African Heritage Month Launches on Cape Breton Island

The 25th anniversary of African Heritage Month will kick off Friday, Jan. 30, in Cape Breton with the reading of a proclamation at Cape Breton Regional Municipality city hall.

"African Heritage Month brings individuals and communities provincewide together to interact, discover and celebrate their history," said Barry Barnet, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "The province has been formally commemorating African history and culture for the past 25 years."

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the Cape Breton satellite office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, in partnership with the Glace Bay Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), will host the Second Annual Celebration Gala Dinner/Dance.

"The gala dinner and dance is the keystone of African Heritage Month celebrations," said Wayn Hamilton, CEO of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "It's the perfect opportunity to formally kick off a month filled with activities with fanfare."

Around 500 people from across the province are slated to attend the gala this year. The evening will include entertainment, a keynote speaker and awards ceremony. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality Affirmative Action Committee will present the Thomas E. Miller award to a community member for dedication to equality and human rights.

"This is the second year that the gala is being held in our community and it means a great deal to us," said Theresa Brewster, chair of the Glace Bay Universal Negro Improvement Association. "The gala gives us the opportunity to come together and see and learn about our culture and share it with the rest of the community."

Held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, the gala will feature the Halifax-based rhythm and blues ensemble Asia and Nu Gruv. A partnership with the African Nova Scotian Music Association helped secure the group.

"The celebration of African Heritage Month doesn't just make the community of Glace Bay more close knit," said Ms. Brewster. "The gala draws other people of African descent to Cape Breton and makes them part of our extended family."

For information on African Heritage Month and a list of events being held provincewide, visit the African Nova Scotian Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa or call the events line at 902-424-3482.