Bryan Walls, C.M., O.Ont., a dental surgeon, historian, and author, was born on a farm near Puce, Ontario, just outside of Windsor. His ancestors date back to a time before the end of enslavement. Raised with a belief in education as an avenue for freedom and achievement, Bryan has received the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Honouree of Distinction Alumni Award of Merit, 2005; Order of Canada (C.M.) 2003; Chancellor's Award, Iona College, University of Windsor 2002; and the Order of Canada (O.Ont.) 1994, among other honours. Bryan is a committee member of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Services Recruiting Unit; board member of the National Alliance of Faith and Justice out of Washington D.C.; deacon of the historic First Baptist Church, Puce, Ontario; and a past president of the Ontario Historical Society, founded in 1888.