Emancipation Day

Celebrating Emancipation Day at UWaterloo

A Message from Dr. Christopher S. Taylor, AVP, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism

Emancipation Day August 1 and the Emancipation month (August) is a significant occasion for members of Black communities. The day commemorates the abolition of slavery and symbolizes our ongoing struggles for freedom, equality and justice. Canada's acknowledgment of Emancipation Day and Month aligns with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which emphasizes the promotion and protection of the human rights of approximately 200 million individuals of African descent in the Americas.

Emancipation Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the history of enslavement in Canada. The Slavery Abolition Act came into effect on August 1, 1834, abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire, including what is now Canada. The Act made enslavement officially illegal in all provinces and freed the last remaining enslaved people in Canada.

The remnants of hundreds of years of enslavement means the racism is still pervasive in present day societies. To make progress in eradicating anti-Black racism, and all other forms of racism and oppression, it is our responsibility to engage in a process of learning and unlearning. This will enable us to uncover the truths surrounding Canada's role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Emancipation. By acquiring knowledge, we can break down the barriers that hinder our understanding of how anti-Black racism persists and impacts the lives of Black communities today.

As we commemorate Emancipation Day and Month, let us not only celebrate the strength and resilience of Black communities, but also confront the often-overlooked history of slavery and anti-Black racism in Canada by educating ourselves. We need to understand the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual violence inflicted upon Black communities. We must confront the fact that Black people were dehumanized, subjected to unimaginable conditions, confined, abused and tortured on Canadian soil for hundreds of years. We need to listen to the voices of those around us demanding change. We need to do better.

As members of the UWaterloo community, we are united in our commitment to fostering a society that upholds equity and inclusivity for all individuals. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone can flourish, knowing they are valued, protected, and respected. 

Any behaviour or actions that undermine these principles, including discrimination, harassment, or exclusion will be addressed promptly and appropriately. We encourage open dialogue, understanding and empathy among all members of the Waterloo community to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

We have recently experienced violence on campus motivated by intolerance and hate. This incident shows us the importance of building a community where everyone feels safe to challenge ideas, speak up and ask questions to gain understanding. 

This year Emancipation Day is a reminder to all of us that it's time to engage in meaningful and uncomfortable conversations that force us all to take a closer look at policies, procedures, and actions that continue to hinder Black communities. This Emancipation Day, we challenge you to delve into the history of our nation by exploring the resources below.

If you are experiencing or have experienced anti-Black racism, you can find resources and support here.