The City of Brampton has enriched its collection of public art installations by unveiling a new memorial in honor of Emancipation Day. Celebrated annually on August 1 in Canada, Emancipation Day marks the day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire, including Canada. This day invites Canadians to reflect on the past, educate themselves, and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
The newly unveiled memorial, titled “Fah Who Dis? AstroBlack Joy,” is located in Brampton’s Emancipation Park. This vibrant installation features two colorful sculptures that symbolize the resilience, cultural heritage, and vibrant spirit of Black-identifying Canadians. It serves as an invitation for both residents and visitors to learn, celebrate, and reflect on the enduring journey toward freedom and equality.
After careful deliberation, an artist selection committee chose Kanisha Dabreo’s proposal for a collaborative project to create this memorial. Dabreo worked alongside acclaimed artists Jason O’Brien, Jamera Dacosta, and Komi Olafimihan to bring the vision to life. A key aspect of this project was the mentorship of emerging Black-identifying artists, providing them with invaluable career experience and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this powerful work.
The City of Brampton encourages all residents and visitors to experience the memorial, reflect on its significance, and celebrate the contributions of Black-identifying individuals to the city’s prosperity.
Meet the Artists Behind the Memorial
Kanisha Dabreo is a Caribbean-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, digital designer, and founder of Artistic Perception, based in Brampton. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures and ways of life. For Dabreo, community involvement is essential and a form of activism. Her goal is to inspire others by highlighting the beauty of diversity and culture through visual arts.
Komi Olafimihan, a Toronto-based visual artist born in Nigeria, specializes in painting, digital illustration, and mural art. His work is known for its use of imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and cultural commentary to explore themes of decolonization through the lens of Afrofuturism, an artistic and cultural movement examining African culture and its intersection with present and future technologies. He holds a Master of Architecture from Carleton University.
Jamera Dacosta focuses on acrylic, oil pastel, and digital painting, infusing the vibrancy of Caribbean heritage into her creative expression. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management from Toronto Metropolitan University. Dacosta’s work delves into ideologies, concepts, and culture using bold colors and intricate layering of organic shapes. She finds fulfillment in nurturing young minds and fostering creativity through art coordination, helping aspiring artists embrace their imagination. Her work aims to engage audiences, provoke thought, and enrich the art world with fresh perspectives.
Jason O’Brien explores soulful, introspective themes of the human condition, celebrating love, spirituality, strength, vulnerability, connectedness, and resilience. His work, a reflection of personal thoughts and aspirations, draws inspiration from Black-Afrocentric culture, literature, music, fashion, and pop culture. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD University) in Toronto, O’Brien produces large gallery canvases using rich, vibrant acrylic paints and various drawing mediums. He also creates emotionally evocative digital works using his iPad, blending reality, surrealism, and Afro-futurism. Through his art, O’Brien invites viewers to examine his interpretations of what makes us “Beautifully Human,” hoping they see pieces of themselves reflected back.
Quotes
“This new memorial stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to learning from the past and building a future rooted in equity and inclusion. It honors the remarkable achievements of Black-identifying Canadians in our country’s history and underscores the importance of standing together in solidarity. We are proud to recognize Emancipation Day with such a significant and meaningful piece of art, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to AstroSankofa and the artists for their incredible work and vision.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“‘AstroBlackJoy’ is not just an art installation; it is a celebration of culture, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of Black-identifying Canadians. This memorial invites us all to reflect on our shared history and renew our commitment to combating racism and discrimination. It beautifully highlights the strength and diversity of our city, and I am deeply grateful to the artists for their dedication and creativity in bringing this project to life.” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton