The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) is hosting their inaugural Emancipation Day Jamboree in the downtown core with support from the Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) on Sunday, August 1st, 2021. The GBHS celebrates Emancipation Day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people of African descent. In 2008, Ontario officially declared August 1st Emancipation Day in the province. This year, the Government of Canada voted unanimously to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day across Canada. We take this time to reflect on the devastations that preceded us and celebrate the courage that allowed following generations to embrace a freedom that many others could only dream of. Come celebrate with us and enjoy dancing, live music, spoken word and cultural foods! The event will be held at the Heritage Hall at 83 Essex St., Guelph. The Jamboree will start at 3pm and will go to approximately 6pm. Suggested donation of $10 per person. If you want to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean with food from Big Jerk Smoke House, items must be ordered in advance and will be available at the following link until July 29th, 2021: https://my-site-gbhs.square.site/