On Saturday, August 23, Toronto will witness a historic moment as the city’s central square — long known as Dundas Square — will officially be renamed Sankofa Square.

The renaming coincides with the celebration of Sankofa Day, held in recognition of UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

The square’s former name honored Henry Dundas, an 18th-century Scottish politician whose actions delayed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire for decades. This legacy drew years of protest from Toronto’s Black community and social justice advocates.

Now, with the adoption of the name Sankofa — a word from West African culture meaning “return to the past in order to build the future” — the square takes on a new identity as a symbol of remembrance, justice, and hope.

The Sankofa Day celebration will run from 10 AM to 11 PM on August 23, featuring:

• Indigenous and African ceremonies
• Live music, including performances by Natasha Fisher
• Art exhibitions by Nicole Nomsa Moyo
• Screenings from the Caribbean Film Festival
• Sports activities with Canada Basketball and Hoop Queens

In addition, five recipients of the iDREAM Awards will be announced — each receiving $1 million.

The evening will conclude with international performances by Moonshine feat. Pierre Kwenders and Afrique Like Me.

This renaming and the accompanying celebration mark one of Toronto’s most significant cultural and social milestones — an event set to become an annual tradition in the city.