The Legacy of Emancipation Day Celebrations
Freedom is not free.
— Martin Luther King Jr., speech delivered in Montgomery, Alabama, 1959.
The significance of Emancipation Day commemorations within the Canadian context is multilayered. Its initial meaning for a few decades after its inception was to celebrate the freeing of Africans enslaved in British colonies and the opportunities afforded to the new citizens on British soil. This would later extend to the abolition of slavery in the southern United States. It represented a victorious end in the ongoing struggle for the abolition of a brutal, inhumane practice that lasted for over three centuries. The annual occasion also served to pay respect to Britain and to Canada and the respective provinces through a public demonstration of loyalty, patriotism, and gratitude for the legal dissolution of the institution of slavery.
Another integral role of August First observances was the remembrance of the stories, experiences, and courage of enslaved ancestors, the recognition of the military role of African-Canadians, the honouring of their predecessors, and their tenacity in overcoming obstacles and barriers. For a time, the recognition of the central role of enslaved Africans, free Blacks, and Black abolitionists in the abolition movement was important when African-Canadians gathered together — the resistance of those in bondage and the way in which all Blacks engaged together to challenge the slave status imposed upon them. Simultaneously, respect and appreciation was paid to the White activists and sympathizers who worked and lobbied tirelessly for the cause.
The lasting impact of this African-Canadian cultural institution is reflected in the several purposes it served. From its onset it was an event by Blacks for Blacks. And while the social aspect of having a good time cannot be ignored, Emancipation Day was more than just a party. Throughout its 175-year recognition, the spirit and notion of freedom has remained constant, although its definition would change to meet the needs of a particular time. The notion of freedom as a continuous journey is captured succinctly in the words of poet Robert Frost, “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” In this case, the attainment of liberty was a joyous occasion while simultaneously creating a realm of the unknown. Within a short time, former slaves found out that they had not achieved full citizenship with emancipation and arrived at the conclusion that there would be much more to do in the struggle for equality for themselves and their predecessors.
Emancipation Day served as an instrument to pass on the history and the memory of those who went before them and as a beacon for taking up the responsibility to carry on from where the ancestors left off. The public parades, marching through the principal streets of the towns and cities they lived in, are symbolic of the long, difficult, fulfilling journey of Africans in Canada, a journey for equality and justice in its many forms.
Emancipation Day has been an important tool in community building through fostering a sense of togetherness and unity in the Black community, a forum for education, and an opportunity to mobilize for a common purpose — a better future for the next generation. The communal experience was critical, especially in the early years, because for centuries Africans had been divided and separated from each other. The sense of unity that Emancipation Day provided nurtured the process of community building.
The August First celebration provided the venue to disseminate information and knowledge through the speeches, discussions, and literature such as pamphlets and newspaper coverage, especially since in the early years of commemorations a sizeable number of the fugitives who lived in Canada were illiterate. The event has always been used to advocate for education, with the aim of contributing to the community. Not only were Blacks educated during Emancipation Day events, White Canadians were, too. Here was a platform to bring awareness of the existence of Black populations in communities across the nation and of how people of African descent have enriched and contributed to the broader Canadian society. As well, the event stimulated a deeper awareness and appreciation of the contributions of African Canadians in the building of their local communities, encouraging Whites to assist Blacks and further the causes that are of benefit to all citizens. Within the observances, attention was also paid to the frustrations felt by Blacks.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 1, 2008, in Windsor, Ontario, to mark the 175th anniversary of Emancipation Day commemorations, from left to right: the former United States Consul General John R. Nay; the mayor of Windsor, Eddie Francis; James Allen, North Star Community Centre; Justice Beth Allen; and Windsor city councillor, Ronnie Jones.
Additionally, Emancipation Day played a crucial role in the ongoing redefinition of the meaning of being Black in places where Blacks once were enslaved or treated as second-class citizens. These were the people who escaped to Canada, the African-American fugitive slaves, Black Loyalists, and free Blacks who came to Canada, and included groups from the Caribbean and native-born African Canadians. Throughout the decades Emancipation Day was used to express and negotiate the various identities. The dynamic structure of the Black community — men, women, children, fugitives to free Blacks, American to Canadian-born, day labourers to wealthy business owners, and illiterate to university educated — became illuminated, and demonstrated the deep level of solidarity and support found within this diverse group.
On a more personal and intimate level for many African Canadians, the occasion evoked the courage of early Black settlers and African slaves who resisted. It revealed the hope and possibilities of a people and the convictions of Blacks, and affirmed the belief that Africans are survivors who endure, persevere, and must continue to do and to be better; a process that continues to this day.
A close examination of Emancipation Day activities informs observers of the social interactions between members of the Black community and of the interactions between Blacks and Whites. It reveals racial attitudes, racial stereotypes, and social issues of specific time periods, from the past to the present.
Evidence of the legacy of African Canadians and their commitment to their adopted country or land of birth is found in the images, records, reports, and commentary in newspaper articles, journals, speeches, and pamphlets in relation to Emancipation Day and its underlying themes. It is also found in the buildings, churches, homes, and schools they erected when they took advantage of the opportunities afforded them as a result of that piece of legislation that guaranteed Blacks, at least on paper, all the rights and privileges of a British subject. Additionally, the legacy of Emancipation Day is apparent in the social changes brought about by the protests of African-Canadians, the enactment of their vision and optimism for an equal and just future. The political and cultural agendas of African Canadians in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were advanced at these yearly events ranging from the integration of public schools, to representation at the various levels of government, to land and property ownership.
While on one hand August First observances have been joyous expressions of a celebratory nature, they have been just as much “a remembrance of exclusion across time and space,” an exclusion that has persisted since the inception of the African slave trade. Africans were first denied status as persons, an exclusion that later manifested into segregation and anti-Black racism. Exclusion is just as significant an issue today as it was back then as the African-Canadian narrative still remains separate and apart from national history. Emancipation Day has been a celebration of Blacks’ fortitude in overcoming these circumstances and of their drive to participate fully in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of Canada. The anniversary of the achievement of freedom is about the ability to exercise full citizenship and the tenacity to challenge whatever impedes their rights and equality.
Interestingly, the examination of earlier Emancipation Day festivities in Canada illuminated the complex, interconnected, national, and continental networks that worked to uplift the community in their pursuit of common goals. Celebrants travelled long distances regionally and cross-country, and came from various parts of the United States to participate in events. At some point throughout the history of Emancipation Day, members of the numerous religious groups, benevolent societies, fraternal orders, literary societies, and veteran associations have all engaged in the organization and execution of commemorative affairs as planners, event chairpersons, and participants. Innumerable White supporters were also involved in some capacity in all the locales where commemorations happened. Speakers carried their messages to different areas of Ontario and some visited other provinces. A close relationship extended across the Canada-United States border. American abolitionists, lecturers, bands, and guests would come to partake in annual observances. The maintenance of these networks was essential to survival in everyday life, and provided the necessary support to counter social hostilities and to assist one another in furthering personal and collective aspirations. It shows the Black community possessed a global and pan-African perspective and awareness of the need to nurture racial solidarity and interest across political boundaries.
Freedom festivals have been much more than the remembrance of Canada’s and America’s slave past. It demonstrates how Canadian pioneers, Black and White, worked side by side for survival, success, and equality as well as how they trusted and believed in one another in their efforts. The legacy of Emancipation Day is an unforgettable cultural tradition.