Honoring Emancipation Day
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat | Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada
“We fought, sat, stood, and marched for our freedoms. Raising our fists high in the air, we died for our freedom.”- Latoya Farrell
LIBERATION
“Emancipation is defined as the “fact or process of being set free from slavery; liberation.” I find this definition is reductionist and grossly undermines the struggle. We were not simply given our freedom.
We ran. We clawed. We defied and we rebelled for our freedoms. We fought, sat, stood, and marched for our freedoms. Raising our fists high in the air, we died for our freedom. We broke free because there was nothing passive about our sacrifice.”
FREEDOM
“Emancipation Day holds a deeply personal and meaningful significance to me as a Black Canadian woman of Caribbean heritage. There are moments where I ache for my ancestors and the unimaginable hardships they endured. There are moments where I am at awe of their strength and resiliency to fight tirelessly for their freedoms.?On this day, I also give gratitude for the opportunities and freedoms I have, only made possible by the sacrifices of those who came before me”.?
领英推荐
HOPE
“As a Black woman of faith living in Canada, Emancipation Day makes me intentional about networking and uniting with my fellow Black women. Celebrating Emancipation Day allows us to educate and empower each other.?
It also helps to rewrite our history and retell our lived experiences for the next generation to know there is hope for us all.”?
EMPOWERMENT
“As an African Canadian woman, Emancipation Day holds profound significance for me as a celebration of our shared heritage and the ideals of Pan-Africanism. Our shared heritage recognizes the common struggles, triumphs, and aspirations that have characterized the African experience throughout history. It acknowledges the historical challenges of colonization, slavery, and discrimination that have impacted African people across the globe. Emancipation Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective journey towards freedom and liberation.
It is a moment to reflect on the resilience, strength, and achievements of Black communities, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.?
On this day, as we commemorate the abolition of slavery and the ongoing fight against all forms of oppression, let us honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, celebrate our cultural diversity, and work towards a future where justice, equality, and dignity prevail for all Africans. Together, may we forge a path of progress, drawing inspiration from our shared heritage and building a legacy of empowerment and upliftment for generations to come.”
Thank you, Latoya, Fabierre, Myrtle and Faduno, for taking the time to share your powerful testimonials with us. And thank you to the FBEC Women’s Caucus for your help in coordinating this post!