Media Release: Sankofa Square Officially Opens with Canada's First Major Public Sankofa Day Celebration

Sankofa Square: Looking back, building forward.

MEDIA RELEASE — Toronto, Ontario — July 14, 2025 — 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.

Community Partnerships

Sankofa Day at Sankofa Square is made possible through a range of community partnerships, including the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario, which plays a key role in the African Ancestral Acknowledgement Ceremony, a central component of the day’s programming. Their support reflects the ongoing commitment to honouring the Black community and African diaspora heritage and contributions in shaping Toronto’s cultural identity.

“We are honoured to stand with Sankofa Square in marking this momentous occasion,” said Emmanuel Duodu, President of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario. “For the first time in such a prominent and public way in Canada, our collective history is being acknowledged. This celebration is a vital opportunity to honour the ancestors, share our stories, and inspire future generations.”

Cultural Celebration & Gathering

The free 13-hour celebration (10 AM to 11 PM), branded and curated by the award-winning D.PE Agency (pronounced as “dope”), 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.

Introducing the iDREAM Awards

The iDREAM Awards are a signature highlight of Sankofa Day, celebrating individuals and organizations driving equity in Canada. iDREAM is committed to leveraging its platforms to support Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and underrepresented communities across art, entrepreneurship, film, music, and sport. The awards spotlight emerging voices who are shaping culture and breaking barriers, offering recipients a transformative $1 million media campaign to amplify their impact. The iDREAM Lounge in Sankofa Square will host the Awards. Tickets for the iDREAM Awards with access to the iDREAM Lounge are available to the public to purchase at idreamadream.ca with proceeds in support of iDREAM’s mission.

“We created iDREAM to amplify voices that often go unheard,” said Jamie Thompson, Founder of iDREAM. “Our mission is to invest in the future of equity in Canada—by backing the leaders, artists, and changemakers who are building it. Partnering with Sankofa Square on this historic day is an extension of that vision.”

Everyone vs. Racism presented by Speedy Transport returns

Speedy Transport joins Sankofa Day as a key presenting partner, showcasing its sixth Everyone vs. Racism graffiti project. Artists will transform a 53-foot transport truck trailer throughout the day, creating one of Sankofa Day’s most visually impactful and socially resonant installations. Designed to spark conversation and action, the experience uses public art to challenge systemic racism and promote solidarity.

A Transformation

The Square’s revitalization reflects over a year of community visioning that merges Indigenous and African diasporic traditions with the vibrancy of Toronto’s cultural fabric. The day will also be the first time the general public will see the full expression of Sankofa Square’s new brand identity. The visual and brand identity and event campaign were created by D.PE Agency, and visitors can expect to see the brand on digital takeovers, social media, and throughout the Square.

“Sankofa Square is a bold, inclusive cultural landmark created for everyone, an intersection of remembrance, resilience, and renewal,” said Julian Sleath, General Manager, Sankofa Square. “Sankofa Day is an invitation to honour the past, engage the present, and help build a future we all belong to.”

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 featuring 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

  • Sports and wellness activations with Canada Basketball and Hoop Queens

  • Black-led Community Run: Hill Run Club, Ultra Black, and friends

  • Food Vendors: Enjoy a variety of culinary delights

More partner and programming highlights will be announced closer to Sankofa Day.

Additional Information

Websites:

Hashtags: #SankofaDayTO #SankofaSquare.

Media Kit: sankofasquare.ca/media-centre

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About Sankofa Square

Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a bustling gathering place for millions of visitors each year. Established in 2004, the Square hosts hundreds of diverse events including community-based festivals, concerts, public art, and commercial experiences. The Square is an open space that welcomes everyone. It is managed by the Sankofa Board of Management, a City of Toronto agency. Learn more at sankofasquare.ca.

About D.PE Agency

D.PE Agency (pronounced "dope") is an award-winning creative agency specializing in dynamic brand identity, compelling digital experiences, and impactful event programming. Known for its innovative approach, D.PE Agency partners with clients to bring bold visions to life through strategic design and engaging cultural activations. The agency proudly spearheaded the creation of Sankofa Square’s new brand identity and the comprehensive programming for the inaugural Sankofa Day celebration. Learn more at weredpe.com.

About iDREAM and the iDREAM Awards

iDREAM is a national nonprofit organization that exists to realize the tangible role media plays in fostering equity, by leveraging our platforms of influence in support of BIPOC and underrepresented communities in the areas of art, entrepreneurship, film, music, and sport across Canada. Our vision is a future where all Canadians have access to, and benefit from a sustainable media and business ecosystem. The iDREAM Awards rewards emerging voices with a $1 million media campaign. Learn more at idreamadream.ca.

About Everyone vs Racism and Speedy Transport

Everyone vs. Racism is a dynamic initiative that champions cultural understanding and racial equity through engaging public art and community activities. Designed to spark dialogue and encourage collective action, the project invites all individuals to reflect on how they can contribute to eradicating societal racism through positive messaging and various artistic expressions. As a key presenting partner, Speedy Transport has proudly presented Everyone vs. Racism at Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) since 2020, underscoring its commitment to fostering inclusive communities and leveraging its platforms to drive meaningful social change. Learn more at instagram.com/speedy_sztg.

About the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario

The Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario’s mission is to enhance the living standards of Ghanaian-Canadians in Ontario through social, cultural, and educational programs, and through other diaspora initiatives. GCAO’s vision is to build a strong, inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable community that provides support services and resources to enhance the well-being of Ghanaian-Canadians in Ontario. GCAO is a nonprofit umbrella organization for all Ghanaian-Canadian individuals, religious, professionals, cultural associations, and community organizations residing within the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more at gcaocanada.org.

Media Contact

Deanne Moser
DMPUBLIC
deanne@dmpublic.com
(647) 888-9388

Sankofa Square