In recognition of Black History Month, Faith Ebanks will join us on February 12th to delve into Black history in relation to King Street East and the surrounding neighbourhood in Toronto.  This neighbourhood was formerly the home to the Underground Railroad restaurant and the Epicurean Recess – two Black-owned food establishments that stood during two different moments in Toronto’s vast and complicated history.  Faith will discuss the history and significance of soul food as an edible form of Black culture, and celebrate the bravery, innovation and perseverance of Black entrepreneurs, business owners, and freedom seekers who not only shaped Canadian history, but whose lives and legacies are all too often unknown or overlooked.

Faith Ebanks is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a master’s (MA) degree in history. She also holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts (HBA) degree with a double major in history and art history. Her research explored the relationship between horror and the ongoing legacy of slavery and colonialism throughout the Atlantic World from the 16th to the 21st century. In 2023, she created Being Black on King, and has delivered it through tours with Heritage Toronto ever since. CHC is grateful for the assistance of Heritage Toronto for this presentation.