FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2021 is a youth-led celebration of spoken word, dance, theatre and music, as we gather together to celebrate freedom and Emancipation Day 2001, the date that commemorates the anniversary of when Britain’s Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire in 1834. Earlier this year, the Canadian House of Commons voted unanimously to designate Aug.1 as Emancipation Day across Canada — a day to celebrate, educate, and reflect on what freedom means.

The date commemorates the anniversary of when Britain’s Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire in 1834. From Toronto’s Little Jamaica to Africville, Nova Scotia and the fields of Saskatoon, FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2021 will stream on Sunday, August 1st at 1pm ET on CBC Gem and YouTube.

Canadians are invited to join in on the coast-to-coast festivity filled with music and performances from artists expressing how they celebrate this day and the journey it took to get there. Hosted by award-winning stage actor, writer, director and producer Ngozi Paul, FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2021 is a performance-driven and youth-led celebration of spoken word, dance, theatre and music.

This year’s lineup includes some of Canada’s most exciting and innovative performers including Haviah Mighty, Silla & Rise, Aquakultre, Anyika Mark & Nathan Baya, Peace Akintade, and d’bi.young anitafrika, who will also be presented with this year’s Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Fighter Award.

 

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