Emancipation Day, August 2, 2025
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Annually, Emancipation Day Celebrations take place at Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History in Dresden. Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834. This act freed more than 800,000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire. Since then, Emancipation Day has been celebrated on or near August 1 each year. In the 19th century, Emancipation Day was an important expression of identity for the Black community and anti-slavery activists. It gave people the opportunity to celebrate the end of slavery in Canada and the British Empire with parades, music, food and dancing. The day also provides a platform to lobby for Black rights in Canada and the abolition of American slavery.
North Buxton Homecoming, August 29 - September 1, 2025
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
Celebrate North Buxton Homecoming weekend annually on labour day weekend. Join the thousands expected to attend the four day event taking place at Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in North Buxton. The first Buxton Homecoming began as a picnic under a pear tree on Labour Day in 1924, on the farm of Reginald and Minnie Robbins, and has evolved into a four day event. Join the celebration connecting families, friends and community through music, sports and a variety of fun activities.
Each year in September, you are invited to join in the celebration and honour the legacy of the Chatham Coloured All-Stars and Black baseball in Canada with a charity baseball game, “The Field of Honour" Charity Baseball Game. Taking place at Fergie Jenkins Park at 10a.m., in Chatham, this event is hosted by the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum.
