Market Gallery profiles the Ontario Black History Society

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  January 15, 2014

Market Gallery profiles the Ontario Black History Society

The City of Toronto's Market Gallery will present an exhibition on the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) beginning February 1 and continuing through April 19.

For 35 years, the OBHS has expanded the public's awareness and an appreciation of black history. The society successfully petitioned the City of Toronto for a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month in1979, which the City continues to proclaim annually.

"Canada’s black history is made up of fascinating stories about inventors and scientists, political leaders and publishers, entrepreneurs and war heroes, and hundreds of other strong and resilient people," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee. "It is fitting that the Market Gallery exhibit recognizes the Ontario Black History Society’s exceptional, ground-breaking work to document, preserve and share these stories with all Canadians."

This exhibition will provide an overview of OBHS's impact from its inception through to the present time with photographs, artifacts and historical materials. The exhibition will tell the story of black history in Ontario and the continued efforts by the OBHS to study, preserve and promote this important heritage with its local, regional and international connections.

"The city's black communities are tremendously diverse," said Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). "This exhibition shows the growth of the roots and stem of these vibrant communities and how that growth has been nurtured by the Ontario Black History Society."

A portrait of William Peyton Hubbard will be one of many featured items in this exhibit. Hubbard was the City of Toronto's first African-Canadian councillor and served as an Alderman and Deputy Mayor in the years 1894 to 1913. Born in Toronto in 1842, his family came from Virginia as freed slaves. Hubbard was involved in many civic issues including his dedicated role on the House of Industry ('Poor House') Board for nearly 40 years and his push for public ownership of a Toronto hydro-electric system. The City honours his influence then and now with the annual William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations.

This exhibition also references the OBHS's first travelling exhibit entitled, Black History in Early Ontario, which launched at the Market Gallery in February 1981.

The Market Gallery is mandated to showcase Toronto’s art, culture and history, and offers educational programs for school groups and adults. Located on the second floor of South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E., the gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/marketgallery.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Shane Gerard, Senior Communications Coordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca