“This is Halton’s 3rd annual Freedom Day Festival, which celebrates emancipation in 1834, ending slavery,” explains Dennis Scott, Chair of the Halton Black History Awareness Society. Ontario was a beacon of hope to those travelling along the Underground Railroad, a welcome home to freed slaves searching for sanctuary north of the border. The Halton Freedom Festival was all about history, culture, inclusiveness and one love.
Held at Spencer Smith Park, the event featured children’s activities, art, food trucks, and crafts. There were vendors tents and cultural heritage groups, such as the United Empire Loyalists, who gathered to tell their story. Live music included R&B, Reggae, Soul, and much more. Luckystickz, a premier Steelpan/percussionist opened the show. Blackburn, said to be the best blues band in Canada performed, as did Jordan John & the Blue Angels, an “Aretha Franklin requested front group.” The long list of talented musicians played on throughout the evening. Further info about Halton Black History awareness may be found at hbhas.ca.
