North Is Freedom celebrates the descendants of freedom-seekers who escaped slavery in the USA in the years before the American Civil War. Most found their way to Canada with the help of a clandestine network of "conductors" and "stations" called the Underground Railroad, eventually settling in Ontario and all across Canada.
Some 150 years later, Dojc explores the northern end of the Underground Railroad, photographing descendants who are the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren of once enslaved African Americans who have contributed to the growth of both nations.
Like many others photographed for this series, descendant Susan Johnson Washington is delighted to have the opportunity to share her story. "To be included in this project is to finally pay homage to each of our ancestors. They may have had to follow the "North Star," but we can say to the world, we are here, and we remain here."
