Emancipation Day Celebration

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Emancipation Day Celebration

Friday, August 1st, 2025

Join us at Upper Canada Village for a day of reflection, education, and celebration of Emancipation Day. This significant event commemorates the historic abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 and honours the enduring journey towards resilience and triumphs of Black communities, and equality and justice.

All are welcome to attend.

Crysler Hall is the central location for the speeches and the entertainment.

Schedule

Time Event
10:45 AM Drum and Dance: Sankofa Cultural Troupe
11:00 AM Welcome by Black History Program Officer, Obasola
11:05 AM Short Address by UCV Lead Historian, Milton Kooistra
11:10 AM Intro of 1st Speaker
11:12 AM 1st Speech: Councillor Fred Ngoundjo
11:22 AM Intro of 1st Performer
11:24 AM 1st Performer: Empress Nyiringango
11:34 AM Intro of 2nd Speaker
11:36 AM 2nd Speech: Dr. Clyde Ledbetter
11:50 AM Intro of 2nd Performer
11:52 AM 2nd Performer: Ngoma, The Drums of Africa
12:02 PM Intro of 3rd Performer
12:04 PM 3rd Performer: Empress Nyiringango
12:14 PM Intro of Last Speaker
12:16 PM Last Speech: Sen. Bernadette Clement
12:26 PM Intro of Last Performer and Film Screening – Black Soul
12:30 PM Last Performance: Sankofa Cultural Troupe

Guest Speakers

  • Councillor Fred Ngoundjo: First black male councillor in Cornwall, Ontario.
  • Mr. Rawlson King: First and only black councillor in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Sen. Bernadette Clement: The first woman to be elected as mayor of Cornwall, Ontario, and the first Black woman to serve as a mayor in Ontario. Prior to this, she served three terms as a city councillor.
  • Dr. Clyde Ledbetter Jr: Dr. Ledbetter has been teaching and publishing on subjects in African World Studies for over a decade. He is an alumnus of Lincoln University and received his Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University in 2013 and has recently earned a second master’s degree in international human rights law from the University of Oxford. He has taught in a private K-12 African-centered school in Philadelphia as well as at several colleges and universities in the U.S. including Lincoln University and Cheyney University. In addition to co-editing the book Contemporary Critical Thought in Africology and Africana Studies with Dr. Molefi K. Asante, Dr. Ledbetter has also published articles on Malcolm X as well as various topics concerning human and Peoples’ rights in the African world. In 2019, he researched Black high school students and their organizations as a post-doctoral fellow for the University of Ottawa. Dr. Ledbetter also teaches community history courses for the African community organization Jaku Konbit in Ottawa.

Live Music & Entertainment

  • Sankofa Cultural Troupe: Sankofa Cultural Troupe is a vibrant ensemble of Ghanaian youth based in Ontario, Canada, committed to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Ghanaian culture through captivating performances in music, dance, and drama. Rooted in the belief that embracing and sharing one’s cultural heritage is essential to identity and community, the troupe uses the power of performance to educate, inspire, and celebrate. Their mission is to deepen appreciation for Ghanaian culture and ensure its legacy lives on for generations to come.
  • Empress Nyiringango: An Ottawa-based Rwandan Canadian award-winning singer-songwriter with a message of faith, resilience, and healing. Empress’s philosophy as a Rwandan Canadian singer-songwriter is to embrace and celebrate Canadian diversity and to co-exist peacefully and respectfully in the healing journey of fellow immigrants who fled war and all forms of atrocities. Her music uplifts and raises awareness on the impact of cultural heritage.
  • Ngoma of Africa (The Drums of Africa): Under the leadership of Catherine Kizito, the group is a mix of students and women who share Ugandan culture and history through dance. They have performed for Canada 150 events, The UN Association of Canada International Day of the Girl Child at City Hall, Serbian Community events, weddings and many others.

Food Vendors

Other Vendors

  • Chakoucollection: Offers African inspired pieces of art accessories, clothing and Afrodolls.
  • Aromariss: Makes nourishing shea butter rich soaps and body care products. From lip balms and deodorants to body butters and dish soaps, everything is made with quality ingredients you can feel good about.
  • Esprit Marketing: A digital marketing agency offering marketing services to businesses and entrepreneurs with a particular focus on digital strategy consulting and development, social media account management, email marketing and digital training for those who want to manage their own strategies.
  • ACAO
  • Elm & Co
Dates & Times
August 1, 2025 11:30 am - August 1, 2025 3:30 pm
Admissions
Included in your Village admission
Family (Up to 2 Adults and 3 Youth/Student) $80 (Plus HST)
Adult (25-64) $26 (Plus HST)
Senior (65+) $24 (Plus HST)
Canada Strong (19-24) $13 (Plus HST)
Canada Strong (18 years old) $10 (Plus HST)
Canada Strong (ages 13-17) Free
Canada Strong (ages 5-12) Free
Child (under 5) Free
Military Adult (with ID) $20.00
Military Senior (with ID) $19.80

Event Information

This event is included in your Upper Canada Village daily programming admission.

Tickets are available for purchase online and purchasing tickets prior to arrival is highly recommended.

Details

Date:
August 1
Time:
11:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location

Upper Canada Village
13740 County Rd 2
Morrisburg, Ontario K0C 1X0 Canada + Google Map