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Jane’s Walk Halifax 2024
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Jane’s Walk Halifax 2024

Quiet Revolutionaries: Remembering Those Who Challenged Segregation in Nova Scotia

Jane’s Walk Halifax

A downloadable and printable pamphlet with info on the Jane’s Walk.

Did you know that the last segregated school in Canada closed in 1983 and was located just outside of Halifax? Join the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia on Sunday, May 5th at the historic Camp Hill Cemetery for an engaging conversation about the history of segregation in Nova Scotia. During the walk, we will explore the notion that Camp Hill Cemetery exists as a tangible record of both our shared history of segregation, as well as the ways we remember and carry on the spirit of those who fought for a better world. All are welcome!

2024 Summer Employment Opportunities

2024 Summer Employment Opportunities

The Black Cultural Centre is pleased to be able to offer multiple summer employment positions this year. The application deadline is May 17, 2024.

Students who are currently enrolled in an educational institution and plan to return to studies in the fall and are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment are eligible to apply.

Current Opportunities:

Museum Interpreter / Tour Guide 
– Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

Multi-Media Researcher / Archivist
– Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

All positions range in duration from 8-12 weeks (Starting late May/Early June) and are a total of 35 hours per week with an hourly rate of $16.00 per hour.

Job Title: Museum Interpreter / Tour Guide

Location: Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

Work Language: English, basic French knowledge would be an asset but not required.

Application Deadline: May 17, 2024

Be Inspired! Celebrate Nova Scotia’s rich Black History

Be a part of sharing the rich history and diverse culture of African Nova Scotians. The Black Cultural Centre established in 1983 is looking for energetic and creative individuals to inspire and welcome visitors to the museum, assist in developing programs and events.

Job Description: Be part of the museum team, interacting with visitors to the museum. Occasional assignments which will include assisting with exhibits that portray African Nova Scotian heritage as well as guided tours and hosting visitors. Research and gathering of oral history. Providing services that assist tourists and researchers in gaining valuable knowledge of Black history and culture through the many displays, exhibits and artifacts at the Black Cultural Centre.

Duties: Provide guided museum interpretive tours to visitors; assist public in orientation to Centre; conduct youth activity programs and summer camps; assist in library research by patrons; conduct oral history interviews, assist in retail sales in gift shop, assist in museum and display maintenance and upkeep. Update basic web pages and develop web newsletter content. The position will also include duties associated with special programs, events and general museum operations. Access to a computer and internet for remote work my be required.

Qualifications:
-University and/or college student (returning to studies);
-General knowledge and interest of African-Nova Scotia History;
-Digital graphics computer skills (Photography, Photoshop etc)
-Good verbal and written communication skills;
-Able to conduct research and conduct interviews;
-Ability to conduct research via internet and library;
-Customer service skills an asset;
-Ability to read/write French would be an asset;
-Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office;
-Retail experience an asset;

Important Notes:

How To Apply:

Step 1: Submit resume and cover letter via email: jobs@bccns.com or via fax: 902-434-2306
Application Deadline: May 17, 2024

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Title: Multi-Media Researcher / Archivist  

Location: Cherry Brook

Work Language: English, basic French knowledge would be an asset but not required.

Application Deadline: May 17, 2024

Be Inspired! Celebrate Nova Scotia’s rich Black History

Be a part of sharing the rich history and diverse culture of African Nova Scotians. The Black Cultural Centre established in 1983 is looking for energetic and creative individuals to inspire and welcome visitors to the museum.

Job Description: To be part of the Black Cultural Centre’s program team, responsible for community virtual programs, and the development of multi-media content. Assignments, which will include assisting with multi-media creation of exhibits and virtual displays that portray African Nova Scotian heritage. Development of virtual content for online sharing as well as the gathering of oral and community histories from Canada’s Black community. Digitizing of digital records and artifacts in various formats, such as audio, video and animated graphics. Providing services that assist researchers and the public at large in gaining valuable knowledge of Black history and culture through digital content. Interacting with members of the African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province to create virtual content. Access to a computer and internet for remote work may be required.

Duties: Development and create of digital content and multi-media content that promotes and protects Black history and culture.

