- Emancipation Day Booklist
- Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada by Natasha Henry-Dixon
- Talking About Freedom: Celebrating Emancipation Day in Canada by Natasha Henry-Dixon
- Kids Book of Black History in Canada by Rosemary Sadlier
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day, observed annually on August 1, commemorates the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 across the British Empire. The day reflects a shared civic commitment to honouring the resilience of Black and Indigenous communities, acknowledging the legacy of enslavement in Canada, and advancing education, reflection, and collective liberation.
The 2026 Emancipation Day theme is Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future.
In alignment with the City of Kingston’s ongoing commitment in acknowledging Canada’s history of enslaving Black and Indigenous peoples, a Flag-Raising Ceremony and Community Art Exhibition will take place on August 1, to raise awareness and educate the community on the historical significance of Emancipation Day.
When and where?
On Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Confederation Park (rainy-day location at Memorial Hall, City Hall, 216 Ontario St.) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Activities
Learn more about the events and activities planned for this day.
Flag-raising ceremony
From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Confederation Park
The Flag-Raising Ceremony will include reflections in both French and English and include youth participation, song performances, and a keynote address reflecting on the resilience of Blackness, presence and resistance in Kingston, and liberation grounded in collaboration.
Community art exhibition
From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Confederation Park
The Community Art Exhibition will feature visual art, historical artifacts, interactive art installations, children’s activities, live music by a DJ, and food vendors offering Haitian, Nigerian, and other cuisines.
ANITA art exhibit
Artists: Alyssa Vernon & King-David Olajuwon
Inspired by Solange’s Cranes in the Sky, this exhibition explores unspoken pain, inherited grief, vulnerability, and healing. Through collage, photography, and storytelling, the artists frame vulnerability as resistance and healing as a pathway to liberation.
Afro Comb art exhibit
Artist: Fred Martins
This interactive installation features a large-scale 3D Afro comb sculpture from the Orange, Black and Freedom series, reimagining Harriet Tubman and Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Visitors are invited to engage through guided reflection, photography, and conversations about freedom, responsibility, and cultural legacy.
Artifact demonstration
Presenter: Joseph Boakye
This demonstration celebrates the strength, brilliance, and achievements of African civilizations long before colonialism, highlighting craftsmanship, leadership, culture, and resilience beyond narratives of enslavement.
Kids Zone
Provider: Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL)
- Freedom Flag colouring station
- Bracelet-making in Pan-African colours (red, black, green)
- Bracelet-making in orange to honour Indigenous communities (orange)
- Story corner featuring books by Black Canadian authors
City Hall Illumination
In recognition of Emancipation Day, City Hall will be illuminated in the evening with red, gold and green – the colours of the Pan African Flag.
Accessibility information
- Flag-raising ceremony will be held in English and French.
- Confederation Park and Memorial Hall are both fully accessible spaces.
- Accessible restrooms are available in City Hall and at the Visitors Information Centre.
Online educational resources
- Get Off the Train – Written by Jesse Hutchison in 1844, the song depicts the coming of freedom and encourages others to support what cannot be stopped: freedom.
- Hymn to Freedom – Oscar Peterson
- Redemption Song
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
