Sankofa Day 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Transformation

On Saturday, August 23rd, the heart of downtown Toronto came alive as thousands gathered at Sankofa Square for Sankofa Day, a free, all-day celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit.

From sunrise to sunset, the Square was filled with the vibrant sounds of music, powerful rhythms of storytelling, and the dynamic energy of art and sport, all showcasing the rich cultural diversity that defines Toronto. Hosted by Flow 98.7 FM’s Alicia “ACE” West, the event opened with a powerful Indigenous welcome and performance with the Spring Creek Dancers from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and African ancestral ceremony presented by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario with visiting dignitaries from Ghana and members of Toronto's Ghanaian community. The day continued with a full schedule of performances, workshops, and activities for all ages.

Highlights included:

  • Afro-Caribbean flavours with JERK X JOLLOF and Afrodiasporic DJ sets by Afrique Like Me.

  • A soulful performance by Indigenous artist Natasha Fisher, alongside a legendary appearance from Canada’s Kardinal Offishall as part of the first-ever iDREAM Awards.

  • Immersive art installations including KORA by Nicole Nomsa Moyo and the Everyone vs. Racism graffiti project.

  • Basketball activations with the Toronto Raptors, HOOPQUEENS, and Toronto Tempo, sponsored by Canada Basketball.

  • A pre-event community run with Hill Run Club, Ultra Black, and Unchained Athletics.

  • Caribbean Film Festival screenings of film shorts and a vibrant artisan market.

  • A high-energy closing party with Moonshine, bringing the day to an unforgettable finish.

Beyond the programming, Sankofa Day marked a powerful moment of reflection on what the Square represents. The new visual identity of Sankofa Square, designed by D.PE Agency (founded by award-winning creative director Ashley McKenzie-Barnes), symbolizes transformation, a space where people, cultures, and ideas continuously evolve, converge, and reimagine the future together. The dynamic gradients, overlays, and shifting shapes of the identity reflect the very essence of the Sankofa principle: “always becoming, always transforming.”

Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to our presenting partners iDREAM, Speedy Transport, and D.PE Agency along with all the artists, vendors, community partners, supporters, and everyone who attended Sankofa Day. Your energy, creativity, and support transformed the Square into a vibrant hub of unity, proving once again that Toronto’s strength lies in its diversity.

Relive the energy and joy of the day through our gallery of photos and videos below.

Sankofa Square