By Carmen Law, Director, Belonging, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The City of Kingston will be celebrating Emancipation Day with a full weekend of events and activities! Emancipation Day recognizes the importance of the abolition of slavery in Canadian history. The designation of this day is to encourage Canadians to learn more about the history of enslaved people in Canada and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. It is also a day to celebrate the resiliency, courage, strength, and perseverance of the Black community.
All are invited to the annual Kingston Emancipation Weekend Celebrations, July 27th – August 1st, 2023 under the theme “Thriving in Colour.” This year boasts an exciting series of events brought to you by Kingston Black community members in collaboration with the city, local partners, vendors, and organizations.
Highlights include:
- A screening of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, Thursday, July 27 at sundown in Springer Market Square
- Rockin’ The Square with headliner Kardinal Offishall and special guest Maestro Fresh Wes (along with free public transit!), Saturday, July 29 at 8PM in Market Square
- AfroBeats Dance Party extravaganza at Daft Brewing ft. AA DJ, Saturday, July 29 at 8PM
- And the launch of the inaugural Black Businesses Block Party 2023 on Saturday, July 29 from 12-6PM at Confederation Park, featuring a host of local Black vendors, foods, artists, musicians, and everything from face painting to rock climbing, basketball, bouncy castles, and more!
A bus is available to pick up from the Cornwall and Brockville campuses on Saturday. Please check out URSLC to register and pick up times.
Come out and enjoy what promises to be a weekend of food, fun, and connection for the whole community.
Please share widely across your networks and feel free to print a copy of the attached poster to put up within your business/school/community space etc.
For more information visit the City of Kingston website.