Tuesday 28 July 2026
Educational Storyboard unveiled at Herbert and Estelle Brown Park Inauguration
by Asantewa Nkuah, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The official Inaugural Ceremony of Herbert and Estelle Brown Park took place Tuesday July 28. This milestone has been in the making for two years. As a result of collaborative efforts between Black History Ottawa, Councillors Stéphanie Plante and Rawlson King, the City of Ottawa, the Brown and Bedward families, and other community members, in September 2024 Herbert and Estelle Brown Park became the first park in Ottawa named after a black family.
Herbert and Estelle Brown were important figures in Ottawa’s early black community. Coming to Canada in 1937, Herbert “Pops” Brown served in the Canadian army during World War II. After service, his family came to join him in Ottawa in 1953. In 1957 he started Brown’s Cleaners and Tailors, establishing himself as one of the first black business owners in Ottawa.
“Go and see the Browns” was common advice given to Ottawa immigrants back then. Warm and welcoming, the Browns helped many newcomers arriving from Africa and the Caribbean. While Pops ran the cleaning side of Brown’s, his wife Estelle was in charge of tailoring. A talented seamstress, she sewed wedding dresses for at least seven young women who Pops walked down the aisle.
The Inaugural Ceremony was an opportunity to officially commemorate Herbert and Estelle Brown Park and celebrate the couple’s extraordinary legacy as influential builders of Ottawa’s Afro-Caribbean community. Dozens gathered in the park. Guests included community members, city officials, High Commissioner of Guyana Cindy Maria Sauers, His Excellency Samuel Berridge, High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis, and descendants of Herbert and Estelle. Spirits were high despite the pouring rain.
Councillor Stéphanie Plante has been one of the most active supporters of the park. She hosted the Inaugural Ceremony, welcoming everyone with a powerful statement: “Future generations will know the names of Herbert and Estelle Brown, understand their contributions, and recognize that Ottawa has always been strengthened by people who build businesses, welcome neighbours, create opportunity, and make our city a better place.”
His Worship, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, personally recognized the Browns’ impact and thanked Stephanie Plante for her leadership on this project. Her Excellency Marsha Coore Lobban, High Commissioner of Jamaica took to the podium to congratulate everyone on this monumental occasion. She spoke to the importance of the permanent educational storyboard that would be unveiled during the ceremony: “This park and the educational storyboard that accompanies it will serve as a permanent reminder that Ottawa’s history has been enriched by the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.”
For the Honorable Greg Fergus, the story of Herbert and Estelle Brown feels incredibly personal. His mother came from Jamaica under the West Indian Domestic Scheme, seeking opportunities in Canada as a tailor. Before 1955, immigration law was highly restrictive. Fergus emphasized how pioneers like the Browns were also builders, creating community at a time where they had to fight to belong.
What sort of public space will the park be? In the words of Councillor Rawlson King: “A park is more than a green space. It is a declaration.” Herbert and Estelle Brown Park will not only mark the past. It will shape the future as well.
Dane Bedward, grandson of the Browns, reinforced these themes with an original song contribution titled “The Story of Herbert and Estelle Brown.” The bouncy beat, meaningful lyrics, and beautiful vocals came together to tell the story of community building. “Now we stand as one.”
The park also displays the importance and strength of community collaboration today. Black History Ottawa played a key role, “building networks and continuing the narrative,” as Greg Fergus put it. Jean-Marie Guerrier and Jude Girvan shared more insights about the process of getting the park commemorated, vowing that the stories of black community builders will continue to be shared.
Remarks and community recognition closed out with Dane, speaking on behalf of his brother Albert Bedward. Though Albert could not be present for the ceremony, he was involved throughout the process of recognizing their grandparents’ legacy in Ottawa. Dane emphasized that this park carries more meaning than just Herbert and Estelle’s names. The park speaks to love, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. He was deeply touched that there are people working to build on what his family believed.
With that, Dane proceeded to unveil the permanent educational storyboard. Accompanied by a large bright photo collage that displays who Herbert and Estelle Brown were, the board will provide park visitors with the opportunity to learn more about their legacy.
Following the ceremony delicious Jamaican food was provided by Island Flava. There was also opportunity for photos and discussion between residents, community leaders, and elected officials. The atmosphere was warm and excitable.
No doubt many will be looking forward to visiting Herbert and Estelle Brown Park from now on. As Greg Fergus said: “When young people walk through this park, they will see themselves in the story of Ottawa. Representation in a public space sends a message. We belong here. We have always belonged here.”
