In a ceremony at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, organizers launched African Heritage Month on Tuesday, which has the theme “Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.”

Featuring a musical performance by local artists, speeches, and a buffet after the event in Cherry Brook, the announcement highlighted the joy, culture and resilience of the African Nova Scotian community. 

Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre, said at the event that Nova Scotia has been a trailblazer for the recognition of this month, and this year’s event adds to that long-standing history. 

“For more than 42 years, our communities have been gathering, teaching, honouring and celebrating African Heritage Month, long before national recognition existed,” he said.

“That’s a powerful statement for African Nova Scotians and the 52 historic communities.”

Grosse added that the theme was chosen in consultation with the African Nova Scotian community, saying that history is shared through unity and togetherness. 

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also took to the podium, telling the audience that this year’s theme is “so timely, as well, in the world that we live in.”

“We need to stand together and approach it together,” said Houston. “African Nova Scotians and people of African descent have shown us the strength of togetherness for generations.”

Crystal Mulder, African Nova Scotian community specialist for Halifax Public Libraries, said the co-ordination of cultural events for this year’s heritage month is being shared among different organizations, municipalities and the provincial government. 

“Together, through this network and through unity, we move forward with purpose, prosperity, power and progress,” said Mulder.

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