In March 2021, the House of Commons unanimously designated August 1st as Emancipation Day, marking the moment in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was implemented across the British Empire. The Government of Canada will now encourage this as a day for Canadians to “reflect, educate, and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.”
For Ontarians, the holiday also falls around the time of one of Canada’s most vibrant and revered cultural celebrations. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began in 1967, and like the numerous Caribbean carnival celebrations that take place around the world throughout the year, it is historically rooted in the celebration of freedom.
Sharing the Spirit of Carnival
Aaron Hope
Aaron Hope presented an opportunity through the Sunnybrook Employee Classifieds, inviting colleagues to join him in the return of this year’s carnival. A PAA on C6, Aaron was eager to connect his personal passion with his staff community.
After the cancellation of festivities in 2020 and 2021, Aaron is ready to celebrate carnival again with his design team–Carnival Dollz–and excited to finally present their costumes on the parade route this coming Emancipation Day weekend, at the July 30th parade, downtown Toronto.
“We missed carnival; we missed two years of this release, and we are ready to have a good time,” said Aaron. Along with his partners Phylicia Carmona and Kamania Parris, they have over 150 registered participants to construct, organize, and distribute individually-fitted costumes for at the Toronto Revellers’ costume production site (mas camp).
Freedom of Expression
“Osaka” by Phylicia Carmona
Nurse Practitioner Kamania Parris has worked in health care for 19 years, and spent many of those years (through nursing agencies) working at Sunnybrook. For Kamania, Carnival is all about celebrating joy and freedom; however, as a nurse, she was often apprehensive about participating in the event.
“Being a nurse, you’re supposed to hold yourself to a certain standard. There’s a fear attached to wearing the revealing costumes, which is why many don’t want to participate,” she explained. “They love the idea of dancing in the street and having a good time, but they’re afraid that their patients or co-workers might see them and pass judgement. This is a common roadblock that happens with many of the nurses and professionals I’ve come into contact with. I feel if we raise more awareness of the ‘why,’ that they might let those fears go, and feel comfortable doing what they love.”
Carnival Dollz team and models
Kamania works towards changing this stigma by bringing light to the beautiful and liberating experience. Sharing her culture with classmates, neighbours, colleagues, and peers has been a lifelong commitment.
The team’s costume was designed by Phylicia Carmona, a graduate of Humber College’s Fashion Arts program. With the support of granting programs–and after successfully designing eco-friendly intimate wear for new mothers, and mothers-to-be–she joined the Toronto Revellers masquerade band (led by Toronto Raptors’ Assistant Coach and Community Ambassador, Jamaal Magloire), to express her talents through costume. Through designing for carnival masqueraders, she has been able to reach large audiences and translate the beauty of her culture in a unique and influential way.
A Family Tradition
“Growing up, carnival was a constant in my life. My dad was a DJ and an instrumental figure organizing the parade in Montreal, and his reach extended to Toronto. Every year he brought my siblings and I along for the ride as he DJ’d at parties, at the King & Queen of the Bands competition, and on the parade route,” said Sunnybrook Research Institute Trainee Coordinator Natalie Hakim.
Natalie Hakim
“Raising children in Canada, my dad made sure this piece of Caribbean culture would be passed down. I’ve participated as a spectator, a masquerader, and as a designer, and now I get to pass this tradition down to my children,” Natalie said. “As a costume creator, when I see someone in my costume I don’t see my craft…I see a visual representation of the importance of my culture. As a masquerader, I feel that as well. Many people just see carnival as a ‘party in the street,’ but it’s so much more than that. Every successful year we have brings us closer to acceptance and understanding.”
Natalie explained how cultural events like the Caribbean carnival also influence her health, wellness, and work/life balance: “I always compare carnival to Christmas. December first hits, and the mall starts playing Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas,’ and it automatically puts you in a great mood! During carnival season, I play music by Machel Montano, and I get that same feeling. The feathers, the music, the dancing, it all gives me so much joy! And the best part is that it doesn’t come in a package or a gift…it’s an energy,” she said.
“I think as Canadians, we often view slavery as an American dark spot in history, however, Emancipation Day in Canada is recognition and a reminder that slavery was a global plague. While there is still much work to be done, Emancipation Day gives me a sense of pride that we as people are constantly growing and learning. On a more celebratory note (and specifically, as a Torontonian) it also means CARIBANA: fun!”
The Meaning of Emancipation Day
While Emancipation Day is new to Canada as an officially recognized holiday, the concept of emancipation has been tied to Caribbean carnival celebrations since inception. A public display of freedom, empowerment, and cultural joy, the earliest 18th century carnivals were developed as a way for African descendants to tell visual stories, exhibit arts–music, costume, and dance–and to revel in the power of their community and heritage.
Around the world, many celebrate Emancipation Day with street processions, or by re-enacting the reading of the Emancipation Declaration.
“Emancipation Day is all about freedom,” said Aaron, who was born and raised in Barbados, before moving to Canada. “Freedom to be who you are, and freedom to live a life without fear–without worrying about what people see you as. Carnival is a way to celebrate all of that freedom…and it’s liberating!”
The Ultimate Feeling
Anne Marie Phillips
“I have enjoyed Toronto’s carnival celebrations since 1970, and all three of my children have participated since they were in their strollers,” said Sunnybrook Phlebotomy Supervisor Anne Marie Phillips. “This is the fifth year that my daughter and I are making costumes for the Carnival Nationz masquerade band.” Led by Marcus Eustace and Bryce Aguiton, the band has received international acclaim, and won over 15 King & Queen titles in Toronto’s carnival festivities.
Anne Marie expressed what the holiday means to her family, including her design partner and daughter, Stacey Barnett.
Daughter of Anne Marie Phillips (designer Stacey Barnett), with excited masqueraders in “Circe” costume pieces
“For my family, Emancipation Day is the culmination of everything carnival, like the steelbands, and the soca and calypso music that just make you want to dance! The costumes with their vibrant colours, features, and gems…the food from various islands, fetes, and the overall vibe. From creating the costume prototypes, to the band/costume launch, and the numerous hours spent creating in the mas camp…to parading across the big stage on Lakeshore Boulevard, carnival produces the ultimate feeling. Through carnival, our Caribbean culture influences a way of life that is being embraced–and enjoyed–by many more cultures now, and it’s a beautiful thing.”
Wellness & Inclusivity
With time to plan, the restrictions of the pandemic lifted, and the ability to gather with the community-at-large, Aaron is excited to be able to encourage colleagues and friends to join him as he celebrates Emancipation Day. He hopes to continue to promote wellness and inclusivity at work by introducing cultural traditions.
“When I first thought about sharing this year’s costumes, I thought of my co-workers at Sunnybrook, because we have a lot of Caribbean people at work,” Aaron said. “And those who didn’t know much about carnival, are now ready to embrace it, and hopefully join me next year and experience this wonderful combination of freedom and the arts!”
