It’s Time To Establish A Black Museum In Toronto

By Rupert Johnson 

On the eve of Black History Month, it was indeed heartening that John Tory, the newly elected Mayor of Toronto pointed out the fact that it is time for the establishment of a Black Museum in Toronto.

It should be noted that in 2007 when the Ontario Bicentenary Commemorative Committee celebrated the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807, I brought up the idea of the establishment of a State-of-the- Art Black Museum to the attention of the then Premier of Ontario, Dalton McQuinty, the Hon. Mary Anne Chambers, MPP, the Hon. Dan McTeague, MP and Ms. Rosemary Sadlier, President of the Ontario Black History Society.

The following article published in Pride News Magazine was sent to the above mentioned individuals:

The establishment of the Ontario Bicentenary Commemorative Committee on the Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807 is indeed commendable. I hope that the year-long commemorative activities planned will not be terminal, but the lessons learnt will continue in perpetuity.

To make this a reality it is incumbent on all peoples of African ancestry to keep this phase of our history (painful though it may be) alive in the minds of future generations of all racial stripes.

Just as the Jewish European Holocaust is now an integral part of the educational curricula across Canada, the Black Holocaust of slavery starting with the infamous Trans-Atlantic crossing, commonly referred to as the “Middle Passage,” should also become an integral component of the school, college, and university curricula throughout Canada.

Of course, all aspects of our African heritage should be incorporated in the educational curricula as well. In addition, what is desperately needed is something tangible to help keep our African heritage alive, and also stand as a memorial dedicated to our African ancestors who suffered from the horrors of slavery.

I am convinced that there is no better way to keep our Black history alive than the establishment of a state-of-the-art African-Canadian Museum in Toronto.

This should be a comprehensive museum that deals with all aspects of our African heritage, both good and bad. It should, therefore, not only deal with the Black Holocaust (specifically) the horrors of the “Middle Passage”) and the aspects of the rich African history that preceded this tragic event, but also the African-Canadian spirit of survival, the enduring struggles for freedom and empowerment, and the outstanding achievements and contributions of African-Canadians, both past and present.

In these respects such a museum could be modeled after the Detroit Museum of African-American History founded by Dr. Charles Howard Wright. A few years ago, I visited this museum and came back with an enlightened perspective and a feeling of awe.

The exhibits and presentations did not only deal with the pain and suffering that African-Americans endured during the bad old days of slavery, but also their ongoing struggles, and their outstanding achievements and contributions in the American society. There was no attempt to suppress, camouflage, or embellish the brutal treatment they received at the hands of their White oppressors. As a result, the exhibits and audio-visual presentations portrayed an accurate account of the African-American experience throughout the years.

It is my contention that since Canada, and particularly the province of Ontario benefited enormously from the free labour of our African ancestors, both the federal government of Canada and the provincial government of Ontario have the moral obligation to finance the establishment of a permanent Black Museum in Toronto. This is not too much to ask.

It is my firm belief that the establishment of such a museum could serve as a primary resource base, where students of all educational levels and racial backgrounds could do serious research to further their understanding of the African experience. This exposure could certainly sensitize the public at large about the horrific and dehumanizing nature of slavery.

Although I received polite responses from the powers that be, it is sad to say that my suggestions were never acted upon. I, therefore, call on Mr. Tory to use his enormous influence to initiate the creation of a world class permanent place to showcase and celebrate Black History.

Rupert Johnson can be reached at: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca.