Each day, thousands of people pass through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel thinking about traffic, travel plans, or the simple satisfaction of crossing the river. What often goes unseen is the human effort behind this vital connection, the engineers, builders, and visionaries who made it possible. This Black History Month, we are proud to honor one of those remarkable individuals: Cornelius Henderson, a pioneering Black Detroiter whose brilliance and determination helped shape two of the most iconic crossings in our region.

Henderson graduated from the University of Michigan in 1911 with a degree in civil engineering, becoming only the second Black graduate of his program. Despite facing discrimination that limited opportunities in Detroit, he forged a path across the river with the Canadian Bridge Company in Ontario. Starting as a draftsman, he rose to become Chief Structural Engineer, designing the Canadian approach to the Ambassador Bridge and overseeing the installation of its steel supports work that still stands strong today.

His impact on the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel is equally profound. As the construction supervisor for the steel tubes protecting the tunnel beneath the river, Henderson played a critical role in ensuring the safety and durability of the passage that continues to unite our two nations. His expertise extended far beyond our region, contributing to major projects across the United States, Canada, and around the world.

At the Tunnel, we are deeply grateful for Cornelius Henderson’s legacy, a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to progress. His work is woven into the very structure of our border, and his story remains a powerful reminder of the contributions Black engineers have made to the infrastructure that connects us.

This month, and every month, we honor him. His legacy is our story.