Annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride celebrates legacy of Louis March

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an inspiring, enriching and exciting evening on Wednesday, July 31^st, 2024, at the Underground Freedom Train Ride 2024. This year marked the eleventh occurrence of the symbolic event that rings in freedom at midnight. The event is held in collaboration with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.

The ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history. This train ride is a 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. This Freedom Train Ride has been occurring since 2013 providing an actual underground experience via its subway system to represent the underground railroad journey. Former enslaved people undertook an incredible and dangerous journey in their migration to Canada and this symbolic train ride helps to keep history alive by connecting the past to the present and ultimately linking to the future.

August 1^st, 2014, is of tremendous importance for African Canadians. It signifies the 190^th anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act which became effective on August 1^st,1834 and the 110^th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Negro Improvement association (UNIA) which was launched by Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

The evening’s event commenced with drumming and performances by the Verity Community Choir. Many of the songs were Negro spirituals that echoed powerfully through the chambers of the Union Station (TD West Carriageway). Libation was offered by Minister Aina-Nia Ayodele which was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Itah Sadu, Managing Director of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. Dr. Itah has been instrumental and has played a pivotal role in the running of this Freedom Train Ride for the past eleven years. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto and Shakira Nariane, TTC Chief People & Community Officer delivered special greetings to the hundreds of people who gathered before the train departed

The 2024 conductor of the Freedom Train was Amah Harris, who spoke briefly before the departure of the train at 11 p.m. from Union Station. There was festive drumming during the subway ride, performance by Tiki Mercury Clarke and an inspirational poem by Lillian Allen, Poet Laureate of Toronto. It was truly emotionally moving as the packed subway train was filled with many passengers who wore T-shirts with Elder Louis March written on the front and back.

The train arrived at Downsview Park Station just before 12 am at which the passengers assembled at the TTC parkette to celebrate the Emancipation Day festivities. There was the enchanting beating of drums, spirited music and empowering speeches. The highlight of the celebration of August 1^st, 2024, which would have been the 69th birthday of Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM) (who passed away on Saturday, July 20^th, 2022), was the two drones which lit up the sky in his honour. They spelled out his name, “Louis March”, in red and green with hearts and love after which a red Maple Leaf appeared. This was followed by the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Anyone interested in learning about Emancipation events which occurred across Canada can check the website :https://teachingafricancanadianhistoryweebly.com/blog compiled by Dr. Natasha Henry, Professor of History at York University. She specializes in the development of learning material that focused on the African diasporic experience.