African Heritage Month

The African principle of kuumba -- creativity -- is this year's theme for African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia and there are several creative outlets, events and activities being featured across the province for Nova Scotians to enjoy.

African Nova Scotian communities and organizations will hold workshops on story telling, African drumming, dancing and crafts, as well as on issues of interest facing the black community.

"I encourage all Nova Scotians to take part in the activities or attend an event to better understand the culture, history and achievements of peoples of African descent in Nova Scotia", said Barry Barnet, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs .

Mr. Barnet will help open African Heritage Month on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m., at the Halifax North Memorial Public Library, 2285 Gottingen St., Halifax. The event is hosted by the Black History Month Committee.

The document signed by Mr. Barnet and Premier Rodney MacDonald proclaiming February, African Heritage Month, will be presented at that time.

For a list of events commemorating African Heritage month see our website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa and click on the Community Events and Special Events links. Additional events can also be found on the Black History Month site at www.chebucto.ns.ca/heritage/BHMA/ .