August is Emancipation Month, and Toronto has a lineup of events for residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions made to the city by people of African descent and their fight for freedom.
On August 1, 1834, more than 800,000 enslaved people were freed across the British Empire, including Canada, after the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect.
Marking the occasion, the Black Liberation Flag has been raised at Toronto City Hall, and now residents are invited to take part in a series of exciting events to continue celebrating and learning more about Emancipation Month.
Check out a full list of events below!
The Black Experience: Vol.1 – An Exhibition
Where: Clark Centre for the Arts
When: August 2 to 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This exhibition offers guests an insight into navigating Western influences and systems while being Black. This emotional, eye-opening exhibit is presented through visual mediums, leaving guests with a deeper understanding of the relationship between power structures and Black communities.
Learn more about the exhibit here.
Steel Pan Performance by Trenyce Sweeney
Where: Scarborough Museum
When: Sunday, August 3, noon to 2 p.m.
Toronto musician Trencye Sweeney is bringing her musical talents to the Scarborough Museum with a live steel pan show to celebrate Emancipation Month.
Don’t miss this performance filled with Caribbean beats, classical melodies, and themes of belonging and cultural exchange.
Find out more about the performance here.
Visions of Emancipation: In Conversation with Visual Artist Dimithry Victor
Where: Blackhurst Cultural Centre
When: Wednesday, August 6, 6 to 9 p.m.
Join Haitian painter, Dimithry Victor, as he introduces his new art book.
The book, filled with surreal paintings, will offer readers the chance to explore freedom and heritage through art. Don’t miss out on the chance to hear Victor share insights into the book and his creative process, a Q & A session will also be held on August 6 from 6-8 p.m.
Tickets are free and available here.
Melanin Market: Emancipation Edition
Where: Sankofa Square
Where: Fridays, August 15 & 29, 2 to 9 p.m.
Take a trip to the Melanin Market this month for a shopping experience filled with Black and Francophone vendors.
This market runs for two Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to check it out, so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to visit Black owned businesses and creativity.
Samba Saturdays
Where: Colborne Lodge
When: Saturdays, August 16 & 23 at 2 p.m.
Dance the day away and enjoy sweet beats with Samba Saturdays in Colborne Lodge.
Samba is Brazilian percussion music with African origins that is full of good vibes that will have you swaying to the beat in no time. Don’t miss your chance to dive deep into the tunes while enjoying the scenic background of High Park.
Learn more here.
Liberté à Travers La Culture
Where: Scarborough Civic Centre
When: Saturday, August 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hosted by Centre Haïtien D’Action Humanitaire (CEHAH), guests will partake in a full day celebrating Haitian culture, music, food, and performances.
Described as a grand cultural day, honouring Haitian history, valuing the culture, and strengthening community bonds. The event is free to attend, running from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Attendees can look forward to a fashion show, live theatre, dance performances, DJs spinning all day, and more.
Find out more here.
