George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
The Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce will recognize Dr. Gervan Fearon during a special Emancipation Day celebration.
George Brown Polytechnic President Dr. Gervan Fearon will be honoured this Emancipation Day at a special public celebration recognizing his groundbreaking legacy as the first Black president of a Canadian university.
Hosted by the Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, the August 1 celebration will commemorate Dr. Fearon's contributions to Brandon University, where he served as president from 2014 to 2017, as well as his lasting impact on higher education in Canada.
About the celebration
The celebration includes a Youth Fireside Chat, providing students, emerging leaders, and young professionals an opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Fearon, ask questions, and learn from his leadership journey.
The celebration will also include a Legacy Award Gala, recognizing Dr. Fearon’s historic leadership and contributions to Brandon University, the City of Brandon, Manitoba, and Canadian higher education.
What's Emancipation Day?
Observed annually on August 1, Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act coming into effect across the British Empire in 1834. The day recognizes the history and legacy of slavery in Canada, honours the resilience and contributions of Black communities, and invites Canadians to reflect on the ongoing work to advance equity and combat anti-Black racism.
As Dr. Fearon is honoured this Emancipation Day, the George Brown community joins in celebrating his groundbreaking achievement as Canada's first Black university president and his continued leadership in higher education.