In this free online series, on April 13, 20, and 27, three speakers will tell us about their extensive research into the history of people of Black heritage in Ontario. They’ve discovered some fascinating individuals and sources for research. Each session will consist of a presentation and an opportunity to ask questions.
Note: The webinars will be recorded, so that registrants who can’t attend the live presentations may watch at a more convenient time.
April 13, 7:30 pm
The Underground Railroad
Adrienne Shadd will discuss her research for her book The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto!, co-authored by Afua Cooper and Karolyn Smardz Frost. Her discovery of freedom seeker Deborah Brown, who settled just north of Bloor and Bathurst streets, led to the unearthing of a community of neighbours in this York Township west area, some of whom were immortalized by William Still in his famous work, The Underground Railroad. She will also talk about some of the research and personalities that are profiled in the new 2022 edition of the book.
Speaker: Adrienne Shadd is a consultant, curator, and author who has conducted research for plaques, films, and exhibits. She is the author, co-author and editor of numerous books and articles, including The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway: African Canadians in Hamilton and The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto! which was shortlisted for the Toronto Book Awards in 2022. Adrienne has been recognized with the William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations and the J.C. Holland Award for Arts Achievement for her research and writing. She is currently part of the Dalhousie University team that is working on a comprehensive new research and education project entitled ‘A Black People’s History of Canada.’
April 20, 7:30 pm
The Search for Alfred Lafferty, Black Educator and Lawyer
In 1869 Alfred M. Lafferty, M.A., Richmond Hill, was a witness to the marriage of William Denis Lafferty, a black farmer who lived in Etobicoke. Who was the man with the same surname and a university degree? Hilary J. Dawson’s research uncovered the story of the Lafferty family, and the successes, challenges, and tragedies they faced. The Lafferty parents arrived from the United States in the 1830s as freedom-seekers. They were illiterate and penniless, yet gave their children the best education they could afford. Alfred Lafferty won prizes for excellence at both Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto. He would become the first Canadian-born black lawyer in Ontario. This presentation will show the resources Hilary used to develop a picture of the Lafferty family.
Speaker: Hilary Dawson is a professional genealogist, historical researcher and educator. She has spent over 20 years uncovering Toronto area history through the stories of the people who lived here, and in particular, the stories of African Canadians. Her research into 19th-century Etobicoke Township uncovered a previously unknown Black presence, and in 2002 the Etobicoke Historical Society presented her with the Jean Hibbert Award for her contribution to Etobicoke’s history. She shares her passion for black history through presentations and articles. Hilary is currently working on a biography about Alfred Lafferty, Ontario’s first black high school principal, who went on to become the province’s first Canadian-born black lawyer.
April 27, 7:30 pm
Black History in Ontario 1793–1965
Winston Anderson will be presenting a timeline of events from the passing of the Act To Limit Slavery in 1793 by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe, to 1965 when MPP Leonard Braithwaite pushed for the Separate Schools clause on segregated schools for Blacks to be officially removed from the provincial education policy. He will be discussing a number of people of Black heritage, both free and enslaved people, who shaped Toronto.
Speaker: Winston Anderson was employed by the Government of Jamaica, working in procurement, office management and administration. He left the civil service to study history and politics at the University of Toronto. A love of history and geography, and his innate curiosity, enticed him to become a volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum as a Docent, a ROMWalker, a Gallery Interpreter and a Visitor Guide. His research on Toronto’s local history has to date produced a (draft) historical walking tour of The University of Toronto’s St George campus. He was also part of the research team that created a ROMWalks tour of the Annex West in Toronto. He is currently the president of the ROMWalks volunteer group.