Qualifications:
-University and/or college student (returning to studies);
-General knowledge and interest of African-Nova Scotia History;
-Video and photography knowledge is an assets
-Digital graphics computer skills (Photography, Photoshop etc);
-Good verbal and written communication skills;
-Video and Audio editing skills
-Ability to read/write French would be an asset;
-Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office

Important Notes:

How To Apply:

Step 1: Submit resume and cover letter via email: jobs@bccns.com or via fax: 902-434-2306
Application Deadline: May 17, 2024

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

African Heritage Month Gala 2024

African Heritage Month Gala 2024

A Celebration of Black Art & Culture

PRESENTED BY: RBC

 

Join us for an exciting evening at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia as we celebrate African Heritage Month 2024! This gala is a vibrant showcase of Black arts & culture that will leave you inspired and entertained. Featuring Gary Beals and a host of African Canadian talent.

 

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is hosting a Gala event presented by RBC to celebrate and honour the Black Presence in Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia and Canada. The 2024 African Heritage Month Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday, February 24th, at 5:30 pm at the Halifax Convention Centre. It will be an evening of great cultural entertainment, artistic engagement, and food. The headlining artist will be former Canadian Idol and award-winning artist, Gary Beals along with a host of cultural performers and artists. The spectacular evening will also include a pre-reception Cultural Village that will highlight organizations that support and elevate Black Culture, Heritage and Art. Tickets are $100 per person (plus fees), and corporate tables are also available. For tickets and more information visit: www.bccns.com/gala2024

 

This event is presented by RBC and is supported by a host of community partner organizations: Black Culture and Heritage Foundation of Canada, CTV Atlantic, Move 100, 101.3 Virgin Radio, Dance Nova Scotia, Symphony Nova Scotia, Neptune Theatre, The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax Convention Centre, Black Business Initiative, African Nova Scotian Affairs, Halifax Stanfield Airport, Tribe and Encore.

 

The commencement of African Heritage Month is traced back to 1926. Harvard-educated Black historian, Carter G. Woodson, founded Negro History Week to recognize the achievements made by African Americans.

 

Woodson purposefully chose February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln who were both key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks. In the 1950’s Negro History Week was celebrated in Canada, and in 1976 it was expanded to Black History Month.

 

For over the past decades, contributions of African-Canadians have been acknowledged informally, however Nova Scotia has set a path for Canada’s recognition of African Heritage Month. Our province has been a leader in the promotion and recognition of our African heritage to our country.

 

This event will be in support of the Black Cultural Centre’s capital plan to expand.

 

Tickets are $100.00 Each (plus fees) and are available now online. 

African Heritage Month 2024 – Theme Announced

African Heritage Month Information Network

Nova Scotia – Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 22, 2023

CELEBRATE AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2024

Sharing the History and Culture of African Nova Scotians

This year’s African Heritage Month provincial theme, Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians, outlines the spirit of perseverance that people of African Descent have demonstrated over the centuries in our province. It can be said that our smiles can tell a story, they can share our joy and can share our resilience. This African Heritage Month we celebrate our heritage and culture and the incredible spirt to overcome. The theme also aligns with the final year of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024. The goal of DPAD is to strengthen global cooperation in support of people of African descent, increase awareness and the passage towards presence in all aspects of society.

Nova Scotia has 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a long, deep and complex history dating back over 200 years. African Heritage Month provides us with another opportunity to celebrate our culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of our people – past and present.

From the beginning

The commencement of Black Heritage Month (now referred to as African Heritage Month) is traced back to 1926. Harvard-educated Black historian, Carter G. Woodson, founded Negro History Week to recognize the achievements made by African Americans.  

Woodson purposefully chose February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln who were both key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks. In the 1950’s Negro History Week was celebrated in Canada, and in 1976 it was expanded to Black History Month.

