The start of August marks one of the most significant events in Caribbean history. Anglophone or English-speaking countries across the Caribbean commemorate the end of centuries of oppression. August 1, 1834, marked the abolition of chattel slavery in the former British Empire. Many consider the date to be the “birth of the Caribbean,” which is usually celebrated on the 1st of the month.
Emancipation Day was first established after the British Parliament passed the Slave Emancipation Act in 1833, “banning its policy of enslaving and transporting Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean islands.” Today, this historic moment is commemorated in Britain’s former colonies in the Caribbean and Canada.
More than two million enslaved people toiled on sugar plantations in Britain’s colonies in the Caribbean during the slave trade. Over time, enslaved Africans began pushing back against the atrocities of slavery through massive revolts, including Bussa’s Rebellion in Barbados, Fedeon’s Rebellion in Grenada and The Berbice Slave Rebellion in Guyana.
These acts of bravery helped pave the way for emancipation in the 1800s. In observance of 190 years since slavery was initially abolished in the English speaking Caribbean, here are some facts you should know about the journey toward freedom among these countries.
1. These Are The Countries That Celebrate Emancipation Day On August 1
Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in Jamaica, Guyana, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, St.Vincent and The Grenadines, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The Bahamas and The British Virgin Islands. August 1 is also observed as Emancipation Day in Canada as the date marked the end of enslavement there too. A few English Caribbean islands observe Emancipation Day on August 5
2. Enslaved People Were Emancipated But Forced Into ‘Apprenticeships’
Even after emancipation was officially declared on August 1, 1834, the newly ‘freed’ people were forced into a period of apprenticeship. Apprenticeship was touted as a period to transition from enslavement into freedom while earning a small stipend. However, there were little changes in treatment and working conditions under apprenticeship. Formerly enslaved people in the Caribbean were still expected to remain on the plantations and continue to work for little to no pay. In other words, Black people in the Caribbean were not truly free until four years later when the system of apprenticeship came to an end after Parliament voted for complete emancipation to take effect from August 1, 1838.
3. Trinidad and Tobago Was The First Country In The World To Declare Emancipation Day A National Holiday
The twin-island Republic declared Emancipation Day a national holiday in 1985. The holiday replaced the country’s Columbus Discovery Day, commemorating Columbus’ landing at Moruga on July 31, 1498. August 1 was selected as the date because it was on that day in 1838 that the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect. Earlier this year, Trinidad & Tobagao’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, announced that this day would now officially be referred to as African Emancipation Day. “The time has come for us to make it quite clear what Emancipation means, and who’s being emancipated and from what,” said Rowley.
4. Slavery Was Abolished In The Caribbean Before It Was In The United States
Throughout the early 1800s, discussions regarding emancipation began throughout the Caribbean. On August 1, 1833, the Slave Emancipation Act was passed and slavery was totally abolished on August 1, 1838, after the institution of ‘apprenticeship’ ceased on August 1, 1834. Slavery was abolished in the French colonies in 1848. Slavery was not abolished in the United States until 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment, and slavery was formally banned in Brazil in 1888.
5. Here’s How Emancipation Day Is Celebrated
Emancipation Day is often packed with vibrant activities that honor the strength and resilience of Black people who fought for freedom. You’ll find everything from parades and concerts to exhibitions and fashion shows. These events often feature well-known musicians, artists, and scholars who share insights into the history of slavery, the fight for freedom, the incredible contributions of people of African descent, and the ongoing push for reparatory justice.