NEWS RELEASE
BLUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
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On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate Aug. 1 national Emancipation Day.
It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.
Emancipation Day at Blue celebrates the past, present and future of our local Black communities through education, song, stories and dance.
“Owen Sound Emancipation Picnic is celebrating its 160th year, the longest-running celebration of its kind in Canada,” said Patti Kendall, director, marketing and events at Blue Mountain Village. “We’re honoured to support the continuous education of Black history in our region and thrilled to be working with Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum in Clarksburg to bring local history to our community and visitors.”
The event begins Monday, Aug. 1 at noon with Queen M featuring their newly released single, Colour of Her Skin. Award-winning blues artists Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley share their musical stories of the Underground Railroad in a dynamic presentation of their show, Sugar and Gold. The day continues with an educational scavenger hunt, interactive drum circles featuring master djembe drummer and drum maker Saikou, accompanied by everyone’s local favourite drummer, Bam538, and African dance lessons. Headlining the event at 7:30 p.m. is legendary soul artist Bobby Dean Blackburn.
For more information visit www.bluemountainvillage.ca/events.
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