Two-day Emancipation Day fest a chance to celebrate culture, freedom
, 2022-09-23 21:00:00,
Iqaluit’s first-ever Emancipation Day festival this weekend will be a “celebration of all the things we have accomplished,” says Steven White, a director and one of the coordinators of the two-day event.
Steven White with his partner, Jo-Anne Henderson-White, at a fashion show hosted by the Nunavut Black History Society earlier this year. (Photo courtesy of the Nunavut Black History Society)
The Nunavut Black History Society is hosting the event that honours the abolishment of slavery in the British Empire.
On Saturday, it will be held at the Astro Theatre in Iqaluit. Vendors, including a designers bazaar to share arts and crafts, will be set up from 4 to 9 p.m. and then entertainment as part of World Stage Night runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
On Sunday, events shift to Cadet Hall. Vendors will again set up from 4 to 9 p.m. and live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. follows an urban beats theme.
Festivities include a diverse lineup of musical entertainment such as afrobeats, urban soul and reggae from notable artists like Shauna Seeteenak, Young Keen, Safi Madeba and Musbe Black.
The Nunavut Black History Society said the events are free and open to everyone, and members hope the community will join in.
Last year, the House of Commons voted unanimously to designate Aug. 1 — the date in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect — as Emancipation Day.
The passing of the…
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