New artwork, ‘Fah Who Dis? AstroBlack Joy,’ celebrates freedom, honours heritage and inspires unity
BRAMPTON– The City of Brampton has added to its collection of more than 50 public art installations having recently unveiled a new memorial artwork commemorating Emancipation Day. Celebrated on August 1 in Canada, Emancipation Day marks the actual day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, came into effect across the British Empire, including Canada. Each year, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
The new memorial artwork, Fah Who Dis? AstroBlack Joy, is located in Brampton’s Emancipation Park and features two colourful sculptures symbolizing the vibrancy, resilience and cultural heritage of Black-identifying Canadians. It invites residents and visitors to learn, celebrate and reflect on their journey towards freedom and equality.
Also, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed August as Emancipation Month in Toronto alongside Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Committee, at a Black Liberation Flag raising ceremony at Toronto City Hall.
The City has proclaimed August 1 as Emancipation Day since 1998 and Emancipation Month in August since 2019. The City also has proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015 to 2024) since March 2019.
Throughout the month of August and into 2025, the City will offer programming to acknowledge the legacy and history of slavery in Canada and to celebrate its abolition.
Today marks the launch of a year-long public education campaign entitled, “Confront the Past, Change the Future” which continues until December 31, 2025.
The campaign focuses on the legacies of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery to advance the human rights of peoples of African descent in alignment with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.