Ontario Black History Society
A Registered Canadian Charity founded in 1978
Dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black history and heritage
Initiators of the formal declaration of February as Black History Month in Canada
Contact: admin@blackhistorysociety.ca FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Address: 10 Adelaide Street East, Suite 402
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1J3
Telephone: 416-867-9420
Fax: 416-867-8691
Website: www.blackhistorysociety.ca
President: president@blackhistorysociety.ca
CELEBRATING FREEDOM FROM CHAINS:
The Ontario Black History Society heralds the anniversary of Emancipation Day
TORONTO, July 7, 2009 – As the beginning of August approaches, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), is gearing up for their busiest Emancipation Day Celebrations yet in honour of the successful passage – through OBHS advocacy of Bill 111 making August 1st Emancipation Day in Ontario!!!
The OBHS has planned many exciting activities in order to mark the auspicious occasion:
On July 26, there will be a “Spiritual Launch of Emancipation Day” held at the British Methodist Episcopal Church (BME) in cooperation with the OBHS, scheduled for 11am at 1828 Eglinton Avenue West. The guest speaker will be CWO Kevin Junor of the Canadian Forces.
On July 30, there will be a film screening featuring various films such as: “Journey to Justice” and “Black Soul” at the National Film Board in cooperation with the OBHS, at 150 John Street at 5pm. A sneak preview of “Cool” will also be shown.
On July 31, in collaboration with members of the Ontario Liberal Caucus, the OBHS will be hosting a special reception at Queen's Park at 2pm, marking the first official recognition of Emancipation Day in the province of Ontario. This ceremony will also feature astounding musical performances by the Nathaniel Dett Chorale and the Sari Sari Dancers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association. (Please contact us to be placed on the invitation list).
On Aug 1, in partnership with the Harbourfront Centre, the OBHS is proud to sponsor an Emancipation Jubilation performance by B. George Blake and Kalalu Folklore Theatre at 7pm. ; later also at Harbourfront, the OBHS, in cooperation with the Jamaican Consulate, will present the Maroons of Jamaica!
Commencing July 18th the OBHS will proudly partner with Metro Toronto Zoo in the African Arts and Cultural Festival by showcasing one of our many exhibits; “The Black Canadian Experience in Ontario 1834-1914”. The exhibit will be displayed at the African Bazaar until the Labour Day. (Weekend viewings only)
A bus tour to Black historical sites of importance is being planned, for implementation in the early fall of 2009.
The OBHS, in cooperation with the Caribbean Historical Society of Trinidad and Tobago, is also the organization behind the formal celebration of August 1st as Emancipation Day, attained in Ontario pending across Canada. Emancipation Day was the celebration that took place following the passing of the British Imperial Act of 1833 which we are now pleased to commemorate as part of the celebrations for its 175th Anniversary. Effective on August 1st, 1834 it is a symbol of the first global human rights legislation.
The public is invited to join the OBHS as they celebrate the freedom of Black slaves, as well as the emancipation of imparting cultural education.
The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a non-profit registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The Society aims to foster public interest and encourage the interest of Black History through the recognition, preservation and promotion of the contributions of Black peoples and their collective histories through education, research and cooperation, sponsorship and support of educational conferences and exhibits in this field as well as through promoting the inclusion of material on Black History in school curricular. The OBHS receives support from the Ministry of Culture. The OBHS has been awarded project assistance through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
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If you’d like more information about this topic, please contact Simone Samuels, Sponsorship Coordinator, at 416-867-9420.
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