Provincial release:
This year’s African Heritage Month theme in Nova Scotia is Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.
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.
The month-long celebration, which happens each February, highlights the achievements and resilience of African Nova Scotians, who have shaped the province’s history for more than 400 years. It includes events and activities designed to educate, inspire and build connections across Nova Scotia.
“African Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Nova Scotians to deepen their understanding of the rich history and celebrate the enduring contributions of African Nova Scotians and people of African descent,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We are stronger when we move forward together, in unity and shared responsibility.”
The celebration kicked off today, January 27, with the official proclamation and poster unveiling at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook.
The launch is available to watch at: https://www.youtube.com/live/eaoVhFSShqc
“Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress is a call to action. Unity has always been a source of strength for African Nova Scotians and people of African descent, sustaining us through generations of challenge and change. By honouring our elders and standing together, we create opportunities and shape a future where our leadership, culture and contributions are reflected in every part of this province.”
— Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs
Quick Facts:
– the first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and renamed African Heritage Month in 1996
– the African Heritage Month Information Network at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia collaborates with African Nova Scotian organizations to plan and promote events
– African Nova Scotians represent 2.4 per cent of the provincial population, with 71.8 per cent tracing their roots back three generations or more in Nova Scotia
Additional Resources:
More information on African Heritage Month is available at:https://ansa.novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month
The 2026 poster and a calendar of events is available at: https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home/
African Nova Scotian Affairs:
– website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/african-nova-scotian-affairs
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanNSAffairs
– X: https://x.com/OfficeofANSA
