Tuesday August 1st marks the beginning of Emancipation Month in Toronto, which recognizes the struggle for human rights and the rich contributions made by people of African descent.

August 1st, 1834 was the day the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect, emancipating more than 800,000 enslaved Africans across the British Empire, including Canada.

Emancipation Month began Monday evening with the 10th annual Underground Freedom Train Ride which is a symbolic journey through Toronto’s subway system to honour the underground railroad’s role in Canadian history.

“It’s all about freedom,” explained Reverand Lamateria D. Hall who was at the event, “Just celebrating the spirit of freedom because we’re all freedom seekers, keeping in mind that’s the ancestors who put us on this path.”

The Official Black Liberation Flag Raising takes place on the podium rooftop at Nathan Phillips Square Tuesday afternoon at 12:30.

Events will be held throughout August to celebrate the rich contributions that people of African descent have made to our city and country.

Click here for details.