Henry Box Brown Lane and
North Star Way Unveiling…
Join Councillor Chris Moise for the unveiling of two new street signs in Corktown to celebrate Black and Indigenous history.
A newly designated North-South laneway running parallel to Bright Street and St. Paul Street will be officially named Henry Box Brown Lane.
Additionally, a horizontal laneway intersecting Henry Box Brown Lane will be officially named North Star Way.
What: Henry Box Brown Lane and North Start Way Unveiling
Where: 43 St Paul St
When: Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 12 noon
In honour of Black History Month, a newly designated North-South laneway running parallel to Bright Street and St. Paul Street will be officially named Henry Box Brown Lane. Additionally, a horizontal laneway intersecting Henry Box Brown Lane will be officially named North Star Way.
Henry Brown, an enslaved man from Louisa County, Virginia, lived from 1815 to 1897. In 1849, he courageously escaped the chains of southern slavery by nailing himself into a shipping crate, ultimately finding safety in Philadelphia. From there, he made his way to Toronto, Ontario, to share his remarkable story.
Following his emancipation in Toronto, Brown dedicated himself to educating people about the injustices of slavery. His autobiography and the accounts of those who knew him served as powerful tools in achieving this mission. While in Canada, Henry Brown supported himself as a magician and performer. In 1887, “The Brown Family” participated in a benefit concert at St. Lawrence Hall, contributing to the community while residing on Bright Street in Corktown.
Please join the CRBA and the Corktown community in celebrating the commemoration of these two lanes scheduled for February 1st, at noon, and the commencement of Black History Month.
(Link to Councillor Moise website for updates on this event)