August 1 is Emancipation Day; a day that is pivotal to the mental health and well-being of Black Nova Scotians. Emancipation Day marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire. It’s a time to celebrate Black resilience; to reflect, and educate ourselves on the strength, perseverance, and lived experience of Black Nova Scotia Scotians.
Here are 5 simple ways you can support Black Mental Health in honour of Emancipation Day.
1. Acknowledge. Despite the abolishment of slavery 187 years ago, Black Nova Scotians continue to face racism and discrimination. Marking Emancipation Day acknowledges that slavery took place in Canada and is a step toward true freedom for people of African descent and the dismantling of systemic racism.
2. Educate. Relearn the history of slavery in our province and aim to understand how it impacted — and continues to impact — the mental health of people of African descent. Acknowledge the impact the omission of slavery in Canada and other parts of Black history have also had on the mental health and well-being of our Black communities.
3. Listen. Emancipation Day focuses on celebrating Black liberation and Black Canadian stories. Attend events, read books and poetry, experience art and music, visit Black-owned businesses and follow/like/share their social media accounts. Learn our shared history and make an effort fill in the gaps that exist in our history books.
4. Engage. Help create space for healing the multigenerational trauma caused by slavery. For those of us who are not Black it's important to remember that supporting Black mental health means amplifying, not appropriating, Black voices. Donate to initiatives like the Nova Scotia Brotherhood Initiative that provide culturally appropriate mental health supports for communities of colour.
5. Reflect. Stop to think about the meaning behind Emancipation Day. Consider the different holidays we choose to celebrate, and how the acknowledgment of those days affects the mental health of those who are celebrated or omitted.
Observing Emancipation Day is an important way to acknowledge our country’s unedited history, reflect on its impact, and take steps toward dismantling systemic racism. Together, we can improve the mental health of Black Nova Scotians.