Dear students, faculty and staff,
February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia (Black History Month in other parts of Canada).
This year’s provincial theme for African Heritage Month is: “Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians.” This theme spotlights “the spirit of perseverance that people of African descent have demonstrated over the centuries in Nova Scotia” (African Nova Scotian Affairs).
How to get involved
There are a number of events you can join in, both on-campus and off.
On-campus
Randy Headley, Black Student Support Advisor, is organizing a number of events to mark African Heritage Month at MSVU.
Mark your calendars for African drumming classes to take place on February 8 and 14 (time and location details to follow).
As well, a panel discussion is in the works for later February featuring student voices discussing African Heritage Month in a local context. Details to come.
Watch the Black Student Support Office webpage for more.
(Of note: 2024 also marks the final year of the UN’s Decade for People of African Descent. Stay tuned for an event to be hosted later this year by the EDIA Office at MSVU in recognition of this milestone.)
In the community
From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, MSVU’s EDIA Advisor Delvina Bernard will be part of a special presentation at the Halifax Central Library (Paul O’Regan Hall) called “5 Poets Breaking Into Song (#11): Saltwater Spirituals and Uppity Blues.” Dr. George Elliott Clarke will host this free event which will also feature MSVU honorary degree recipient The Honourable Mayann Francis, ONS, BA, MPA, DHumL, and others.
Find details of more community events here:
- Events being hosted by the Halifax Regional Municipality
- Events being hosted by Halifax Public Libraries
- Events being hosted by the Province of Nova Scotia
You might also like to read some recent stories we’ve told about African Nova Scotian and other Black leaders within the MSVU community:
- 150 People Profile: Karen Hudson – Mount alum and leader in Africentric education
- 150 People Profile: Meet Ayo Aladejebi – MSVU graduate and valedictorian, and community leader
- 150 People Profile: Corey Beals – Deputy Fire Chief and long-time firefighter, lifelong learner
- 150 People Profile: Dr. Susie Brigham – Professor, mentor, leader and equity advocate
Of note: Dr. Brigham founded the Black Faculty Affinity Group at MSVU, which provides support, encouragement and recognition for Black scholars as they navigate working in a white-dominant context. - “As long as you continue to move forward, you are where you are supposed to be” – Meet valedictorian Tyler Simmons
- “A phenomenal program” – MSVU BPR launched a successful career for graduate Sandra Wills Hannon
- A long rich history: Black Nova Scotian mother-daughter MSVU alumni from East Preston, Nova Scotia, Cassandra and Amber Grosse, carry on family tradition
- Event series focuses on Africentric representations of peace
Thank you
I’m grateful to the many members of our university community who work to remove barriers and advance efforts in support of Black and African Nova Scotian students, faculty, staff and broader community members. On behalf of MSVU, thank you for your leadership.
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University