Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto
Exploring the rich history of Black communities in Toronto and Canada.
On Now Until March 1st, 2025
Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto presents films and archives told and created by over 100 Black Canadians. More than 500 personal narratives document the rich histories that have shaped the spaces and places of contemporary Toronto.
Visitors are encouraged to take time for intimate listening and viewing in areas throughout the show. They will discover personal stories from across multiple generations, highlighting the depth of Black history in this city and across Canada, and representing over 20 countries that represent this city’s Black diaspora. Visitors are also encouraged to share their origins if they wish, highlight moments of Toronto’s history that aren’t noted here, and identify events, organizations or even food that exists in Toronto because of Black histories.
The archive shared here, is produced in collaboration with afrOURban. The unique histories document how Toronto has been shaped by the arrival of different peoples to different neighbourhoods, and how the values, ideas and strengths of many people have been instrumental in not just populating but creating the city we live in. Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto celebrates the impact of Black Torontonians and invites you to share in this legacy and its future.
Admission for this free with the suggestion of a donation.
Tickets or reservations are not required to attend.
401 Richmond Street West
Eastern Entrance
Wednesday – Saturday: 12pm – 6pm
Sunday – Tuesday: CLOSED
Upcoming Events
Join us at Museum of Toronto for a personalized guided group tour of the Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto exhibition.
Curatorial Tours of Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto
December 7th, January 25th, February 22nd
A panel discussion about the growing importance of community archiving in our city.
This workshop explores on archiving and the importance of documenting Black stories, voices, & experiences.
These 10 short films translate oral histories and personal narratives into films that speak to a diaspora and beyond.
This film explores multi-ethnic Jewish identity featuring narratives from Black Jewish Torontonians. Join us for a screening & conversation.
Hosted by Oddside Arts, participants will learn from artists and creative technologists Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor.
Acknowledgements
Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto at the Museum of Toronto is an exhibition of the Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto films and archives produced in collaboration with afrOURban, Inc. (501(c)(3)). This iteration of the exhibit is programmed, designed and coordinated by the Museum of Toronto.
Museum of Toronto is made possible with the generous support of Diane Blake and Stephen Smith.
Exhibition Design
elsonstudio
elsonstudio is the design practice of Christine Elson. Trained as an architect, Christine has been working with museums, galleries and other cultural clients for over 10 years, developing engaging exhibitions, installations and activations. Her studies in literature, as well as her experience working in the theatre world and film industry, have contributed to a deep understanding of the design of narrative spaces.
About afrOURban, Inc.
afrOURban, Inc. is a nonprofit organization (501c3) that provides a platform for people from African diasporas to discuss their experiences. Through exhibits, screenings, tours and talks afrOURban documents and celebrates a more accurate and nuanced narrative about the spaces occupied by Black people, both in the diaspora and on the African continent.
About Museum of Toronto
Founded in 2015, Museum of Toronto is a growing City Museum dedicated to exploring and sharing the diverse histories of the city. Museum of Toronto’s exhibitions, content, and experiences aim to inspire curiosity and foster deeper connections to our collective histories. With exhibition space at 401 Richmond Street West, partnerships with institutions across the city and a growing digital library of Toronto histories, Museum of Toronto offers a wide range of programming that is accessible to all.
