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At Black Legacy Collective, research is central to preserving Black heritage, amplifying voices, and shaping inclusive futures. We document lived experiences, uncover overlooked histories, and provide resources for youth, Institutions, communities, educators, and policymakers.

Emancipation Day Event

In 2024, BLC partnered with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to organize the first-ever Emancipation Day celebration at Upper Canada Village (UCV). This landmark event brought together Black vendors, artists, and cultural workers, creating a vibrant marketplace of food, crafts, and storytelling. It marked a historic step in acknowledging the significance of Emancipation Day within this national heritage site.

Goals

  • Celebrate Emancipation Day with a focus on Black culture, history, and contributions
  • Showcase the new Black History Exhibition at UCV which highlights locals from the 1800s
  • Provide opportunities for Black vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their work
  • Build community connections by welcoming participants from towns across the region
  • Strengthen partnerships between heritage institutions and Black-led organizations

Impact

The celebration not only honoured the resilience and contributions of Black people in Canada but also fostered economic opportunities for local Black vendors. It brought together community members from across Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec, affirming the importance of Emancipation Day as a time for remembrance, celebration, and collective joy. This event set the foundation for future annual celebrations, ensuring that Emancipation Day continues to grow in recognition and impact.

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Land Acknowledgement

Black Legacy Collective recognizes and acknowledges with gratitude the sacred land on which our main office is situated as the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeq Nation. We are cognizant that Canadian contemporary society, beneath a veil of “equality” and “reconciliation”, maintains the long-held colonial tactic to dispossess our Indigenous friends of their traditional lands and livelihoods. We stand in solidarity with these lands’ original peoples. We acknowledge the continued presence and vibrance of these Nations as well as the growing, thriving communities of urban Indigenous peoples. We remain committed to learning how to be better neighbours. A portion of our annual proceeds is donated to Indigenous led causes.

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