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Honouring the Legacy of Herbert and Estelle Brown
On July 28, I was proud to host the inaugural ceremony for Herbert and Estelle Brown Park at 612 Besserer Street. Together with the Brown family and Black History Ottawa, we officially unveiled the park’s permanent educational storyboard celebrating the Browns’ remarkable contributions to Ottawa’s Afro-Caribbean community. Sandy Hill has always been a neighbourhood shaped by people from many backgrounds, and it is only fitting that we honour two individuals whose legacy of hard work, generosity, and service continues to inspire generations of Ottawans. By recognizing Herbert and Estelle Brown with this park, we are helping tell a more complete story of Ottawa and ensuring their contributions are remembered for years to come.
The ceremony brought together members of the Brown family, community leaders, residents, and fellow elected officials to recognize two pioneers whose leadership and dedication helped shape the social and cultural fabric of our city. It was a meaningful afternoon of reflection, celebration, and community pride.
From left to right: June Girvan from Black History Ottawa, The Honorable Greg Fergus, MP for Hull-Aylmer, Her Excellency Marsha Coore Lobban, High Commissioner for Jamaica, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Stephanie Plante, Dane Bedward, grandson of Herbert and Estelle Brown, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Councillor Rawlson King, His Excellency Samuel Berridge, High Commissioner for Saint-Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Cindy Sauers, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Guyana, Jean-Marie Guerrier, Vice-President of Black History Ottawa, and the artist Allan Andre.
I was honoured to help create this lasting tribute so that future generations can learn about Herbert and Estelle Brown’s legacy of resilience, inclusion, and community leadership.
Below, you’ll find the artwork unveiled during the ceremony, created by artist Allan André, along with the story of Herbert and Estelle Brown, written by their grandson, Albert Bedward, celebrating their lives and lasting contributions to our community.
Be sure to check out the photos and videos from the inaugural ceremony to relive this special celebration and see the community come together to honour their remarkable legacy.
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Sandy Hill park renamed after Brown's Cleaners owners
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