City of Royal Oak to Unveil Monument Honoring Elizabeth Hamer Sept 23
(City of Royal Oak, Sept. 19, 2024)
Royal Oak, MI — The City of Royal Oak proudly announces the unveiling of a monument honoring Elizabeth Hamer, a freedom seeker and one of the city’s earliest pioneers. The ceremony will take place on September 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Hamer Finch Wilkins Park, located at Beechwood Drive and Crooks Road.
The unveiling coincides with International Underground Railroad Month, highlighting Royal Oak’s historical ties to the fight for freedom and equality. In 2023, the burial sites of Henry and Elizabeth Hamer at Royal Oak Cemetery were added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Henry Hamer (1816–1899) and his wife Elizabeth (1824–1913) escaped slavery in Covington, Kentucky, in 1858, making their way north on the Underground Railroad. After settling in Canada, they moved to Royal Oak around 1860. In 1865, they purchased a five-acre, triangular piece of land just north of this park, with the triangle’s tip at the intersection of Crooks and Webster Roads. The Hamers raised six children.
Since no known photo of Henry exists, only Elizabeth is represented in the sculpture crafted by Austen Brantley. Brantley is a Detroit-based, self-taught sculptor whose work is inspired by African and classical art.
Enhancements to the park were made possible through support from the 2023 Oakland County Parks Community Park and Trail Grant, a generous donation from The Boji Group, and contributions from other supporters. Since 2022, Oakland County Parks has awarded over $1.8 million in grants to local governments, made possible through the support of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and voters who approved an increased millage levy.
“We’re thrilled to support this project in Royal Oak,” said Donna Folland, Chief of Planning for Oakland County Parks. “Our grant program helps local communities improve parks and trails, creating more accessible spaces that foster healthier, happier lives for residents.”
Learn more at https://www.romi.gov/1707/Hamer-Finch-Wilkins-Park
