Gordie Howe International Bridge unveils commemorative artwork of Jordan Sook

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is pleased to unveil an artistic concept developed by contemporary artist Jordan Sook. The concept recognizes and commemorates the region’s role as a destination for freedom-seekers of African descent who escaped slavery and oppression via the Underground Railroad to Canada.

The large-scale free-standing sculpture, titled Make a Joyful Noise, symbolizes hope and freedom for past, current, and future generations. The artwork is a three-metre/nine-foot circular metal structure composed of replica church pews and intentional lighting. Through this concept, the artist signifies the network of institutions, connectivity, resilience, and a pathway through the use of:

• Replica church pews represent the role churches often played in offering assistance and safe harbour for those travelling from the southern US to freedom in the north.

• The circular form to represent the idea of looking up to the sky, which provided direction to those travelling along the Underground Railroad.

• Lighting at night to help simulate the stars that aided navigation.

Located outside the Canadian Port of Entry’s security perimeter and visible to travellers entering and exiting Canada using the multi-use path, the commemorative artwork will be accessible for the public to visit and reflect upon. The artwork’s installation will coincide with the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The commemorative art commission includes a mentorship opportunity for a local youth identifying as a member of the Black, African, and Caribbean diaspora from Windsor-Essex to work with the artist. Chidera Ikewibe, the successful mentorship candidate, is a Canadian-born Igbo-Nigerian artist and poet in Windsor, Ontario. Her art practice takes a multidisciplinary approach, including poetry, sculpture, acrylics, digital art, and animation.

A sketch of Mr. Sook’s concept, along with original artworks inspired by his time in Windsor-Essex, is featured in The Closest I’ve Felt to God, a new exhibit at Art Windsor-Essex opening on June 20, 2024, and running until fall 2024.

“The process of getting to this concept was a truly inspiring experience. Being immersed in the Windsor-Detroit community and spending time with descendants gave me a lot of perspective, insights, and thought starters which played a role in the development of this concept. With this work, I aim to honor the past, empower the present, and inspire future generations,” said Jordan Sook, Artist.

“Jordan Sook has created an art concept that captures the hope and bravery of freedom seekers as they made their journey to Canada. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is pleased to host this solemn yet joyful recognition of an important part of the region’s history,” commented Charl van Niekerk, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).

Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter