Honoring our history and culture
Welcome to African Heritage Month 2025, where we proudly shine a spotlight on the rich history, vibrant culture and incredible contributions of African Nova Scotians. This year's provincial theme, Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance, highlights the enduring legacy of excellence, resilience and innovation demonstrated by people of African descent throughout the centuries in our province.
Our legacy is a testament to the brilliance of our community, with achievements that inspire and empower future generations. As we celebrate our heritage and culture, we also reflect on the ongoing work to amplify Black voices, strengthen equity and honor the remarkable accomplishments of African Nova Scotians.
Let us celebrate this month with pride and purpose, honoring the brilliance of the past, embracing the excellence of the present and building a future worthy of our legacy.
A legacy of over 200 Years
Nova Scotia boasts 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, each with a profound and complex history spanning over two centuries. African Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to celebrate the culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of our people, both past and present.
From the beginning: tracing the roots
The roots of African Heritage Month trace back to 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated Black historian, founded Negro History Week in the United States. Woodson deliberately chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks. In Canada, Negro History Week transitioned to Black History Month in the 1950s and expanded nationally in 1976.
Leadership in Canada: Nova Scotia's impact
Nova Scotia has played a pioneering role in the recognition of African Heritage Month in Canada. Key milestones include:
1985: The official opening night of Black History Month at the North Branch Library.
1987: Formation of the Black History Month Association.
1988: Nova Scotia observes its first Black History Month.
1994: Official incorporation of the Black History Month Association in Nova Scotia.
1996: Renaming of Black History Month to African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia.
These efforts influenced national recognition:
1995: The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month.
2008: The Senate declared February as Black History Month, achieving permanent recognition.
African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN): Building Bridges
The AHMIN is a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including the Black Cultural Centre/Society, African Nova Scotian Affairs, and more. Together, we produce educational posters, distribute them across community spaces, and organize events and municipal proclamations throughout the province. To order a copy of this year's educational poster or to explore events, visit https://www.ahm.bccnsweb.com/wp/home/
Join us as we come together to celebrate African Heritage Month, embracing our collective history, culture, and resilience by participating in this year’s events and activities:
Provincial Launch
Jan. 22 | 11 a.m.
Watch the livestream on YouTube.
Municipal Opening Night
Jan. 22 | 7 p.m.
Location: Paul O'Regan Hall or watch the livestream on YouTube.
In partnership with the Halifax Public Libraries and the Black History Month Association, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO welcomes employees and residents to kick-off African Heritage Month at the Paul O’Regan Hall. Enjoy musical performances by Rhythm of Africa and Cyndi Cain.
Flag Raising
Jan. 27 | Noon to 1:30 p.m., or snow date Jan. 29 at 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Grand Parade Square and Halifax Hall or watch on YouTube
Attend an African Heritage Month flag raising at Grande Parade before moving indoors to Halifax Hall for a proclamation reading by Mayor Fillmore and light refreshments.
City Hall Lit in Pan-African Colors
From Jan. 20 to 31, and throughout February, City Hall will be illuminated in black, green and red in honor of African Heritage Month.
Other Events:
• the Pan-African flag will be displayed at both the Burnside and Ragged Lake Transit Centres, as the weather permits, in honor of African Heritage Month.
• explore the African Heritage Month virtual portal, featuring programs that celebrate the African Nova Scotian community https://ahm.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca.