Emancipation Day recognizes the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on Aug. 1, 1834. It recognizes the powerful courage, strength, resilience and hope of Black persons and communities in fighting for freedom. It recognizes the intertwined histories and enduring legacies of enslavement, imperialism and anti-Black racism. Beyond a single day in history, Emancipation Day signifies a larger, ongoing movement toward racial justice for Black Canadians.
We are fortunate to have at York many community members whose expertise and efforts are fuelling this movement. This includes Professor Natasha Henry-Dixon, whose scholarship examines the history and aftermath of slavery and anti-Black racism in Canada. She shares her knowledge – and deepens others’ – through diverse channels.
Community members interested in learning from Professor Henry-Dixon can:
- follow a self-guided walking tour laid out by Dr. Henry-Dixon;
- watch her 2024 Ontario Historical Society keynote, “The Paradox of Slavery & Freedom in 19th c. Ontario”;
- read one of her many books and articles: Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada; Talking About Freedom: Celebrating Emancipation Day in Canada; Freedom Abound: Celebrating Emancipation Day in St. John’s Ward, 1845–1860; The Slavery Abolition Act, 1833; If Black Lives Truly Matter in Canada, an Apology for Slavery is only a First Step; Apology, Truth, and Reparations: the Overdue Reckoning with Canada’s Slave Past; They Were Right Here: Tracing Black People Enslaved in the Town of York;
- explore the online exhibit, Slavery and Abolition in Upper Canada;
- attend a talk on July 31: Not Yet Free: Black Enslavement in the Hamilton-Burlington Region & Slavery in Upper Canada Before 1834.
Focusing on the contemporary lives of Black Canadians: Professor Desirée de Jesus explores Black girlhood and belonging in Canada, work that was exhibited at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Lightbox building in February; Professor Alvine Boaye Belle is working to break down systemic barriers for under-represented students pursuing STEM studies through the Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) PhD project; and Professor Godfred Boateng, director of the Global & Environmental Health Lab and a Canada Research Chair in Global Health and Humanitarianism, leads a project connecting Black youth and their families with tools to help them cope with anxiety resulting from experiences with the justice system.
Efforts to counter anti-Black racism and to promote thriving of Black students, staff and faculty members on York’s campuses are guided by the Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion and its accompanying action plan. Both documents, along with annual reports on activities and progress, are available here.
Please take time on Emancipation Day not only to reflect on the history of anti-Black racism and resistance to oppression in Canada, but also to look toward – and work toward – a future of racial justice.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.
Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture