Nova Scotia’s 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities reflect a rich and powerful history extending more than 400 years. African Heritage Month is an invitation for all Nova Scotians to join in celebrating the culture, legacies and influence of people of African descent on all facets of our society, across our province and nationally.
Rooted in a history of slavery and legislated segregation, African Nova Scotians’ commitment to community and to one another led to coordination and a fight against institutionalized racism, discrimination and oppression, which, among many things, resulted in the creation of the Human Rights Commission. In recognition of these origins the Commission embraces the Akan word “Sankofa” from the people of Ghana which translates to mean “go back and get it,” encouraging us to look at our past to inform our future.
At the official launch of this year’s African Heritage Month, Premier Houston affirmed Nova Scotia’s commitment to advancing the second United Nations’ Decade for People of African Descent (2025-2034), building upon the initial decade during which a UN report validated ongoing experiences of anti-Black racism, community advocacy resulted in Nova Scotia acknowledging and apologizing for systemic racism in our justice system, introduction of the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, and supporting the establishment of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute.
People of African descent continue to fight for greater equity in healthcare, employment, the arts, business and entrepreneurship, housing and education. The rewards of this work, often undertaken by brilliant and passionate volunteers, is the prospect of a better future free of racial discrimination and hate.
All Nova Scotians should take advantage of the month of February’s many opportunities to expose ourselves to the riches of African Nova Scotian communities, and the leaders whose work set the groundwork for greater protection for human rights and inherent dignity.
Information above from Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Page African Black History Month