Friday 31 July 2026
Emancipation Day 2026: Underground Freedom Train Rides Rails of History
by Asantewa Nkuah, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
July 31, late in the evening, over a hundred people gathered at Tunney’s Pasture Station for a special round trip courtesy of OC Transpo. Their destination was Blair Station. Together at midnight they would collectively greet Emancipation Day as part of the Underground Freedom Train Ride.
The Underground Freedom Train Ride is an event organized by the BeMoreCommUNITY of 3Dreads and a Bald Head, a local grassroots organization. The idea was gifted to them by Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Itah Sadu, their partners in Toronto. Freedom Train Ride symbolically commemorates the journey many enslaved Africans undertook to pursue a new life in the north. Many chose Ontario as their ultimate destination. It is an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and unity, honouring the resilience of these freedom seekers and the enduring significance of Emancipation Day.
On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 as Emancipation Day, marking the day the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. Each year, Emancipation Day invites Canadians to reflect on the past and celebrate the strength and perseverance of black communities in Canada.
The moving drumming of Wandara Topzo provided a powerful soundtrack for the event. Adrienne Coddett, member of 3Dreads, made it clear that this event could not have been possible without the contributions of several community partners including OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa Anti-Racism Directorate, the Brotherhood Coalition, and GodzSpeed Communications. After all, “no one is free until we are all free.”
Adrienne, a high school educator herself, thanked the Ottawa Black Educators Network and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for their contributions to the cultural fabric of black Ottawa life. Lukasa Library and the Black Legacy Collective were recognized for “holding space for us to archive the Black history of our city.”
The evening was also an opportunity to honour black transit pioneers. OC Transpo’s first black employee, Mr. Winston Cumberbatch, served as Freedom Ride’s honorary conductor. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 279 was also present. ATU 279 represents the interests of transit workers in Ottawa.
Mr. Renford Thomas Sr., a “connector between the past and present,” was invited up to speak on behalf of ATU’s Black Caucus. The ATU 279 Black Caucus is a black brotherhood and sisterhood caucus dedicated to the empowerment of all working men and women within the ATU. He relayed the ATU President’s warm greetings: “The rights we enjoy today were built through courage, sacrifice, and people standing together for something bigger than themselves.”
Black History Ottawa, an organization that marks its 40th anniversary this year, received special tribute as well. Co-host Sarah Onyango spoke about the journey, sharing the moment with fellow members in attendance. The strides Black History Ottawa has made over the years was connected to the struggles of the ancestors: “To the descendants of the Middle Passage, we salute you!”
Before guests boarded the train, Adrienne grounded everyone in the present, reminding the audience of what others risked seeking out freedom. Wandara called on the crowd to remember who they are. “Accepting who you are, will help you know what power you have. People will remember that you have been there. Take your place. Remember who you are.”
With that, everyone followed the sound of his drums to the train and journeyed through time, departing at 11:15 pm for Blair Station. Enough people attended for each car of the train to be filled. Each car offered a unique experience. Each car burst with the sounds of conversation and laughter. Passengers danced to the music provided by the Pass the Vibes Collective. Made with Sankofa offered their signature sea moss smoothie treats to help keep energy up. Performers shared their talents through song and spoken word poetry.
It was a magical night. Returning to Tunney’s Pasture, the evening ended how it began, with music, drums, and connection. Karen Robinson-Scantlebury, the first black female train operator of Jamaican heritage to run Ottawa’s electric rail system, has been involved with Black History Ottawa since the group’s inception. For her, seeing how far they have come today is a dream come true.
She never imagined how much the organization would grow. “I think we just wanted to bring our community together. It was a small community back in the 80s and 90s. We tried to make sure that the children would understand and know what Ottawa’s black history is all about, making sure that black history is part of our history here in Ottawa and the greater Canada.”
Unique experiences like the Underground Freedom Train help drive these beliefs forward. Congratulations to 3Dreads and a Bald Head and their community partners for another successful Emancipation Day ride.
