This month is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia! The 2023 African Heritage Month theme, Seas of struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore, outlines the struggles of people of African Descent faced from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia. Recognizing that the one thing that has remained constant in our history is the Atlantic Ocean. The long-standing history of people of African Descent in the development of Canada, the sea has played a vital role. This theme explores the struggle and adversity that was overcome and examines the effects of slavery and sea faring of African Nova Scotians.
The theme also aligns with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (DPAD) 2015-2024. The goal of DPAD is to strengthen global cooperation in support of people of African descent, increase awareness and the passage towards presence in all aspects of society.
Did you know that Nova Scotia has over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities with history dating back over 400 years? African Heritage Month provides another opportunity to celebrate and promote the culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of people of African descent in Nova Scotia, past and present. Click here to learn more.
January 27 at 12:00pm – Signing of the AHM Proclamation at Centre 200
January 28 at 8:00pm – AHM Gala at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre
January 30 at 11:00am – Libation Ceremony in the Pit Lounge
February 1 at 5:00pm – Community Meet and Greet at Menelik Hall
February 2 at 5:00pm – Community Meet and Greet at UNIA Hall
February 7 at 11:30am – AHM Trivia in the Pit Lounge
February 8 at 6:00pm – AHM Open Mic Night in the CBU Cafeteria
February 11 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm – AHM Basketball Game in the Sullivan Field House
February 16 at 11:30am – Afro-Centric Bingo at Cineplex
February 16 at 4:00pm – Afro-Centric Paint Night in the Pit Lounge
February 17 – Movie at Cineplex (TBD)
February 20 at 5:00pm – Afro-Centric Paint Night at Menelik Hall
February 21 at 5:00pm – Afro-Centric Paint Night at UNIA Hall
February 25 at 6:00pm – AHM Cultural Wear Dinner in the Yvonne Levert Hospitality Suite
February 28 at 10:00am – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
March 1 at 10:00am – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
March 1 at 4:00pm – Afro-Centric Crafts in the Yvonne Levert Hospitality Suite
March 2 at 10:00am – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
March 3 at 7:00pm – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
March 4 at 7:00pm – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
March 5 at 2:00pm – Boardmore Theatre Presents- Controlled Damage
Dionne is a proud African Nova Scotian, raised in the Black community of Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. Dionne attended the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College in Truro, Nova Scotia and graduated with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. Dionne went on to work at the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board (now the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education) for the next 24 years – 7 of those years as a Teacher’s Assistant and 17 as a Student Support Worker. It was only when she became a Student Support Worker that she realized this was what she was meant to do.
During Dionne’s years as a Student Support Worker, she continued her studies at the Nova Scotia Community College and received her diploma in Social Services. Dionne joined the team at Cape Breton University on August 9, 2021. To contact Dionne, please email dionne_romard@cbu.ca.
Reann Arsenault is a proud African Nova Scotian, raise in the Black community of Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. Reann joined the CBU family in December 2022 and is responsible for working with African Nova Scotian communities and engaging African Nova Scotian youth through meaningful events and initiatives. Reann brings with her a great deal of experience, having previously worked as a Student Support Worker for African Nova Scotian students with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education. In addition to her role at CBU, Reann also works as the Site Coordinator of a Cultural Academic Enrichment program for the Black Education Association, which provides her opportunities to engage in dialogues and partnerships with students and the community.
Reann looks forward to connecting with schools and the community to foster meaningful and long-lasting relationships with Black communities. To contact Reann, please email reann_arsensault@cbu.ca.
The signing of the African Heritage Month Proclamation will take place at 12:00pm at Centre 200. The African Heritage Month Gala will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
The Struggle of Blacks in Cape Breton
El Jones performs her powerful poem for Emancipation Day
