Emancipation Day (1)

August 1 is Emancipation Day, marking the day that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect and abolished slavery in Canada. It’s an opportunity to celebrate freedom and Black culture, while renewing a commitment to fostering inclusion and working to eliminate anti-Black discrimination.

The journey to freedom required persistence and strength. With its historical connections to the Underground Railroad, some former enslaved labourers settled in Waterloo. Their stories and contributions, along with those of their descendants, are an important part of Waterloo’s heritage.

One such story is that of Levi Carroll, a formerly enslaved labourer who played a significant role in the settlement of this area. Learn more about his story and journey to freedom at the City of Waterloo Museum exhibit, curated by local historian and researcher Peggy Plet: Seeking Home: The Story of Black Settler Levi Carroll.