August 1 is Emancipation Day

Jul 31, 2024

Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, which took effect on August 1, 1834, following the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. This day is significant not only as a milestone in the evolution towards a system of human rights but also as a critical moment in Canadian history.

Emancipation Day holds special significance in Nova Scotia, reflecting the province's unique history and its prominent African Nova Scotian communities. Nova Scotia was a destination for Black Loyalists who sought refuge during and after the American Revolutionary War, as well as for Jamaican Maroons and refugees from the War of 1812. Despite harsh conditions and persistent anti-Black racism these groups contributed to the establishment of vibrant Black communities in the province, such as Birchtown, Africville, Preston and many others.

Emancipation Day in Nova Scotia serves as a time to honor the resilience and contributions of early Black settlers and their descendants. The day invites us to reflect on the historical injustices they faced, including systemic discrimination and the destruction of Africville, a thriving Black community forcibly relocated in the 1960s. Recognizing Emancipation Day acknowledges these past wrongs and their influence on ongoing struggles against racial inequality.

Our celebration of Emancipation Day underscores our shared commitment to recognizing and preserving African Nova Scotian culture and heritage. Events include educational activities, cultural exhibits, and community gatherings, fostering a deeper understanding of the history of people of African descent. By marking Emancipation Day, I invite all Nova Scotians to not only seek to understand and honor the past but also affirm a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

The preceding is a statement from Joseph Fraser, Director & CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

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