Nova Scotians will have the chance to hear an expert on African heritage talk about the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent. James Early is a former director at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution.
African Nova Scotian Affairs, in partnership with the Canadian Council for UNESCO, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and the Africville Heritage Trust, has organized the talk to build awareness of the decade and its implications for everyone.
“We want to acknowledge the global linkages between people of African descent here in the province and elsewhere,” said Elizabeth Cromwell, president of the Black Loyalist Society of Nova Scotia. “We hope Mr. Early’s presentation will help us to galvanize the African Nova Scotia communities across our province to action during the Decade for People of African Descent.”
African Nova Scotian Affairs is organizing a speakers series for the coming year, using key dates throughout the year and working with community organizations across Nova Scotia. It is part of a plan to create awareness, support events, projects and other initiatives in African Nova Scotian communities.
In February, African Nova Scotia Affairs Minister Tony Ince began talking with other Canadian Black elected officials, which led to the Black Government Leaders Summit in Birchtown, Shelburne Co., in June.
“We’ve taken the lead in Canada on the UN Decade for People of African Descent by hosting Canada’s inaugural meeting of black government leaders,” said Mr. Ince. “We’re planning action on the decade, just as the UN itself is doing. We’re looking forward to working with communities to build awareness among all Nova Scotians.”
Mr. Early will speak at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13, and the Halifax Central Library at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14.
Other events related to the UN Decade for People of African Descent will be posted on the African Nova Scotian Affairs website, https://ansa.novascotia.ca/calendar , as well as its Facebook and Twitter accounts and publicized through community partners.
Source: Release