29th Nova Scotia African Heritage Month Launches

Published by the Office of African Nova Scotia Affairs

Friday, January 25, 2013

The 29th celebration of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia will highlight and celebrate historic African Nova Scotian settlements and look to the future of the communities. The month was launched with a reading of the provincial proclamation at a celebration in the Red Chamber, Province House. The poster for this year's theme Then and Now: Our Journey Continues, was also unveiled.

Quotes

For 29 years, we have been celebrating the contributions, experiences, and triumphs of people of African descent in this province. It is a chance to look back on our rich history, but also critically examine what needs to be done to continue down a path to prosperity. Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

I encourage all Nova Scotians to get involved in African Heritage Month, participate in events and learn about the African Nova Scotian experience. Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

The joy of African Heritage Month is that the African Nova Scotian communities, from Cape Breton to the South Shore, unite in the celebration of their African heritage and the numerous successes that they have had along the way. The theme of this year, Then and Now: Our Journey Continues, highlights our hope filled journey towards a better and brighter future. Sunday Miller, African Nova Scotia Information Network

Quick Facts

  • Participation continues to grow with more than 75 events taking place across the province this year, most of which are organized in the communities.
  • The poster and calendar of events was produced by the African Heritage Month Information Network, a partnership between African Nova Scotian Affairs, African Nova Scotian Music Association, African Nova Scotian North-Central Network, African Heritage Month Southwest Network, Africville Heritage Trust, Black History Month Association, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association.

    Nova Scotians can also keep up to date on African Heritage Month events on Facebook (African Nova Scotian Affairs), on Twitter (@OfficeofANSA), or by calling the African Heritage Month events line at 902-424-1186.
  • The following is a list of regional African Heritage Month launches:
    • New Glasgow: Monday, Jan. 28, New Glasgow Town Hall, 111 Provost St. 11:45 a.m.
    • Digby: Tuesday, Jan. 29, Digby Municipal Building, 12548 Highway 217, 1 p.m.
    • Antigonish: Wednesday, Jan. 30, Town Council Chambers, 274 Main St., 11:45 a.m.
    • Halifax: Thursday, Jan. 31, Halifax North Memorial Public Library, 2285 Gottigen St., 7 p.m.
    • Amherst: Friday, Feb. 1, Amherst Town Hall, 98 East Victoria St., 11 a.m.
    • Sydney: Friday, Feb. 1, Cape Breton Regional Municipality 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 320 Esplanade, noon.
    • Truro: Monday, Feb. 4, Town Council Chambers, 695 Prince St., 11 a.m.

Learn More

Media Contact

Michelle Lucas
African Nova Scotian Affairs
902-424-6147
E-mail:

Images

Poster for African Heritage Month with an illustration showing historic African Nova Scotian settlements
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra stand beside this year's African Heritage Month poster that was unveiled at the launch.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra stand beside this year's African Heritage Month poster that was unveiled at the launch.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra talks about African Heritage Month beside this year's poster.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra talks about African Heritage Month beside this year's poster.
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From left: Christine Hobin, Michelle Lucas, Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra, Crystal Mulder, Tracey Jones-Grant and Lou Gannon with this year's poster.
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Wayn Hamilton, CEO of African Nova Scotian Affairs, looks at this year's poster, which celebrates the theme Then and Now, Our Journey Continues.
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Videos

2013 African Heritage Month Launch

Audio

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra proclaims February African Heritage Month.
Mr. Preyra says we have to remember all year that African Nova Scotian heritage is the province’s heritage.
Christine Hobin, a member of the African Heritage Month Information Network says Upper Big Tracadie is just one community celebrating with a number of diverse events.