On August 1st 2022, it was a day set aside to celebrate Emancipation and freedom from slavery. The slavery abolition act of 1883 was first adopted across all British empire, which ended the slave trade in the British empire and saw about 800,000 African descendants gained freedom. Between 1834 and the early 1860s, a lot of African American arrived Canada which was declared a free territory. However, there were still some slave trade activities after that Act was enacted.
Emancipation is defined as process by which a person is liberated from the authority and control of another person.
This simply means ”TOTAL FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION, SOCIAL, OR POLITICAL RESTRICTION”. AS we celebrate the strength, perseverance and bravery of the black people, we look back and salute the courage of our forefathers who paid the ultimate price to liberate us from the restraints of political rights, economic and social rights or equality before the law.
Today in New Brunswick, as we join everyone in remembering the struggles of our forefathers, I call on every black descendants to reflect on our past, present and chart a way for the future. We must continue to remember who we are and where we come from in order to know where we are going. The journey is not far if we persist and persevere in our doggedness and determination to continue to press forward for justice, fairness, equal rights, inclusion and equity. Also, we must continue to call for recognition and respect for the culture, history and heritage of all African descendants in Canada. We can only do so if we come together and join hands together in our various communities. Remember, to engage and educate Canadians in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination starts with YOU.
I urge you today to remember the sacrifices of our heroes past and continue to teach our children about our history, culture, heritage and legacies of black Canadians across all works of life. This will help to present historical facts about the black race, culture and heritage as they relate to the past in particular slave trade and colonialism. We must do our best to ensure these facts and history are not distorted or falsified in our schools and knowledge centers across Canada.
My appreciation goes to the Federal government of Canada and New Brunswick Government for the courage to acknowledge August 1st as Emancipation day. This is the first step in addressing the fight against anti-Black racism and discriminations. We are a diverse country and we will continue to recognize the efforts of the black communities.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the great people of Nigerian Canadian Association of New Brunswick for the good work, support, community development and contributions to the economic growth of New Brunswick. It is no doubt, you have brought about growth, stability and economic prosperity in New Brunswick. I am proud to be associated with you and be your servant leader.
Thank you and merci beaucoup.
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