A brief history of Emancipation Day and Month in Canada
In Ontario, several communities started celebrating Emancipation Day to mark the day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. Emancipation Day was especially popular in Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, and Owen Sound — areas where freedom seekers from plantations south of the border had settled.
This date is most notably commemorated at The Dawn Settlement in Dresden, Southwestern Ontario, where Reverend Josiah Henson and other abolitionists established a settlement including farms, mills, and a vocational training school.
In the 19th century, people celebrated Emancipation Day with food, music, parades, and dancing, and they lobbied for Black rights in Canada and the abolition of American slavery.
Federally
On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day.
Not all Canadians know that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada or that the people who fought enslavement were instrumental in shaping our now diverse society.
Every August 1, the Government of Canada encourages all Canadians to reflect, learn, and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
Provincially
Slavery, inequities, exclusion, and many other forms of discrimination were a large part of Ontario’s past.
In acknowledgment of this and as part of addressing and rectifying this legacy, in 2021, the province proclaimed August as Emancipation Month, following the lead of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
Ontario took this step to ensure people of African descent receive the recognition, justice, and access to opportunities they deserve.
Municipally
The city of Toronto proclaimed August 1 as Emancipation Day in 1998 and August as Emancipation Month in 2019. Toronto celebrates the rich contributions people of African descent have made to our city and country.
Recognizing Emancipation Month acknowledges a horrendous period in our history and the ongoing commitment to eliminate discrimination in all forms. Other Greater Toronto Area (GTA) municipalities, such as Durham, Peel, and York regions, also mark this important month with official declarations and events.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto
We have an intentional and strategic focus on addressing anti-Black racism because of the historical pervasiveness and consistent experience of this type of discrimination globally and in the GTA. Observing and learning about Emancipation Day and Month aligns with our commitment to dismantle anti-Black racism.
One of the four focus areas of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategy is Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity. The main goals are to ensure:
- The Y is intentionally anti-racist and makes continued efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism
- The Y is intentionally racially and culturally diverse
- The development of consistent, equitable practices, programs, and education that address inequities related to race, ethnicity, religion, and intersecting identities
Through our work, we act on our commitment to dismantle anti-Black racism by providing ongoing support for existing programs that address anti-Black racism and developing new initiatives with Black communities in the Y and GTA.
We hope you will engage with the resources below this Emancipation Month — and beyond.
Resources:
Explore the City of Toronto’s timeline of Black presence in Canada beginning in 1608, which depicts the long-standing Black presence on these lands.
Beyond the Underground Railroad — Videos
An annual, pre-recorded virtual discussion hosted by the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, and the Black Mecca Museum.
Slavery to Freedom – Web Resource
This portal chronicles the perilous path that 19th century Black people followed to find sanctuary in Ontario.
Welcome to Blackhurst Experience Walking Tour
Discover the rich legacy of the history-makers of Toronto’s Bathurst-Bloor and Annex neighborhoods. Learn about and unveil the commemorative Canada Post stamp celebrating Albert Jackson – the first Black letter carrier in Toronto – whose family still lives in this neighborhood. This program caters to different age groups and accommodates diverse learning styles and teaching methods.
We’ve always been here: Black women’s history of voting rights and politics in Canada – Article
This Heritage Matters article explores the history of Black women’s voting rights.
Durham Region Emancipation Day Celebration
This free, family-friendly event will take place at Esplanade Park in Pickering on August 1. It will include live performances, food trucks, vendors, art therapy, youth and children’s activities, and more!
