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Celebrating Freedom: Kingston’s Emancipation Day Event
Kingston, Ontario, Canada,Monday, July 27, 2026
Date & Time:
- Saturday, August 1
- 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (indoor venue if rain)
Venue:
- Confederation Park (main event)
- Memorial Hall, City Hall (indoor fallback)
About the Day
- Historical Context: Marks the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act that ended slavery across the British Empire.
- Theme: “Honour the past, empower the future.”
Program Highlights
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. | Flag‑raising ceremony with live music |
| Tribute from local youth | |
| Keynote speech by Keishia Facey – equity advocate, author, community activist | |
| 3‑minute reflection on Canada’s complex slavery history | |
| After keynote | Art exhibition featuring works by: • Alyssa Vernon • King‑David Olajuwom • Fred Martins • Joseph Boakye |
| Interactive displays on enslaved peoples’ hardships and achievements | |
| Children’s Zone (Kingston Frontenac Public Library) | Freedom Flag coloring Pan‑African flag bracelet making Books by Black Canadian writers |
| Story corner for deeper understanding |
Evening Celebration
- City Hall Lighting: Red, gold, and green (Pan‑African flag colors) to symbolize unity.
- Message: Learning from the past should coexist with joy and community celebration.
All residents are invited to reflect on history, honor the past, and look forward together.
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