AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN AFFAIRS–-Province to Consult African Nova Scotian Communities on Recognition

The province wants to hear ideas on how to recognize and honour the contributions that people of African descent have made in Nova Scotia.

The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs will visit communities across the province from March 17-30 to gather suggestions on ways to pay tribute to African Nova Scotian experiences and achievements.

"We want to establish a lasting form of recognition that honours both the struggle for human rights and the many contributions that African Nova Scotians have made to the history, culture and development of this province," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

"The time is right to do this, especially with 2011 being the International Year for People of African Descent. We will work with communities to determine the most fitting form of recognition."

Consultation sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• March 17, Menelik Hall, 88 Laurier St., Whitney Pier
• March 21, Lincolnville Community Centre, Lincolnville Loop, Lincolnville
• March 21, Ward One Recreation Centre, 387 Brother St., New Glasgow
• March 22, Black Employment Partnership Committee office, 103 Water St., Yarmouth
• March 23, Highland AME Church, 236 Church St., Amherst
• March 28, Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, 5457 Cornwallis St., Halifax
• March 30, Black Cultural Centre, 1149 Main St., Dartmouth

Public input can also be shared online, by visiting www.gov.ns.ca/ansa or e-mailing <ansa_newsletter@gov.ns.ca> by March 31.