This Sunday will be the second time that Toronto will mark Canada’s recognition of Emancipation Day with a march along Bloor Street in downtown Toronto.

Beginning at 1pm at Bathurst and Bloor Street, the parade will travel west to Christie Pitts for live music and celebrations in honour of Canada’s recognition of Emancipation Day. Emancipation on Bloor ends at 3pm.

The event marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.  August 1st is now a day that honours the long legacy and contribution of Black Canadians and the commitment to unlearning anti-Black racism and pushing for a more just society.

Emancipation on Bloor is once again organized by The Blackhurst Cultural Centre.  Spokeswoman Itah Sadu says the parade will be “a series of statements” through artistic expression including the liberation from chains, masquerade, spectrums of beauty, stereotypes, something of textiles, respect, resistance, and resilience.