In December 2023, thousands of people officially changed the name of Yonge-Dundas Square to celebrate the grand opening of Sankofa Square in Toronto.
The discussion on naming Dandas Street and Square began in 2020 when 14,000 Torontonies signed a petition, saying that they no longer wanted to honor Henry Dandas, who played a role in maintaining the transatlantic slave trade back in the 18th century.
Members of the city’s African Diaspora say that the name of the class represents a significant performance of rebranding, and re -reconciliation and inclusion.
Juliet Opoku, vice president of Ghana’s Canadian Association, said, “I am very proud of Ghana.” “It is enabled for our children to be able to see that we still hope for us,”
Saturday’s grand opening fell on the International Sankofa Day, a memory of slave trade and its eradication every year by the United Nations.
Opoku said, “Sinkofa means go back and fresh, go back and take it.
People of Square’s board say they are respected to make something that represents a place for all.
Simon Wong, a member of the Sykofa Square Board of Management, said, “I think our biggest piece is to rebuild space and build a class which is accessible, inclusive, which celebrates community, culture and our city very well.”
The organizers also issued a survey to the residents of the city asking what they want to see in the square moving forward.