1838 – Freedom Day: Slavery Abolished in Bermuda

On June 4, 1838, Bermuda officially ended the practice of slavery, aligning with Britain’s wider emancipation efforts across its empire. Though the Slavery Abolition Act had been passed in 1833, it took several years for full emancipation to be enforced across British colonies. In Bermuda, over 4,000 enslaved Africans were freed. The day became known as Bermuda’s Freedom Day. Despite emancipation, freed Blacks in Bermuda faced systemic discrimination, exclusion from power, and economic marginalization. Nevertheless, they built resilient communities and contributed significantly to Bermudian society. June 4 stands as a local yet globally connected milestone in the history of abolition. It remains a day of reflection and celebration of Black resilience and freedom in the Caribbean.