‘It’s about celebrating’: African Heritage Month celebrations, events kick off

African Heritage Month is set to honour the impact and accomplishment of Black communities - past, present and future.

The Pan-African flag went up at Fredericton City Hall Monday morning, as a nod to the beginning of Black History Month in Canada and across the Maritimes.

“When we think about, particularly in Nova Scotia, our rich history as African-Nova Scotians, having been here for over 400 years and the contributions that African-Nova Scotians have made to this province as well as to this country, it’s very important to recognize,” says Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dalhousie University assistant vice-provost of equity & inclusion.

Celebrations and commemorations nationwide are just getting started.

In Shelburne, N.S., an African Heritage Month proclamation was held at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. The event featured keynote speakers, musical performances and more.

“We are not a museum where artifacts go to die. We are live, we are vibrant, we are historical, we are educational, we are informative,” says Andrea Davis, executive director of the centre.

Davis, an eighth generation descendant of the Black Loyalists, dedicates her time to commemorating that history.

“It should be on the minds of everyone, every day, and not just 28 days out of the year. This has got to be something where we’re not going to stop… To me, every year is almost an awakening, but also a reckoning with the past to figure out how we got here, why we got here, and what can we do to move forward,” she says.

The 2026 African Heritage Month poster was unveiled last week, with this year’s theme Strength in Unity.

It’s a fitting message for Nova Scotia’s contribution and commitment to Black history.

“Its certainly an opportunity to celebrate the legacy, the contribution, the lived experiences of African Nova Scotians,” says Twila Grosse, African Nova Scotian Affairs minister.

“It’s an opportunity… listening, learning, understanding and just to talk about how far we have come.”

Author Lindsay Ruck reminds people work can start at home and through many forms. She is using her love for storytelling to honour that legacy.

“It means a lot to me. Especially now that I have kids. I know what’s exciting for them and learning about their heritage. To me, it’s about celebrating,” says Ruck.

“As an author, writing about it is one thing I can do. and I’m hoping that reaches even one person. That’ll make a huge difference.”