They found their freedom that we often take for granted and prospered

When you enter the main gate of Toronto Necropolis Cemetery, founded in 1850, and make an immediate left along an old stone footpath, you soon discover a section of the cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many of Toronto’s original families.

Within this small, contained area lie four remarkable individuals and their families whose lives were shaped by extraordinary struggle, resilience, and achievement: Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, Henry “Box” Brown, and Albert Jackson.

Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, designated National Historic Persons in 1999, were escapees from enslavement who went on to build successful lives in Canada. They established Toronto’s first cab company and owned several rooming houses, which they often rented to newly arrived immigrants. The familiar yellow and red later adopted by the Toronto Transit Commission as its official colours were inspired by the colours of the Blackburns’ cabs.

Henry “Box” Brown was an enslaved man from Virginia who escaped to freedom in 1849 by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia. After securing his freedom, he made his way to Canada, where he educated and entertained audiences through magic shows and stage performances, sharing his powerful story.

Finally, Albert Jackson became Canada’s first Black postman with the Royal Mail (Canada Post). Despite facing resistance and being initially denied the right to deliver mail, Jackson appealed directly to government leaders and won his case. He went on to faithfully serve his community for 36 years.

I salute these courageous, determined, and successful Canadians whose lives helped shape our country and whose stories deserve to be remembered.