NWT’s Black advocacy coalition BACup North organized a free event featuring music, art and food to celebrate Emancipation Day.
Taking place on August 1 every year, Emancipation Day recognizes the day in 1834 when British parliament abolished slavery. Canada officially recognized Emancipation Day for the first time in 2021.
The day is intended for Canadians to learn about and join the ongoing fight against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination while also celebrating the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.
“As the Black organization here in Yellowknife, we decided that is something that we wanted to celebrate and share with the rest of the community,” Ambe Chenemu, president of BACup North, told those gathered at Samba K’e Park on Saturday.
“Racial disparities, discrimination and systemic injustice persist in many forms and it’s our collective responsibility to address these issues,” said Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty while speaking at the event. “I urge each of us to stand against racism, promote inclusivity and support policies that advance social justice.”
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Saturday’s event included a drum dance, free food, live music from Munya Mataruse and Friends, and an art exhibit by Inemesit Graham featuring portraits of prominent Black leaders, thinkers, authors, activists and artists.
Earlier this week BACupNorth held an Emancipation Day movie night with a free screening of the film Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad at the Capitol Theatre in Yellowknife.
