African Heritage Month Book Launch in Cape Breton

A book detailing the history of African Nova Scotians in Cape Breton, from the Fortress of Louisbourg to present day, will be launched as part of African Heritage Month next week.

The release of One God One Aim One Destiny: African Nova Scotians in Cape Breton will be held on Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the UNIA Cultural Museum, 35 Jessome St., Glace Bay.

The book begins with the arrival at Louisbourg of a small group of enslaved Africans and ends with the appointment of an African Nova Scotian from Whitney Pier to the position of lieutenant governor for Nova Scotia.

African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Barry Barnet, who will attend the launch, said the book is a needed addition to the history of the province.

"It is a common belief that knowledge of one's history, promotes pride in self and community, which inevitably leads to a healthier province and country," said Mr. Barnet. "This book is an important documentation of African Nova Scotian history in this region. It is another example of the contributions of African Nova Scotians to this province."

The title of the book is taken from the motto of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and its founder Marcus Garvey. Garvey was an international symbol of black pride who promoted improved education and self-reliance. In the early 1900s, he established more than 1,100 branches of the UNIA worldwide. The refurbished Glace Bay UNIA hall is the only one still operating in Canada.

"With the rebuilding of the UNIA hall as a cultural centre and museum, the idea for the book was born", said author Joan Weeks. "Research for the museum's exhibits uncovered many fascinating stories such as the Glace Bay race riot and the story of a teenager who saved a young child from being hit by a passing train."

At the launch, Ms. Weeks will read from her book and an elementary school group will sing African folksongs.

One God One Aim One Destiny was published with the assistance of the Centre for Cape Breton Studies at Cape Breton University. It is the first of a series of books celebrating Cape Breton culture. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Glace Bay UNIA to support its museum.