GUYSBOROUGH — A crowd of 150 gathered to hear messages of remembrance, solidarity and respect under sunny skies on the Guysborough waterfront, August 1, as Emancipation Day celebrations marked the 190th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Nova Scotia and across the British Empire in 1834.
This was the fourth consecutive year for the event in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG), Catherine Hartling, a member of the emancipation committee of the Upper Big Tracadie Seniors Action Club, told The Journal.
“It strongly, strongly needs to be brought up because a lot of people still don’t know about it,” she said. “But, it was a success. Every year, it seems like it’s getting better with more people coming out to listen and hear.”
In 2021, the province designated Aug. 1 – the day on which the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire in 1834 – as Emancipation Day, a time to reflect and acknowledge the history of the enslavement of people of African descent in Canada. According to the website of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, “By acknowledging Emancipation Day, we confront the painful legacy of anti-Black racism and the lasting impacts of slavery. The day also allows us to celebrate the leadership of African people in pushing for the systemic change that made the abolition of slavery possible and Emancipation Day a reality.”
There was a sense of engagement featured throughout the day, Hartling said.
“Some youth had written poems, which they recited in memory of the elders. We had the raising of the flag and the national anthem, followed by the Black national anthem. We had our African libation, which pays homage to our ancestors. We had guest speakers and a youth performance from the Antigonish summer camp, the Knowledge Seekers. They’re called that because they are seeking knowledge from their elders.”
Later, she said, “We had a barbecue up at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex. There we also had some vendors, selling stuff they made. The Naomi Society (women’s support group) was down from Antigonish passing out information. We had the Transit Association of Guysborough doing the same... On top of that, the weather was beautiful.”
Speakers included Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow, Cape Breton-Canso MP Mike Kelloway and District 1 (Guysborough, Erinville, Guysborough Intervale) Councillor Paul Long, who spoke on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough (MODG).
“Today, we celebrate the resilience, courage and unwavering spirit of those who have worked so hard as a people to pave the way for generations to come,” he noted in his address.
“As a community we all must continue to ensure that our history is never forgotten; for, if we do the actions of the past can find their way into the practices of today. With this in mind, people from all backgrounds must continue to work together as one, creating safe and equitable surroundings for our children to grow up in, to create workspaces that promote equity, diversity and inclusion... but, most of all, acceptance.”
Emancipation Day activities are scheduled through the week across the municipality, including: fashion shows at the Chedabucto Lifestyle Centre and Canso Shamrock Club on August 7 and 8; and a Senior’s Tea at the Tracadie United Baptist Church.
Said Hartling: “I really think we are getting the message out to a larger population.”
