Premier King issues statement marking Emancipation Day

On Tuesday, Premier Dennis King issued a statement marking Emancipation Day yesterday.  King says it’s an important day to recognize the strength and perseverance of Black communities.  In 1833, the British Empire introduced the Slavery Abolition Act and on August 1, 1834, slavery was abolished.   The Premier says it’s important to acknowledge that slavery was present in Atlantic Canada, including PEI. The Bog was a neighbourhood in Charlottetown settled by Black slaves in the early 19^th century.  In recognition of Emancipation Day, The Black Cultural Society of PEI held a celebration event in Rochford Square, formerly the Bog, on Tuesday night.