The longest continuous running Emancipation picnic in North America (since 1862) will be held this month in Owen Sound, Ontario, to celebrate the abolition of slavery in Canada and in the United States.

July 31 - August 2nd, Owen Sound will be filled with the voices of young and old, each honoring the countless number of Africans who, after centuries of enslavement, were finally set free. The Owen Sound event will, in addition to the picnic, include a speaker's panel, a gospel celebration, crafts fair, games, spoken word, music and song.

For more information, see their Web site:
www.emancipation.ca/calendar-of-events/

I'm sorry I won't be able to be there this year ... next year, for sure. My cousin, Dennis Scott, is one of the event organizers. If you see him, give him a big hug for me.

- Lisa B. Lee
Oakland, CA