Though controversial, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and her city council have repeatedly stressed the significance of acknowledging Toronto’s historical connections to slavery and slave trade. Renaming is seen as an effective means to address past while remaining fiscally responsible and mindful of impactful on residents and businesses alike.
What is the Square in Toronto Called?
At the core of this renaming campaign lies Yonge-Dundas Square, an iconic Toronto landmark. Following City Council approval, this location will now be known as Sankofa Square; an epithet rich with cultural meaning.’Sankofa’, a term derived from the Akan tribe in Ghana, embodies the idea of looking back to the past to understand and improve the future. This name change is not just a symbolic gesture but a profound acknowledgment of the need to confront and learn from historical injustices.
The choice of ‘Sankofa’ as the new name, recommended by the city’s recognition review community advisory committee, reflects a conscious effort to infuse public spaces with values that resonate with a diverse and multicultural society. The renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square is poised to serve as a daily reminder of the city’s commitment to learning from its past and building a more inclusive future.
Why Renaming? The Historical Context
The move to rename landmarks bearing the name of Henry Dundas is rooted in a re-examination of his historical legacy. As a key minister in the British government, Dundas played a controversial role in the history of the slave trade. His amendment to the 1792 resolution advocating for gradual, rather than immediate, abolition of the slave trade has been a point of contention among historians. While some argue that Dundas was a committed abolitionist, others contend that his actions effectively delayed the end of the slave trade, contributing to the prolonged suffering of enslaved individuals.
A thorough city report, which included interviews with historians and a review of academic research, concluded that Dundas’ actions had a significant impact on the perpetuation of slavery. This re-evaluation of Dundas’ role and the broader context of the trans-Atlantic slave trade prompted the city’s decision to rename landmarks bearing his name. The move is an attempt to address historical injustices and align the city’s landmarks with values that reflect the city’s diverse and inclusive identity.
The Debate and Its Implications
The decision to rename these landmarks has not been without controversy. Critics of the move have expressed shock at the estimated $700,000 cost of renaming and have raised questions about the historical assessment of Dundas’ legacy. The debate intensified with interventions from former mayors and public figures, who urged reconsideration of the decision.
Though controversial, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and her city council have repeatedly stressed the significance of acknowledging Toronto’s historical connections to slavery and slave trade. Renaming is seen as an effective means to address past while remaining fiscally responsible and mindful of impactful on residents and businesses alike.
Overall, Toronto’s renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square and other landmarks is an unprecedented step toward acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices. Although it has caused much debate and differing opinions, the move represents a commitment to learning from history while creating more inclusive public spaces that foster reflection. As Toronto navigates these complex waters of its past history and seeks reconciliation, their approach may serve as an inspiration for other cities dealing with similar issues.
Add Comment