As a result of significant funding for the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival, the 155th annual celebration will present award winning author Lawrence Hill at its expanded celebration. Mr. Hill will be the keynote speaker for the Third Annual Les MacKinnon Memorial Address at the Speaker's Forum which will be hosted at The Roxy Theatre.

The importance of an event to any community is reflected in the support it is able to attract. Over its 155 years of ongoing activity, the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival has continuallygarnered community goodwill and enthusiastic supporters to allow for meaningful programming. "2017 may represent the greatest testimony to that statement" said Festival Chair Blaine Courtney. Through the dedication of the Board and volunteers, corporate, public and philanthropic sector contributions along with local donor and sponsor support has allowed the Festival to enhance the full weekend program beginning with Lawrence Hill, award winning author of the best-selling Book of Negroes.  The recent winner of the $50,000 Canada Council for the Arts' 2017 Molson Prize for his distinguished arts career, Mr. Hill will receive this reward at The Roxy.

The North is Freedom by Yuri Dojc is another riveting complement to the 155th annual Festival. Featuring images of local families, the exhibit honours the contributions of once-enslaved African Americans and their descendants who came to Canada via the Underground Railroad to find refuge in Grey and Bruce Counties. Portion of this exhibit were featured at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC to celebrate the 2016 opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture."In an era punctuated by escalating discrimination faced by the Black community, newcomers, Muslims, Indigenous persons and many others, the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival is proud of its efforts to keep the local Black history alive while highlighting the important contributions of Black Canadians. We are extremely thankful to everyone who supports us through volunteering, donations or talent" said Blaine Courtney, who will retire after 10 years of valued service to the organization, including seven years as Chairperson.

The popular  picnic, ancestors' breakfast and gospel music will continue to be part of the 155th Emancipation Festival.

source: media release, Emancipation Festival