Canadians are not always aware that Black People were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. The month of August is Emancipation Month, a month to acknowledge the horrific period of enslavement in our history while also acknowledging the rich contributions made by Peoples of African descent.
On March 24, 2021, members of Canadian parliament unanimously voted to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day in Canada. Emancipation Day marks the actual day that the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect throughout the British Empire in 1834. Thus, marking an end of more than 250 years of chattel slavery for millions of African people and their descendants in Canada and around the world.
To launch Emancipation Month, the Municipality is hosting a flag-raising ceremony of the Black Liberation flag at both the Public Library downtown Kincardine and at the Davidson Centre.
Dates and times:
Date: August 1
Location: Bruce County Public Library
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Date: August 1
Location: Davidson Centre
Time: 1:30 p.m.
The public are invited to join Council members and staff to show the ongoing commitment to eliminate anti-Black racism and discrimination of all forms. The flag is a reminder that despite the progress made, there is still a long road to equity.
