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.

April 13: The Underground Railroad

In the first session on April 13, Adrienne Shadd will discuss her research for the book The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto! You will learn about Deborah Brown and other freedom seekers who settled in the York Township west area.

April 20: The Search for Alfred Lafferty

In the second session, Hilary Dawson will share her search for Alfred Lafferty, a Black educator and lawyer. The Lafferty family arrived in Canada in the 1830s as penniless and illiterate freedom seekers from the United States. You’ll learn how Alfred excelled and became the first Canadian-born Black lawyer in Ontario.

April 27: Black History in Ontario, 1793–1965

And in the final session on April 27, Winston Anderson will present an overview of events in Ontario, beginning with the Act to Limit Slavery passed in 1793 and taking us forward to 1965. He will explore the lives of people of Black heritage, both free and enslaved, who shaped Toronto.

Each session will consist of a presentation and an opportunity to ask questions. The lectures will be recorded, so that registrants who can’t attend the live presentations may watch at a more convenient time. There is no charge for the series but you must pre-register HERE