Emancipation Day – commemorating the end of slavery in Canada on Aug. 1, 1834 – is being celebrated at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History Saturday Aug. 2.
Celebrating hope and freedom, this year’s program theme — Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played — celebrates how Black culture is shared and experienced across generations through crafts, drinks, food and music.
Visitors can use a letterpress to make a souvenir bookmark, enjoy a beer poured by Black-owned Mascot Brewery, sample West-African food from Yaya’s Kitchen and listen and dance to musical performances throughout the day.
“Emancipation Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and enduring legacy of Black communities in Ontario, across Canada and around the world,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Events like this one at the Josiah Henson Museum offer an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate cultural expression, and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger province for all. I encourage everyone to take part in this important day of reflection, learning and celebration.”
The full schedule of events, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is as follows:
11:05 a.m. — Marque Smith piano performance
Enjoy a soulful performance of ragtime and jazz renditions of historically significant songs by acclaimed pianist Marque Smith.
11:25 a.m. — Dr. Claudine Bonner author talk
A leading scholar in Black Canadian history, Dr. Bonner discusses her upcoming book, The Black Press: A Shadowed Canadian Tradition.
11:45 a.m. — Artists in Motion (AIM) dance performance
Watch this powerful multidisciplinary dance showcasing Afro, hip-hop and contemporary styles.
11:55 a.m. — Yaya’s Kitchen food demonstration and sampling
Taste the flavours of northern Nigeria and the Sahel. Maryam and Malvin Wright bring curated cuisine to the Emancipation Day festivities.
12:25 p.m. — Remarks
12:35 p.m. — Lunch break
Visitors can explore the site and purchase food from Beef Meatz Bun or Truckn’ Mama’s food trucks.
1:25 p.m. — Farley Flex inspirational talk
A prominent Black figure in Canada’s music industry, Flex has launched careers, opened doors and used his platform as a Canadian Idol judge and promoter to elevate diverse voices in entertainment.
1:40 p.m. — Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters live music performance
Get ready to dance! Garnetta Cromwell and her band DaGroovmasters electrify the crowd with their R&B, soul and funk. Their feel-good rhythms bring energy, joy and celebration to every audience.
Emancipation Day is supported by RBC.
