In honour of Black History Month, the city of Toronto has installed two new laneway signs in the Corktown neighbourhood, featuring names tied to Black and Indigenous heritage. Images courtesy CityNews
In honour of Black History Month, the city of Toronto has installed two new laneway signs in the Corktown neighbourhood, featuring names tied to Black and Indigenous heritage.
First, a newly designated north-south laneway running parallel to Bright Street and St. Paul Street was officially named Henry Box Brown Lane.
According to Corktown.ca, Henry (Box) Brown was an enslaved man from Louisa County, Va., who escaped southern slavery in 1849, by nailing himself into a shipping crate. He then made his way to Philadelphia, Pa., and eventually Toronto, where he shared his story.
Following his emancipation in the city, Brown dedicated his time to educating people about the injustices of slavery. He also supported himself as a magician and performer. In 1887, “The Brown Family” participated in a benefit concert at the nearby St. Lawrence Hall and contributed to the community while they lived on Bright Street.
Additionally, the horizontal laneway intersecting Henry Box Brown Lane was officially named North Star Way. Often referred to as “Polaris” or the “Going Home Star,” the North Star has long served as a guiding light to help travellers establish direction. It played a crucial role during the Civil War and embodies the resilience of the Indigenous community spirit for the First Nations Cree people.
