Kerri Jack
For February's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access Highlight Series, Recreation Nova Scotia will share all the unique and exciting ways organizations across the province celebrate African Heritage Month. The provincial theme for 2025 is "Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance," which celebrates the enduring legacy of Black Nova Scotians and the rich history of resilience, achievements and impact. African Heritage Month provides an opportunity to learn more about the 200-year history of the 52 African Nova Scotian communities across the province and honour the culture and contributions of African Nova Scotians.
In honour of African History Month, Recreation Nova Scotia has researched and collected some examples of events and activities throughout the province this month.
CENTRAL
The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia unveiled this year's provincial poster for African Heritage Month on January 22, launching its start. Many other organizations follow suit, having hosted or planning to host a launch event of either unveiling the provincial poster or reading a proclamation declaring it officially African Heritage Month in their community. Some organizations hosting launch events are the Town of Truro, the Halifax Central Library, Halifax Regional Municipality, and the Town of Digby, and Centre 200 in Sydney will host an event.
In addition to hosting the provincial launch event, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia will host a Gala celebrating African Heritage Month on February 22 at the Halifax Convention Centre. The evening will showcase Black arts and culture, including songwriter, musician, and producer Reeny. A cultural village reception, dinner, music and dance will end the evening. The organization has partnered with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs to offer a reduced ticket price for members of the African Nova Scotian/Black Nova Scotian community across the province. Find information on the Gala and the reduced ticket rate here.
VALLEY
The Town of Kentville has created a self-guided activity for African Heritage Month. Walking Through History: Kentville's African Heritage Walk is a unique outdoor educational experience that will take place along Kentville's Rail Trail. The Town's Neighborhood Outreach Program Coordinator, Roxy Peterson, says the walk features weather-resistant banners highlighting over 400 years of African Nova Scotian history, resilience, and contributions. Some banners highlight local black historic communities like Pine Woods and Gibson Woods, and others focus on the achievements of notable local African Nova Scotian figures such as Rev. Dr. William Pearly Oliver, Orval Browning, Bryan Gibson, and others. Peterson says this project helps unite education, culture, and physical activity into one inclusive activity for people of all ages.
SOUTH SHORE
In the South Shore Region, volunteers with the Greenville Community Centre have been busy planning several events that will take place during African Heritage Month. Greenville is located in the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth and is one of 52 African Nova Scotian Communities in the province. Greenville was established in 1820 by a colony of Black Loyalist descendants. The community is home to the Greenville United Baptist Church, one of the oldest surviving churches erected by the Nova Scotian Black community and the Greenville Community Centre, which supports the education and empowerment of current and future generations.
The Community Centre will host three different events for African Heritage Month. On February 4, volunteers with the Centre will work with the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth to host an African Nova Scotia flag-raising ceremony at the Yarmouth Municipal Office. This will mark the first time the two organizations have collaborated to host such an event.
On February 6, the Greenville Community Centre will host its launch event. The Province's African Heritage Month will unveil the 2025 poster, and local MLA Nick Hilton will read and sign a proclamation. The proclamation will officially declare February as African Heritage Month in Greenville and will be framed and displayed at the Centre.
Finally, the organization will bring back an event that hasn't occurred in Greenville for roughly 17 years. On February 22, the Centre will host an African Heritage Month Gala with live music, African drumming, a meal and a dance. Organizer and longtime Greenville Community Centre Volunteer Wanda Doucette says the Elders will be glad for the Gala's return, which hasn't been held since 2008. Doucette hopes the community enjoys the Gala and the Centre can continue growing its African Heritage Month activities.
FUNDY
A full calendar of events is happening in and around the Town of Truro to celebrate African Heritage Month. In addition to the town's launch event and flag-raising ceremony, there will be an expanded monthly Seniors Wellness Session on February 13. The monthly session, led by local community champions Jude Clyke and Nevin Jackson, will feature a presentation by Reverend Lennett Anderson and the commemoration ceremony of George Jones and his efforts that led to the creation of the Truro Fire Brigade.
Other African Heritage Month activities taking place in the Fundy region include a themed scavenger hunt hosted by the Truro Public Library, a Black History Month Art Expo taking place at the NSCC Truro Campus, and a virtual author visit featuring Ekiuwa Aire hosted by the Colchester East Public Library. Ekiuwa Aire is a Nigerian-Canadian cultural connector who helps to build knowledge of African history and culture with children.
HIGHLAND
Thanks to a partnership between the NIA Cultural Association and the Afrikan Canadian Heritage and Friendship Centre, an African Heritage Month gala will be held in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough on February 15. The event will feature a social, dinner, and dance at the Chedabucto Lifestyles Complex.
CAPE BRETON
In Cape Breton, Strait Area Nova Scotia Community College students are hosting an exciting event. The Students Offering Social Connection team is organizing a Heritage on a Plate event on February 8 for individuals ages 19 and over. The event will be an opportunity for participants to explore African cuisines. Participation costs $30 per person, andall supplies will be provided.
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Recreation Nova Scotia is always looking to share stories from across the province. Stories can range from a spotlight on a specific program or project or highlight a person making a difference in their community. Sharing these stories helps to advance the Nova Scotian recreation sector. Storytelling can inspire others, share best practices, help with funding efforts and make communities feel proud of their efforts towards being more inclusive and accessible to all.
If you want to shed light on a story from your community, contact Inclusion and Accessibility Coordinator Kerri Jack at