News release

Nova Scotia Commemorates Emancipation Day

African Nova Scotian Affairs

Nova Scotia will commemorate Emancipation Day today, August 1, in recognition of the anniversary of the British parliament’s decision to abolish slavery across its empire in 1834.

In April 2021, the legislature passed the Emancipation Day Act, designating August 1 as Emancipation Day. The day acknowledges the tragedies of the transatlantic slave trade in which millions of African-descended people were enslaved or lost their lives.

The Province is hosting an Emancipation Day ceremony at Province House in Halifax today at 10 a.m., and it will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Q6K3QWBH0

There are also community-led Emancipation Day events throughout August, including a family fun day in Dartmouth, a seniors tea in Lincolnville and activities at Grand Parade in Halifax. A list of events is at: http://emancipationdayns.ca/events .

Quotes:

“We come together to mark Emancipation Day, a significant moment in history, to reflect on the deep impact of racism and injustice. By remembering the past and educating ourselves about the meaning of Emancipation Day, we understand the necessity of equality, diversity, and respect in our communities.”

– Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia

“Emancipation Day acknowledges the tragedies of the transatlantic slave trade in which millions of African descended people were enslaved or lost their lives. This day also commemorates the active resistance of Black people and their allies who effectively petitioned for the abolishment of enslavement across the British empire. This significant event is being recognized by municipalities and communities across the province and it is my hope people that other jurisdictions and individuals will use this day to learn more about our collective history.”

– Dwayne Provo, Associate Deputy Minister, African Nova Scotian Affairs

“Emancipation Day marks a significant recognition of the past business of Slavery in our province and Country as well as the lasting effect on the Black Community. While this day is a harsh reminder of the past, it also speaks to the strength and perseverance of a people that overcame.”

– Russell Grosse, Executive Director, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

  • the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which took effect in 1834, freed about 800,000 enslaved people of African descent throughout the British colonies
  • during the time of enslavement, more than 15 million African women, men and children were victims of the transatlantic slave trade
  • there were about 400 enslaved Black people among the nearly 3,000 residents of Halifax in 1750, more than 13 per cent of the population
  • the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed on August 23 in recognition of people of African descent in Haiti and the Dominican Republic fighting for their freedom in 1791, leading to their liberation from European colonizers

Additional Resources:

More information on Emancipation Day is available at: http://emancipationdayns.ca

Emancipation Day poster, English: https://ansa.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/inline/documents/emancipation_day_poster_english.pdf

Emancipation Day poster, French: https://ansa.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/inline/documents/emancipation_day_poster_french.pdf

News Release – Legislation Recognizes Emancipation Day in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210413007

Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia: https://bccns.com

African Nova Scotian Affairs:

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