Windsor, Ontario: Today, the Gordie Howe International Bridge team officially unveiled the commemorative artwork Make a Joyful Noise developed by Canadian artist, Jordan Sook. The on-site event honoured the artwork and allowed a first look for the descendants of freedom seekers who have been engaged on the commission.
The large-scale, free-standing sculpture 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 that is meant to commemorate the region’s role as a destination for freedom-seekers of African descent leaving behind slavery and oppression by travelling the Underground Railroad to Canada.
Centrally located outside the Port of Entry’s perimeter and visible to travellers as they enter and exit Canada using the multi-use path, the artwork is accessible for the public to visit. Signage explaining the concept behind the artwork has been included to encourage reflection on the area’s history.
Over the past several years, the project team met with organizations serving the Black, African and Caribbean diaspora to consult on possible themes for the artist’s consideration. These themes were influential to the design unveiled today.
This commemorative artwork is installed in an area adorned with interpretive signage that were created as part of Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. The Windsor-Detroit Cross-River Tour initiative celebrates the unique culture, history and diversity of the Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit communities.
The project team worked closely with local community members, historical and cultural associations, key stakeholders and subject-matter experts to develop content highlighting unique characteristics and stories in the region. Eight signs have been installed near the Ports of Entry in each country. Further details about this initiative can be found on gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com.
Quotes
“This piece honours the courage of freedom seekers and the enduring bond between Windsor and Detroit. Rooted in the lived histories of the Underground Railroad, the artwork was shaped through deeply meaningful conversations with local community members. The Gordie Howe International Bridge has always been more than a physical crossing it spans a river that once meant liberation. My hope is that this work serves as a lasting tribute to those who made that journey and to the shared history that continues to unite our communities today.”
- Jordan Sook, Commemorative Artist
“The Visual Art Program on the Gordie Howe International Bridge was developed to create memorable, high-quality, works of art consistent with the international importance of the bridge and the land which holds a rich historical past and culture. As we become part of this region’s future, we seek to honour the area’s past by commemorating and recognizing our shared history through these artworks.”
- Chuck Andary, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA)
“The Detroit River Region is rich in transnational Black history, with people of African heritage having played significant roles in the cultural, political, social, and economic progress of communities on both sides of the border. Here in Windsor-Essex County, our history as an important terminus of the Underground Railroad history is a key part of our regional identity, with thousands of formerly enslaved African Americans and free people of colour having made their way here to flee bondage and oppression. Jordan Sook’s new sculpture along the Canadian approach to the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a powerful representation of the longstanding presence of people of African descent here, and of historic Black churches’ role not merely as houses of worship but as spaces for mutual aid, education, community organizing, and social change that reverberated far beyond this region.”
- Irene Moore Davis, President, Essex County Black Historical Research Society and Assistant Curator, Amherstburg Freedom Museum
“These interpretive signs will create a lasting community benefit by bringing to life the rich and interconnected history of the Detroit River region. They celebrate the stories, cultures, and contributions that have shaped both Canada and the United States, from Indigenous stewardship and early settlement to freedom-seekers, environmental conservation, and shared cultural traditions. By highlighting a history that transcends borders, the signs will help residents and visitors better understand the deep connections between Windsor and Detroit and the communities on both sides of the river. This project will foster education, cultural appreciation, and a stronger sense of place while reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that continues to unite our two nations. The result is a meaningful public resource that inspires pride, reflection, and cross-border understanding for generations to come.”
- David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bridging North America (BNA)
Quick Facts
- Jordan Sook is a contemporary mixed media artist who works and resides in Toronto, Canada and looks to change the landscape of Canadian art and broaden the framework and understanding of Black art as a whole and was selected following an extensive process.
- In 2023, the project team met with organizations serving the Black, African and Caribbean diaspora and also hosted a Meet-the-Artist event for descendants of freedom-seekers to collect feedback on possible themes for the artist’s consideration.
- WDBA appreciates the donation of time and expertise provided by Public Art Consultant Karen Mills, as well as materials and the installation of concrete provided by Amico, a Windsor-based company, and Enwin Utilities to support the commission.
- Through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, $23 million (CDN) was invested in 71 initiatives serving Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Artist’s Biography
- Backgrounder: Artist’s Concept
- Fact Sheet: Commemorating the Underground Railroad at the Canadian Port of Entry
- Fact Sheet: Windsor-Detroit Cross-River Tour
Associated Links
About Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information on WDBA visit GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Facebook.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
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