The Emancipation Underground Freedom Train: Over A Decade of Honouring Heritage and Unity

 Amah Harris will blow the whistle on the Emancipation Underground Freedom Train as Conductor July 31st

!,000 riders will get on board

Conductor Amah Harris will blow the whistle as the Emancipation Underground Freedom Train lays new tracks from Union Station to Downsview Park Station. Held during Toronto's vibrant Carnival season, this annual moving event celebrates Emancipation Day by bringing together over 1,000 people in a profound display of heritage and unity.

This year marks the eleventh collaboration between the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, formerly known as A Different Booklist Cultural Centre. The event offers an immersive underground experience via Toronto’s subway system, symbolizing the historic underground railroad journey. Open to all Canadians, the ride costs only the price of a token, making it an accessible opportunity for reflection and celebration.

The Emancipation Day "Underground Freedom Train" Ride begins on July 31st and concludes in the early hours of August 1st. It serves as a powerful reminder of the history, legacy, and significance of Emancipation, extending the spirit of the Underground Railroad and celebrating the resilience exemplified by Harriet Tubman.

Amah Harris, a distinguished educator, producer, mentor, playwright, and researcher, leads this year’s journey. With roots in Dominica’s Kalinago region, Amah brings a rich cultural heritage to her work, which includes a documentary on the African origins of masquerade from Africa to the Caribbean and the diaspora. Her contributions to Carnival arts and Black theatre in Canada have made a lasting impact, continuing the tradition of taking theatre to the people and embodying the essence of Emancipation as theatre.

Renowned poet laureate Lillian Allen will also participate, crafting a poem for the occasion. This year, the event will honour Master drummer Osaze  Dolabaille and Vocalists; Rosan Mattis, Grace Kelly, Anique Cumberbatch, Lori-Ann Williams - Smith and Danika Battiest.  The Verity Community Choir, and musician Tiki Mercury Clarke will also present. 

Reflecting on the journey of African people, Amah emphasizes that we are at the dawn of the next 100 years of global evolution for African communities. Her remarkable career spans decades, including winning the British Council Award in 1964 for her performance in the Commemorative Shakespeare Festival. As the artistic director of Dominica's Secondary School's Drama Society, later renamed the Little Theatre, she spearheaded numerous theatrical productions, workshops, and festivals that enriched the local arts scene.

After studying Theatre at Banff School of Fine Arts and the University of Windsor, where she earned a place on the Dean's Roll of Honour, Amah returned to Dominica to continue her work with the People's Action Theatre. Her career later brought her back to Canada, where she co-directed Black Theatre Canada and founded Theatre In The Rough, a public education touring company dedicated to fostering harmonious coexistence through cultural and educational theatre.

The Emancipation Underground Freedom Train not only celebrates the historical significance of Emancipation but also honours the contributions of individuals like Amah Harris, whose work continues to inspire and uplift communities. Last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the ride, blowing the whistle in a symbolic gesture of unity and recognition.

As the train rolls through Toronto’s subway system this year, it carries with it the hopes, dreams, and resilient spirit of those who fought for freedom, reminding us all of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.