BRAMPTON, ON (July 22, 2024) – The City of Brampton invites residents to honour and celebrate Emancipation Day, recognized globally on August 1. Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery of people of African descent across the British Empire, including Canada.
Community Flag Raising
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
Location: Ken Whillans Square
Join us at Ken Whillans Square for a community flag raising ceremony to recognize Emancipation Day and to reflect, educate and celebrate of the resilience and contributions of Black communities.
JAMBANA Festival
Date: August 5, 2024
Time: 1 pm to 9 pm
Location: Chinguacousy Park
Residents are also invited to join us at the JAMBANA Festival on August 5 at Chinguacousy Park. In partnership with JAMBANA and Jones and Jones Production, this free event promises to be a vibrant day filled with music, food and culture.
Headlining the event are the Fab5, with performances by Kirk Diamond, Rayzalution and DJ sets by Joshua Lucas, SPEXDABOSS and DJ Rych Kydd. The celebration will also feature food vendors, artisans and retail booths, providing a rich and diverse experience for all attendees.
On March 24, 2021, the Canadian House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day, marking the historic date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect. This act led to the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.
Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today
Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Celebrate with us as we honour the history, resilience and cultural heritage of Black communities. Let us come together to reflect on the past, engage in the present and inspire a future free from racism and discrimination.
Brampton’s Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth Civic Development Unit
The City’s Black Empowerment Unit aims to develop an action plan to eradicate systemic anti-Black racism and uplift the social, cultural and economic, civic and youth status of the Black community through effective ongoing consultations, engagement and conversations. Learn more at
brampton.ca/beu
Quotes
"Emancipation Day allows us to recognize and celebrate Black communities, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us. As we come together on this significant day, let us honour the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black Canadians to our city and beyond. We invite residents to join us for the community flag raising ceremony and the JAMBANA Festival to celebrate Emancipation Day with music, food and community. Together, we are building a more inclusive and equitable future.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Emancipation Day holds profound significance for the Black community, marking a pivotal moment in history where the resilience and perseverance of our ancestors paved the way for freedom and justice. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring contributions of Black Canadians and the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Emancipation Day at the community flag raising and the JAMBANA Festival. Let us come together to honour our shared history, celebrate our vibrant culture and inspire a future of greater equality and inclusion for all.” - Gwyneth Chapman, Supervisor, Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth, Civic & Youth Development Unit
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to nearly
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