By Maggie Hua, Lifestyle Columnist
Did you know the first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and renamed African Heritage Month in 1996? Black History Month is an annual observance originated in the United States. In Canada, each year in February, we celebrate Black History Month and people across Canada participate in events and festivities to honour the legacy of Black Canadians.
In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established, and the founders presented a petition to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month.
Black History Month received official recognition from all over the world as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. In 2020, for the first time, seven countries from Africa celebrated Black History Month. According to Halifax.ca, “this year’s theme, ‘Seas of Struggle: African Peoples from Shore to Shore,’ recognizes the struggles people of African Descent face from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia. This theme explores the struggle and adversity that was overcome by people of African descent in Nova Scotia and across the African Diaspora.”
If you’re interested to learn more of the history and wanting to celebrate the achievements and contributions Black Canadians have made to our society during the African Heritage Month, here are some of the events happening in February.
February 2, 2023 at 7pm – AHM: Calypso Celebration – Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. This event celebrates Caribbean heritage and culture through live music for a night of exploring the connections between Jazz and Afro-Caribbean music.
February 3, 2023 at 10am – The NFB Libraries: Sol, Zab Maboungou, Black Soul, and Ice Breakers at Captain William Spry Public Library. This event provides food and beverages every Friday morning while watching a number of eye-opening and provoking short films. February 5, 2023 from 10am to 4pm – Make Day! Africville’s Legacy at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The artist and educator, Kim Cain, will teach you the destruction and legacy of Africville.
February 8, 2023 from 7:30-8:30pm – BIPOC Monthly Book Club Kickoff. Registration is required and more information can be found on Venus Envy’s website. The first book will be about Charlene A. Carruthers’ best selling Unapologetic: A Black, Queer and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements.
February 9, 2023 from 7-9pm – Portia White: A Vibrant Presence at Alumni Hall of King’s College. Portia was born in Truro and taught school in Africville before moving to Toronto to pursue music. She was the first Black Canadian concert singer to gain international fame.
February 12, 2023 from 2-4pm – George Elliott Clarke Presents: 5 Poets at the Halifax Central Library.
February 16 and 23, 2023 from 6-8 pm – Lift Every Voice 8: African Heritage Month Musical Showcase at the Halifax North Memorial Public Library and the Halifax Central Library respectively.
February 21, 2023 at 6:30pm – Film Screening: Black Ice at the Canadian Museum of Immigration Pier 21. Oscarnominated director, Hubert Davis, brings you the story of Black contributions and racial injustice in hockey in Black Ice. From the Coloured Hockey League founded in 1895 to the NHL, this film provides a needed look into Canada’s national game. There is also a panel discussion at the end. Registration is required.
I hope you will attend some or all of these events, learn and have some fun. Let us know which one(s) you liked the most.
Photo credits to:
https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/
https://www.halifax.ca/
