Black Meetings and Tourism

T oronto, Canada, "an international city of warmth, openness, energy and style, is enriched by the fusion of traditions, passions and perspectives on life of more than 100 cultures. It is one of the most popu- lar choices for U.S. sponsored association meetings out- side of the U.S. and it has the largest convention-center in Canada ranking it among the top 10 largest contiguous space facilities in North America" (city of Toronto agen- da for Prosperity). This city is permeated with so much rich Black heritage, creating an ideal destination for con- vention and event planners, tour operations and weekend getaway savvy travelers. Visiting this lake city for short periods of time will merely tease your appetite, giving a truncated glimpse of its multiple offerings. It is like a cultural mosaic tree root- ed in fertile soil producing some of the best succulent life sustaining fruit, leaving you yearning for more. Visualize walking down the heritage memory lane, visiting some of its preserved historical landmarks of Black achievements, listening to the taped oracles of our Black ancestors and interacting with many embracing cousins. You will become infected by the enormity of it all. The aura pro- duces a sense of international connectedness to your ancestors who were able to rise from the fire-pits of slav- ery with such humility and presence, to conquer unimag- inable feats while recognizing there is no going back and to arrive in a country where they could inhale a comfort- ing breath of liberation that would become a permanent part of the DNA of their decedents forever. Absolutely Awesome! As you know, over 60,000 Black slaves from America and the Caribbean used what is known as the Underground Railroad (UR) as a means to escape to Canada. The UR is not a railroad nor is it underground whatsoever. It is a name given to the secret networking process of guiding slaves to an alternative way of living. At the time, Canada provided this protective haven for slaves with its established unprecedented legal statutes that prohibited extradition requests for slaves and abolished slavery with the enactment of the British Abolition of Slavery Act in 1834. Hence, the establishment of a thriving Black community with a significant number of freed Blacks in Canada. Understandably as in America, Toronto too celebrates Black History Month with official commemorations whereby Torontonians and visi- tors can equally share. So, if you wish to experi- ence Black History Month in another country, try Toronto. You will not be disappointed. W HERE TO S TAY When looking for a place to stay that perfectly meets the needs of a traveler seeking a "home away from home" then try: Fairmont Royal York, a Toronto landmark of superlative traditional grandeur, located in the heart of downtown shopping, entertainment and sight-seeing districts – across from the Union Train Station. 100 Front Street West H UNGRY Y ET ? It won't be difficult to catch a good meal during your stay, here are a few favorites: • Harlem Restaurant (Soul Food) was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's. Its cuisine reflects a cultural diversity of fin- ger licking good collard greens, yams, cornbread and more. • Stonegrill on Winchester Minutes from downtown, Stonegrill is located in the heart of Cabbagetown. While experiencing an exciting interactive culinary fete, you will be soothed by the musi- cal artistry of the legendary Jazz artist, Archie Alleyne at the "Art and Jazz Brunch." 51 B Winchester Street • Epic Restaurant at the Fairmont Royal York Redefining every notion of a hotel restaurant, Epic's menu combines European ingredients with North American culinary innovation. • Horizons Restaurant at the CN Tower Lunch only is served at the Horizon's Restaurant located at the CN Tower on the Look Out level. Its loca- tion offers a spectacular view of the city and Lake Ontario from the vantage point of 1,136 ft. above the ground. Its culinary menu reflects seafood from the lake, butternut squash, chicken pot pie and more. 301 Front Street West • Rendezvous Ethiopian Restaurant Warm hospitality and exquisite flavors are the draw at this Ethiopian restaurant. Large platters of injera come piled with special delights to be served communally. 1408 Danforth Avenue W HERE TO P LAY • Trane Studios A venue for artists and audiences interested in experi- encing Jazz as a vibrant and contemporary music. Concerts at the Trane Studio celebrate the history of Jazz while embracing and nurturing its current manifestations FAM REPORT BY BERTHA RUSH-SUMMERS TORONTO: A CULTURAL MOSAIC DESTINATION Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 28

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