Emancipation Day

On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire.

Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.

Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.

Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 ended slavery in the British Empire on 1 August, 1834, freeing over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America as well as Canada.

Source : https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html

Consider supporting organizations that are actively celebrating and raising awareness on this day:

Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association

Ontario Black History Society

African Identity and Culture Centre