Making Change at Honest Ed's | | This Black History Month step into the Bloor and Bathurst neighbourhood with our newest self-guided tour, Making Change at Honest Ed's, which explores the area's rich Black history and immigrant ties. Learn about the iconic bargain store's impact on the neighbourhood, the rise of Black-owned businesses that defined "Blackhurst," the pioneering beauty entrepreneurs who transformed haircare in Canada, and more. | | This story was researched and written by Emerging Historian Alanna Brown and made possible by the generous support of: | | 30 stories for Black History Month | | |
To mark the 30th anniversary of Canada's recognition of Black History Month, we've curated a "30 for 30" roundup of the people, places, and events that have shaped our city history.
This collection pulls together highlights from our digital stories, self-guided tours, and plaques that speak to how Black life, community, and leadership have defined Toronto.
| | | | |
Learn about freedom-seekers, abolitionists, and early Black civic life through the stories of Albert Jackson, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta, Joshua Glover, and James Mink—people who helped build community, challenge racism, and shape early Toronto.
Explore 20th-century trailblazing in culture, business, and civil rights through Jean Augustine, Jackie Shane, Beverly Mascoll, Kay Livinstone, and Jack White, who opened doors for future generations, and changed what Black leadership could look like in Canada.
| | | | | |
Look to the city’s civic landmarks and sites of Black history, like Queen's Park, St. Lawrence Hall, Marlington Apartments, Toronto Necropolis, African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Maple Leaf Stadium.
Turn to gathering places that held community together, where people met, organized, performed, and built networks to support each other: 355 College Street, Dewson House, Club Bluenote, Randy's Patties, and The Underground Railroad Restaurant.
| | | | | |
Learn how law, labour, and money shaped daily life for Black individuals through The Freedman’s Bank Crisis, Taylor v. Orpen, No. 2 Construction Battalion, and the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters.
Explore community voice, activism, and cultural memory with the Congress of Black Women, Contrast Newspaper, Universal Negro Improvement Association Hall, Toronto's Steelpan Community, and Toronto’s Reggae Roots.
| | | New plaque will honour the legacy of the Bathhouse Raids | | |
On February 5, the 45th anniversary of the Bathhouse Raids, Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Chris Moise announced a new Heritage Toronto plaque about the landmark event. In 1981, police action in four steam baths in downtown Toronto and the arrest of nearly 300 people sparked outrage and protest, galvanizing community activism for redress, acceptance, and equal rights.
The plaque on this watershed moment in Toronto's 2SLGBTQ+ history will be unveiled later this year during Pride celebrations in June. Stay tuned...
| | |
Location: Birkbeck Building (10 Adelaide Street East)
FREE
| | Tuesday, February 24 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | | Join us as we unveil a new plaque in collaboration with Councillor Chris Moise, marking Chinese Heritage Month. The plaque commemorates Sam Ching, one of the earliest Chinese men recorded in Toronto, and the hand laundry he operated near Adelaide Street East in 1878. It traces the early roots of Chinese life in the city—from the arrival of Chinese migrants to the discriminatory laws and public campaigns that targeted Chinese-owned laundries and sought to drive them out of business. No need to register, just show up to learn more! | | Help build a more connected Toronto | | We rely on the generosity of donors like you to deliver engaging and inclusive programs on our shared heritage. Support the stories that connect us and make your gift today. | | By 2027, the 3,600 listed heritage properties that have yet to be designated may lose their protections due to Ontario's More Homes Built Faster Act. (CBC) | | The register is a national searchable database of historic places recognized by federal, provincial, territorial and local governments. (CBC) | | Among the myths are the fence's nicknamed “kissing gates” and the debunked belief that they were meant to keep livestock out. (NOW) | | |
Image Credits
Honest Ed’s in the 1960s. Image by Alexandra Studio. Courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives.
Sisters in the Struggle film still, Dionne Brand and Ginny Stikeman, 1991. Courtesy of NFB.
Albert Jackson and his family, Toronto, 1980. Courtesy of Lawrence Jackson.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary, date unknown. Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.
Chapel and gate, Toronto Necropolis, July 14, 2019. Image by Herman Custodio
Randy's Patties, Eglinton Ave. West, June 28, 2022. Image by Ashley Duffus.
No. 2 Construction Battalion CEF, November 1916.
Earl La Pierre Junior of "Sons of Steel" steelband. November, 2020. Courtesy of Earl La Pierre Junior.
Tour participants, Bathhouse Raids mural, August 6, 2022. Image by Ashley Duffus.
| | | | |