Black History Month in Canada

For over the past decades, contributions of African-Canadians have been acknowledged informally, however Nova Scotia has set a path for Canada’s recognition of African Heritage Month. Our province has been a leader in the promotion and recognition of our African heritage to our country.  Some efforts of Nova Scotia include: 

  • 1985 – The “official” opening night of Black History Month at the North Branch Library
  • 1987 – First meeting of the Black History Month Association
  • 1988 – First Black History Month in Nova Scotia
  • 1994 – Black History Month Association was officially incorporated in Nova Scotia
  • 1996 – Black History Month renamed to African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia
  •  

We believe some of these efforts have influenced our country to take action on a national level:

1995 – The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

  • 2008 – The Senate officially declared February as Black History Month by Nova Scotia Senator Donald Oliver, Q.C., the first Black man appointed to the Senate.  His motion was the final parliamentary procedure needed for Canada’s permanent recognition of Black History Month.
  •  

About the African Heritage Month Information Network

The African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN) is a partnership between the Black Cultural Centre/ Society, African Nova Scotian Affairs, African Nova Scotian Music Association, African Heritage Month Southwest Network, Black History Month Association, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association, Halifax Regional Municipality’s African Nova Scotian Integration Office, and Guysborough, Antigonish Strait African Regional Network.

Each year, we produce an educational poster that is distributed and displayed in community gathering centers, schools, churches, government offices and businesses. Those interested in ordering a copy, please visit www.bccns.com/ahmposter.

The AHMIN also facilitates African Heritage Month events and municipal proclamations across the province. A full listing is available at: http://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com

For more information about African History Month, please contact:

Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 434-6223
Email: contact@bccns.com

40th Anniversary & Capital Expansion Plans

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia celebrates
its 40th Anniversary

Cherry Brook, NS – August 29, 2023

It is celebration time, and time to expand facilities at one of the ‘precious gems’ in the Nova Scotia Cultural and Heritage crown.

It was forty years ago on September 17th, 1983 when a dream of the late Rev. Dr. William Pearly Oliver came to fruition. It was the opening of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. A museum and educational centre designed and commissioned to protect, preserve, and promote the culture and history of African Nova Scotians.

In this 40th year we begin to elevate the Centre to a new place; a National Black Cultural and Heritage Centre of Excellence.

Our Patron Co-Chairs for the Centre’s 40th Anniversary events are the Honourable Dr. Mayann E. Francis, ONS and the Honourable Dr. Wayne Adams, ONS, CM.

The Black Cultural Centre started small, and today it is internationally recognized. It is Canada’s largest and oldest provincial museum dedicated to Black Culture and Heritage. And of course, Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black Culture and Heritage in Canada.

The Black Cultural Centre is pleased to announce that over the past year we launched a capitol foundation that will aid in major fundraising efforts. We have in place the Black Culture and Heritage Foundation of Canada, chaired by the Hon. Wayne Adams.

Throughout the next twelve months, the Centre will host a series of special events and programs to support our new and exciting 40,000 square foot expansion plans. The Centre’s capital campaign is valued at 40 million dollars. We are pleased to share that Mr. Gregory Keating, long-time friend and support of the organization has provided our first contribution of half a million dollars.

The new expanded facility will include a dedicated 300-seat theatre for performing arts and artists; a grand hall for community use events and an expanded and needed new archival storage area for our ever-expanding precious museum collection.

Anniversary Events:

Sept. 14th – The Halifax Chamber of Commerce will jointly sponsor a Business Luncheon with Canada’s outstanding business tycoon and CBC Dragon’s Den member (Mr. Fix it) Mr. Wes Hall at the Halifax Westin Hotel (11:30 am). >> More Info

IMPORTANT NOTE

After consulting with emergency and weather experts, we have made the difficult decision to postpone this weekend’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner (September 16th) and An Evening of Jazz with Shelley Hamilton and Holly Arsenault (September 17th) in anticipation of the possible weather.

The new dates of the events will be Saturday, September 23, 2023 and Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Your current ticket(s) will be honoured at the re-scheduled event. If you would like a refund, or to transfer your ticket to someone else please email us at: contact@bccns.com or call: 902-434-6223.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing you at the new date for the celebrations.

Sept. 23th – 40th Anniversary Gala Banquet and Celebration – An evening of celebration and reflection of the Black Cultural Centre’s 40 years with keynote speeches by the Hon. Dr. Mayann Francis, former Lt. Governor of Nova Scotia, and the Hon. Dr. Wayne Adams, Nova Scotia’s first black legislator. The evening will feature a three-course meal, and music by award-winning international artist Shelley Hamilton. (6:00 pm).

Tickets $40. 00 at  the Centre or Online >> More Info

Sept. 24th – An Evening of Jazz styling with award-winning artist Shelley Hamilton, accompanied by well-known pianist Holly Arsenault at the Black Cultural Centre. (7:30 pm) 

Tickets $20.00 at the Centre or Online >> More Info

Sept. 22nd – NIA Black Youth Summit in partnership with NS Human Rights Commission. This youth summit will be open to students in high school from across the province to explore the youth perspective in addressing anti-Black racism and social injustice. (10 am).

>> More Info

Emancipation Day 2023

Emancipation Day is the day The Slavery Abolition Act became law in the British Empire (including Canada) and ended the practice of slavery for millions of African People and their descendants around the world. The Act became law on August 1, 1834 marking the first Emancipation Day.

  • On March 24, 2021 Members of Parliament unanimously  voted to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day.
  • On April 21, 2021 the Province of Nova Scotia voted unanimously to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day.
  • On June 28, 2021 the Senate of Canada voted unanimously to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day.

Everyone can and is encouraged to recognize Emancipation Day as it is a part of our shared history. Visit this website and our events page for a list of programs and events across Nova Scotia.

For a complete list of events visit: www.emancipationdayns.ca 

Celebrate Spiritual Heritage Through Music

July Gospel Concert 2023

Halifax, NS – The Northern Star Music Society is pleased to announce its upcoming Celebrate Spiritual Heritage Through Music Gospel Concert on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 6:30 pm at New Beginnings Ministries, 26 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook, NS. The Northern Star Music Society promotes gospel music in our great province of
Nova Scotia.

The July 29th gospel concert kicks off the debut of The Northern Star Chorale during a choir exchange project with the renowned Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church Choir of Cleveland, Ohio. The Northern Star Chorale is a local 40-voice choir that includes such well known and powerful black gospel voices as Reeny Smith, Lenora Simmonds, Esther Medley-Smith, Cyndi Cain-Holmes, Joe Colley, and many more; under the leadership of the chorale’s founding member Shawn Downey of Sharp 5 Productions and directed by Jonathan Smith of the renowned Gospel Heirs from North Preston, NS.

The guest choir from Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church will be visiting Dartmouth, NS the week of July 26-30, 2023, for this monumental spiritual music exchange and concert event. The Blessed Hope Missionary Baptist Church Choir is under the direction of Javert “Jaye” Haynes, well known bass player for Bobby Jones Gospel.

Spiritual Music has played an important role in the perseverance of the Black community in Nova Scotia. This monumental choir exchange hosted by The Northern Star Music Society aims to demonstrate the linkage in relation to black history, migration, and the extensive genealogical connection that exists between Nova Scotia and the United States of America.

Celebrating Spiritual Heritage Through Music – Gospel Concert
Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 6:30 pm
New Beginnings Ministries, 26 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook, NS

Tickets are available now: $30 Advance and $40 at the Door (Children under 12: $20)
On-line Tickets Available at: https://shop.bccns.com/collections/event-tickets
or by contacting: Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia
10 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook, NS
(902) 434-6223

This event is supported by Sharp 5 Productions, The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, and New Beginnings Ministries. 

Media inquiries: Shawn Downey, President
The Northern Star Music Society
northernstarmusic23@gmail.com
(902) 430-3959

Order Tickets Online

Remembering No. 2 Construction Battalion

30th Annual No. 2 Construction Battalion Remembrance Ceremony

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia cordially invite you to attend a series of events to honour and pay tribute to No. 2 Construction Battalion C.E.F. an all Black regiment that served during the First World War.

This year there will be two commemorative events.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023
CFB Gagetown, Oromocto, New Brunswick – 1pm
Flag Raising Ceremony to honour No. 2 Construction Battalion on the Anniversary if its creation date of July 5, 1916.

Saturday, July 8, 2023
Pictou Waterfront, Pictou, Nova Scotia – 10 am
30th Annual No. 2 Construction Battalion Remembrance Ceremony and Honour Parade.

Keynote Speaker: Commodore Jacques Olivier, Director General Professional Conduct and Development – Canadian Armed Forces.

A community bus service, departing from the Black Cultural Centre, Halifax and Truro will also be available for the July 8th event.

Spaces are still available, please call: 902-434-6223 to register.

