Windsor's Leslie McCurdy helps celebrate end of slavery in Canada
'I consider it a labour of love because Harriet Tubman is my personal hero'
Windsor actress Leslie McCurdy, who has played the role of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman more than 1,500 times, helps celebrate the end of slavery in Canada with a free performance this weekend.
McCurdy will slip into character as the legendary American abolitionist Saturday for a free stage performance at Lanspeary Park, which is part of the emancipation celebrations hosted by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
"I consider it a labour of love because Harriet Tubman is my personal hero," McCurdy said of her 20 years performing the role.
McCurdy said the process of telling Tubman's story for so many years has been one of continual discovery, as more details of the famed Underground Railroad conductor's life are revealed.
The celebration starts Friday at 6 p.m. at the Caboto Club, recognizing the end of slavery in Canada 183 years ago. McCurdy performs her one-woman show The Spirit of Harriet Tubman Saturday at 6 p.m. at Lanspeary Park.
This year's theme of the emancipation event, which includes dancing, a silent auction and an awards ceremony, is a Red and White Party to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.
There will also be the annual Walter Perry Emancipation Golf Classic at Fox Glen Golf Club in McGregor.