Community Commemorates Freedom 175
One-hundred-and-seventy-five years ago on Aug. 1, an act of British Parliament officially put an end to slavery in the British Empire.
Several African Nova Scotian community groups and organizations across the province will hold events to recognize this turning point in the history of people of African descent.
"We recognize this date with mixed emotions," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "We mourn for our ancestors who were enslaved and for their descendants who have suffered the ramifications of this period.
"But we also celebrate the fact that we are still here, nurturing our families and communities, and contributing to the economic, social, and political landscape."
Most of the celebrations begin this weekend, but the 26th Annual Africville Homecoming Reunion Festival kicks off tonight with a screening of the new documentary Africville - Can't Stop Now.
The reunion is being held at the former site of the African Nova Scotian community, now Seaview Park. On Friday, July 31, a ceremony to rename the road leading into the park, Africville Road, begins at 5 p.m.
The weekend also features a dinner and dance, memorial church service, kids' day, and more.
The Freedom Schooner Amistad is also returning to Nova Scotia. The public is invited to welcome the schooner when it arrives on Saturday, Aug. 1. The ceremony will also feature a play directed by local writer and spoken word performer Shauntay Grant entitled Home - An African Nova Scotian Youth Perspective. The performance project focuses on exploring and circulating African Nova Scotian history and culture, and highlights the work of eight emerging female writers.
The welcome begins at noon at the North Jetty of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, on 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax. Other activities include daily tours of the slave ship replica and human rights and diversity workshops for youth.
In Amherst, the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association is hosting a concert featuring Gary Beals and local artists at the Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill on Friday, July 31. The weekend wraps up with a fundraising auction and community yard sale.
From Aug. 5 to 10, The Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers, from Charles Town, Jamaica, will headline a series of concerts in metro with special local guests, including Grant and the jazz ensemble of Harvey Millar and b-sharp.
The Black Loyalist Heritage Society's Freedom 175 events include art and quilting shows, a gospel festival and tours aboard The Amistad when it visits Birchtown, Shelburne Co. on Aug. 12.
For details of all events, visit the African Nova Scotian Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa .