The City of Brampton invites residents to honour and celebrate Emancipation Day, globally recognized on August 1. This day commemorates the abolition of slavery for people of African descent across the British Empire, including Canada.
Community Flag Raising
- Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
- Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
- Location: Ken Whillans Square
Join us at Ken Whillans Square for a flag-raising ceremony to recognize Emancipation Day, reflecting on and celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black communities.
JAMBANA Festival
- Date: August 5, 2024
- Time: 1 pm to 9 pm
- Location: Chinguacousy Park
Residents are also invited to the JAMBANA Festival on August 5 at Chinguacousy Park. In partnership with JAMBANA and Jones and Jones Productions, this free event promises a vibrant day filled with music, food, and culture.
Headlining the event are the Fab5, with performances by Kirk Diamond, Rayzalution, and DJ sets by Joshua Lucas, SPEXDABOSS, and DJ Rych Kydd. The celebration will also feature food vendors, artisans, and retail booths, providing a rich and diverse experience for all attendees.
Learn more about celebrating and honouring Emancipation Day at www.brampton.ca/events.
On March 24, 2021, the Canadian House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day, marking the historic date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect. This act led to the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Africa, South America, and Canada.
Many Canadians are unaware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought against enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.
Each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate, and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Celebrate with us as we honour the history, resilience, and cultural heritage of Black communities. Let us come together to reflect on the past, engage in the present, and inspire a future free from racism and discrimination.
Brampton’s Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth Civic Development Unit The City’s Black Empowerment Unit aims to develop an action plan to eradicate systemic anti-Black racism and uplift the social, cultural, economic, civic, and youth status of the Black community through ongoing consultations, engagement, and conversations. Learn more at brampton.ca/beu.
Quotes “Emancipation Day allows us to recognize and celebrate Black communities, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us. As we come together on this significant day, let us honour the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black Canadians to our city and beyond. We invite residents to join us for the community flag-raising ceremony and the JAMBANA Festival to celebrate Emancipation Day with music, food, and community. Together, we are building a more inclusive and equitable future.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Emancipation Day holds profound significance for the Black community, marking a pivotal moment in history where the resilience and perseverance of our ancestors paved the way for freedom and justice. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring contributions of Black Canadians and the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Emancipation Day at the community flag-raising and the JAMBANA Festival. Let us come together to honour our shared history, celebrate our vibrant culture, and inspire a future of greater equality and inclusion for all.” – Gwyneth Chapman, Supervisor, Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth, Civic & Youth Development Unit