Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1, marks the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 across the British Empire. Though that was many years ago, it’s important to celebrate and amplify local Black culture that enriches the fabric of the Kingston community and ensures a sense of belonging and acceptance for all. Between August 1 and 3, there will be events dedicated to capturing Black joy, strength, and resilience in Kingston. Find out more about all of the Emancipation Day events on the City of Kingston website.
The three days of events will culminate with a special celebration on August 3: the Emancipation Day Black Block Party. Happening right in the heart of the city, in front of City Hall on Ontario Street, this block party will feature 20+ Black-owned businesses including four food vendors, as well as local artists, live musical performances, dance workshops, readings, and activities for kids. Many of the businesses featured are listed on this local Black-owned business list. I’ve asked a few of the vendors what Emancipation Day means to them and what folks can expect from them on August 3 at the Block Party!
Food:
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Ella’s Cuisine is one of the three food vendors that will be selling delicious and authentic African dishes. Christiana Adewale is the founder and chef who moved to Kingston as a new mom during the COVID 19 pandemic. “It was tough navigating a new city during COVID without knowing anyone,” she says. “The absence of an African restaurant was even more shocking, as I had no access to the comfort food that my palate was familiar with.” Thus, Ella’s cuisine was born out of the need for community. Adewale adds, “We started Ella’s Cuisine a little over two years ago and it’s been a ride. We hope to open the first dine-in African restaurant in Kingston.”
What Emancipation Day means to Adewale: “We are most excited about meeting new people and showcasing the authentic flavour of African cuisine at the Emancipation Day event. Remembering the sacrifices of the past and being grateful for the opportunities we have as a people is definitely something to reflect on as we celebrate,” says Adewale.
Three other food vendors you’ll find at the block party:
JERKEbago, OMG(osh) BBQ, Bay Eats
Skincare:
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CB butterlicious Founder Chanelle Blair moved to Kingston almost two years ago and launched her all-natural skincare products in March 2022. Blair explains, “The reason for starting my own skincare line dates to when I had my first child at a young age. I wanted all-natural products but couldn’t afford them, so I began making skincare products at home. These homemade products turned out even better than commercial options and didn’t contain chemicals. My friends and family started requesting the products I made, and years later, I transformed this passion into the business it is today.” Blair adds, “CB Butterlicious caters to all skin types, including sensitive skin.”
What Emancipation Day means to Blair: “This event means a lot to me, as it celebrates Black entrepreneurs and provides a platform to showcase our hard work and amazing creations. Emancipation Day holds a special place in our history, marking the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom. It’s a day to honour our ancestors’ resilience and achievements. Participating in this event allows us to connect with the community, share our passion, and inspire others. It’s a chance to highlight the diversity and creativity within our community and to celebrate our shared heritage. This Emancipation Day is particularly special because it emphasizes the importance of economic empowerment and the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community.”
What you’ll find at the CB Butterlicious booth: People can find all-natural skincare products, including black soap, whipped shea butter, body scrubs, body oils, lip balms and gloss, hand soap, and face oil made from prickly seed oil.
More skincare vendors you’ll find at the block party:
Art
Queer Collage Collectives:
QCC is a collage art collective that runs programs that interweave creativity and education, centering Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their learning for social justice, community building, and making creative spaces with a culture of anti-racism and anti-oppression. QCC’s work is guided by the principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
What Emancipation Day means to QCC founder Alyssa Vernon: “Emancipation Day is a reminder of the cost of freedom. It is a reminder to maintain our freedom through celebration of our Blackness, as many of our ancestors did not get the chance to in their lifetimes. Through participating in the Emancipation Day Block Party, I hope to give Black folks of all ages the opportunity to reflect on their Blackness and freedom through creating art.”
What you’ll find at their booth: In addition to having a collage-making station, QCC will sell prints and offer a customizable sticker/photo booth, with proceeds going to Roots & Wings.
More artists you’ll find at the block party:
Chelle Boo Shaa, Emebet Belete
Community:
Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion at Queen’s University is a campus space of belonging and inclusion for students who are Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour. Yellow House will be promoting their programming that supports Black inclusion and Black student entrepreneurs; they will also host a raffle that supports a local Black business. Queen’s student Rukevwe Inikori works at the Yellow House as a Black Student Initiative Student Assistant. She shares, “I moved to Kingston for university, and I genuinely feel like I can call Kingston home. After immigrating to Canada with my parents in 2019, I struggled to find a place where I could build a community and make friends. I often felt behind or like I was missing something, as most people already had established connections. However, coming to university was a turning point. Everyone was at the same stage as me, and we all had to build our communities together. As a result, I was able to create a community that I now consider family. Kingston holds a special place in my heart because it is the place where I finally found a sense of belonging since moving to Canada.”
What Emancipation Day means to Inikori: “To be honest, the first time I heard about Emancipation Day was through the Yellow House last summer. I am excited to participate in an event that celebrates Black freedom and liberation in Canada. The opportunity to share and experience different aspects of the diverse Black cultures in Kingston excites me immensely. I look forward to empowering Black Kingston businesses and learning about the diversity of the Black experience outside of Queen’s. I am particularly excited about the Black Block Party, as it offers a chance to meet various Black community members in Kingston, mingle, learn, and chat with them. As a student, it is easy to remain within the Queen’s bubble, but this event provides a wonderful opportunity to branch out and appreciate the beauty of Kingston beyond the university. To me, Emancipation Day is a chance to celebrate the history and resilience of the Black community. It represents a time to honour our heritage, recognize our struggles, and rejoice in our achievements.”
Roots and Wings is a grassroots working group of OPIRG Kingston, that serves youth of colour between the ages of 8 and 14. Their free programming is targeted towards femme, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender non-conforming adolescents. Through Roots and Wings, youth engage in structured and enjoyable activities centered around heritage-building, community engagement, identity exploration, skill development, and social justice. You can find them at the Queer Collage Collective booth. “Through participating in the Emancipation Day Block Party, we hope to reach more BIPOC families and youth, as well as potential volunteers, and sign them up for our 2024–2025 Roots & Wings programming!” says Alyssa Vernon on behalf of the Roots & Wings collective.
Full list of participating businesses: Prosfata Inc., Classy hair and nails, Queer Collage Collective, Ella’s Cuisine, BmDodo Strategic Design, The Candid Creative Co, Lemoy J. Whilby, DANSANI Dance Company, Pedal Works Café & Studios, Inc, OMGosh BBQ, Skeleton Park Creations, Cher-Mere, CB Butterlicious, Chelle Boo Shaa, Zion Ascend, Afiya beauty, Bay Eats, Jerkebago, Omez Haircare.
