Halifax residents being encouraged to mark third annual Emancipation Day

By CityNews Halifax Staff

Today marks the third annual Emancipation Day in Nova Scotia, a day to reflect and learn about the history of slavery in Canada.

It was on this day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act took effect, freeing around 800,000 enslaved Africans under British Empire rule.

Haligonians are encouraged to observe Emancipation Day as an opportunity to learn more about the history of African Nova Scotian people and communities.

Among the many Emancipation Day events around the city, a Pan-African Flag-Raising ceremony was held at City Hall at 9 a.m. at Grand Parade.

This evening, a celebration of freedom and unity will be taking place at Grand Parade featuring live music, spoken words from Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and more, beginning at 6 p.m.

For more information on Halifax Regional Municipality’s Emancipation Day events, visit the website.