08/04/2026
Last weekend, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation joined Emancipation Day events in Winnipeg and Halifax.
In Winnipeg, the Foundation attended a celebration hosted by Black History Manitoba, where community members gathered to celebrate the journey to emancipation and reflect on the road ahead through musical performances, speeches, and an exhibit by the Black Canadian Experience Centre.
In Halifax, the Foundation also took part in several activities, including the Emancipation Day flag-raising ceremony, the Freedom Fest concert, Crescendo Fest, and the Emancipation Day Social in Dartmouth. The social featured remarks from Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, a panel of guest speakers, a pop-up exhibit highlighting the life of Dr. Clement Ligoure—Halifax’s first Black physician—along with music, community connection, and celebration.
Observed every August 1, Emancipation Day commemorates the Slavery Abolition Act coming into effect across the British Empire in 1834. It is both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that the work toward equity, justice, and inclusion continues.
May we keep learning, remembering, and turning reflection into meaningful action.
In Winnipeg, the Foundation attended a celebration hosted by Black History Manitoba, where community members gathered to celebrate the journey to emancipation and reflect on the road ahead through musical performances, speeches, and an exhibit by the Black Canadian Experience Centre.
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À Winnipeg, la Fondation a pris part à une célébration organisée par Black History Manitoba, où des membres de la communauté se sont rassemblés pour souligner le chemin parcouru vers l’émancipation et réfléchir à la suite, à travers des prestations musicales, des discours et une exposition du Black Canadian Experience Centre.
In Halifax, the Foundation also took part in several activities, including the Emancipation Day flag-raising ceremony, the Freedom Fest concert, Crescendo Fest, and the Emancipation Day Social in Dartmouth. The social featured remarks from Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, a panel of guest speakers, a pop-up exhibit highlighting the life of Dr. Clement Lig