Being Black on King

Walk along King Street East to explore the city’s Black history through the lives of freedom seekers, entrepreneurs, and activists who risked everything to ensure freedom. Visit the former home of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, who escaped slavery in the U.S. and later founded Toronto’s first taxi company, and learn about the Underground Railroad Restaurant, one of the city’s first soul food restaurants and a gathering place for Toronto’s Black community.

About the Tour Leader

Faith Peter is a museum and cultural programming professional specializing in public programming, historical interpretation, and audience engagement. She holds a Master of Museum Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Toronto, as well as a postgraduate certificate in Museum and Cultural Management from Centennial College. Her interest in history began with a curiosity about whose stories are remembered, evolving into a commitment to advancing inclusive, place-based approaches to heritage. Faith has worked across a range of cultural and heritage organizations in Toronto, including the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, the Ontario Historical Society, Galeries Ontario/Ontario Galleries, the City of Hamilton Civic Museums, and the Ontario Museum Association. As an African immigrant, Faith is particularly drawn to the histories of Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods and the ways immigration has shaped the city’s cultural landscape. Her passion centers on underrepresented narratives, with a focus on Black histories and community-driven placemaking. She is committed to accessible, collaborative approaches to public history that reflect lived experience, foster belonging, and deepen connections between people and place

Start Point: Inglenook Community School (19 Sackville Street)

Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.

End Point: Dream Office REIT (50/30 Adelaide Street East)

Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes

Distance and Terrain: The route is approximately 1.5 kilometres and fully takes place on city sidewalks and is relatively flat.

Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time.

This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.

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Host or Publisher Heritage Toronto