Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress
This year’s provincial African Heritage Month theme, “Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress,” speaks to the collective power that emerges when African Nova Scotians and people of African descent come together with shared vision and intention. Unity is not passive, it is an active force that strengthens our communities, advances justice, and creates pathways for opportunity and growth.
At the heart of this strength are our elders. As knowledge keepers, storytellers, and culture bearers, their wisdom and leadership ground us in where we come from and guide us toward where we are going. Honouring our elders means honouring more than 400 years of African presence in Nova Scotia and the enduring legacy of its 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities.
This theme also reflects our continued journey beyond the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent, carrying forward its core principles of recognition, justice, and development. Strength in Unity calls on us to draw from our collective resilience and shared responsibility as we move forward together, building prosperity in all its forms: cultural, social, economic, and spiritual.
A legacy of over 200 Years
Nova Scotia boasts 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 our people, both past and present.
From the beginning: tracing the roots
The roots of African Heritage Month trace back to 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated Black historian, founded Negro History Week in the United States. Woodson deliberately chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks. In Canada, Negro History Week transitioned to Black History Month in the 1950s and expanded nationally in 1976.
Leadership in Canada: Nova Scotia's impact
Nova Scotia has played a pioneering role in the recognition of African Heritage Month in Canada. Key milestones include:
1985: The official opening night of Black History Month at the North Branch Library.
1987: Formation of the Black History Month Association.
1988: Nova Scotia observes its first Black History Month.
1994: Official incorporation of the Black History Month Association in Nova Scotia.
1996: Renaming of Black History Month to African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia.
These efforts influenced national recognition:
1995: The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month.
2008: The Senate declared February as Black History Month, achieving permanent recognition.
African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN): Building Bridges
The AHMIN is a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including the Black Cultural Centre/Society, African Nova Scotian Affairs, and more. Together, we produce educational posters, distribute them across community spaces, and organize events and municipal proclamations throughout the province. To order a copy of this year's educational poster or to explore events, visit https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home/
Join us as we come together to celebrate African Heritage Month, embracing our collective history, culture, and resilience by participating in this year’s events and activities:
Provincial Launch
Jan. 27 | 1 p.m.
Watch the livestream on YouTube.
Municipal Opening Night
Jan. 28 | 7 p.m.
Location: Paul O'Regan Hall or watch the livestream on YouTube.
In partnership with the Halifax Public Libraries and the Black History Month Association, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO welcomes employees and residents to kick-off African Heritage Month at the Paul O’Regan Hall. Enjoy musical performances by Josh Williams..
Flag Raising
Jan. 29 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Grand Parade Square and Halifax Hall or watch on YouTube
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.
City Hall Lit in Pan-African Colors
Throughout February, City Hall will be illuminated in black, green and red in honor of African Heritage Month.
Other Events:
• The Pan-African flag will be displayed at both the Burnside and Ragged Lake Transit Centres, as the weather permits, in honor of African Heritage Month.
• Explore the African Heritage Month virtual portal, featuring programs that celebrate the African Nova Scotian community https://ahm.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca.