Hill Leads Impressive African Diaspora Conference Lineup

Award-winning author Lawrence Hill and celebrated African American scholar Molefi Asante are among the presenters at the seventh International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference being held Sept. 22-24 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.

The conference lineup includes filmmakers, tourism experts, historians, educators and government officials. Delegates are expected from more than 15 countries including Bermuda, Cameroon, Jamaica, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and the United States.

"We are excited to present a world-class lineup that will offer our visitors and local delegates a tremendous experience," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "I look forward to introducing fellow tourism ministers from around the world to Nova Scotia's rich African heritage and warm hospitality."

Several conference events are open to the public, including a celebration on Sept. 23 called We Are Here: Telling African Canadian Stories, featuring Mr. Hill, actor and director Anthony Sherwood and African Nova Scotian authors George Elliott Clarke and Shauntay Grant.

"African Canadians have amazing histories and fascinating stories in our country, and nowhere is this more true than in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Hill, author of The Book of Negroes.

"This conference offers the opportunity to help establish our stories within the broader narrative of the African Diaspora and to give them a wider audience, nationally and internationally."

Visitors are also welcome at the International African Bazaar Sept. 22-25 at Sackville Landing. A trade fair featuring local, national and international vendors, the bazaar will offer a taste of Africa on the Halifax waterfront.

The African Diaspora Heritage Trail is an international heritage tourism initiative started by Bermuda in 2002. It promotes socially conscious travel, educates visitors on African culture and creates economic benefits in communities of African descent.

"Canada is honoured to host this prestigious international conference for the first time in its history, even more so as 2011 is the International Year for People of African Descent," said Senator Donald Oliver, honourary conference chair. "The conference offers us an opportunity to highlight the key role African Canadians have played in shaping our national history and collective identity."

The annual conference has been held in Bermuda four times, the Bahamas and Tanzania. Nova Scotia is the first North American host.

The full conference program is available at adht2011.com.