National

Test Your Knowledge On What Is Emancipation Day

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Today is Emancipation Day, known commonly as August Monday.

Published

5 months ago

August 5, 2024

Marlena Leonard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Today is Emancipation Day, known commonly as August Monday.

But how many of us know what the holiday is for? Our Marlena Leonard explains in this quick walk through history.

The first Monday of every August is a public holiday in The Bahamas but while most of us are planning our holiday beach day or travel there are still some unaware of what the holiday is for.

Emancipation Day, also known as August Monday, is marked to celebrate the day enslaved people in the British colonies were freed in 1834 when the slavery abolition act of 1833 came into effect, ending centuries of Britain’s involvement the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Anti-slavery movements were been growing among the British public, and there had been calls for slavery’s abolition for almost 50 years before the abolition act was signed in 1833.

This year’s Emancipation Day marks 190 years of freedom, So enjoy the celebratory Junkanoo or beaching, even more-so when you’re mindful for the reason for the holiday.

Reporting for Our News, I’m Marlena Leonard.