Pastor Debra Hill

The Town of Shelburne and its Anti-Discrimination and Racism Committee partnered with the Black Loyalist Heritage Society to launch African Heritage Month on February 3, 2014 at the Osprey Arts Centre, Shelburne. Representatives from the Municipality, the Province, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society, Tri-County School Board and the African Nova Scotian Community gave remarks. Included here are remarks from ethno-historian and genealogist, Pastor Debra Hill.
 
I don’t presume to be a voice “for” the community, but a voice “from” the community.
 
The month of February is a time to join together in celebrating an empowering history that defines us not only as people of color – but as people of faith.
 
It is a month set aside for the reflection of history; as a tribute to those who have overcome suffering and injustice.
 
It is a time to remember those who have gone before us, as we celebrate their labours, their strength, their service, their sacrifice and their triumphs….
 
For our worthy ancestors – men and women in high places and low – for those who journeyed north, south, east and west – for mothers and fathers, scholars and warriors, who ––through it all – worked and prayed and fought various battles to keep alive in our hearts and minds that we are deserving of – and capable of – the best that life can offer!
 
African Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the history written through the awesome lives and accomplishments of our African ancestors – for parents and elders, and for leaders of our communities who realize and revere that enriching heritage –– and who do all they can, in word and deed, to bring it forward in the lessons taught to our children and in the examples set before them – not only in February, but also in March and April & every other month of the year.
 
I came to tell you this morning that each one of us has a responsibility-- that making a difference will require action on all our parts.
 
It’s our responsibility to realize that our inspirations & empowerments cannot be left to public institutions, but must be practiced & perpetuated in our hearts and homes, in our families & communities!
 
It’s our responsibility to live Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s  dream – not just in words, but in action, not just in talk, but in our daily walk.
 
Dr. King’s dream will simply become a afterthought if all we do is leave here and simply check the box as having come ... and go home and do nothing more to make this community a better place.
 
When all is said and done after the African Heritage gatherings of February 2014, may we go forward with a renewed and strengthened determination to do all we can, every day we can, to write more history of truth, goodness and justice, and to always teach our children & grandchildren to do likewise!
 
Let us also remember that the battle for equality is on-going. We still need to speak out against injustice and continue to educate our families, friends & acquaintances regarding in-equality – that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past, so that we can grow together and walk together and talk together and live together in love, in joy, in peace forever.
 
The DNA of our Creator calls us to unity – and that is found not in ‘tolerance’ – but in acceptance
 
We can make a difference!
 
 

Pastor Debra Hill, ethno-historian and genealogist