News release details
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) and Black History Manitoba will host a free community Emancipation Day celebration this Saturday. The evening features powerful performances designed to uplift, educate and inspire future generations.
Host Natalie Bell of PegCityLovely will lead an exciting lineup featuring spoken word, live music and a thought‐provoking screening of the short film The Black Canadian Town You’ve Never Heard Of .
“Join us for an unforgettable night of celebrating Black history and excellence,” said Nadia Thompson, Chair of Black History Manitoba. “This is our moment to honour our past, recognize our present and ignite hope for the future.”
August 1 marks the anniversary of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act , which took effect in 1834, freeing more than 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants across the British Empire — including what is now Canada.
In 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada. In Manitoba, The Emancipation Day Act (Bill 232), introduced by MLA Jamie Moses and passed in 2021, officially designates August 1 as Emancipation Day across the province. These recognitions highlight the history, resilience and contributions of Black communities in Manitoba and across Canada.
What
When
Saturday, August 1: Doors open 6 p.m., program 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where
Level 1, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Cost
Free with registration