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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 16, 2008 - 21 Author picking up awards for his efforts Continued from page 20 described as "a likely fellow" or "a stout wench." The recording of people and their identity adds dignity where none existed before, according to Hill. Not many people know about the document. "It's not just Black history, it's Canadian history," said Hill. The book also brings to light the first ever event in what is called the Back to Africa movement. Many of the slaves who earned their passage to Canada and became known as Black Loyalists, later were so dissatisfied with their life in Canada that they embarked on a return trip to Africa. That they did so, during the height of the slave trade, speaks to the environment in Canada at the time. Hill's character Aminata is among them. Having vowed to return to her homeland, she does. She later goes to England. Hill said that, too, is significant in that in those days, in that environment, it's astounding for someone to have made not only one, but two ocean crossings. Aminata escapes slavery by serving the British as a midwife and then as a scribe, recording in the Book of Negroes. At the end of the war, Aminata sails with thousands of blacks to Nova Scotia. In Shelburne, she discovers that freedom in the British colonies is illusory and in some respects just as dangerous as the slavery she fled in the American South. In 1792, Aminata joins the first "back to Africa" movement in the history of the Americas and sails with 1,200 Black Loyalists to Sierra Leone. After a decade in Africa, Aminata sails to England to advocate for the end of the slave trade and to write the life story that becomes the novel. Hill co-authored with Joshua Key, The Deserter's Tale: The Story of an Ordinary Soldier Who Walked Away from the War in Iraq. Hill's other books include Some Great Thing, Black Berry, Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada; Women of Vision: The Story of the Canadian Negro Women's Association; and, Trials and Triumphs: The Story of AfricanCanadians. Both Hill and his siblings, sister Karen who loves poetry and brother Dan of the Dan Hill singer/songwriter fame, have a penchant for the arts. Hill's parents married in 1953 and a love affair that endured more than 50 years began with the couple fleeing their native U.S. for Canada the day after their wedding as interracial marriages were illegal in the U.S. at the time. Hill's mother, Donna, hailed from a Republican family in the suburbs of Chicago. His father, Daniel was the first Ontario Human Rights Commissioner and later Ombudsman. His parents founded the Ontario Black History Society in their basement. It was this group that brought about February being recognized as Black History Month in Canada. Hill was formerly a reporter with The Globe and Mail and parliamentary correspondent for The Winnipeg Free Press, but at age 27, packed it up to become an author. Hill who speaks French and Spanish, has lived and worked in Spain, Canada, Baltimore and France. As a volunteer with Canadian Crossroads International, he has traveled to the West African countries Niger, Cameroon and Mali. He has a B.A. in economics from Laval University in Québec City and an M.A. in writing from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Hill, who often speaks at conferences, universities, schools and book clubs, moved to Oakville to raise his children and currently lives in neighbouring Burlington. For information visit his website at www.lawrencehill.com. OAKVILLE SPRING FAIR APRIL 10 - APRIL 20 Hours: Monday - Friday open 4 pm. Saturday & Sunday open 12 noon Closing 6 pm April 20th DUNDAS & TRAFALGAR ROAD 400 Dundas St. East · 905-257-TIRE DENTURES COMPLETE DENTURE COME ENJOY ALL THE FUN Rides, Games & Candy Floss 349 905-842-8209 ea. $ RIDES INCLUDE · · · · Ferris Wheel Scrambler Berry-Go-Round Merry-Go-Round · Fire Chief · Scooter Bumper Cars · Family Swinger · Bumble Bee Bob · Cliff Hanger · Orient Express (Coaster Ride) LIMITED TIME OFFER PROUDLY SERVING HALTON SINCE 1987... SALES · SERVICE TO ALL MAKES ALL RIDES 1 Coupon Only Coupons are $2 each or 10 for $15 The Future of Home Comfort Eco Energy Rebates (OPA) Ontario Power Authority Rebates Carrier Cool Cash Rebates Financing OAC Up to 1 year deferred payment See us for details SHOWROOM: 4380 SOUTH SERVICE RD. Between Appleby and Walkers Line 905-681-3440