A journey of remembrance and hope is currently tracing a path across Ontario as Teajai Travis walks 750 kilometres from Ottawa to Windsor. The month-long trek, which began on July 1, is a powerful tribute to Emancipation Day, commemorating the freedom granted to slaves across the British Empire, while simultaneously striving to build a brighter future for the nation’s youth. Travis’ walk, dubbed “750 for Peace,” is set to culminate on Aug. 1, Emancipation Day – the date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act came into law, freeing over 800,000 enslaved people. “We started a 750-kilometre walk on July 1, Canada Day,” Travis shared. “That will conclude on Aug. 1, Emancipation Day. The walk is a tribute to my freedom seeking ancestors that came into Canada via the Underground Railroad.” Beyond honouring the past, Travis is deeply invested in shaping a better tomorrow. The “750 for Peace Walk” aims to raise awareness and provide crucial support for youth outreach initiatives. Funds raised will directly benefit local Windsor organizations, said Travis, “To help raise awareness and help youth outreach initiatives do some fundraising.” “So we’re supporting back home the Windsor Youth Center and the Sandwich Teen Action Group,” he said. The mission has resonated deeply with many, drawing encouragement and support from communities along the route. Travis recounts instances of spontaneous camaraderie, such as Jeff from Zorra Township who biked alongside for over an hour simply to offer company. “Sometimes we find ourselves in these silos where we’re really beginning to think or believe that our backs are against the wall. People are divided. You know, we’re eating this diet of division and division and division, but small towns, bigger towns, there are wonderful, kind, supportive people out there,” Travis observed, highlighting the prevailing spirit of unity he has encountered. His wife, Ninia Sotto, provides unwavering support, even offering practical advice on sunny days, like urging him to “Get these down so you don’t burn your ears,” while adjusting a sun shield on his cap. This inaugural walk is just the beginning of Travis’ ambitious vision. “This is the first year, but I plan on doing it every year for the next 10 years on every province. And we’re going to service different youth organizations every year,” he stated. Travis, who is also described as a seventh-generation descendant of freedom seekers and the founder of A Blaze of Story, currently serves as the Ujima Coordinator with United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, where he supports Black youth through mentoring, wellness programming, and community connection. Averaging approximately 25 kilometres per day, Travis is largely feeling well, though he admits his back has been tightening up. He anticipates returning home Saturday.
