On Saturday, August 1, the City of Kingston will mark Emancipation Day with a flag-raising ceremony and community art exhibition at Confederation Park. Everyone is welcome, and we hope you will join us!

Emancipation Day commemorates the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 across the British Empire. It is a day to honour the resilience of Black and Indigenous communities, to acknowledge the legacy of enslavement in Canada, and to continue the work of building a more equitable city. This year’s theme is Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future.

Reflections in English and French, youth participation, song performances, and a keynote address from Keishia Facey, Equity, Inclusion & Organizational Change consultant and provincial equity leader in Ontario’s child welfare sector, speaking on the resilience of Blackness, challenging inequitable systems, and liberation grounded in collaboration.

Featuring work by Alyssa Vernon, King-David Olajuwon, Fred Martins and Joseph Boakye, the exhibition will include collage, photography, sculpture, historical artifacts and interactive installations exploring resistance, freedom and healing, alongside the joy, strength and achievements of Black communities. There will also be activities for children offered by the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, live music, and food vendors offering Haitian, Nigerian, and other cuisines.