Sankofa Square is now the official name for as Yonge-Dundas in Toronto, Canada.
Thousands of people recently flooded downtown Toronto for the inaugural event at the rebranded public space Saturday.
The celebration commemorates Sankofa Day, a date recognized internationally by the United Nations in remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition.
In December, 2023, Toronto City Council adopted recommendations to rename four major City of Toronto assets: Yonge-Dundas Square, Dundas and Dundas West subway stations and the Jane/Dundas Public Library.
Following years of consultation, research and discussion, the City’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee (CAC) reached consensus on the name “Sankofa Square” for Yonge-Dundas Square.
The concept of ‘Sankofa’, originating in Ghana, refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past, which enables people to move forward together.
This new name reflects the City’s commitment to taking steps to right wrongs, confront anti-Black racism and build a more inclusive Toronto for all.
The process to rename the iconic square in Toronto’s downtown core was precipitated by a petition that claimed that its namesake, Henry Dundas, a Scottish politician from the 1770s to the early 1800’s was a major proponent in delaying the abolition of the Transatlantic slave trade.
“The City of Toronto remains committed to confronting anti-Black racism, advancing truth, reconciliation and justice, and building a more inclusive and equitable City. The City of Toronto is committed to acknowledging the impact of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery, while focusing on mitigating costs and impacts on residents and businesses. Adopting the name Sankofa Square, recognizes the need to reflect on and reclaim teachings from the past, and enables us to move forward together.” said Mayor Olivia Chow in 2023, at the time of the proposal.
Speaking on behalf of His Excellency the President, Hon. Dzifa Ablah Gomashie stated that “the renaming of the Yonge Dundas Square to Sankofa Square is not merely a change of name, it is an act of remembrance and an act of reclamation and an act of reparations. It is a bold step towards justice and healing not just for the people of Toronto but for all Africans, at home and in the Diaspora”.
