The Toronto Transit Commission will host over 1,000 people for a midnight transit ride commemorating Emancipation Day on Aug. 1. This is the fifth year the TTC has hosted the Underground Freedom Train Ride,representative of the Canadian role in the Underground Railroad.
Riders will witness singing, poetry readings, drum playing, and remarks by the African Canadian Heritage Association. The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, will also be in attendance.
“Emancipation Day gives us an opportunity to explore and celebrate the rich African-Canadian history that has helped build our city. It is also a day to recognize their struggle for human rights,” the Mayor said. “The Underground Freedom Train Ride allows Canadians of all backgrounds to learn about the incredible history of our African Canadians as builders, advocates, and people who defended Canada in many challenging times and who lead in so many ways. Knowing more about this distinguished history of achievement helps all of us to better understand who we are as Canadians.”
Those who are interested in riding the Underground Freedom Train should be at Union Station around 10:40 p.m. on Monday, July 31 The train will leave around 10:40 p.m. and arrive at Sheppard West Station around midnight.
The Transit Alliance greatly supports the TTC’s efforts at using their services as a cultural hub — a place where Torontonians can remember the past and look to the future.
Will you be riding the midnight Underground Freedom Train? Let us know in the comments below!
