Nova Scotians and Canadians will remember and share stories of the Africville community thanks to a stamp issued by Canada Post as part of African Heritage Month.
African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Tony Ince and Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Mike Savage were joined by representatives from Canada Post, the Africville Heritage Trust Society and Africville Genealogy Society to celebrate the official unveiling of the Africville stamp at Halifax City Hall, today, Feb.
27.
“The stamp has brought people with connections to the Africville community together so they can proudly tell their story and pass it down to future generations of Nova Scotians,” said Mr. Ince. “African Heritage Month is about sharing the story of Nova Scotia’s past, and what better way to start the conversation than to depict the heart of the Africville community and the warmth of its people.”
“It is an honour to share today in the unveiling of this visual reminder of Africville, which lives on in the rich spirit of community, family, faith and friendship,” said Mayor Savage.
“The story of Africville, its residents and their descendants, must continue to be shared within the Halifax region and throughout our province and country.”
“Canada Post is proud to preserve the stories of the people and places that form the rich fabric of our nation,” said Doug Jones, senior vice-president, delivery and customer service, Canada Post. “The stamp tells us a story of resilience by linking the physical legacy of the Africville neighborhood to its memories.”
Canada Post released the Africville stamp on Jan. 30, as part of a set for African Heritage Month. The other stamp in the set honours Hogan’s Alley, which is the unofficial name of a past African-Canadian community in Vancouver. The two stamps are the sixth installment of Canada Post’s Black History Month series, which began in 2009.
“When I look at the stamp, I see everything that Africville is about, and that is family, community and church,” said Bernice Arsenault, one of the seven women depicted on the stamp. “The stamp is one way that the spirit of Africville lives on, and I am proud to be on it.”
The stamp was designed by Halifax designer Karen Smith with a photo provided by former Africville community member Ardith Pye. Ms. Pye was 16 years old when the photo was taken.
A commemorative plaque of the Africville stamp, contributed by Canada Post, will become part of the collection at the Africville Museum in Halifax.
Source: Release