Emancipation Day

The bill to recognize August 1 as Emancipation Day was introduced on Dec. 8, 2020, and adopted on March 24th, 2021. Bilal Community and Family Centre holds a virtual national celebration of Emancipation Day Celebration on July 29th in collaboration with Canadian Heritage.

Recognizing Emancipation Day is to challenge racism and celebrate everything Black Canadians have accomplished. Emancipation Day recognizes not only when slavery was abolished in Canada and other British colonies on August 1, 1834, but also the long struggle against racism and discrimination that continues to this day in Canada and elsewhere.

FREEDOM

Freedom from slavery is a human right.

EQUALITY

All people are equal, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality.

JUSTICE

To seek freedom and equality for all is justice.