29th Nova Scotia African Heritage Month Launches

NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2013-01-25-African-Heritage-Month/. Hi-res, downloadable photos audio and video will be added after the event.

A list of regional launches follows this release.

The 29th celebration of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia will highlight and celebrate historic African Nova Scotian settlements and look to the future of the communities.

The month was launched with a reading of the provincial proclamation at a celebration in the Red Chamber, Province House, today, Jan. 25. The poster for this year's theme Then and Now: Our Journey Continues, was also unveiled.

"For 29 years, we have been celebrating the contributions, experiences, and triumphs of people of African descent in this province," said African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Percy Paris. "It is a chance to look back on our rich history, but also critically examine what needs to be done to continue down a path to prosperity.

"I encourage all Nova Scotians to get involved in African Heritage Month, participate in events and learn about the African Nova Scotian experience."

Participation continues to grow with more than 75 events taking place across the province this year, most of which are organized in the communities.

"The joy of African Heritage Month is that the African Nova Scotian communities, from Cape Breton to the South Shore, unite in the celebration of their African heritage and the numerous successes that they have had along the way," said Sunday Miller, African Nova Scotia Information Network. "The theme of this year, Then and Now: Our Journey Continues, highlights our hope filled journey towards a better and brighter future."

The poster and calendar of events was produced by the African Heritage Month Information Network, a partnership between African Nova Scotian Affairs, African Nova Scotian Music Association, African Nova Scotian North-Central Network, African Heritage Month Southwest Network, Africville Heritage Trust, Black History Month Association, Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association.

More information on African Heritage Month and a list of events across the province can be found on the new African Nova Scotian Affairs website http://ansa.novascotia.ca.

Nova Scotians can also keep up to date on African Heritage Month events on Facebook (African Nova Scotian Affairs), on Twitter (@OfficeofANSA), or by calling the African Heritage Month events line at 902-424-1186.

The following is a list of regional African Heritage Month launches:

• New Glasgow: Monday, Jan. 28, New Glasgow Town Hall, 111 Provost St. 11:45 a.m.
• Digby: Tuesday, Jan. 29, Digby Municipal Building, 12548 Highway 217, 1 p.m.
• Antigonish: Wednesday, Jan. 30, Town Council Chambers, 274 Main St., 11:45 a.m.
• Halifax: Thursday, Jan. 31, Halifax North Memorial Public Library, 2285 Gottigen St., 7 p.m.
• Amherst: Friday, Feb. 1, Amherst Town Hall, 98 East Victoria St., 11 a.m.
• Sydney: Friday, Feb. 1, Cape Breton Regional Municipality 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 320 Esplanade, noon.
• Truro: Monday, Feb. 4, Town Council Chambers, 695 Prince St., 11 a.m.