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Emancipation Day Virtual Celebration

Emancipation Day is now formally recognized across Canada. Join the Emancipation Day Committee of Windsor (EDCW) as they celebrate this annual event on August 1. 

August 1, 1834. Britain passed the Slavery Abolition Act, outlawing the owning, buying, and selling of humans as property throughout its colonies internationally. Through the tireless efforts of both the enslaved and free status Africans, as well as Black and white abolitionists, emancipation finally became a reality. 

If you are from Windsor and were asked years ago what Emancipation meant, you may have referenced an annual celebration held in Jackson Park. But in a year that no celebration was to be found, EDCW members felt inspired to carry on the tradition.

The Founding E.D.C.W. member reveals many things such as Windsor’s celebration was far from the only one. Celebrations had been taking place throughout the former British Empire for decades. Organizing the event has given committee members opportunities to meet people from all walks of life, having their own perspectives on Emancipation . . . or no idea what it means. 

Historians spoke on milestones before and after the Act. Passed organizers spoke of Walter Perry, the founder of Windsor celebrations who experienced Windsor’s glory years. Still others took their own views on the very significance of Emancipation in the 21st century or lack thereof.

Yet the most touching and memorable perspective came from four year old Miranda Charles during our first celebration as a committee. A reporter asked what Emancipation meant to her. She proclaimed, “It means freedom!”
What will it mean to you? Tune in August 1st online at 12 (noon) EST to hear from speakers, watch performers and learn the history of the celebrations in Windsor Essex, and more. 

To view this event please visit YouTube or YouTube Live Stream Replay.