SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO - Emancipation Day celebrations are lined up for July 31 at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site.

It’s an annual celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in the British Empire.

Everyone is welcome for the fun and educational day featuring traditional African music, storytelling, re-enactments, lectures and African-Canadian cuisine.

Admission is free, thanks to the support of the RBC Foundation.

The day’s events will include the unveiling of a plaque to Hugh Burnett and the National Unity Association commemorating their work to advance human rights in Ontario.