Emancipation Day celebration in Windsor, Ont., was known as 'the greatest freedom show on earth.'
'Anti-Black racism wasn't abolished' when slavery was, says senator.
Black advocates hope B.C.'s proclamation of Emancipation Day sparks change.
Emancipation Day is being recognized by the federal government this year for the first time, but at least one Canadian community has celebrated it since before Confederation.
On March 24, members of Parliament voted unanimously to designate Aug. 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada. The date marks Aug. 1, 1834, when slavery was abolished in the British colonies, including Canada.
The motion was introduced by Liberal MP Majid Jowhari, who represents the riding of Richmond Hill, Ont. It was seconded by Conservative MP Alex Ruff of Owen Sound, Ont., where Emancipation Day has been celebrated since 1862.
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