On June 19, 2019, PortaLaw began offering free legal consultations to folks who have been discriminated against at work based on race, colour, ancestry or place of origin. This is one way our lawyers are contributing their skills and knowledge to do good.

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached its final audience in Texas.

In Canada, August 1st is the anniversary of the proclamation of the Abolition of Slavery Act in the British colonies. This original Emancipation Day was on August 1, 1833 – not that long ago.

Writer Kathleen Newman-Bremang said that the fight against anti-Black racism isn’t a “moment” and that alongside acknowledging Emancipation Day, we have to face the hard uncomfortable truths about the reality of Black life in Canada. Kathleen is right.

The truth is that anti-Black racism and systemic oppression is alive in our Canadian communities (just look at the BC Human Rights Tribunal’s recent decision in Francis v BC Ministry of Justice, or the recent unlawful and abhorrent detention of the Honourable Justice Romilly).

For us at PortaLaw, Juneteenth and Emancipation Day are for honouring Blackness, learning and assuming responsibility for the status quo.

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