Black History month celebrates Black achievements – everything from big, barrier-breaking firsts to small local successes. Here’s an eclectic tour of some Toronto spots you can visit to learn about those achievements, take in a little history – and support Black-owned initiatives in the here and now.
Photo credit: jeanaugustinecentre.ca
Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment
This Etobicoke centre offers in-person and online programming for young women and girls aged 7-17. It was founded by the Honourable Jean Augustine, who saw a need for a space where young women could thrive and reach their full potential.
Jean Augustine has spent her career advocating for social justice – as a school principal, as the chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority, as the first Black woman to be elected as a Canadian Member of Parliament, and in her roles as Minister of Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee, Chair of the Human Rights Committee, and Deputy Speaker.
Fun fact: we have Ms. Augustine to thank for this month’s celebration: she authored the historic motion to recognize February Black History Month in Canada, which passed with unanimous support!
Photo credit: odetoronto.ca
Ode Toronto
1417 Dundas St. West
We love this Black-owned and family-operated boutique hotel in Dundas West. Arty, vivid, and wonderfully welcoming, it’s the perfect antidote to bland chain hotels – and it’s in an incredible neighbourhood that just begs to be explored.
“Ode is a reflection of our neighbourhood and the people in it. No beige carpets, no black and white photos of three pebbles in a pile. Instead, modern rooms each with their own individual personality brought to life by local Toronto-based artists, designers, and manufacturers that we are proud to call our friends.”
Sounds great, right? And we’re also big fans of their smart and stylish Insta account – check out this itinerary of the perfect fall solo date on Dundas (we know it’s February, but you could totally still do most of it).
Photo credit: property.ca
Lincoln Alexander’s childhood home
29 Draper St.
Lincoln Alexander was Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament, the country’s first Black cabinet minister, and Ontario’s first Black Lieutenant Governor (among his many accomplishments). He grew up in what is now the King West neighbourhood, on a quiet street lined with Victorian homes. Take a wander down Draper and think about everything this illustrious man contributed to Canada.
Read more: Toronto’s storied, charming Draper Street laden with memories (subscription required)
Steelpan drums in the park
Play the Steelpan Airbnb experience
James Canning Park (Yonge & Isabella)
Always loved the sound of Caribbean steelpan drums? Now you can learn how to make those sweet sounds yourself in a lesson with Dexter, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, where the instrument originated.
In this fun and relaxed one-hour outdoor lesson, you’ll learn some basic techniques and be able to play a simple song by the end of your session. If you’re craving the warm sounds of the Caribbean this winter but can’t make it to the islands, this is the experience for you.
Photo credit: libiskind.com
Michael Lee-Chin Crystal
Royal Ontario Museum
In 2003, billionaire business magnate and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin made headlines when he gifted $30M to the ROM to build an addition. The modernist expansion, designed by superstar architect Daniel Libiskind, was inspired by the ROM’s gem and mineral collection. Today, the crystalline shape has become a familiar part of Toronto’s downtown streetscape.
Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Lee-Chin moved to Canada to attend McMaster University. After graduating, he jumped into the investment banking industry, where a number of shrewd business moves made him billions. To give back to the country that offered him that opportunity – and inspire young Canadians to become leaders in their own communities – he made several large donations, including the one to the ROM, but also to the Rotman School of Management, McMaster University, and the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. Lee-Chin served as chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University from 2011-2016, and was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2017.
Photo credit: misslikklemores.com
Miss Likklemore’s
433 King St. W.
Warm up your winter-chilled self at this upscale spot that bills itself as Toronto’s “first haute Caribbean-inspired dining house.” Miss L’s started off as a Queen West popup during lockdown times, and it’s now an elegant restaurant specializing in refined Caribbean cuisine.
BlogTO has a great write-up of Miss Likklemore’s signature dishes: Miss Paula’s Carrot Cake is a gingery, walnutty slice of heaven that has our vote for #1.
Take a Black history walking tour
Multiple locations
Want to dive a little deeper into local Black history? Connect with Ph.D. candidate Jacqueline Scott. She writes about travel and adventure from a Black perspective, and leads local walks that focus on how Black history shaped Toronto.
Read more: Let’s celebrate Black achievement – our agents and employees have their say
If you want to support Black-owned businesses, check out this comprehensive list of 450+ companies in Canada, the US, and around the world!