08/01/2026
Emancipation Day recognizes the abolition of slavery in Canada and other British colonies on August 1st, 1834.
Today, we reflect on Canada’s colonial history and ties to slavery that it often neglects to accept. We remember, honour, and celebrate those who struggled and resisted against the transatlantic slave trade in British colonies. We carry their memory forward to propel us into a liberated future. Today, we celebrate dignity and resilience.
In our reflection, we must also remember the present-day impacts of Canada’s colonial history of slavery upon the Black communities. The legacy of the slave trade lives on today in the form of racial inequities in employment, education, housing, and health, as well as the over-policing and over-surveillance of Black communities. Our very own institute, Queen’s University, has itself drenched in this, from banning Black students from its Medical School to thier treatment of Alfred Pierce. The reminders of Canada’s participation in slavery are all around us.
Emancipation Day did not come about without struggle and without many losing thier lives during the uprisings against in the British colonies.
But what this day reminds us is that liberation is inevitable.
While we celebrate today, PSAC901 encourage you all to do your part in dismantling the ongoing struggle for liberation for all. From the transatlantic slave trade to Turtle Island to Congo to Palestine, our fight for freedom continues.
