The Key to the City: A Black History Month Shocker!
The Key to the City: A Black History Month Shocker!
By Stephen Weir
Black History Month came in like spring this year — like a lamb, and out like a lion.
As the city continues to dig out from the latest snowstorm, down at Toronto City Hall, Mayor Olivia Chow prepared a Tuesday afternoon goodbye fete for what has become deeply important to many people: BHM — Black History Month.
And guess what? There was
The Key to the city, A Black History Month Shocker! By Stephen Weir Black History Month came in like Spring this year. Like a lamb and, out like a lion As the city continues to dig out from the latest snowstorm, down at. City Hall Mayor Chow prepared a Tuesday afternoongoodbye fete for what has become really important to people: BHM! BLACK HISTORY Month. And guess what they’re was a special guest at the reception, bookstore owner Itah who was presented with keys to the city by Mayor Chow and councillor Michael Thompson It all happened in the the Rotunda on the main floor), Toronto City Hall It was there that The Mayor proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Toronto. She then presented Itah Sadu with the keys to the city of Toronto She is the co-owner of A Different Booklist, an iconic Toronto bookstore specializing in African and Caribbean Canadian literature that has served for decades as a cultural hub. She also serves as Managing Director of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, known as The People’s Residence, which serves as a beacon for the stories, achievements and cultural heritage of Canadians of African and Caribbean descent. The Mayor proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Toronto. According to city hall “The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life.” The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group. “Toronto is strengthened by leaders like Dr. Itah Sadu who dedicate their lives to culture, storytelling and community. As an award-winning storyteller, author and leader, she has spent decades strengthening our city and elevating Black voices while enriching Toronto’s literary life. On behalf of the people of Toronto, I am proud to present her with the Key to the City.” said Mayor Olivia Chow on Tuesday “I am extremelhonoured to be receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Olivia Chow. The City’s generous gesture will be a reminder that my contribution as a builder and leader in Toronto’s Black community has inspired Torontonians.
The Key to the City: A Black History Month Shocker!
By Stephen Weir
Black History Month came in like spring this year — like a lamb, and out like a lion.
As the city continues to dig out from the latest snowstorm, down at Toronto City Hall, Mayor Olivia Chow prepared a Tuesday afternoon goodbye fete for what has become deeply important to many people: BHM — Black History Month.
And guess what? There was special presentation made. Itah Sadu was given the keys to the city by the mayor “Toronto is strengthened by leaders like Dr. Itah Sadu who dedicate their lives to culture, storytelling and community. As an award-winning storyteller, author and leader, she has spent decades strengthening our city and elevating Black voices while enriching Toronto’s literary life. On behalf of the people of Toronto, I am proud to present her with the Key to the City,” said Mayor Olivia Chow on Tuesday.
“I am extremely honoured to be receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Olivia Chow. The City’s generous gesture will be a reminder that my contribution as a builder and leader in Toronto’s Black community has inspired Torontonians,” said Dr. Sadu.
ITAH AND MICHAEL THOMPSON'
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