African Heritage Timelines
Some of the early Black History Month events included:
Discussions on the role of the Black family, Black women of achievement and the role of the church in the Black community
Musical entertainment by groups such as Sonlight, Gospel Heirs and Four the Moment
Author readings by George Elliott Clarke and Itah Sadu
Youth rallies and special puppet shows like Africville Child
Hosting guests from the Jesse Jackson PUSH Excel program
As interest in the celebration of Black History Month grew around the province, the Library drew together a group of citizens, and in 1991 formed the Black History Month Association. The Association soon took over hosting an opening event, a press conference and youth day. In 1992, the Association hosted its first formal dinner and dance at the McInnis Room at Dalhousie University. The Black History Month Association still meets on a regular basis at the Halifax North Memorial Branch Library, coordinating and planning annual African Heritage Month events.
Over the years, the Library has continued to be committed to hosting events and programs as part of its contribution to African Heritage Month; programs which have included appearances by the likes of renowned children’s author, Richardo Keens Douglas, forums on issues that affect the African Nova Scotian Community, afrocentric craft programs for children and film launches such as Sylvia Hamilton’s Black Mother Black Daughter.
African Nova Scotians Resource Booklet:
Our outstanding resource booklet, African Nova Scotians, was created to promote Library collections, in addition to several other products.
As well as being available in all 14 branches of the Halifax Public Libraries system, this booklet is available online.
African Heritage Month is the perfect time to discover all the wonderful resources by authors of African descent. The Library has books, magazines, CDs and more! Visit our Resource Lists for the latest and classic books for all ages.
Also, don’t forget to check out your local branch during the month of February; all branches will feature African Heritage Month book displays.
