Recommitting to Positive Change on Emancipation Day

The Pan-African Flag was raised at Toronto Police Service Headquarters in recognition of Emancipation Day on August 1.

“As we reflect on this difficult past, today is also an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Canadians of African descent and to celebrate their resilience,” said Community Safety Command Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann. “We chose to raise the Pan-African flag here this week because, for many in Black communities, it is a symbol of pride, unification, and change-making.”

Emancipation Day marks a pivotal moment in Canadian history, when the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1834, freeing enslaved individuals across the British Empire, including Black and Indigenous people in Canada.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to positive change,” Mann said, noting that the Service launched its first Equity Strategy a year ago, which includes initial priorities to confront Anti-Black Racism and support Indigenous Cultural Safety. “Achieving true equity in policing demands a collective effort, constant practice, and continuous course correction informed by ongoing internal and external collaborations.”

Members of the Black Community Consultative Committee and Black Internal Support Network joined the flag raising that began with the singing of the Canadian national anthem and the Black national anthem by Parking Enforcement Officer Tanya Douglas.

Deputy Mayor and Toronto Police Services Board member Amber Morley said the legacy of slavery continues to shape the experiences of Black and Indigenous people.

“It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for dignity, for justice and for equity and it’s a call to action for every one of us, especially those in positions of power and authority and those in positions of service, to do better, to be better and to build better together,” Morley said.

She acknowledged the work the Service has done to address anti-Black racism including the Race and Identify-Based Data Collection strategy, ongoing partnerships with Black community organizations to increase outreach and recruitment to ensure the police service reflects the city.

“We know that the Board and the Service must continue to work in communities that is anti-racist, that is inclusive and equitable for all,” Morley said.

Police Chaplain Wendell Gibbs led a prayer acknowledging that the work is not over and that many people around the world continue to suffer in slavery and suffering.

Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit Inspector Roger Caracciolo said Service members are proud to be part of one of the most diverse cities in the world.

“The vibrant African-Canadian communities have contributed to shaping the city’s culture, identify and strength,” Caracciolo said. “Black Torontonians continue to be the heartbeat of change and progress. Representation matters, over the years we’ve seen more Black members take their place not only in uniform but in leadership.”