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Emancipation Day Celebration
Why We Celebrate Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire on August 1, 1834. It is a day to honour the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black communities while reflecting on our shared history and continuing the work toward equity and justice.
About the Event
Join the London Black Heritage Council, Fanshawe Pioneer Village and our community partners for a day of celebration, education, and connection as we commemorate Emancipation Day.
Enjoy a full day of live entertainment, cultural performances, guest speakers, local vendors, community organizations, food, and the annual parade while learning about the history and significance of Emancipation Day in Canada.
Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or on your own, there’s something for everyone.
Event Highlights
- Special presentation by Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon
- Live music and cultural performances
- Poetry and spoken word
- Annual Emancipation Day Parade
- Food vendors
- Local Black-owned businesses
- Black-led community organizations
- Family-friendly activities
- Opportunities to learn about Black history and culture
Transportation
Free transportation will be available from the Argyle mall LTC Hub to Fanshawe Pioneer Village during event hours. Here is the bus schedule.
Scheduled Activities
10:00 Open to the public
10:00-12:30 Kids’ activities with Saidat
11:00-12:30 Performance by DJ Kerwin
11:00-11:50 Live Music by Ensemble Cordiale
12:00-1:30 Main Ceremony
2:00-2:30 Parade around the village featuring the Bahamas Junkanoo Legends
2:30-3:00 Spoken Word Performance by Fitzroy Dixon
2:30-4:00 Performance by DJ Kerwin
3:00-3:30 Emancipation Day Poetry contest readings and winner announcements with Antler River Poetry
4:00 Closed to the public
Event Participants
Special Guests
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Bahamas Junkanoo Legends
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Fitzroy Dixon
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DJ Kerwin Garner
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Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon
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Saidat
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Melissa Deleary
Food Vendors
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Aduke Pearl Pastries Inc. (from 1:00 PM onwards)
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Angel Dust by Evangeline
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Big Beefie’s Jerk Shack
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Cool Convenience
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Ebony’s Pink Lemonade
Community Booths & Performers
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Antler River Poetry
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Art by FJO
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Black Londoners Project
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Canadian Mental Health Association
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Ensemble Cordiale
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Forest City Memories
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Historic Otterville Mill & Station Museum
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Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum
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Lara Timag
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London Fire Department
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London Health Sciences Centre
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London Police Services
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London Public Library
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Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum
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Mary-Ann Jack-Bleach
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Middlesex-London Health Unit
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Museum London
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Norwich & District Historical Society
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Oxford County Archives
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Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
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SA Counselling Services
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Super Aging Canada
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No. 2 Construction Battalion
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WeBridge Community Services
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UWO Community Legal Services