Brampton in Peel Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Blackburn Family: Overcoming Racism to Build a Better Community
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 2, 2025
1. The Blackburn Family: Overcoming Racism to Build a Better Community Marker
The Blackburn family was the first modern-day Black family to live in Brampton, moving into the city in 1958. Estelle and Austin Blackburn purchased a home on Campbell Drive and moved to the Flowertown community.
The family was met with overt racism and discrimination, when a neighbour petitioned to have them thrown out of their new home and the community. The petition was unsuccessful.
Estelle set to work befriending her neighbours and supporting those in the community. Her community outreach efforts led her to become the president of the Brampton Women's Auxiliary and President of the Northwood Estates Ratepayers Association Ladies Auxiliary.
Estelle helped to raise funds for play equipment and other amenities for the Northwood community at the park currently known as Beatty Fleming Park. She also petitioned for the installation of safety lighting at the park to allow for nighttime recreational activities in the early 1960s.
The City of Brampton acknowledges the significant contributions Estelle Blackburn made to make our city more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Family History
Estelle Blackburn (née
this page online
Austin Blackburn was born in the Caribbean in 1912 and came to Canada from Montserrat at around the age of 10. He was self-employed and mentored many family and community members. Austin died on January 9, 1990 in Brampton.
The couple was married on February 8, 1934 and had five children - Gary, Neville, Lenore, Bobby and Angela. The children grew up during a time when racism was a fact of daily life, and diversity was a concept that was talked about but was not yet realized. They managed the many challenges by drawing on the values their parents instilled in them - perseverance, resilience, hard work, to stand up against inequality and make a positive impact in the community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 43° 40.83′ N,
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 2, 2025
2. The Blackburn Family: Overcoming Racism to Build a Better Community Marker
Facing toward McLaughlin Road
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historical Summary 27 Church Street West / Résumé historique 27 Church Street West (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); The McKillop House (approx. 1.4 kilometers away); The Etobicoke Creek (approx. 1.5 kilometers away); Gage Park
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 2, 2025
3. The Blackburn Family marker photo and caption detail (left)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 2, 2025
4. The Blackburn Family marker photo and caption detail (right)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 2, 2025
5. Beatty-Fleming Park
Marker is visible in the centre of the photo by the bench
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 3, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
