Toronto is set to celebrate a historic cultural milestone on

Saturday, August 23, with a landmark Sankofa Day event and the official opening of Sankofa Square, Canada’s most prominent public space. This powerful, free, full-day event marks a significant new cultural tradition for Toronto, rooted in remembrance, healing, and the vibrant future of the Square. Anchored in the theme “Looking Back, Building Forward,” the event commemorates UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, also known as “Sankofa Day.” This celebration brings a global moment of reflection to Canadian soil in an

unprecedented public and large-scale manner, honouring the African Diaspora while

championing a united future rooted in justice, belonging, and creative expression.

The free 13-hour celebration (10 AM to 11 PM) will feature a dynamic blend of programming that includes a Black-led community run, Indigenous and African ancestral ceremonies, art installations, food, digital and film showcases, cultural and sports activations, performances, and a headline DJ set to close the night. Sankofa Day at Sankofa Square promises to be one of Toronto’s most meaningful cultural gatherings.

Sankofa Day Highlights include:

● Canada's most prominent public Sankofa Day commemoration and celebration to date

● Indigenous and African Ancestral ceremonies to open the Square

● Sankofa Square brand reveal and digital screen takeover

● The iDREAM Awards live reveal of five $1 million in Media Award recipients

● Afrodiasporic DJ Sets by Afrique Like Me

● A closing party with Moonshine feat. Pierre Kwenders

● Live Performances by artists such as Natasha Fisher and more

● Public art and design installations by Nicole Nomsa Moyo

● Everyone vs. Racism activation presented by Speedy Transport

● Caribbean Film Festival screenings and global media exhibitions

● Sports and wellness activations with Ultra Black, Hill Run Club, Canada Basketball, and

Hoop Queens