Release:
Cherry Brook, NS – In celebration of Emancipation Day, hundreds will gather in the Preston Township on Saturday.
The Slavery Abolition Act which came into effect on August 1, 1834, ended centuries of colonial enslavement of Africans in the British Empire. In Canada, we commemorate this historical milestone with Emancipation Day on August 1, officially designated by the House of Commons in 2021 through a motion by Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard of Nova Scotia.
Emancipation Day is an important day for Nova Scotians to reflect on the history of slavery, the centuries of systematic racism, and the anti-Black racism the community still faces every day.
A tradition that continues to grow, is the annual Emancipation Day celebration in the Preston Township. Everyone is invited to come out and participate in this planned event on Saturday. Celebrate, and participate in conversations about why Emancipation Day is important and the continued need to work for racial equality and justice in Nova Scotia.
Many local organizations have come together to put on the event: BLM – In This Together, The Black Cultural Centre, Akoma, Halifax Public Libraries, Preston Area Food Network, United for Literacy, Community Mobilization Team (CMT), RCMP Community Program, Preston Township Society, ONDA Rise Sports and 902 ManUp.
“In the true spirit of Africentricity, this event is brought together by Ujima, collective work and responsibility for our community. In saying this, each organization agrees to collective work and radical action. As such, people of African ancestry require actionable accomplices, hence why our Emancipation celebration is open to everyone. Each year, many accomplices show up and participate in the day’s activities and forge to be culturally pragmatic day in and day out,” says Mekisha Johnston, Co-Founder, BLM – In This Together
WHEN: Saturday, August 10
9 a.m. – 11 a.m: 5km Run/Walk organized by Black Lives Matter – sold out 185 spots
10 a.m. – 3 p.m: Black Business Vendors Market & “Day Party” with DJ RS Smooth
11 a.m. – 3 p.m: Free BBQ and activities (bouncy castles, concession stations, backpack giveaways * while supplies last*)
WHERE: 5km Run/Walk & Vendors Market – Black Cultural Centre, 10 Cherry Brook Road
BBQ and activities – Graham Creighton Junior High School, 72 Cherry Brook Road