I think there is some common stories, like slavery never existed on this side of the border. This project helps to tell some truths that complicate some myths that we have about our own Canadian history."