February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia and a time to celebrate and share the culture and history of African Nova Scotians.
Celebrations started today, Jan. 23, with the provincial launch and poster unveiling at Province House, in Halifax, with Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc and Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs Tony Ince.
“African Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture, contributions and achievements of African Nova Scotians,” said Lt.-Gov. LeBlanc. “Educating all Nova Scotians about African Nova Scotian history unites us regardless of our race and origin.”
The 2019 theme, Our History is Your History, recognizes the distinct story of African Nova Scotians and how it is interwoven with the past, present and future of all Nova Scotians.
“African Nova Scotians helped shape the identity of the province,” said Mr. Ince. “When we all acknowledge, understand and appreciate the truths of our shared history, we will be able to better embrace positive change in our province.”
This year’s theme also aligns with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent. The goal of this initiative is to strengthen global co-operation in support of people of African descent for full inclusion in all aspects of society.
The African Heritage Month Information Network Committee selected the theme and design of the poster. The network is made up of over 10 African Nova Scotian organizations who promote and support African Heritage Month events around the province.
“For this year’s poster, we wanted to capture historic African Nova Scotian landmarks and people from various communities, to illustrate that our history is Nova Scotian history” said Russell Grosse, executive director of the Black Cultural Centre and organizational lead of the network. “We decided to use a quilt design representing African Nova Scotian heritage, stitching together all fabrics of Nova Scotian heritage.”
To learn more about African Heritage Month and the events taking place throughout the province, visit www.ansa.novascotia.ca, Facebook, @AfricanNSAffairs or Twitter, @OfficeofANSA.
Posters can be ordered at http://www.bccnsweb.com/web/ah
To learn more about the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent, visit http://www.un.org/en/events/af
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Source : Media Release