To the MSVU Community,
February is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. This year’s theme is Strengthen in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power, and Progress.
I’m grateful to the many individuals across Mount Saint Vincent University who support the success of Black and African Nova Scotian students, faculty, staff and broader community members by creating opportunities for unity, building community, and breaking down barriers. I look forward to furthering this important work together.
I encourage you to take some time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the history, culture and traditions, achievements and contributions of people of African descent. One way to do that is by attending some of the events taking place this month on- and off-campus:
MSVU events
- African Heritage Month Opening Ceremony – Join us on February 2, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., in the McCain Atrium to kick-off African Heritage Month. This event will include a libation ceremony by Kaneka Watkins Jackson and Nailah-Ashe Jackson, an Elder’s Circle, and drumming.
- Conversation with an Elder – On February 2, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the Black Student Support Office (BSSO) will be hosting a conversation with an Elder in the BSSO Lounge (Seton Academic Centre 314).
- Unstoppable: Celebrating the Brilliance and Contributions of Women – On February 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the MSVU Multi-Purpose Room in Rosaria will be the site of an inspiring half-day conference honouring the leadership, resilience, and brilliance of Black women and women of colour in our communities. This event is co-hosted by the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI), Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, Ashanti Leadership & PDS, and MSVU.
- Black and Indigenous Speaker Series: “Black Thriving in Impossibility” by Dr. Rachel Zellars, MA, JD, PhD – Drawing on Black radical thought and traditions, this talk explores how Black communities create joy, vision, and freedom inside systems designed to constrain them. You can attend this event in-person in McCain 105 or online through Microsoft Teams on February 24 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP to Dr. Zellars’ talk here.
- GBV in Politics Lecture Series: World Day of Social Justice and African Heritage Month – On February 24, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender & Social Justice will host a talk with Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard in Seton 407/409. Register here.
- African Heritage Month Closing Lunch – Enjoy a celebratory lunch with traditional African cuisine at the MSVU Dining Hall on February 25, hosted by MSVU’s Afrocentric Students’ Society. Dining Hall lunch fees will apply.
Throughout the month, the MSVU Library will feature books related to African Heritage Month and, in collaboration with the MSVU Art Gallery, they will display the art collection “Trailblazing African Nova Scotian Women Educators” by Letitia Fraser.
Additionally, the Pan-African flag will be displayed outside of Seton Academic Centre.
Watch for additional events and initiatives happening across campus.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize these campus events, especially the Black Student Support Office, the Afrocentric Students’ Society, and the African Heritage Month Committee.
External events
- The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia Community Calendar features a number of events taking place across Halifax and beyond.
- Check out Halifax Public Libraries African Heritage & Culture virtual portal for events, reading and resources, videos, and more.
- The Africa Festival of Arts and Culture Society will host a Black History Month Dinner at MSVU on February 14 in the Rosaria Multi-Purpose Room. The event will feature a full-course dinner, Master Drummer Amadou Kienou and Djeli Sira Band, and other performances. Tickets can be purchased here.
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University