Making Change at Honest Ed’s
Trace the evolution of Bathurst Street from Honest Ed’s bustling bargain store to a thriving centre of Black culture, activism, and entrepreneurship.
Share
On this tour through the Bathurst and Bloor neighbourhood, learn about the iconic bargain store that shaped a community, the rise of Black-owned businesses that defined Blackhurst, the pioneering beauty entrepreneurs who transformed haircare in Canada, and the bookstore that became a home for Black literature and activism.
However you choose to explore, take the opportunity to celebrate the artists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who built — and continue to build — the cultural heart of this neighbourhood.
This digital tour was developed by Emerging Historian Alanna Brown (2024) and made possible by the generous support of our Tours Program Presenting Sponsor, TD Bank Group, through the TD Ready Commitment and Emerging Historian Champion Andrew and Sharon Himel and Family.
Last Updated: February 2, 2026
We’d love to hear your feedback. Contact us.
Resources
Batten, Jack. Honest Ed’s Story: The Crazy Rags to Riches Story of Ed Mirvish. Doubleday, 1972.
Blackhust Cultural Centre. Welcome to Blackhurst: An Iconic Toronto Neighbourhood. A Different Publisher, 2021
Humphreys, Jessica Dee. “A Jamaican grocery store became a vibrant community hub. How a proud daughter kept her parents’ legacy alive.” Toronto Star. Article published January 24, 2021.
Martin, Patrick. “Reflections on the Black Press.” Review of Journalism. Article published April 1, 1993.
Mirvish. “Mirvish Productions.”
Mirvish Village. “History.”
Stussy. “Lloyd’s Barbershop.”
Taylor, Doug. “The history of Ed’s Warehouse restaurant in Toronto.” blogTO. Article published July 31, 2022.
Sponsors
