African Heritage Month

In February, we're diving into our community to celebrate African Heritage Month with this year's theme: "Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience" as African Nova Scotians.

The beginnings of Black History Month

But first, let's go back in time and explore Black History Month's beginnings in Canada. Black History Month was first declared in Canada in 1979, the year Toronto made history. This ground-breaking project was led by Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson Brooks, the founders of the Ontario Black History Society. Fast forward to Nova Scotia, where the first Black History Month was observed in 1988. Later, in 1996, it was rightfully renamed African Heritage Month, reflecting the vibrant and diverse legacy of African Nova Scotians' contributions.

Organizations and activities

 Now that African Heritage Month is well underway, let's explore some enriching activities and ways to support organizations in Nova Scotia that are dedicated to preserving and promoting Black history and culture.

 Here are some fantastic organizations in Nova Scotia that you can visit and continue to support:

  •  Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia: go deep into the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of African Nova Scotians at the Black Cultural Centre. From engaging exhibitions to educational programs, this center is a hub of celebration and learning.

  •   Africville Museum: a historic Black community in Halifax that was unjustly demolished in the 1960s. The Africville Museum commemorates the resilience and spirit of the Africville residents through exhibits, artifacts, and storytelling.

  •   The Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute: This institute is committed to advancing African Nova Scotian learners' academic achievement and cultural pride through innovative programs and resources.

  •  Nova Scotia Archives: Explore the rich collection of documents, photographs, and records related to African Nova Scotian history at the Nova Scotia Archives. It's a treasure trove for anyone interested in diving deeper into the past.

  • Black Loyalist Heritage Center: The center commemorates the journey and experiences of Black Loyalists who fled the United States during the American Revolutionary War and settled in Nova Scotia in the late 18th century.

Let's now add some fun activities to your African Heritage Month celebration:

 

 These resources should help you get started on your African Heritage Month journey in Nova Scotia, whether you're looking to learn, support local businesses, or express your creativity. Enjoy exploring and celebrating the vibrant culture and history of African Nova Scotians!

 

References:

https://www.novascotia.com/trip-ideas/stories/discover-african-nova-scotia

https://bccns.com/our-centre/

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html