Brampton marks Emancipation Day with free festival

Brampton will mark Emancipation Day with a celebration of Black history, culture and community as the JAMBANA One World Festival returns to the city next month.

The free festival will take place Monday, Aug. 3, at Brampton Sports Park and will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors and family-friendly activities designed to bring residents together while recognizing the contributions of Black communities.

This year’s event will feature a headline performance by reggae artist Glen Washington, along with a lineup of entertainment highlighting the diversity and richness of Black culture.

JAMBANA One World Festival is being presented by the City of Brampton in partnership with JAMBANA and Jones & Jones Productions.

Emancipation Day is observed annually on Aug. 1 and commemorates the abolition of slavery of people of African descent throughout the British Empire, including Canada.

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect on Aug. 1, 1834, ending slavery for more than 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants across the British Empire.

The day was officially recognized by the House of Commons in 2021 and serves as an opportunity to reflect on that history while celebrating the resilience and ongoing contributions of Black communities.

“Emancipation Day is an opportunity to recognize an important chapter in our shared history while celebrating the lasting contributions of Black communities to Brampton and across Canada,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.

“JAMBANA One World Festival brings residents together through culture, music and community, and I encourage everyone to join us for this meaningful celebration.”

The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Brampton Sports Park, located at 7575 Kennedy Road.

Before the festival, the city will also recognize Emancipation Day with a community-led flag raising and official proclamation ceremony.

The flag raising takes place Monday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. at Ken Whillans Square, located at 41 Main St. S.

The events are supported by Brampton’s Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth & Civic Development Unit, also known as the Black Empowerment Unit. The unit works to support social, cultural, economic and civic development while addressing systemic anti-Black racism through community engagement and collaboration.

“JAMBANA One World Festival is a celebration of culture, resilience and community,” said Gwyneth Chapman, supervisor with the Black Empowerment Unit. “As we commemorate Emancipation Day, we also recognize the achievements and ongoing contributions of Black residents who continue to help shape Brampton.”

The JAMBANA One World Festival is free to attend and organizers are encouraging residents of all backgrounds to take part in the celebration.