Emancipation Day Celebration 2025: Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played
Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FREE
Join us at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History for this annual celebration of hope and freedom to commemorate the end of slavery in the British Empire. Enjoy this FREE, fun and educational day, featuring music, presenters, crafts and food!
Schedule of events
11:05 a.m. — Marque Smith piano performance
Enjoy a soulful performance of ragtime and jazz renditions of historically significant songs by acclaimed pianist Marque Smith.
11:25 a.m. — Dr. Claudine Bonner author talk
A leading scholar in Black Canadian history, Dr. Bonner discusses her upcoming book, The Black Press: A Shadowed Canadian Tradition.
11:45 a.m. — Artists in Motion (AIM) dance performance
Watch this powerful multidisciplinary dance showcasing Afro, hip-hop and contemporary styles.
11:55 a.m. — Yaya’s Kitchen food demonstration and sampling
Taste the flavours of northern Nigeria and the Sahel. Maryam and Malvin Wright bring curated cuisine to the Emancipation Day festivities.
12:25 p.m. — Remarks
12:35 p.m. — Lunch break
Guests are invited to network, explore the site and purchase food from Beef Meatz Bun or Truckn' Mama’s food trucks.
1:25 p.m. — Farley Flex inspirational talk
A prominent Black figure in Canada's music industry, Flex has launched careers, opened doors and used his platform as a Canadian Idol judge and promoter to elevate diverse voices in entertainment.
1:40 p.m. — Garnetta & DaGroovemasters live music performance
Get ready to dance! Garnetta Cromwell and her band DaGroovemasters electrify the crowd with their R&B, soul and funk. Their feel-good rhythms bring energy, joy and celebration to every audience.
Ongoing throughout the day:
- Sample craft brews from Toronto’s Black-owned Mascot Brewery.
- History in their Hands: Black Canadians in Dresden photographic exhibit.
- Explore the museum: Engage with exhibits on Josiah Henson, the Underground Railroad and African-Canadian history.
Emancipation Day is supported by RBC.
Location:
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
29251 Freedom Road
Dresden, Ontario