The City of Cambridge will light up the Cambridge sign on Dickson Street in front of City Hall with green and red Aug. 1 to recognize Emancipation Day.
Aug. 1 marks 188 years since slavery was abolished in Canada. Red, green, black and/or gold are the recognized colours of people of African descent and often used in conjunction with emancipation day celebrations across North America.
Last year, the federal government officially recognized the date of Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day for the first time in reference to the date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect, ending 200 years of slavery for people of African descent and others, including Indigenous people.
The city and region are encouraging all residents to learn more on Aug. 1 to "reflect, learn and renew our commitment against" anti-Black racism and discrimination.
Today is Emancipation Day, which celebrates the strength & perseverance of Black communities in Canada. Let's continue the fight against anti-Black racism & discrimination. Learn more: https://t.co/yJ8gMTHZ88.
— City of Cambridge (@cityofcambridge) August 1, 2022
The #cbridge sign will be green & red tonight for Emancipation Day. pic.twitter.com/bLY0Euv3lz
Too often, the stories of Black and Indigenous people who were forced into slavery are forgotten.
— Region of Waterloo (@RegionWaterloo) August 1, 2022
Today, on #EmancipationDay, we reflect on this history in Canada, and think forward on the work still to be done to end racism and discrimination.
🔗https://t.co/gXlzFX4xjW pic.twitter.com/esnCcGRQcE
August 1 was officially recognized last year as Emancipation Day. This year marks 188 years of the abolishment of slavery in Canada. Today is a time to reflect, learn, and renew our commitment against anti-Black racism and discrimination.
— Karen Redman (@Redman4Region) August 1, 2022
Full statement: https://t.co/Nm0ayuIVzl pic.twitter.com/DjXdDfUuhp
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. pic.twitter.com/sDgED01kTh
— Cambridge Fire Dept (@CambridgeFD) August 1, 2022
