Labour Day Parade 1956

Labour Day Parade 1956

Photograph taken in 1956 of the Labour Day Parade in Toronto. It was highly important for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters to make an appearance at community advocacy events like the Labour Day Parade. It showed not only their dedication to improving their rights, but of labour rights for all Canadians. Solidarity with other unions and groups was vital. At a time before Jim Crow was abolished, Black sleeping car porters parade alongside white workers. To this day, the Labour Day Parade occurs annually on a route including University Avenue, Queen Street West, Dufferin Street and the Canadian National Exhibition. Even now, as workers’ rights are much improved, unions remain essential to protecting them.

Stanley G. Grizzle

Grizzle, Stanley G. Labour Day Parade 1956. 1956. Photograph. 4929174. Library and Archives Canada.

Library and Archives Canada

1956

Library and Archives Canada

Photograph