City to mark Emancipation Day with flag-raising ceremony and community art exhibition
This Emancipation Day, the City of Kingston is calling on all residents to remember and honour those who fought to end slavery across the British Empire, to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and to continue the work of dismantling racial discrimination in Canada.
To mark Emancipation Day on Saturday, August 1, the City of Kingston is hosting a flag-raising ceremony and event at 12:30 p.m., followed by a community art exhibition at 1:30 p.m., at Confederation Park, across from Kingston City Hall.
The flag-raising ceremony includes song performances, a youth tribute, and a keynote address from Keishia Facey, Equity, Inclusion & Organizational Change Consultant, speaker, author, community activist, and cultural arts programmer. Speaking on the theme “Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future,” the keynote connects the history and legacy of emancipation to present-day commitments and collective responsibility.
The community art exhibition will feature interactive displays exploring themes of resistance, freedom and healing, along with artifacts that highlight the joy, strength, resilience and achievements of African civilizations over thousands of years. Artists include Alyssa Vernon, King-David Olajuwon, Fred Martins, and Joseph Boakye. Food vendors will offer Nigerian, Haitian, and other cuisines. The Kingston Frontenac Public Library will also host a Kids Zone with family-friendly activities, including Freedom Flag colouring, bracelet-making, and a story corner featuring books by Black Canadian authors.
“Emancipation Day is an important opportunity to recognize the strength, resilience and contributions of Black communities, while also acknowledging the lasting impacts of slavery and anti-Black racism that continue to shape experiences today,” said Suha Osman, IIDEA Advisor in the Community Development, Wellbeing and IIDEA department. “While we take time to reflect on the significance of August 1 and honour those who fought for freedom and justice, the work does not stop here. Building inclusive, equitable and welcoming communities requires ongoing commitment, meaningful action and accountability throughout the year.”
Emancipation Day is free to attend and everyone is welcome. Learn more about Emancipation Day on the City’s website.
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
