By Stephen Weir

In 2024, Conductor Amah Harris blows the whistle as the Emancipation Underground Freedom Train rolls again, laying new tracks from Union Station to Downsview Park Station. This annual literal moving event, held during Toronto’s Carnival season, brings over 1,200 people together in a profound celebration of Emancipation Day.

This year marks the tenth collaboration between the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, previously 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.

Renowned poet laureate Lillian Allen will also participate, crafting a poem for the occasion. This year, the event will honor Ozase Dolabaille and feature performances by four singers, the Verity Community Choir, and Tikki Mercury Clarke.

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.

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.