Toronto’s history has long been tied to black history.

With the Abolition Act of 1793, Toronto became an important hub of the Underground Railroad.  In fact, the first person to lecture in the St. Lawrence Hall, English MP George Thompson, spoke on the abolition of slavery, and the Hall was a regular venue for abolitionist meetings.  Toronto’s first taxi company was founded by Thorton and Lucie Blackburn, escaped slaves who settled in the Old Town.

In recognition of the profound contribution made by the diverse black community, Toronto has proclaimed February as Black History Month.

The City’s 2010 recognition of Black History Month includes exhibits, poster launches, concerts, presentations and readings. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory.

Black History Month will be launched at Toronto City Hall with an art exhibition by the Association of African Canadian Artists from February 1 to 10 in the City Hall rotunda. “Beyond the Rhythm” is a visual art presentation celebrating survival and accomplishment beyond the bounds of hardship and sorrow. http://www.colour-blind.ca.

On Saturdays and Sundays throughout February, Mackenzie House (a City of Toronto Historic Museum) will feature presentations on Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first woman to publish a newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, in Canada.

The Toronto Public Library will have authors, musicians and storytellers focusing on the traditional and new voices of Toronto’s Black Community. Details can be found at http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca.