Celebrating African Heritage Month 2025

Each February, Nova Scotia celebrates African Heritage Month, recognizing the important contributions and vibrant culture and history of African Nova Scotians.

This year’s theme, Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance, highlights the achievements and resilience of African Nova Scotians, who have shaped the province's history for more than 400 years. The month-long celebration includes events and activities designed to educate, inspire and build connections across the province.

“Throughout this month, the Province will honour the leaders and historical moments that have shaped the rich culture and heritage of African Nova Scotian communities,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This year’s celebrations include the Province’s commitment to extend the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent to 2034. We will continue to promote fairness, justice and recognition for people of African descent as we celebrate their strength, achievements and important legacy.”

The celebration kicked off today, January 22, with the official proclamation and poster unveiling at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook.

The launch is available to watch at: https://www.youtube.com/live/N4SiiN0LyRE

Quotes:

“African Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Nova Scotians to deepen their understanding of the rich history and celebrate the enduring contributions of African Nova Scotians. This year’s theme reflects the brilliance and legacy of our communities and their essential role in shaping Nova Scotia.”
— Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

Quick Facts:

• the first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and renamed African Heritage Month in 1996
• the African Heritage Month Information Network at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia collaborates with African Nova Scotian organizations to plan and promote events
• African Nova Scotians represent 2.4 per cent of the provincial population, with 71.8 per cent tracing their roots back three generations or more in Nova Scotia
• in December, Canada committed to adopting a second International Decade for People of African Descent

Additional Resources:

African Heritage Month: https://ansa.novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month

African Nova Scotian Affairs:

• website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/african-nova-scotian-affairs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanNSAffairs
• X: https://x.com/OfficeofANSA

Count Us In: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan in Response to the first International Decade for People of African Descent:, 2015-2024: https://ansa.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/dpad-action-plan.pdf

Federal government news release – Canada welcomes the adoption of a second International Decade for People of African Descent by the United Nations General Assembly: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2024/12/canada-welcomes-the-adoption-of-a-second-international-decade-for-people-of-african-descent-by-the-united-nations-general-assembly.html

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