February Proclaimed African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia

The sounds of drums and marimbas filled the Red Chamber as students from Ecole Shannon Park School helped Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, proclaim February as African Heritage Month today, Jan. 24, at Province House in Halifax.

This year's celebrations reflect that the United Nations has marked 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. February's theme in Nova Scotia is We are Connected, highlighting the relationship the province has with the African community around the world.

"In this very special year, we are celebrating our unique culture and achievements here in Nova Scotia, while honouring our historic connections to the African diaspora," said Mr. Paris.

"Every community, every family, every person of African descent in this province has a different story. A story that is all their own, but is woven into the fabric of a bigger story, like a patch on one of the beautiful quilts that many of our sisters and mothers and grandmothers have been sewing for generations."

This February will mark the 27th year that Nova Scotians have celebrated African Heritage Month, an annual recognition of the culture, heritage, and progress of African Nova Scotian communities throughout the province.

"With 2011 being the International Year for People of African Descent, it's an especially significant time to honour and promote African heritage and culture," said Wayn Hamilton, CEO of the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

"From the Gala in Sydney to the 28 Days of Awakening planned in Guysborough, communities around the province will be celebrating their roots throughout February and beyond."

Again this year, the African Heritage Month Information Network worked to develop a calendar of events across the province. The network includes the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, African Nova Scotian Music Association, African Heritage Month North-Central Network, African Heritage Month Southwest Network, Black History Month Association, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, Cape Breton Service Providers, and the Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association.

The calendar is available at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa. Weekly updates will also be available by calling 902-424-3482, beginning Monday, Jan. 31.