Celebrating Black History in Ontario

OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 4, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing $2,300 to the Emancipation Festival through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program to support the 153^rd edition of their annual summer event in Owen Sound. This year's activities take place from July 31 to August 27 and include an artist and artisan show, speakers' forum and musical performances.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• The Emancipation Festival has been holding an annual Black History celebration and commemoration event in Owen Sound since 1862
• The village of Sydenham near Owen Sound was the most northerly terminus of the Underground Railroad.

Quotes

"Our Government of Canada recognizes the value of local arts and heritage activities, and we are proud to invest in projects like the Emancipation Festival that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"The Emancipation Festival is a longstanding tradition in Owen Sound, and I am pleased to see that the Government will be supporting its continued success. I would like to thank the organizers for all the hard work they have put into this event and I look forward to another great festival this summer."

-Larry Miller, Member of Parliament (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound)

"It is with great pleasure that the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival acknowledges their successful application for a 2015 Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage federal grant. This type of support is key to the continued success of the Festival's many programs. The awarding of $2,300 will ensure that the level of commitment to our endeavours can continue."

- Blaine Courtney, Chair, Owen Sound Emancipation Festival

Associated Links

Emancipation Festival

Owen Sound's Black History

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

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