An Invite to All from Matter of Black, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 and based in Niagara, Ontario
Posted July 17th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
St. Catharines, Ontario – This Sunday, July 20th to Friday, August 1st 2025. join us for Emancipation Day STC, a vibrant celebration of freedom and community spirit.
This year’s events promise an exciting array of activities for everyone to enjoy, culminating at the “Big Picnic” at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie on Sunday, July 27th.
Kick-off on Sunday, July 20th: The festivities begin on July 20th with a “Walk to Freedom.”
Join us for a free guided walk around the historic 1850s Black community of Downtown St. Catharines with Ken Johnston. For years, Ken Johnston has hiked Black heritage trails across the U.S., retracing the steps of civil rights pioneers and the freedom seekers who fled slavery and made the long journey north.
We are excited to welcome him into St. Catharines and to walk alongside him as he makes his way through Niagara.
To register for the walk click here –<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/st-catharines-walk-to-freedom-tickets-1448927694739?aff=oddtdtcreator> or visit mydowntown.ca/event/walk-to-freedom/
SOUL Film Screening on Friday, July 25th: In partnership with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre we invite you to join us in Recital Hall for a free screening of SOUL. SOUL is a family friendly film that follows Joe, a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz — and he’s good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
Click here to get your free tickets – <https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-25FILM07-Soul&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=>
Or visit www.firstontariopac.ca
Salem Chapel BME Church Tour on Saturday, July 26th: Join us for self-guided tours at the historic Salem Chapel BME Church, 92 Geneva St. St.Catharines <https://www.google.com/maps/search/92+Geneva+St.+St.Catharines?entry=gmail&source=g> from 11am-3pm. At 12pm attendees will enjoy a special tour talk by local historian Rochelle Bush, offering insights into the chapel’s important role in the history of emancipation.
Big Picnic at Lakeside Park on Sunday, July 27th: The highlight of Emancipation Day STC is the Big Picnic on Sunday, July 27th at Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie.
This incredible day will feature:
- Headline Performance by LMT: Enjoy a captivating performance by LMT, known for their powerful and soulful music.
- Opening Act by Rennatha: St. Catharines native and now Ottawa-based singer, Rennatha, will open for LMT, performing with her band VyBe.
- Steel Orchestra Performance by PK Hummingbird: Let the enchanting melodies of steel drums transport you to the Caribbean.
- Music and Dance Workshops: Participate in engaging music and dance workshops that celebrate diverse cultural traditions.
- Face Painting and Yard Games: Have fun with face painting and yard games suitable for all ages.
Vendor Market: Explore a variety of unique products and services from local vendors.
Food Trucks: Delight in delicious offerings from local food trucks, ensuring a great culinary experience.
August 1st Celebrations: The festivities continue on August 1st with:
Flag Raising Ceremony at Richard Pierpoint Park: Join us at 12 PM at Richard Pierpoint Park for a flag-raising ceremony, symbolizing unity and freedom.
Sponsors: Emancipation Day STC is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Accenture, Meridian Credit Union, the City of St.Catharines, FirstOntario Performing Arts Center, and Niagara College. We thank them for their commitment to celebrating freedom, culture, and community.
Emancipation Day STC is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to a future of unity and inclusivity. We invite everyone to join us in this joyous commemoration of freedom, culture, and community.
About Matter of Black – Matter of Black is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 by Erika Smith, Jaida Steenhuis, and Natasha Bell, all of whom are descendents of freedom seekers who settled in the Niagara Region. In partnership with community groups and allies, the group has revitalized Emancipation Day celebrations in the city of St. Catharines since 2020.
For more from Matter of Black, clic on – https://www.matterofblack.ca/
Come together to celebrate freedom, culture, and community at Emancipation Day STC 2025!
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