Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride Goes Virtual

The 14th annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride beginning at Union Station in Toronto on July 31, 2019

A Different Booklist Cultural Centre in Toronto is taking its 15^th annual Freedom Train Ride to a virtual platform on Friday, July 31 on its YouTube page, beginning at 10:45p.m.

The Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history. This train ride is recognition of the historic date of Emancipation Day on August 1^st when slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is also a celebration of the power and potential of the peoples of African descent, notes a press release.

A Different Booklist Cultural Centre (ADBCC) and the 2020 Freedom Train Ride Committee have announced that this year's conductor is Dorothy Sharp, 94, a pillar in the Black community in Ontario. Affectionately known as "Ms. Dolly," she is the matriarch of a family that has made significant contributions in Canada.  

Joining Ms. Dolly online are two well-known soca and calypso performers – David Rudder and former Calypso Monarch winner Macomere Fifi (Eulith Tara Woods) -- who will sing live during the event broadcast.

"We are excited about bringing the train ride to a virtual platform and the world's stage," says Itah Sadu, founder and chair of the Freedom Train Ride Committee. 

"This year we are connecting with people nationally and internationally with the theme of Diasporic Crossings and Relationships, and furthering the conversations on reparations for people of African descent.  We have traveled by foot, by bus, by train and by water, and now we are traveling virtually."

The train ride will be held online and live on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre's YouTube page from 10:30 p.m. on July 31 to 12:15 a.m. on August 1.

Everyone is welcome on this Underground Freedom Train Ride to celebrate Emancipation Day.  

The sponsors of this year’s digital ride include the African Canadian Heritage Association, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Toronto Transit Commission, A Different Booklist Cultural Centre and the Zero Gun Violence Movement.