Maine is known for its picture perfect landscapes and quaint coastal towns. But within its borders is a surprisingly rich Black history that significantly shaped the state’s narrative. Maine has a long history of African American resilience, contribution, and community, despite being a predominantly white state.
Here are some fun facts about Maine, according to the Thomas Memorial Library and Maine Department of Education:
- A Black man arrived in Maine a whopping 12 years before the Pilgrims made their famous landing at Plymouth Rock
- Portland, Maine, was home to the nation’s first Black lawyer who not only passed the bar but also started practicing law right here in their city.
- The Abyssinian Congregational Church located in Portland, Maine was an early African American cultural center and one of the northern waypoints on the Underground Railroad.
Black History and Beyond
The journey of Black history in Maine dates back centuries. During the colonial era, Black people were present in Maine, often as slaves or servants. Even though Maine abolished slavery in 1820, racial discrimination persisted in different forms.
One pivotal aspect of Maine’s Black history is in its connection to the Underground Railroad. The Maine Freedom Trails are a network of routes and safe houses that played a crucial role in aiding escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. These trails were guided by abolitionists and stationed in places like Portland and Bangor, Maine. They served as vital hubs offering refuge and support to those seeking liberation.
The activism of many abolitionists challenged public opinion, and inspired action against the institution of slavery in Maine.
Black Culture in Maine Today
Today, Maine has a growing and vibrant Black community. African and Caribbean migrants make up a large part of this growing kinship. Maine encompasses a diverse array of professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders. Black-owned businesses have emerged and offer an array of goods and services reflecting Black Mainers cultural heritage. From restaurants serving soul food and African cuisine to boutique shops, these businesses contribute not only to Maine’s economy but also to its cultural expansion. For example, Black Owned Maine is a directory that emerged in 2020 when protests against police brutality swept across the nation. This initiative began as a simple business directory aimed to provide a platform to highlight and guide consumers to Black-owned businesses in Maine. From there it quickly evolved into a far greater movement for Maine’s Black community.
Maine’s Black community showcases its talent and creativity in the realm of arts and culture. Despite Maine having a Black population of less than two percent, the state has been a safe haven for Black artists. For example, fine artists, like Edmonia Lewis and Palmer Hayden, captured the essence of Maine’s landscape and people through their paintings and sculpture. Additionally, Black musicians and bands, like Atiim Chenzira and Genius Black infuse jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, and funk into the music scene. Black artists have an undeniable mark on Maine.
A Social Movement
Maine’s Black community continues to be at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Community leaders and activists, like the Main Justice foundation, work tirelessly to address systemic inequities. They provide social and economic assistance to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color across the state. Through grassroots organizing, policy initiatives, and advocacy campaigns, they strive to create a more just society for minorities in Maine.
The legacy of Maine’s Black history is an integral part of the state’s identity. Black people have shaped its past, present, and future. From the Underground Railroad to the thriving Black community today, Black people and heritage have given invaluable contributions.