2023 Summer Employment Opportunities

2023 Summer Employment Opportunities

The Black Cultural Centre is pleased to be able to offer multiple summer employment positions this year. The application deadline is May 19, 2023.

Students who are currently enrolled in an educational institution and plan to return to studies in the fall and are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment are eligible to apply.

Current Opportunities:

Museum Interpreter / Tour Guide 
– Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

Multi-Media Programmer
– Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

Community Researcher / Archivist 

All positions range in duration from 8-12 weeks (Starting late May/Early June) and are a total of 35 hours per week with an hourly rate of $15.50 per hour.

Job Title: Museum Interpreter / Tour Guide

Location: Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia

Work Language: English, basic French knowledge would be an asset but not required.

Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Be Inspired! Celebrate Nova Scotia’s rich Black History

Be a part of sharing the rich history and diverse culture of African Nova Scotians. The Black Cultural Centre established in 1983 is looking for energetic and creative individuals to inspire and welcome visitors to the museum, assist in developing programs and events.

Job Description: Be part of the museum team, interacting with visitors to the museum. Occasional assignments which will include assisting with exhibits that portray African Nova Scotian heritage as well as guided tours and hosting visitors. Research and gathering of oral history. Providing services that assist tourists and researchers in gaining valuable knowledge of Black history and culture through the many displays, exhibits and artifacts at the Black Cultural Centre.

Duties: Provide guided museum interpretive tours to visitors; assist public in orientation to Centre; conduct youth activity programs and summer camps; assist in library research by patrons; conduct oral history interviews, assist in retail sales in gift shop, assist in museum and display maintenance and upkeep. Update basic web pages and develop web newsletter content. The position will also include duties associated with special programs, events and general museum operations. Access to a computer and internet for remote work my be required.

Qualifications:
-University and/or college student (returning to studies);
-General knowledge and interest of African-Nova Scotia History;
-Digital graphics computer skills (Photography, Photoshop etc)
-Good verbal and written communication skills;
-Able to conduct research and conduct interviews;
-Ability to conduct research via internet and library;
-Customer service skills an asset;
-Ability to read/write French would be an asset;
-Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office;
-Retail experience an asset;

Important Notes:

How To Apply:

Step 1: Submit resume and cover letter via email: jobs@bccns.com or via fax: 902-434-2306
Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Title: Multi-Media Programmer 

Location: Cherry Brook

Work Language: English, basic French knowledge would be an asset but not required.

Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Be Inspired! Celebrate Nova Scotia’s rich Black History

Be a part of sharing the rich history and diverse culture of African Nova Scotians. The Black Cultural Centre established in 1983 is looking for energetic and creative individuals to inspire and welcome visitors to the museum.

Job Description: To be part of the Black Cultural Centre’s program team, responsible for community virtual programs, and the development of multi-media content. Assignments, which will include assisting with multi-media creation of exhibits and virtual displays that portray African Nova Scotian heritage. Development of virtual content for online sharing as well as the gathering of oral and community histories from Canada’s Black community. Digitizing of digital records and artifacts in various formats, such as audio, video and animated graphics. Providing services that assist researchers and the public at large in gaining valuable knowledge of Black history and culture through digital content. Interacting with members of the African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province to create virtual content. Access to a computer and internet for remote work may be required.

Duties: Development and create of digital content and multi-media content that promotes and protects Black history and culture.

Qualifications:
-University and/or college student (returning to studies);
-General knowledge and interest of African-Nova Scotia History;
-Video and photography knowledge is an assets
-Digital graphics computer skills (Photography, Photoshop etc);
-Good verbal and written communication skills;
-Video and Audio editing skills
-Ability to read/write French would be an asset;
-Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office

Important Notes:

How To Apply:

Step 1: Submit resume and cover letter via email: jobs@bccns.com or via fax: 902-434-2306
Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Title: Community Researcher / Archivist

Work Language: English, basic French knowledge would be an asset but not required.

Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Be Inspired! Celebrate Nova Scotia’s rich Black History

Be a part of sharing the rich history and diverse culture of African Nova Scotians. The Black Cultural Centre established in 1983 is looking for energetic and creative individuals to inspire and welcome visitors to the museum.

