Emancipation Day celebrations: remembering the past and working towards a better future
Community events and programs are taking place in Kingston this week to recognize and celebrate Emancipation Day.
August 1 is Emancipation Day, which marks the day Britain’s Parliament abolished slavery across the British Empire in 1834 and has become a day of remembrance and celebration of the resilience and accomplishments of Black Canadians.
“Emancipation Day holds a lot of historical and cultural significance for the Black community in Kingston and beyond,” said Vanessa Mensah, Manager of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office at the City of Kingston. “It’s important that we share our histories, our cultures, our lived and living experiences with each other, because one of the most effective tools we have against systemic racism is social connection.”
On Thursday, August 1, join Mayor Patterson, members of Council and local community leaders for a flag-raising ceremony at Confederation Park at 12 p.m. The ceremony will reflect on the enduring impact of enslavement and the commitment to the eradication of anti-Black racism. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Screening Room, 120 Princess St., a series of films will be shown along with a thought-provoking conversation with the filmmakers Ngwatilo Mawiyoo and Chao Taiyana Maina.
An Emancipation Day reception at Pedal Works Café, 1412 Princess St. will take place on Friday, August 2 starting at 6 p.m.
Don’t miss the Black Block Party on Saturday, August 3 from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. at Confederation Park, across from City Hall. This community-led event is an opportunity to experience the diversity of Black and African Canadian culture with a Black-owned business market, workshops, live entertainment and more.
“In the spirit of Emancipation Day, it is vital now more than ever for us to be united in our efforts to dismantle anti-Black systemic racism,” adds Mensah. “We must all have a seat at the table so we can collaboratively work to make this change a reality.”
See the detailed schedule of events and activities planned for Emancipation Day on the City’s website.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
Fax: 613-546-7816
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
