African Heritage Month
African Heritage Month honors the history, culture, achievements and contributions of African Nova Scotians. Events and celebrations throughout the province honour the legacy and contributions of African Nova Scotians, people of African descent and their communities.
About African Heritage Month
Each February, Nova Scotians come together to honour African Heritage Month, a time to recognize the history, culture, achievements and contributions of African Nova Scotians and people of African descent across the province.
The 2026 theme for African Heritage Month is: “Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.”
The theme reflects the strength that grows when communities come together with shared purpose. It honours the progress made through solidarity and the power of unity to create lasting change.
This year’s theme also highlights the importance of intergenerational connection. Elders, as knowledge keepers and leaders, carry the stories that help us understand where we come from. Youth bring new energy and vision to carry that legacy forward. Together, they show us that unity is not only our history. It’s our way forward.
Message from the minister
In Nova Scotia, people of African descent have been shaping this province for over 400 years. From the founding of 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities to the vibrant diversity of newcomers from across the African diaspora, this legacy is rich, complex and ongoing.
African Heritage Month is a time to reflect on that legacy and to recognize the role we all play in moving toward a more just, inclusive, and connected future. It’s a time for all Nova Scotians to listen, learn, and celebrate what unity can make possible.
Background
The Black History movement began in 1926 when historian Carter Godwin Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History introduced Negro History Week in the United States. This initiative aimed to promote the study and teaching of Black history, which was largely overlooked in schools and public narratives at the time.
Chosen to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, Negro History Week laid the foundation for broader recognition and, in 1976, evolved into Black History Month, becoming an internationally recognized observance honoring the contributions, resilience and legacy of people of African descent.
In Nova Scotia, African Heritage Month has been celebrated since the late 1970’s with community organizations hosting a wide range of events each year.
African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA), established in 2005 in response to long-standing advocacy and systemic inequities, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of African Nova Scotians and people of African Descent are involved in shaping government policy and decision-making. ANSA also advances community development, equity, cultural recognition and initiatives such as land titles clarification and African Heritage Month.
ANSA has established partnerships with various community organisations to co-deliver activities during the month. ANSA also delivers some African Heritage Month initiatives like community narratives that we’re offering for African Heritage Month 2026.
Join the provincial launch event
27 January 2026
1:00 PM
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
You can also watch the provincial launch event livestream broadcast: https://bit.ly/AHM2026
Community events
Explore community events and celebrations throughout February.
Resources
- Celebrate African Heritage Month 2025 Poster (PDF)
- Official poster and events website
- Resources for educators and communities
News releases
Latest news releases and announcements:
- Launch of African Heritage Month 2026 - 27 January 2026
- African Heritage Month 2025 Launch: Photo Collection - 22 January 2025
- Celebrating African Heritage Month 2025 - 22 January 2025
