This Friday night (July 31), take a trip back into history by getting on the TTC.
When the subway pulls out of Union at 11:30 pm, imagine that it’s the year 1833. Slavery still exists in Canada. But when the train arrives at Downsview in the early minutes of August 1, it becomes Emancipation Day, a celebration of freedom on the day slavery was abolished in the British Empire.
The Freedom Train Ride, now in its third year, brings people together to mark the occasion.
“This is a great opportunity for celebration and recognition of a significant part of not only our history as African Canadians, but as a Canadian family,” says Itah Sadu, one of the event’s organizers.
Each year, the event highlights people that have made a significant contribution to their community. This time, that’s Beverly Salmon, the first black woman to be a councillor for Metro Toronto, and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American-led labour union.
The symbolic harmony between a subway train and the Underground Railroad marks another important part of our history. Sadu and co-organizer Louis March organized the first freedom train ride in 2013 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Harriet Tubman, the influential abolitionist connected to the network of safe houses that led American slaves to freedom in Canada.
The event has grown immensely since then they expect more than 1,000 people to take part this weekend.
“It’s mass pandemonium,” says March about the mood at past years’ events. “It’s enjoyment, education, drumming, spoken word, a moment of silence.”
Just like the slaves navigating the Underground Railroad didn’t quite know where they were going next, Sadu says they like to be vague about what exactly participants will experience. But you can bet it will be a great time, based on this video of last year’s ride:
Sadu and March say they are building on what came before, recognizing people that opened doors and support the community. While having some fun at the same time, of course.
“It’s a fun event, it’s a family event, it’s a community event,” says March. “When you look at what happened last year, the smiles, the diversity, it’s too much actually to put into words.”
elenag@nowtoronto.com | @elenagritzan
