OWEN
SOUND, ON, July 22, 2024 /CNW/ - The 162nd
Emancipation Festival in Owen
Sound is the most northern terminus of the Underground
Railroad and the longest continuous running emancipation event in
North America. It's also the
fourth Emancipation Day celebration since Bill M-36 unanimously
passed in the House of Commons to recognize this significant day
across Canada.
"I congratulate and thank the organizers of the Emancipation
Festival for their part in keeping this amazing tradition going
strong," said Mayor Ian Boddy.
"Their contributions to preserving our region's Black history and
heritage are invaluable."
August 2 – Speaker's Corner,
Grey Roots Museum & Archives, 6–9 pm: Welcome remarks
by Dr. Cyrus Sundar Singh and
"Following the Notes" presentation; artists' renditions of Mary
"Granny" Taylor; storytelling; and The Rise Dance Group
performance. Evening entertainment by Brooke Blackburn; $25 admission.
August 3 – Emancipation
Festival & Picnic, Harrison
Park, 9 am–6 pm: Crier of the Emancipation`s
ceremony; welcome remarks by dignitaries; 20th anniversary Black
History Cairn talk; community photo; entertainment by Kaiya Cade Smith Blackburn, Joel Morelli and the Blackburn Brothers;
displays, food, and more; event is free and donations
appreciated.
August 4 – Gospel Sunday,
Moreston Heritage Village (outdoor stage), noon–3
pm: Blessings and remarks; entertainment by David Sereda and Community Choir, and
Liberty Silver; suggested
$10 donation is appreciated.
Linda Johnson, Emancipation
Festival chair added, `"I`m honoured to be a part of this
not-for-profit organization and broader communities that care about
preserving a 162-year legacy honouring Black ancestors and
strengthening the ties that bind us together in heritage,
emancipation, history and social justice. We appreciate the
generous support from funders, sponsors, partners, donors and
volunteers, particularly the Government of Canada, Bruce Power Generation, Escape to Grey
Bruce, Mix 106.5 and 560 CFOS, Grey Roots Museum & Archives,
Grey County and the City of Owen
Sound."
The Emancipation Festival, originally called the Emancipation
Day Picnic, commemorates the British Commonwealth Emancipation Act
of August 1, 1834. Since 1862,
descendants of those who escaped slavery and found freedom and
peace in Canada, gather in
Owen Sound's beautiful
Harrison Park and other places such
as the Grey Roots Museum and Archives over the Civic holiday
weekend. This is a time for fellowship and reflection with family
and community, to share memories, and to keep the picnic and other
traditions alive for future generations.
More information is on the website, Facebook and Instagram.
SOURCE Emancipation Festival