Honouring 191 Years of Liberation Through Black Joy and Rest

Step into a vibrant animated journey that brings to life some of the rich, interwoven histories of Black communities across Canada — where joy, resilience and cultural brilliance have shaped this country in powerful ways.

What do cowboys, high-society barbers, churches, and a parade have in common? They all tell the powerful story of Black joy, resilience and community across Canada.

In Alberta, meet trailblazing Black pioneers and cowboys like John Ware, whose legacy helped shape the West. In Nova Scotia, explore the churches that fuelled the abolition movement and hosted joyful community picnics for generations.

Travel to Windsor, Ontario, where the legendary Greatest Freedom Show on Earth drew tens of thousands in a four-day celebration of freedom, creativity and cross-border connection. In Quebec, learn about a high-society barbershop that used the latest fashion magazines to maintain its pre-eminence while welcoming British military officers, high society members and the public.

This experience features stories, historical photographs and hands-on objects such as musical instruments — all celebrating liberation, leisure and the richness of Black life in Canada.

This special event is for the whole family — an invitation to learn, celebrate and reflect upon incredible moments in Canadian history. Through powerful visuals and storytelling, the narratives of leisure, artistry and joy that have long defined Black life across this land are reclaimed.

This program was created by Keisha Cuffie.
Keisha Cuffie is an author, educator, curator, and the CEO of Black Legacy Collective (BLC). She co-curated the Black History Exhibit at Upper Canada Village, helping bring important stories of Black heritage to life. In 2025, BLC was awarded the prestigious four-year Digital Museums Digital Project grant for Keisha’s digital project focused on nationally accessible history. She is currently completing her postgraduate studies at Carleton University, where her research focuses on Black history and its role in education and public spaces.

August 1 to November 19, 2025