Toronto – Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed August as Emancipation Month in Toronto. Throughout the month of August, the City of Toronto will offer programming to acknowledge the legacy and history of slavery in Canada and to celebrate its abolition. The City has proclaimed August 1 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.
The Mayor’s Emancipation Month proclamation is available on the City’s Proclamations webpage.
On August 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire, emancipating more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in British-controlled regions around the world including Canada.
In 2021, the Government of Canada officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day across Canada. Beginning today and running until Thursday, August 31, Toronto residents can participate in a range of events that will empower and celebrate Black Torontonians with a flag-raising ceremony and programming at some Toronto History Museums including art series and exhibitions.
August programming highlights
Black Liberation flag-raising ceremony
Date: Today, 12:30 p.m.
Location: Courtesy flagpole, Podium Roof, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
To launch Emancipation Month, the City is hosting an in-person, flag-raising ceremony and community gathering which will include raising the Black Liberation flag, remarks from City representatives and Black community leaders and a performance from saxophonist Rudy Ray.
Today, the Black Liberation flag is also being raised at the Etobicoke, East York Scarborough and York Civic Centres. The flag will be raised in North York on Friday, August 4, in a ceremony with special guest Dr. Julius W. Garvey, whose father, Marcus Garvey, designed and popularized the Black Liberation flag. Today, the Toronto Sign is illuminated in the Black Liberation flag colours of red, black and green.
Event information is available on the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism webpage.
A conversation with Dr. Julius W. Garvey
Date: Friday, August 4, 1:30 p.m.
Location: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.
Dr. Julius W. Garvey will raise the Black Liberation flag and speak with attendees at the North York Central Library, Concourse Event Space, located at 5120 Yonge St. Dr. Garvey, son of civil rights activist Dr. Marcus Garvey, will be joined by community leader Aina-Nia Ayo’dele Grant where they will discuss a range of issues including Dr. Garvey’s experience with his father and present day activism during the International Decade for People of African Descent. More information about the event is on the City’s website
Freedom Market at Fort York
Date: Saturday, August 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 100 Garrison Rd.
In celebration and support of Black entrepreneurs, the Freedom Market at Fort York is being held and includes Black-owned businesses, artisans, food and entertainment. More information about the Freedom Market at Fort York is available on the Black Owned Toronto website 
.
Emancipation Month programming at Toronto History Museums
Emancipation Day at Fort York
Date: Today, 4 to 8 p.m.
Location: 100 Garrison Rd.
Hosted by the Ontario Black History Society, this day celebrates the historical and cultural legacy of Emancipation Day for Toronto’s diverse Black communities with an afternoon of performances, food, music, art and presentations.
More information is available on the City’s website.
Think Like a Champion (TLAC)
Date: Every Sunday in August from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Locations: At various Toronto History Museum sites
This program combines Jully Black’s The Power of Step performance with discussions on empowerment and freedom. Tickets can be purchased on the City’s website.
Black culinary culture in early Toronto neighbourhood tour
Date: Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, 20, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Location: 82 Bond St.
This tour at Mackenzie House explores the influence of the Black community on food culture from the 1830s to 1860s. Tickets can be purchased on the Mackenzie House website .
Spoken Word
Date: Saturday, August 19, 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Zion Schoolhouse, 1091 Finch Ave. E.
A workshop led by R.I.S.E. Edutainment artist David Delisca will introduce youth and adult participants to spoken word poetry. Participants are encouraged to find inspiration in this specific historical space and to delve into their relationship with educational institutions to create their own work of self-expression. Advanced registration is required.
Girl Power’d
Dates: Sundays, August 6, 13 and 20, 2 p.m. A drum circle will also be held on Sunday, August 27, 2 p.m.
Location: Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr.
This event celebrates West African and Caribbean cultures through dance by youth performers.
Artist Mentorship Showcase: “Gélédé Queens”
Dates: Wednesdays to Saturdays in August, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Locations: Market Gallery, 95 Front St. E.
This event, hosted by Destinie Adelakun, will showcase a multimedia experience inspired by the West African festival Gélédé.
More information on Emancipation Month programming at Toronto History Museums and event registration is available on the City’s website.
Entry to all 10 Toronto History Museums is free for everyone. More information is available on the Plan Your Museum Visit webpage.
“Emancipation Month is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and spirit of Black communities. It’s a time to reflect on the hard-won progress towards freedom and equity – to honour Black resistance and struggle in the pursuit of justice – while acknowledging that there is more to do. In Toronto, we re-affirm our commitment to eradicating anti-Black racism through tangible action and investment in communities. Together, we are building a city where racial justice and equality are foundational principles.” – Mayor Olivia Chow