Emancipation Day Celebration led by the Aurora Black Caucus

Join us on Friday, August 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall for a special celebration marking the end of slavery and celebrating the legacy of freedom in Canada. Come together as we honour history, celebrate resilience, and connection. 

Event Details

Master of Ceremony: Ron Kellam

1. Opening Remarks by Milton Hart, Chair of the Aurora Black Caucus
2. Remarks from the Member of Parliament for Aurora–Newmarket, Sandra Cobena
3. Remarks from the Member of Provincial Parliament for Aurora–Newmarket, Dawn Gallagher Murphy
4. Formal Proclamation of August 1 as Emancipation Day by Mayor of Aurora, Tom Mrakas
5. Remarks from Phiona Durrant, CEO and Founder of the Aurora Black Community
6. Remarks from Jerisha Grant-Hall, Founder and Executive Director of The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
7. Remarks from Jeffrey Thompson, Chair of York Region Alliance of African-Canadian Communities
8. Remarks from Maxine Palomino Regarding Emancipation Day
9. Remarks from York Regional Police
10. Closing Remarks, Michael Corniffe