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Discussions and Resources

Digital Exhibitions → Derailed: The History of Black Railway Porters in Canada → Discussions and Resources

Program: Derailed Panel Discussion
This 1 hour and 45 minute panel discussion streamed live on Zoom on June 4, 2020, explores Black Railway porters and their historic fight for equality on and off the tracks. Moderated by Cheryl Blackman (Director of Museums and Heritage Services, City of Toronto).

Watch the Discussion

Derailed: Video
Derailed is a theatrical experience based on prominent figures and moments in the history of Black Railway porters in Canada, presented through a contemporary lens. Written and staged by Meghan Swaby, directed by Byron Kent Wong, and filmed at Union Station.

Watch the Theatrical Experience

Additional Resources & Further Reading
The following is a non-exhaustive list of resources including articles, documentaries, books, and organizations about various topics surrounding Black Railway Porters in Canada.

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About the Collaborators
Cecil Foster (Curator) is a leading author, academic, journalist and public intellectual. His work speaks about the challenges that Black people have encountered historically in Canada in their efforts to achieve respect and recognition for their contribution to what is now a multicultural Canada.

Learn About the Collaborators

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Digital Exhibit

Explore the five themes outlined in this digital exhibition. Dive into the experience with the featured videos, articles and archival images.

Historical Context
Explore the historical context of Canada's Black railway porters through a dramatic monologue and series of articles about the railway, Toronto, the Black Canadian experience, and more.

Historical Context

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Diplomats of the Railway
Black porters were key cultural leaders both on the railway and off. Learn more about this through a dramatic monologue and list of articles.

Diplomats of the Railway

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Enacting Change
The porters called for drastic changes in Canadian immigration policies. They sowed the seeds of desegregation that would eventually bloom into the multicultural Canada of today.

Enacting Change

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Notable Porters
This dramatic monologue portrays Stanley Grizzle, a Porter, activist, politician, and citizenship judge who reflects on his accomplishments and looks to the future. Performed by Daniel Jelani Ellis.

Notable Porters

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Porters’ Legacy
Digital Exhibitions → Derailed: The History of Black Railway Porters in Canada → Theme: Porters’ Legacy This dramatic monologue portrays

Porters’ Legacy

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Discussions and Resources
Derailed is a theatrical experience based on prominent figures and moments in the history of Black Railway Porters in Canada, presented through a contemporary lens.

Discussions and Resources

Digital Exhibit Theme
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