February is Black History Month – a time to honour the resilience, achievements, and cultural impact of Black communities. Discover the contributions of individuals who have helped shape Toronto into the unique city it is today with our weekly Black History Month trivia facts.
Stay tuned for more facts each week as we celebrate Black History Month.
Black History Month Trivia Fact #1. Did you know about YWCA Ontario House?
In the early 20th century, many young single women moved to Toronto to find work. Concerns were raised about the physical and moral safety of women living alone. Organizations such as the YWCA provided accommodation at reasonable cost. Ontario House was specifically for Black women. Like other YWCA buildings, it provided both dormitory-style and private bedrooms, and sitting rooms for daytime uses.
📷 Source: City of Toronto Archives
Women in front of YWCA’s Ontario House, 698 Ontario Street
Photographer: William James
ca. 1912
City of Toronto Archives
Series 2119, Item 71.22
Black History Month Trivia Fact #2. Did you know about Home Service Association Nursery School?
The Home Service Association engaged in social work and recreation, and provided educational programs and scholarships. Originally established to provide ‘home comforts’ such as socks and sweaters to Black servicemen during the First World War, the association later developed as a community and social centre which included a nursery. The University of Toronto’s Transitional Year Program can trace its roots to a program created by the Home Service Association.
📷 Source: City of Toronto Archives
Home Services Association Nursery, 556 Bathurst Street
Photographer: John Boyd jnr
May 14, 1942
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 1266, Item 79303
Black History Month Trivia Fact #3. Did you know who Donald Moore was?
Donald Willard Moore (1891-1994), was a community leader and civil rights activist who fought to change Canada’s exclusionary immigration laws. In 1954 he led a delegation to Ottawa highlighting Canada’s discriminatory immigration laws, which denied equal immigration status to non-white British subjects. This led to the relaxation of immigration laws allowing West Indians to find employment in Canada. Moore was awarded the Order of Canada in 1990.
📷 Source: City of Toronto Archives
Donald Moore
Photographer: Andrew Stawicki/GetStock.com
1992
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 431, File 15, Item 4
Reproduced with permission of the Toronto Star
