Thursday 1 August 2024
Canada’s national capital celebrates Emancipation Day in style
by Sarah Onyango
Many thanks to the Canadian Museum of History for this afternoon’s splendid Emancipation Day featuring that very informative presentation by Dr. Natasha Henry-Duxon, those inspiring messages from Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and Speaker Greg Fergus as well as that invigorating dancing by the talented Julianne Lavertu! And thank you, community, for coming out to support this first edition! I’m already looking forward to next year!
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The announcement
Celebrate Emancipation Day at the Canadian Museum of History!
Thursday, August 1, 2024
3–5 p.m.
On March 24, 2021, the federal government officially declared August 1 Emancipation Day, marking the date in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act (1833) came into effect across the British Empire. This day celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black communities across the country, and calls upon all Canadians to reflect and engage in combatting anti-Black racism and discrimination.
The Honourable Greg Fergus, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, will begin the program with opening remarks. Historian and educator Natasha Henry-Dixon will then discuss the history and significance of Emancipation Day, and its continued legacy in Canada. Copies of her books, Talking About Freedom and Emancipation Day, will be available for purchase at the event. Following her presentation, professional dancer and arts educator Julianne Lavertu, of the Cultural Arts Studio, will perform and teach traditional Afro-Caribbean dances — and will even invite visitors to join in!
The program will conclude with an informal reception on the Panorama Patio.
