Experience Canada's First Major Public Sankofa Day Celebration!

When: Saturday, August 23 from 10am to 11pm
Where: Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto

Join us for a historic, free, full-day event at Sankofa Square, Toronto's most prominent public space.

Sankofa Day marks a significant new cultural tradition for Toronto, rooted in remembrance, healing, and celebrating the vibrant future of our community.

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What is Sankofa Day?

Anchored in the theme "Looking Back, Building Forward," Sankofa Day commemorates UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, also known as Sankofa Day. This powerful celebration brings a global moment of reflection to Canadian soil in an unprecedented public and large-scale manner. It's a day to honour the African Diaspora, share stories, and champion a united future built on justice, belonging, and creative expression.

Event Highlights: A Day of Culture, Art & Community

From 10 AM to 11 PM, Sankofa Square will come alive with a dynamic blend of activities for all ages. Curated by the award-winning D.PE Agency, highlights include:

Indigenous and African Ancestral Ceremonies: Opening the Square with powerful traditions.
Sankofa Square Brand Reveal: Be among the first to experience the Square's new visual identity with digital screen takeovers.
iDREAM Awards Live Reveal: Witness the exciting announcement of five $1 million in Media Award recipients who are driving equity in Canada.
Afrodiasporic DJ Sets by Afrique Like Me: Groove to vibrant sounds.
Closing Party with Moonshine feat. Pierre Kwenders: End the night with an unforgettable performance.
Live Performances: Featuring talented artists such as Natasha Fisher and more.
Public Art and Design Installations: Explore captivating works by Nicole Nomsa Moyo.
Everyone vs. Racism Activation: See Speedy Transport's sixth graffiti project come to life on a 53-foot transport truck trailer.
Caribbean Film Festival Screenings: Immerse yourself in diverse cinematic experiences.
Sports and Wellness Activations: Participate in activities with Canada Basketball and Hoop Queens.
Black-led Community Run: Start the day with an energetic community run with Hill Run Club, Ultra Black, and friends.
Food Vendors: Enjoy a variety of culinary delights.

Additional partner and programming highlights will be announced closer to Sankofa Day!

The iDREAM Awards

A signature highlight of Sankofa Day, the iDREAM Awards celebrate individuals and organizations driving equity in Canada. These awards spotlight emerging voices shaping culture and breaking barriers, offering recipients a transformative $1 million media campaign. The iDREAM Lounge in Sankofa Square will host the Awards.

Want to attend the iDREAM Awards? Tickets with access to the iDREAM Lounge are available for purchase at idreamadream.ca.

Proceeds support iDREAM's mission.

Our Valued Partners

Sankofa Day is made possible through the dedication of our incredible community partners:

D.PE Agency: Award-winning creative agency behind Sankofa Square's new brand identity and the comprehensive programming for this inaugural celebration.
iDREAM: A national nonprofit amplifying Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and underrepresented voices, investing in the future of equity in Canada through the iDREAM Awards.
Speedy Transport: Presenting the "Everyone vs. Racism" graffiti project, using public art to challenge systemic racism and promote solidarity.
Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario: Playing a key role in the African Ancestral Acknowledgement Ceremony, their support underscores our commitment to honouring Black community and African diaspora heritage.