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February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. This year's provincial theme, "Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance” honours the living legacy of Black Nova Scotians while highlighting the enduring legacy of their long-standing communities in Nova Scotia.
The theme also aligns with a reflection on the past decade of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024, which aims to strengthen global cooperation and raise awareness of the experiences, histories and contributions of people of African descent worldwide.
Nova Scotia is home to 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, each with a profound and complex history spanning over two centuries. African Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to celebrate the culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of African Nova Scotians, both past and present.
The municipality is committed to addressing anti-Black racism in our workplaces and communities and will continue to take steps to advance change.
Residents are encouraged to celebrate the rich culture of people of African descent by participating in this year’s events and activities:
African Heritage Month Provincial Launch
Wednesday, Jan. 22 | 11 a.m.
Black Cultural Centre or watch livestream on YouTube.
African Heritage Month Opening Night
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 Paul O’Regan Hall, Central Library with musical performances by Rhythm of Africa and Cyndi Cain.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 | 7 p.m.
Paul O’Regan Hall or watch the livestream on YouTube.
Flag Raising
Attend an African Heritage Month flag raising at Grande Parade before moving indoors to Halifax Hall for a proclamation reading by Mayor Fillmore and light refreshments.
Monday, Jan. 27 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Grand Parade Square and Halifax Hall or watch on YouTube.
Other Events
Residents are also encouraged to take part in other events throughout the municipality celebrating African Heritage Month:
- City Hall will be illuminated in black, green, and red in honour of African Heritage Month, from Monday, Jan. 20 to Friday, Jan. 31., and throughout February.
- The Pan-African flag will be displayed at both the Burnside and Ragged Lake Transit Centres, as well as ferry terminals, as the weather permits, in honour of African Heritage Month.
- Explore the Halifax Public Libraries African Heritage Month virtual portal, featuring programs that celebrate the African Nova Scotian community.
For more information, visit the municipality’s African Heritage Month website.