Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. It is observed on August 1 and is a day of reflection, education and engagement about the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.
This year marks the 189th anniversary of Emancipation Day, when more than 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in Canada, parts of the Caribbean, Africa and South America were freed on August 1, 1834.
You are invited to join the City of Mississauga as we acknowledge Canada’s painful history and address systemic racism and discrimination.
You can participate in honouring this important occasion by:
- Attending the Pan-African flag raising (see details below)
- Learning about the contributions and achievements of Black individuals in Canada through recommendations from the Mississauga Library’s specifically curated reading list.
- Staying informed about the City’s ongoing commitment and actions to address systemic racism and racism including the Anti-Black and Indigenous Resolution 207 and the City’s first Black Community Engagement (BCE) Report.
To learn more about these and other activities, please visit the Emancipation Day webpage.
Emancipation Day flag raising
What:
The City of Mississauga will be raising the Pan-African flag to honour and mark this important day. As part of the event, Mayor Bonnie Crombie will share greetings along with members of the Black Caucus Alliance. In addition to the flag raising, the City Hall clock tower will be lit black, red and green the evening of August 1 in honour and recognition of Emancipation Day.
When:
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
4:30 p.m.
Where:
Mississauga Celebration Square
300 City Centre Dr.
Ceremony to take place at the flag pole located on the west end of City Centre Dr.
Who:
Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Members of Council
Members of the Black Caucus Alliance