A large crowd gathered at Rochford Square in Charlottetown on Saturday for the biggest Emancipation Day celebration held on Prince Edward Island since the occasion was officially recognised in 2021. “This is the biggest turnout that we’ve had celebrating Emancipation Day here on Prince Edward Island,” said Jasonique Moss, a board member of the Black Cultural Society and event emcee. University of Prince Edward Island student Anjola Quadri encouraged attendees to use history as a foundation for progress. Pedro Akpe, who moved to Prince Edward Island from Nigeria in 2015, said the celebration showed how communities can come together despite differences. Charlottetown West Royalty MLA Gord McNeilly, who introduced the 2021 legislation recognising Emancipation Day, said he would continue advocating for greater recognition of The Bog.