Emancipation Day celebrations resumed in Brantford on Sunday after an absence of more than 100 years.
The House of Commons unanimously declared August 1 as Emancipation Day marking the day slavery was abolished in the British Empire.
Historical records show a local celebration was first held in 1856, while the last one on record was in 1912.
Amanda Mersereau, co-founder and director of United Against Hate! said the filming of a video a few years ago at Mohawk Park about what the Brantford-based organization does, prompted her to revive the event.
“It made me think we should do this again and start Emancipation Day celebrations because they were historically held in Mohawk Park over 100 years ago,” she explained. “This is our first one and we plan on doing it annually.”
The event on Sunday afternoon attracted about 300 people for a free barbecue that included hot dogs, hamburgers, jerk chicken, rice and peas, and curried goat.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Belinda Marowah and her family have lived in Brantford for 18 months.
“Being the first event of its kind in Brantford, I thought we should check it out,” she said. “It’s good exposure, history-wise, for the kids to see and ask questions about what it means and stands for.
“It means free4dom, culture, togetherness, and a rainbow of different people. Diversity is what Canada stands for.”
Activities included face-painting for children, and a four-team soccer showcase of 30-minute matches, with the winner receiving the newly created Emancipation Cup.
“Emancipation Day is the ending of slavery in Canada,” Mersereau noted. “For me personally it helps me connect to my roots when I research my ancestry. When we are aware of where we came from, we can better plan where we are going.”