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Miss Dolly, David Rudder and Macomere Fifi Are All On Board for the Friday July 31^st Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride Live and Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2020 ... This year’s 15^th annual Freedom Train Ride is going live and virtual! Get on board live on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre’s YouTube page beginning at 10:45 PM on the eve of Emancipation day, Friday July 31st, 202.0

The Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history. This train ride is recognition of the historic date of Emancipation Day on August 1^st when slavery was abolished in the British Empire. It is also a celebration of the power and potential of the peoples of African descent.

A Different Booklist Cultural Centre (ADBCC) and the 2020 Freedom Train Ride Committee are pleased to announce this year's Conductor, Ms. Dorothy Sharp. Dorothy Sharp is a pillar in the Ontario Black Community. Affectionately known as "Ms. Dolly", she is over ninety years strong and is the matriarch of a family that has made significant contributions in Canada.  

David Rudder

Joining Ms. Dolly online are two well known Soca and Calypso performers – David Rudder and former Calypso Monarch winner Macomere Fifi (Eulith Tara Woods).  Both Mr. Rudder and Ms. Woods will be singing live during the event broadcast.

"We are excited about bringing the train ride to a virtual platform and the world's stage," said Itah Sadu, Founder and Chair of the Freedom Train Ride Committee. "This year we are connecting with people nationally and internationally with the theme of diasporic crossings and relationships, and furthering the conversations on reparations for people of African descent.  We have traveled by foot, by bus, by train and by water, and now we are traveling virtually."

The train ride will be held online and live on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre's YouTube page from July 31st, 2020 at 10:30 PM to August 1st, 2020 at 12:15 AM. 

Fifi crowned Monarch

Everyone is welcome on this Underground Freedom Train Ride to celebrate Emancipation Day.  Sponsors of this year’s digital ride include the African Canadian Heritage Association, The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, the TTC, A Different Booklist Cultural Centre and the Zero Gun Violence Movement.

For Further Information Contact:

Itah Sadu

A Different Booklist

416-538-0889

Twitter @FreedomTrainTOR