An annual event took place over the weekend at one of Dresden’s busiest summer locations.
Emancipation Day was held at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site.
Emancipation Day isan annual celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834.
The free event was filled with fun and educational activities featuring traditional African music, story-telling and lectures.
Some of the activities included:
– Soloist Marcia Strachan performed
– Nigerian-born Babarinde Williams provided an interactive West African-style drumming demonstration
– Director Bob Huggins took people behind the scenes in the production of his 2015 documentary, The Greatest Freedom Show on Earth
– Jide Adeoye’s provided his unique style of energetic praise and soulful worship, along with his six-piece ensemble band
– Emma Cohen, winner of the 2015 RBC Student Essay Competition, delivered her winning submission, which chronicles the lives of two African-Canadian pioneers who inspired her to be the best that she can be
– Toronto storyteller Renee James told the vivid and engaging story of Harriet Tubman
– Dresden native Alex Kiar looked at Ontario’s sporting past, and the struggle for equality in sport faced by African-Canadians
Here are some photos that Tami Schram took at the event:
