By Neil ArmstrongTwo enterprising women, who have been entrepreneurs in the Black community for decades, were honoured at the 13th annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride for their resilience, service and community building. Yvonne Grant, owner of Caribbean Corner, a grocery store that has been a landmark in historic Kensington Market since 1977, was named the 2026 Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride conductor on July 31. Hyacinthe Houghron, a pastor and community leader who for more than 40 years has prepared and distributed hot meals, clothing and essential supplies to Toronto’s unhoused community, received the 2026 Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride award. This year’s event focused on Black farming in Ontario and the contributions of Black and Caribbean farmers and farm workers. A large crowd gathered at Transit Park, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station, before travelling together to Union Station to welcome Aug. 1, Emancipation Day and the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into effect in 1834.