Honoring the History, Culture, and Brilliance of African Nova Scotians
This year, African Heritage Month embraces the provincial theme, “Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.” The theme celebrates the enduring legacy of Black Nova Scotians, paying tribute to the community’s resilience, achievements, and impact throughout history. It reflects the brilliance within the community: the stories we share, the lessons passed down by our elders, the rhythms that drive progress, and the powerful ability to honor the past while shaping the future.
The theme also aligns with the culmination of the second United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). Over the past decade, this global initiative has emphasized empowerment, leadership, and increased awareness of the contributions of people of African descent worldwide. The decade’s focus on justice, recognition, and development mirrors the progress and presence of African Nova Scotians in all facets of society.
Nova Scotia is home to 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, with a rich and complex history that spans more than 200 years. African Heritage Month is a time to honor this heritage and celebrate the culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Nova Scotians—both past and present. It is a moment to recognize the strength of our shared legacy and the brilliance that continues to inspire future generations.
Celebrate African Heritage Month 2025 poster (PDF)
Celebrate African Heritage Month 2025 poster: French (PDF)
From the Beginning
The beginning of African Heritage Month can be traced back to 1926 when Harvard-educated Black historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week to recognize the achievements made by African Americans.
Woodson purposefully chose February because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln who were both key figures in the emancipation of enslaved Blacks.
Black History Month was first celebrated in Canada in 1950.
Black History Month in Canada
In the past, the contributions of African Canadians have been acknowledged informally. Nova Scotia has been a leader in officially promoting and recognizing African Canadian heritage.
Some efforts include:
- 1985 – The official opening night of Black History Month at the Halifax North Branch Library
- 1987 – First meeting of the Black History Month Association
- 1988 – First Black History Month in Nova Scotia
- 1996 – Black History Month renamed to African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia
Some of these actions have influenced Canada to act on a national level:
- 1995 – The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
- 2008 – The Senate officially declared February as Black History Month. Nova Scotia Senator Donald Oliver, Q.C., was the first Black Canadian appointed to the Senate. His motion was the final parliamentary procedure needed for Canada’s permanent recognition of Black History Month.
About the African Heritage Month Information Network
The African Heritage Month Information Network (AHMIN) is a partnership with:
- African Nova Scotian Affairs
- The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
- African Heritage Month Southwest Network
- African Nova Scotian Music Association
- Antigonish-Strait African Regional Network
- Black History Month Association
- Cape Breton African Heritage Month Regional Committee
- Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association
- Guysborough African Heritage Month Committee
- Halifax Regional Municipality’s African Nova Scotian Integration Office
- Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association
The African Heritage Month Information Network collaborates in developing the theme and promoting African Heritage Month events and municipal proclamations across the province. The AHMIN also produces an educational poster that is distributed and displayed in community gathering centers, schools, churches, government offices and businesses.