United Nations to Host Exhibition on Enslavement of Black People in Canada

In a significant event marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the United Nations will host the exhibition A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada at its New York headquarters from March 18 to April 20. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, aims to shed light on Canada’s historical involvement in slavery. The opening reception is scheduled for March 24, featuring remarks from notable officials and a guided tour by the exhibition’s curator.

Opening Reception Details

The exhibition’s opening reception will take place on March 24 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the United Nations Visitors’ Lobby. Members of the press are encouraged to RSVP by March 22 to secure their attendance. The event will feature speeches from high-ranking officials, including representatives from the United Nations and the Canadian Permanent Mission. Attendees can look forward to a guided tour led by Dan Conlin, the former curator of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Additionally, a spoken-word performance by Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack, will enhance the evening’s cultural offerings. The Barbados Poet Laureate, Esther Phillips, will also be present and is set to speak at the General Assembly on March 25, further commemorating this important day.

Exhibition Highlights

*A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada* is a groundbreaking exhibition that explores over two centuries of slavery in Canada under French and British colonial rule. It delves into the country’s role in the enslavement and trade of Africans, contextualizing it within the broader framework of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The exhibition highlights how slavery was legally sanctioned across the colonies that would eventually form Canada. One of the powerful narratives featured is that of Marie Josèphe Angélique, who famously set a fire in Montreal in 1734 as a form of resistance against slavery. This exhibition marks Canada’s first national showcase dedicated to the history of slavery and is set to travel to nearly 20 locations across Canada through 2029.

Significance and Impact

The exhibition has garnered attention for its role in addressing a long-overlooked chapter of Canadian history. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of the exhibit in illuminating the complex realities of enslavement and honoring the resilience of affected communities. He stated that the exhibition serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by generations and calls for a commitment to truth, justice, and equality. Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lasting legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on Canada. The exhibition aims to educate the public and ensure that the legacy of slavery does not define future societies.

About the Organizers

The United Nations Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery was established in 2007 to raise awareness about the history and impact of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which is involved in this exhibition, is dedicated to sharing the ongoing story of immigration in Canada. Located at the Pier 21 National Historic Site in Halifax, the museum has welcomed nearly one million immigrants since its inception. Together, these organizations aim to confront the legacies of slavery and promote understanding and inclusivity in society.

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