The Man Behind the Design: A Journey Into the Unknown

This coin isn’t Kwame’s first. He is already an active contributor to Canadian coin history with his first Maple Leaf coin already completed. However, according to Kwame, “This particular coin is a lot more personal for me, as the theme is for Black History Month. I’m fortunate to be given the opportunity to illustrate this coin and to put my perspective on an essential part of Canadian history, especially when it comes to my people and slavery, which is a part of Canadian history as well.”

On August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished in Canada, as part of the British empire, and became a safe haven for those searching for freedom. From the early 1800s through 1865, at least 30,000 enslaved people of African descent fled to British North America (Canada) by way of a covert network of routes and safe houses. What stood out to Kwame was the amount of trips and attempts so many made—this was something that before designing this coin Kwame had not realized. It became a focal point for his design.

In his extensive research, Kwame said, “I found that the most fascinating elements are the stories within the larger story.” One that stood out to him the most was the importance of quilts. Messages were sewn into quilts that were hung out to dry by settlers, indicating that they were open to giving shelter or a place to sleep for those fleeing slavery. These quilts let them know it was a safe place.

The actual design of the coin, according to Kwame, “required a lot of zooming in and zooming out to make sure the design didn’t get lost. You have to make sure your design can stand out regardless of the size. That creates a bit of a challenge but a challenge I welcome anytime. It was a huge learning opportunity as well.”

Kwame’s drive to push the canvas further is evident in every tiny creative decision.

“It’s a very important canvas shared by so many artists, engravers and politicians,” he said. Inspired by his parents, Kwame has created a timeless piece of art that honours the past and brings forth conversations of our shared future. He is not just a talented artist, but he is also incredibly humble.

“There was a continuous investment in my art career, I don’t think there was anything that I needed creatively and didn’t get, he said. “Now as an adult, I know that they were not easily obtained. I’m thankful for all the sacrifices that I might not have known about, to be here today.”

The passing down of creative talents and the sharing of history all come full circle, just like the stunning coin. Kwame believes that, “We all have a story to tell and every story is important, whether it’s individual stories or cultural stories. We need to educate ourselves on our story and on other individual stories. That’s part of the beauty of this world, the more we learn the more we understand.”

He leaves us with this message: “Anytime to really celebrate my history and culture that’s recognized by the nation…makes me speechless. It is big, but it’s important that we shouldn’t just focus on the one month—as an individual we should be continuously celebrating this.”

Like the circular endless journey on the coin, we should celebrate Black history all year round.