Welcome to African Heritage Month 2025, a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions, lively culture, and rich history of African Nova Scotians. Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance, the provincial theme for this year, honors the centuries-long tradition of excellence, tenacity, and inventiveness displayed by individuals of African origin in our province.
With accomplishments that uplift and empower coming generations, our legacy is a testament to the brilliance of our community. In addition to commemorating our history and culture, we also consider the continuous efforts to elevate Black voices, advance equity, and recognize the outstanding achievements of African Nova Scotians.
There are 52 historically significant African Nova Scotian communities in the province, each with a rich and intricate past that spans more than 200 years. Celebrate the culture, heritage, accomplishments, and contributions of our people, past and present, during African Heritage Month.
The origins of African Heritage Month can be found in 1926, when Black scholar Carter G. Woodson, who attended Harvard, established Negro History Week in the US. Woodson purposefully picked February to fall on the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, two key figures in the emancipation of Black slaves. In the 1950s, Black History Month replaced Negro History Week in Canada, and in 1976, it was extended across the country.
Several groups, notably African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Black Cultural Centre/Society, have joined forces to create the African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN). Across the province, they coordinate events and municipal proclamations, create instructional posters, and display them in public areas.
Take part in this year’s events and activities to join us in celebrating African Heritage Month and embracing our shared history, culture, and resiliency.
Let us commemorate the greatness of the past, embrace the excellence of the present, and create a future that is worthy of our legacy as we proudly and purposely celebrate this month.
Learn more about the celebration of the African Heritage Month at: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/african-nova-scotian-affairs/african-heritage-month
Reference: https://www.halifax.ca/
Photos credit to:
http://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home/
https://www.halifax.ca/
