Toronto, Canada (August 2016) -The Pan African flag, known as the Black Liberation Flag will be raised for the 1st time in Toronto on the Toronto City Hall podium roof on Aug 28th, 2016, the ceremony will take place between 12:30pm - 2:30pm. This is being done to mark the end of August, which starting this year will be known as "Emancipation Month". For years the British Slavery Abolition Actwhich took effect on Aug 1st 1884 has been commemorated on the civil holiday called Simcoe day. Starting this year, the actual day the Slavery Abolition Act was written into British Law, which is Aug 28th, 1883 will also be reconized as a date of significance and now feature the raising of the Pan African Flag.
The flag will remain flying at City Hall on the podium roof until the end of August.
A special ceremony will mark this historical moment which will consist of musical contributions from Jay Harmony, Najjah Calibur and Sister Ellle Vie.
A powerful keynote address will be delivered from the BBPA Vice President Dr. Marlyn Morris, regarding a range of issues pertaining to financial freedom through entrepreneurship and more. An inspirational message will be given from the founder of "Emancipation Month Canada", Dewitt Lee III, who will also accept a certificate on behalf of Emancipation Month Canada from Lion Blyden, President of the UNIA-ALC Division #433as being the 1st in Canada to honour the 100 year anniversary of the UNIA in this capacity.. The UNIA was founded by the Honourable Marcus Garvey and it was the UNIA that introduced the Pan African flag, which is 3 horizontal colours, Red, Black and Green.
The ceremony will also include words of wisdom and experience from Brother Oji, MACPRI Chief and developer of the African Image Revolutionand additional addresses from representatives of the event's main sponsors,the Harriet Tubman Community Organization, Ontario Black History Societyand A Different Book list.
Also scheduled is a special proclamation presentation from Hamilton's first black city councillor, Matthew Green(Who unfortunately can not be present but graciously will have someone present in his stead)
To close the last week of "Emancipation Month- Toronto" there will be a candlelight vigil on August 31th, at 8:30pm in recognition of the millions of lives lost during the Transatlantic African Slave trade and through the horrible history of Slavery in the Caribbean and in North America. There will also be a reflection on the lives lost through violence and prayers to stop the gun violence in our communities by both police and misguided youths.
In closing of the inaugural "Emancipation Month - Toronto" there will be a flag presentation ceremony on Sept 1st at 9am to beloved Muhtadi of the Muhtadi Drum Festival.
Media Contact: Dewitt Lee III
647-745-6460
