Rhythm & Blues Cambridge will be celebrating black culture and history in the city’s second Emancipation Day celebration. 

On July 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Cambridge community is invited to Soper Park to celebrate black history and the freeing of slaves nearly 200 years ago. 

Local African, Caribbean and Black leaders, community members, organizations, artisans and entertainers are gathering together for a day of learning, entertainment, poetry, cultural performances and food.

“Emancipation Day marks the abolition of slavery across the former British Empire. August 1st has always been an important date for African, Caribbean and Black people across Canada to honour the resiliency of our communities,” said Rhythm & Blues Cambridge in a press release. 

The grassroots organization notes they are thrilled to bring this important event back to Waterloo Region to teach current and future generations about their past. 

The day will include performances by various artists and groups including Reggaddiction, Guyanese Fit Chick, Afro Tribal Dancers, Fiyah Brigade and more.

Carnival Spice, a Caribbean dance and entertainment group will be performing and help bring Caribbean culture to life and bring a piece of the island life to Cambridge. 

“There will be dancing, children’s activities and a wisdom bench for people to learn more about emancipation in Canada.  In addition, Lazah Current will be joining us as the headliner for the event,” said Rhythm & Blues Cambridge.

The organization adds they have been working tirelessly to provide residents of Waterloo Region with opportunities to celebrate Black excellence through education, music, art, and movement. “This will be a vibrant Emancipation Day celebration in Cambridge and we hope to see you there”

Rhythm & Blues Cambridge is a grassroots, Black women led organization founded in 2018 with the mission to provide a safe, engaging space to empower, inform and inspire the Black community in Cambridge.

Their programs centre on Black joy, resistance, healing, and belonging; allowing the community to take pride in their heritage.

“Through our Black History Month events, Black Girl Excellence program, Art From the Heart processing workshops and summer camps, we engage with our community through healing, empowerment, and celebration.”

\We also partner with larger networks that serve Waterloo Region as a whole, including our local school board and libraries, to bring this much-needed programming to Black families throughout Waterloo Region.”

To learn more about the festivities and Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, please visit their website.