Minister Congratulates Community, HRM for Africville Renaming

African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Percy Paris congratulated former residents of Africville and their descendants as the site of the community was formally renamed Africville today, July 29.

"I know this day has been a long time coming for many members of the community," Mr. Paris said. "Reclaiming the name Africville is more than just a symbolic gesture, it honours the spirit and perseverance of this community.

"I congratulate former residents and their descendants on this milestone, and I thank Mayor Peter Kelly and Halifax Regional Municipality for taking this important step to right a historic wrong."

Representatives from Halifax Regional Municipality and members of the Africville Geneaology Society and Africville Heritage Trust unveiled a new sign rededicating Seaview Park on the Bedford Basin as Africville.

As part of a February 2010 agreement between all levels of government, the province has committed $1.5 million to help build the Africville Seaview Church Museum. The project is expected to be complete for the African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference, being held Sept. 22-24 in Halifax.

"The story of Africville is an important part of Nova Scotia's history and we look forward to sharing it with visitors from around the world," said Mr. Paris.