17 Nov 2022

The Blackburns

 Large movie-style poster erected in a park showing a black couple in Victorian garb but with elements of steampunk

Location: The Esplanade between George & Frederick Streets
Date photo taken: 11 August 2022

This poster appeared on the Esplanade one day this summer. It looks like a movie poster but it is in fact part of a city-wide art project entitled Unveiling Heroes of the Block which tells the stories of Black Canadians who left a lasting legacy. Depicted here are the Blackburns, Lucie and Thornton, who established Toronto's first taxi service after escaping slavery in the United States. Their steampunk look is courtesy of artist Quentin VerCetty. The project was created by the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM) Canada and is part of ArtworxTO. A digital companion to the various sites is available on the Heritage Toronto website. If you click through on the various stories you will find detailed histories of those profiled, including the Blackburns.

No comments:

Post a Comment