History
The community traces its origins to the immigration of former African American slaves during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many have thought it was named after clergy Richard Preston, who set up 11 Baptist churches in Nova Scotia, and helped pass the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. However Richard Preston was an escaped slave from Virginia and took the name Preston from the community as Preston was where he was reunited with his mother as she had escaped slavery earlier in her life.
North Preston is the oldest and largest indigenous Black community in Canada, as well as having the highest concentration of Black Canadians across Canada. It is the home of boxers Kirk Johnson, Jason Downey and Custio Clayton.Canadian Idol finalist Kaleb Simmonds also hails from North Preston.
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