Job Description: To be part of the Black Cultural Centre’s program team, responsible for community virtual programs, outreach and youth programs. Assignments, which will include assisting with exhibits that portray African Nova Scotian heritage through special programs and community activities. Development of virtual content for online sharing as well as the gathering of oral and community histories from Canada’s Black community. Providing services that assist tourists and the public at large in gaining valuable knowledge of Black history and culture through the many displays, exhibits and artifacts at the Black Cultural Centre. Interacting with members of the African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province to hold virtual events and in-person programs. Provide creative youth programs and be able to deliver youth programming, such as day camps and special virtual cultural education programs. Access to a computer and internet for remote work required.

Duties: Conduct community research by way of oral histories and community resources, provide support to the creating and carrying out of outreach programs and events associated with the Black Cultural Centre; assist in research programs and community outreach and virtual events.

Qualifications:
-University and/or college student (returning to studies);
-General knowledge and interest of African-Nova Scotia History;
-Digital graphics computer skills (Photography, Photoshop etc);
-Good verbal and written communication skills;
-Ability to conduct research via internet and library;
-Customer service skills an asset;
-Ability to read/write French would be an asset;
-Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office

Important Notes:

How To Apply:

Step 1: Submit resume and cover letter via email: jobs@bccns.com or via fax: 902-434-2306
Application Deadline: May 19, 2023

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

February is African Heritage Month 2023

CELEBRATE AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2023

Sharing the History and Culture of African Nova Scotians

This year’s African Heritage Month provincial theme, Seas of struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, outlines the struggles of people of African Decent faced from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia. Recognizing that the one thing that has remained constant in our history is the Atlantic Ocean. The long-standing history of people of African Descent in the development of Canada, the sea has played a vital role. This theme explores the struggle and adversity that was overcome and examines the effects of slavery and sea faring of African Nova Scotians. The theme also aligns with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024. The goal of DPAD is to strengthen global cooperation in support of people of African descent, increase awareness and the passage towards presence in all aspects of society. 

Nova Scotia has 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a long, deep and complex history dating back over 200 years. African Heritage Month provides us with another opportunity to celebrate our culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of our people – past and present. 

Reserve Your 2023 African Heritage Month Poster

www.bccns.com/ahmposter/

 

From the beginning

The commencement of Black Heritage Month (now referred to as African Heritage Month) is traced back to 1926. Harvard-educated Black historian, Carter G. Woodson, founded Negro History Week to recognize the achievements made by African Americans. 

Woodson purposefully chose February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln who were both key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks. In the 1950’s Negro History Week was celebrated in Canada, and in 1976 it was expanded to Black History Month.

 

Black History Month in Canada

For over the past decades, contributions of African-Canadians have been acknowledged informally, however Nova Scotia has set a path for Canada’s recognition of African Heritage Month. Our province has been a leader in the promotion and recognition of our African heritage to our country. Some efforts of Nova Scotia include: 

  • 1985 – The “official” opening night of Black History Month at the North Branch Library
  • 1987 – First meeting of the Black History Month Association
  • 1988 – First Black History Month in Nova Scotia
  • 1994 – Black History Month Association was officially incorporated in Nova Scotia
  • 1996 – Black History Month renamed to African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia

We believe some of these efforts have influenced our country to take action on a national level:

  • 1995 – The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
  • 2008 – The Senate officially declared February as Black History Month by Nova Scotia Senator Donald Oliver, Q.C., the first Black man appointed to the Senate. His motion was the final parliamentary procedure needed for Canada’s permanent recognition of Black History Month.

 

About the African Heritage Month Information Network

The African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN) is a partnership between the Black Cultural Centre/ Society, African Nova Scotian Affairs, African Nova Scotian Music Association, African Heritage Month Southwest Network, Black Educators Association, Black History Month Association, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association, Halifax Regional Municipality’s African Nova Scotian Integration Office, and Guysborough, Antigonish Strait African Regional Network.

Each year, we produce an educational poster that is distributed and displayed in community gathering centers, schools, churches, government offices and businesses. Those interested in ordering a copy, please visit www.bccns.com/ahmposter.

The AHMIN also facilitates African Heritage Month events and municipal proclamations across the province. A full listing is available at http://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com.

 

For more information about African History Month, please contact:

Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

Phone: (902) 434-6223

Email: contact@bccns.com

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