In 1833, the British Empire introduced the Slavery Abolition Act and on August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished. Despite that, racial discrimination continued and continues today in Canada and on Prince Edward Island. It is important to acknowledge that slavery was present in Atlantic Canada, including PEI. 

On March 23, 2022, the Prince Edward Island Legislature unanimously passed a bill to recognize August 1 as Emancipation Day.

Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada. It is a day for Islanders to reflect and educate themselves while they learn to work against anti-Black racism and discrimination. There are various community events being organized by the Black Cultural Society of PEI; to learn more visit: https://bcspei.ca/emancipationday2022/