Saturday, August 1, 2026
Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors Club Joins Emancipation Day Celebration at Upper Canada Village
By Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Members of the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors Club joined hundreds of visitors at Upper Canada Village on Saturday, August 1, to commemorate Emancipation Day, a day that honours the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and celebrates the enduring contributions of Black Canadians.
Set against the backdrop of one of Ontario’s premier living history museums, the annual celebration brought together community organizations, artists, cultural performers, and businesses for a day of reflection, education, and celebration. The event also reinforced Upper Canada Village’s commitment to telling a more inclusive history through its permanent Black history exhibit and public programming.
Among the organizations represented were the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), led by President John Adeyefa and Chief Servant Officer Hector Addison; the Global Community Alliance of Ottawa, represented by Yomi and Kelly Pratt; and youths from YA Habesha Organization, accompanied by Yemane Abede. Members of the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors Club led by its coordinator, Godwin Ifedi were equally active throughout the day, participating in the ceremonies and engaging with fellow community members.
Hosted by Alicia Edwards, Upper Canada Village’s Black History Program Officer, Emancipation Day celebration 2026 welcomed attendees with a message highlighting the importance of preserving Black history and ensuring that stories of resilience, and achievement remain part of Canada’s collective memory.
Guest speakers reflected on both the historical significance of Emancipation Day and its continuing relevance in contemporary Canada.
Representing the Guelph Black Heritage Society, Denise Francis encouraged participants to remember the generations who fought for freedom while continuing to preserve Black history through education and community engagement.
Daria Juüdi-Hope spoke about the importance of recognizing the experiences of Black Canadians whose stories have often been overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.
Cornwall’s first male city councillor, Fred Ngoundjo reminded attendees that while Emancipation Day marks an important milestone in history, the work of achieving equity and inclusion remains unfinished. He noted that racism continues to affect many Black Canadians today, making education and community dialogue more important than ever.
Ontario Court Justice of the Peace, Honourable Justice Carl DeJong echoed similar sentiments, encouraging participants to view Emancipation Day not simply as a historical commemoration but as an opportunity to reflect on justice, equality, and the shared responsibility of building stronger communities.
Interwoven between the speeches were performances that celebrated the richness and diversity of Black cultures.
Ottawa-based Rwandan artist Empress Nyiringango captivated the audience with soulful musical performances that blended contemporary sounds with African influences. Her performances invited the audience to sing along and created moments of joy that complemented the day’s reflective tone.
Poet Abena Beloved Green delivered spoken-word performances that explored themes of identity, freedom, and belonging.
The energy shifted dramatically when the Remesha Drums, an Ottawa-based Burundian cultural group, took the stage. Their powerful drumming and vibrant dance performance quickly drew spectators closer, with many joining the performers in dance and celebration. The rhythmic presentation highlighted the diversity of African cultural traditions while underscoring the role of music in preserving heritage and bringing communities together.
Beyond the main stage, visitors explored exhibits presented by Black-owned businesses and community organizations. Vendors showcased handcrafted products, clothing, literature, and cultural items, while community organizations shared information about programs and services available for the Black community throughout the National Capital Region.
Members of the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors Club spent time connecting with fellow community organizations, participating in the performances, and reflecting on the significance of the occasion. Their presence underscored the important role seniors continue to play in preserving community history and passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
The celebration reaffirmed the value of coming together across generations to remember the past, celebrate the present, and inspire a more inclusive future.
