Amherstburg Freedom Museum putting twist on Emancipation Gala

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is putting a new twist on its annual Emancipation Gala.

The museum has dubbed this year’s version a “No-Show Emancipation Gala” and will be presenting a virtual program. There will be in-person events in Windsor that the museum will be involved in, though.

“We decided to pivot to a different kind of fundraising event this year in order to give our supporters some relief from the usual fancy galas we often ask them to attend, especially after last year’s spectacular 50th anniversary gala,” said assistant curator Irene Moore Davis. “Whereas normally over the Emancipation Weekend there is a face-to-face Emancipation Gala (banquet, red carpet, speeches by dignitaries, awards, etc.) hosted by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and there’s also the multi-day Emancipation Jubilee hosted by the Black Moore Davis said this year, there is something extra taking place. 

“Many of us are also attending or involved in the City of Windsor’s special Emancipation commemoration which will be held Aug. 1 in Jackson Park, featuring the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Emancipation Plaza at 10:15 a.m.,” she said. “There’s a lot happening locally this coming weekend!”

The “No-Show Emancipation Gala” will be for this year only, Moore Davis stated. She said supporters can avoid having to get dressed up, look for a parking spot and attend a dinner.

“This year we’re encouraging supporters to donate online and relax, knowing they’ve made a difference. After donating, they can wear what they want, eat what they want, put their feet up, and be comfy,” she said. “Each donor will receive an exclusive link that allows them to watch the virtual gala program at their convenience between Aug. 1-3. There’s no difference in the virtual programming that a donor will see based on their donation level.”

Supporters can make donations ranging from $50 to $250. The No-Show Emancipation Gala donation link can be found at www.amherstburgfreedom.org. 

“We’ve been posting whimsical social media content about the No-Show Emancipation Gala that emphasizes ‘All of the impact. None of the hassle!’ Yet while the promotions are whimsical and this year’s event informal, the need to preserve our history has never been more urgent,” said Moore Davis. “Every dollar raised through this initiative directly funds the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s ongoing operations and our mission of sharing Black history for universal inspiration.”

Amherstburg Freedom Museum putting twist on Emancipation Gala

By Ron Giofu