Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada

by Natasha L. Henry

When the passage of the Abolition of Slavery Act, effective August 1, 1834, ushered in the end of slavery throughout the British Empire, people of the African descent celebrated their newfound freedom. Now African-American fugitive slaves, free black immigrants, and the few remaining enslaved Africans could live unfettered live in Canada – a reality worthy of celebration.

This new, well-researched book provides insight into the creation, development, and evolution of a distinct African-Canadian tradition through descriptive historical accounts and appealing images. The social, cultural, political, and educational practices of Emanipation Day festivities across Canada are explored, with emphasis on Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and British Columbia.

"Emancipation is not only a word in the dictionary, but an action to liberate one’s destiny. This outstanding book is superb in the interpretation of "the power of freedom" in one’s heart and mind – moving from 1834 to present." – Dr. Henry Bishop, Black Cultural Centre, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Natasha Henry is a teacher, an educational curriculum consultant, and a speaker specializing in the development of learning materials that focus on the African experience. She is also the education specialist for Breaking the Chains: Presenting a New Narrative of Canada.

Reviews

[Marc Chénier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am of two minds on this book. On the one hand I loved all the historical facts about slavery, racism and the state of relations between blacks and whites, but on the other knowing how Emancipation day was celebrated in various parts of the country didn't grab my attention. I really didn't want to know what the menu was or what fun activities were held.
I really wasn't aware of racial issues in Canada. When we think slavery and racism we tend to think of our neighbors to the south. Reading this book made me remember when I was a kid almost 50 years ago how common hearing the "N" word was. Even I remember a certain limerick with this word in it. Yes, I was only 7 or 8 then but I was old enough to know it wasn't right. I think i'm a whole better person now but thinking back... well let's just say I'm not proud of myself.
That being said, I really wanted to give this book 3 1/2 stars but it's not possible with this app. Goodreads really should consider half stars or even a scale to ten with half stars.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Henry's book on Emancipation Day in Canada is about what the title suggests, and is so much more. It's a very useful primer on Black Canadian history for readers who aren't sure where to begin, and outlines, in great depth, significant figures including Josiah Henson, long associated with serving as Harriet Beecher Stowe's inspiration for the character of Uncle Tom in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," something that in reality dismayed him and made him feel often harassed. Organized into chapters that highlight several significant figures and dates in Black Canadian history, "Emancipation Day" is essential reading.

[Kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that what this book did well it did really well; that is, giving an overall history of slaves in Canada, along with the various August 1 celebrations of Emancipation Day in the 19th century, starting in the 1830s. There is also some discussion of the Underground Railroad. What the book didn't do as well as I had hoped was talk about the evolution of Emancipation Day celebrations in Windsor, Ontario in the mid 20th century, or the emergence of Caribana in Toronto as a modern-day version of these celebrations. (I recommend the 2015 documentary "The Greatest Freedom Show on Earth" for a more detailed examination of the Windsor celebration.)

[Sasha Boersma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of mini-regional histories of Emancipation Day. Learned a lot about regions close to where I grew up - stories from over 100 years ago and not covered when in school.

Very well-written. Conversational, accessible.

[Christina Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great account of Emancipation Day celebrations, with focus on Ontario but including Quebec, Maritimes, and British Columbia. Draws together lots of material on local history, so individual places can learn history of it in their area, but there is also an overview of changing purposes and types of celebrations, from earnest thankfulness about having attained freedom to inspiration to end U.S. slavery (between 1834 and 1865) to encouragement to education, industry, and good citizenship, to critiques of ongoing racism in Canada (almost everywhere, for example, school segregation existed, as well as predictable employment discrimination and other kinds). And later, by the early 20th century, entertainment, sports, and commercial amusements assumed a larger part. The final two chapters give a great summation of the multiple aims and functions of Emancipation Day celebrations, which have been widely revived in the past 20 years. Whole book a great look at the wonderful organization and contributions of African Canadians, in the face of ongoing racism. Inspiring!