What does African Heritage Month mean to you?
That was the question Akua Amankwah-Poku, StFX Black Student Advisor and ceremony co-emcee, asked a large crowd filling the Joyce Family Atrium in Mulroney Hall Feb. 4th for the Town of Antigonish’s African Heritage Month Launch, held in partnership with StFX.
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 Nova Scotia. It recognizes and celebrates the rich history, impact and contributions of African Nova Scotians.
“Let’s go beyond this month to educate ourselves and to listen,” Ms. Amankwah-Poku said as she noted that African Heritage Month to her means strength, courage, celebration, pride, and importantly education.
“Every year, I learn something new,” she said. “And how hard my people fought to be seen.”
BLACK BRILLIANCE IN THIS COMMUNITY
“There is Black brilliance in this community. There is Black brilliance in Nova Scotia. Let’s celebrate together and use this month as a chance to learn,” StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said in echoing her sentiments.
When we learn, we translate that back into a better society where everyone can thrive, he noted.
Dr. Hakin encouraged everyone to recognize and celebrate this history and culture on an ongoing basis. “This is not for 28 days or one month. This should be every day, a continuous commitment,” he said in order to tackle inequities, to collectively embrace our shared history, and to recognize accomplishment and impact.
StFX is beginning to gather momentum both through the hard work of colleagues and in spaces that support like the newly opened Dr. Agnes Calliste Academic and Cultural Centre to help everyone succeed, he said.
Augy Jones, executive director of African Nova Scotia Affairs, noted how important it is to see local school children at the event and to have space for young children to believe in and live out their brilliance.
“You need spaces to build brilliance,” he said as he also brought greetings and remarks from the Hon. Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs.
Let us recommit to amplifying the voices of African Nova Scotia communities and to empowering and uplifting one another, Jennifer Desmond said as she brought greetings on behalf of the Antigonish/Guysborough Zone 7 African Cultural Heritage Association.
Lorraine Reddick, speaking on behalf of local African Nova Scotia communities, acknowledged all those who have come before us and on whose shoulders we stand, all those who have paved the way despite racism and barriers. It is important to celebrate this legacy and the rich contributions, she said.
Paul Landry, executive director of the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE), noted the role education plays in help to bring equality. In his remarks, he acknowledged SRCE employees who are championing this work and he thanked SRCE students and staff in attendance for sharing their musical contributions.
ETCHED IN HISTORY, ETCHED IN HEART
“It is my honour to be here,” the Hon. Michelle Thompson, Antigonish MLA and Health and Wellness Minister, said as she noted how important this time is to remember the legacy of those who have come before and who are etched in history and etched in our hearts.
Antigonish Mayor Sean Cameron spoke on the impact and ongoing contributions of African Nova Scotians and noted it is a good opportunity for all to look to see how we can all move forward together.
Tara Reddick, ceremony co-emcee and with St. Andrew Junior School (SAJS), shared a personal story, remembering the impact, legacy, wisdom, courage and contributions of her ancestors. She encouraged young people in attendance to make time to speak with older family members, who hold so much knowledge, wisdom and history.
SAJS Grade 5/6 teacher Morgan Gero and students from that school and Dr. John Regional High School opened and closed the ceremony with African drumming.
As part of the ceremony, the Pan-African flag was raised and the provincial poster for the month unveiled.
Kenyatta Boakye sang both ‘Lift Every Voice’ and ‘O Canada.’
“I hope you have been encouraged today. I hope you have been inspired. I hope you have been educated.” Ms. Amankwah-Poku said as noted she hopes this day and message will remain in your hearts and mind.
To celebrate African Heritage Month, a number of events will be held at StFX and in the local community throughout February. Upcoming events include:
Feb. 6th: African drumming night, 7-9 p.m., Bloomfield HUB
This event will be an opportunity to teach people how to play the African drum and to learn the history behind it. It will be a time of music, learning and sharing.
Feb. 8th: AHM Basketball Games 6-8 p.m., Coach K Court
Honouring African Heritage during the X-Men and X-Women basketball games.
Feb. 11th: AHM Ancestry Tracing Event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Town Library
This event will be an opportunity for the StFX community and Town community to learn about their ancestry using resources from the Antigonish People’s Place Library and the StFX Angus L. Macdonald Library.
Feb. 13th: AHM Sodexo Dinner, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Morrison Hall
During dinner time at meal hall, students, faculty, staff and invited guests will be able to indulge in a variety of African-inspired dishes.
Feb. 26th: Black X-cellence panel, 8-9:30 p.m., Zoom
This event will be an opportunity for the StFX community to hear about the experiences of StFX Black alumni.
Feb. 28th: AHM Black student gala/banquet
This gala will be a formal event which will give Black students an opportunity to get dressed up and to attend a banquet that celebrates Black culture and excellence. There will be small activities, educational pieces, music, and culturally relevant food.
