African Heritage Month theme stresses strength in unity

Hundreds of people enjoyed music, dancing and food in Paul O’Regan Hall at Halifax’s central library on Wednesday night for the opening of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia.

The evening started with music from three-man band Drummer From Home, followed by speeches from hosts Tracey Jones-Grant, Jasalynn Skeete and Crystal Mulder. 

The ceremony also included songs by East Preston singer-songwriter Joshua Williams, a dance performance by Onset Hip Hop, and a reception with food and drink for all who attended. 

A libation was performed by Wayn Hamilton, the former CEO of African Nova Scotian Affairs. A libation is a sacred ritual involving pouring a liquid, such as wine, oil, milk, or, in this case, water, into the ground to honour ancestors. 

Rielle Williams, assistant director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, was thrilled by how it went.

“My favourite moment was seeing how many different people were in the room. People from different places and cultures, in a room together, ready to celebrate Black history month,” she said in an interview with The Signal.

“It showcased the talent of the community, the dedication and unity as well.’’

Ayo Aladejebi, chair of the Halifax Regional Library board and former senior advisor for the province’s African Nova Scotian affairs integration office, spoke about this year’s theme at the event.

“If our goal is to go far as a community and society at large, we cannot go at it alone. We must go together hand in hand, leaving no one out and no one behind.”

The theme for African Heritage Month; Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress, was carefully selected, Crystal Mulder told the crowd in her speech.

According to the government of Nova Scotia’s website, it references the strength that comes from collective effort, the clarity that shared purpose provides, and the commitment needed to build lasting prosperity and progress. 

Mayor Andy Fillmore addressed the crowd, saying “African Nova Scotians have called Nova Scotia home for more than 400 years. Their strength and resilience aren’t just woven into the fabric but is the fabric of this place. African Heritage Month is a time to celebrate culture and celebrate community.”

This is Nova Scotia’s 42nd year celebrating African Heritage Month. Nova Scotia is home to over 52 historic African Nova Scotia communities. African Nova Scotians represent 2.4 per cent of the provincial population, with 71.8 per cent of those tracing their roots back three generations or more in Nova Scotia.

The Black Cultural Centre’s Calendar has many more opportunities around the province to celebrate African Heritage Month.