Niagara College is once again supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations in St. Catharines, sponsoring a series of community events hosted by Matter of Black (MOB) that recognize Black history, culture and resilience.
Observed annually on Aug. 1, Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1834, which ended slavery throughout most of the British Empire. The day honours the strength, resilience and contributions of Black communities across Canada and encourages reflection and education on the history of Black and Indigenous enslavement in Canada.
This year’s St. Catharines celebration features a series of events highlighting the city’s rich Black history and its connection to abolitionist Harriet Tubman, while bringing the community together through culture, education and celebration.
Below is a list of Emancipation Day events taking place across St. Catharines from July 25 to Aug. 1.
Saturday July 25 – Harriet Tubman 175th Anniversary Arrival and Commemorative Walk
Organized in partnership with Downtown St. Catharines and Tubman Tours Canada, this community event will feature live entertainment, local speakers, vendors, family activities, food and a special commemorative walk retracing the historic Emancipation Day procession Harriet Tubman herself participated in while living in St. Catharines.
The event begins at 10 a.m. followed by the Commemorative Walk at 1 p.m.
Sunday July 26 – Emancipation Day STC at Lakeside Park
This full-day community celebration will feature live musical performances, Afrobeat dance lessons, traditional games, a vendor market showcasing local artisans and businesses, and food trucks. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the lakeside celebration of freedom, culture and community.
The event begins at noon and ends at dusk.
Monday Aug. 1 – Raising of the Pan-African Flag
The commemorations conclude with the raising of the Pan-African flag at St. Catharines City Hall. Community members will gather in a ceremony of reflection, unity and pride to commemorate the abolition of slavery and celebrate shared heritage.
Check out Matter of Black on Instagram for more event details.
Learning resources
Those interested in learning more about Emancipation Day and Black Canadian history can explore these resources:
- Canadian Encyclopedia
- Canadian Museum of Human Rights
- CBC 25 books by Black Canadian authors to read in honour of Emancipation Day
- Government of Canada Emancipation Day
- ROM Emancipation Day: Canada’s Past, Present & Future
Books available through the NC Libraries and Learning Centres
- Any Known Blood by Lawrence Hill (Borrow)
- Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada by Natasha L. Henry (Borrow)
- Until We are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware (Borrow)
NC Libraries and Learning Centres at both campuses will feature dedicated Emancipation Day displays highlighting a curated selection of books and resources that explore the history, significance, and ongoing legacy of Emancipation Day.
