News Release

For Immediate Release
July 21, 2006

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO REVITALIZE GLACE BAY HALL

Glace Bay, N.S. – The Universal Negro Improvement Association (U.N.I.A) in Glace Bay has launched a project to preserve the history of Cape Breton County’s Black community. The project has two parts: the restoration of the Jessome Street U.N.I.A Hall and the creation of a small museum on Black history.

The U.N.I.A of Glace Bay will be renovating its hall which has served the community for years. The Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority (CBCEDA) will help the U.N.I.A with their goals thanks to Government of Canada funding announced today by the Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The funding will allow the U.N.I.A to renovate its hall, hire a researcher for the development of displays and murals and the development of a marketing plan for the hall.

“The key role of Cape Breton’s Black community is showcased by this project,” said Minister Peter MacKay. “Changes to the building and the new research job will make sure the hall is part of Glace Bay’s history.”

“The U.N.I.A is an important part of the community in Glace Bay,” said Eileen Lannon-Oldford, Chief Executive Officer of CBCEDA. Marcus Garvey founded the U.N.I.A organization in 1917 and over the next few decades, Black communities across North America built U.N.I.A Halls, including halls in Glace Bay, Sydney, and New Waterford. Garvey was born in Jamaica and later moved to London. By establishing the U.N.I.A movement, he hoped to build a unified nation of proud people of African background. He spoke at the U.N.I.A Hall in Glace Bay during the 1930’s. This project recognizes the important contribution made by the Black residents of industrial Cape Breton.

The total cost of the project is $166,000. CBCEDA, on behalf of the U.N.I.A, will receive a $109,000 non repayable contribution through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

CBCEDA is a Regional Development Authority established in 1994 to coordinate economic development in the local area. CBCEDA works closely with a number of public, private, and community entities to facilitate economic community development and leadership.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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For Additional Information Contact:

Eileen Lannon-Oldford
Chief Executive Officer, Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority Tel: (902) 562-2201

Jennifer Crocker
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-3917