Special Events
African Heritage Month 2008
The History of 'Black History Month '
Black History Month was founded in 1926 by Harvard educated Black historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It started as a “week” in February to celebrate the history, contributions and culture of African Americans.
Dr. Woodson chose the second week in February for the newly formed Negro History Week to coincide with the birth dates of Black activist Frederick Douglas (Feb. 14, 1817) and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809).
In the 1970's several Black organizations and community leaders banded together to promote the concept of Black History Month. In 1976, as part of the American bi-centennial celebration, the week was expanded to a month, becoming National Black History Month.
In Nova Scotia, the celebration of Black History Month was initiated in the early 1980’s through the efforts of the Black History Month Association. It is now in its second decade and is known as African Heritage Month.
African Heritage Month Proclamation 2008
WHEREAS African Heritage Month has been celebrated in Nova Scotia for 24 years, largely due to the hard work and dedication of the Black History Month Association;
WHEREAS This year marks the formation of the African Heritage Month Information Network, which includes community organizations from across the province , thus providing an opportunity to form partnerships to ensure a provincewide calendar of events and activities are highlighted and held; and
WHEREAS The theme of African Heritage Month 2008 is Imani, which means Faith, and the historical figure being highlighted is Marcus Garvey, who promoted the ideals of pride, freedom, self-reliance and education;
THEREFORE be it resolved that I, Rodney J. MacDonald, Premier of Nova Scotia, do hereby proclaim the month of February as African Heritage Month in the Province of Nova Scotia. I encourage all Nova Scotians to recognize and celebrate now and throughout the year the many achievements and contributions of African Nova Scotians to our province and look toward a future of strong participation by African Nova Scotians in all facets of the economic, social, legal and political life of the Province.
Click to view signed proclamation
AHM Poster / Brochure
This year the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs produced the African Heritage Month calendar and brochure and will do so in years to come.
Each year the poster will feature an historical figure surrounded by the events calendar. Folks are encouraged to crop and mount the artist's rendering of the historical figure chosen. It is our desire to have an artist from the African Nova Scotian community produce artwork for the poster each year.
This year's figure is Marcus Garvey who has a connection to Cape Breton.
Marcus Garvey
Jamaican born Marcus Moziah Garvey promoted the ideals of pride, freedom, self-reliance and education - ideals all Nova Scotians can aspire to - but certainly principles that have been the foundation on which success and growth in the African Nova Scotian community have been built upon.
In 1917, he founded what is commonly known as the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Garvey thought people of African descent would be respected only when they were economically strong and that obtaining a broad education was a good start to realizing this goal.
In an effort to unify the people he established more than 1,100 branches of the Universal Negro Improvement Association in more than 40 countries, including halls in Glace Bay, Sydney, and New Waterford. Garvey visited the Glace Bay UNIA in 1928. Today, it’s the only one left in Canada.
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
Marcus Garvey
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 Original Sketch |
 Poster Rendition |
Sketch of Marcus Garvey
The sketch of Marcus Garvey featured on the poster and brochure was drawn by Amherst artist, Darlene Strong.
Darlene Strong, PhD
Darlene Strong is a 53 year old visual artist, published author, pianist and soloist from Cumberland County. She holds a PhD in Education and Administration and is currently completing a Masters degree in counseling.
As founder of the Cumberland County Black Artisans and the Cumberland County School of the Arts Society; Darlene’s work is well represented on an international level while portraying the Afrocentric perspective.
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African Heritage Month Events
Please click here for a listing of events.
AHM Events Calendar
The events calendar on the ANSA website will be updated as information is received, so please check back often.
To add to the calendar, please send event(s) in the following format with the requisite information to ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca
Name and type of event:
Name of sponsor(s):
Location (full address):
Time (start and end):
Cost:
Contact(s):
African Heritage Month Events Line:
(902) 424-3482
Beginning Feb. 1st, events will be recorded on an events line and updated daily. Any changes or canclations will also be recorded.
To make a change to an existing event, call 424-5555 or email to ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca .
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Kente Cloth |
Heritage Links
The African Burial Ground
African Masks Design Lesson
African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries
Black History Canada
Nova Scotia Archives Heritage Exhibit
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