Eight Young Women Learn the Meaning of HOME

Sailing aboard the replica ship that carried their enslaved ancestors across the Atlantic 170 years ago will mark the end of a summer of self-discovery for eight young Nova Scotian women.

The women, who began the summer by becoming part of a poetic performance project called HOME, have experienced different aspects of their heritage and developed an appreciation for where they came from and what they now call home.

HOME, written and directed by local writer, spoken-word performer and poet laureate Shauntay Grant explores the dissemination of African Nova Scotian history and culture and includes pieces written by each of the young women.

On Aug. 1, the participants had the opportunity to perform personal pieces about the destruction of Africville and what the former community has become at the Africville Reunion.

"Africville gives you a feeling of loss that you don't understand until you go there and experience it personally," said LaMeia Reddick, a participant in HOME. "Performing in front of former residents made me very emotional."

"For some students in this group, it was their first time visiting Africville," said Ms. Grant. "The experience impacted them in a very real way, which came out in their writing."

Today, Aug. 6, the group will perform HOME for the first time to open for the Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers from Jamaica. The performance will take place at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 9, the women will set sail on the Freedom Schooner Amistad for another performance of HOME on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Black Freedom 175 celebrations in Shelburne.

For one of the participants, Natasha Thomas, the thought of sailing on the Amistad is overwhelming.

"Being on the Amistad will be an out of body experience," she said. "I think the experience will make me feel closer to my ancestors."

HOME was created by Ms. Grant with the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage's Cultural Opportunities for Youth Program, to encourage young women to understand the importance of their history, to call for change, and to encourage the celebration of stories about African Nova Scotia.

"Above all, I want them to realize that what they have to say is important," said Ms. Grant, "And that their words can have a positive influence."

"The work that Ms. Grant does with the young people in our communities is outstanding," said Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs Percy Paris. "She encourages youth to think beyond systemic stereotypes to reveal how the events and injustices of the past have helped to shape their personal view of African Nova Scotia."

For more information about the group's performances and how to purchase tickets, visit the ANSA website at www.gov.ns.ca/ANSA .