Source: Black Cultural Centre, Facebook page

February is African Heritage Month and HRM will start celebrating this week. This year’s theme is Seas of Struggle-African Peoples from Shore to Shore. It recognizes the strength, resilience and determination of people of African descent, from the shore of Africa to Nova Scotia. The Atlantic Ocean, being the ever-lasting connection.

“The theme of African Heritage Month 2023 reminds us that the history of African Nova Scotian communities is defined by strength and determination,” said Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc. “As a province, we celebrate the legacy and contributions of African Nova Scotians, both past and present. Their lives and journeys have made a significant influence on our collective provincial identity; their stories will be shared and remembered for generations to come.”

“Our province is proud to recognize the contributions, culture, and history of African Nova Scotians and people of African descent,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Diversity, inclusion and equity are fundamental to our collective growth and prosperity. Learning from our history and making change together today will help us build a better future.”

There are more than 50 African Historical Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia. About 2.4% of people in Nova Scotia identify as African with 71.8% of African Nova Scotian’s having roots in the province going back three generations or more.

The provincial launch is this morning at 10am on YouTube.

The rest of the festivities are as follows:

Municipal Opening Night
January 26, 2023 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
North Branch Library or watch the livestream on YouTube.
In partnership with the Halifax Public Libraries and the African History Month Association, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO welcomes residents to kick-off African Heritage Month at the North Branch Library, as Opening Night returns to an in-person format this year. Enjoy musical performances by Jah’Mila and Marko Simmonds, special words from the Africville Genealogy Society on their 40th anniversary, and a proclamation reading by Mayor Savage.

Flag Raising
January 30, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.
Grand Parade Square and Halifax Hall
Attend an African Heritage Month flag raising and a special performance by Owen Lee at Grande Parade (weather permitting) before moving indoors to Halifax Hall for a proclamation reading by Deputy Mayor Austin and light refreshments.

City Hall Lit in Pan-African Colours
January 23 – 27, 2023 | February 18 – 21, 2023 | February 23 – 28, 2023 .

City Hall will be illuminated in black, green, red, and yellow in honour of African Heritage Month.

Delightful Downtown Light Show
Throughout February, the Downtown Halifax Business Commission will project light displays on the former Halifax Memorial Library Building at Grafton Park in celebration of African Heritage Month.

Pan-African Flag on Viola Desmond Ferry
Throughout February, the Pan-African flag will be displayed on the Viola Desmond Ferry in honour of African Heritage Month.

Virtual Museum Tours
Take an immersive tour of popular heritage and cultural sites, including the Africville Museum and the Black Cultural Centre.

Halifax Public Libraries Virtual Portal
Explore the African Heritage Month virtual portal, featuring programs that celebrate the African Nova Scotian community.

For more information about African Heritage Month or to order a poster, visit: https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home