Celebrate African Heritage with Halifax Public Libraries

Black history is everyone's history. Join us as we look back, and march forward, together.

Every year in February and the months that follow, Halifax Public Libraries, in partnership with the Black History Month Association and countless dedicated individuals and groups, offers high-quality programs that highlight and celebrate the rich diversity, culture, and heritage of our African Nova Scotian community and people of African Descent.

The TD Ready Commitment is the generous presenting sponsor of African Heritage Month 2021 at Halifax Public Libraries. Their ongoing sponsorship—this year marks 6 years of support!—increases our capacity to host important programs and conversations, and expand our collection, year-round.

While 2021 will look different from the traditional, we are finding exciting and innovative ways to engage and honour our community and its rich history through virtual events, lifelong legacy pieces, and collaborative projects. This website is yours to explore, and will be updated frequently with ways for you to Listen, Learn, Share, and Act.

Upcoming Events

Beyond Imagination Puppet Crew Presents “Freedoms Run”

TD presents African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries

Using puppetry, the Beyond Imagination Puppet Crew takes a lyrical journey of the Underground Railway. Through song, poetry, and dialogue, “Freedoms Run” tells the story of the freedom-seekers journey and African Nova Scotians' cultural contributions to Canada.

The Beyond Imagination Puppet Crew is a family troop with roots in Prestons' historical communities, formed at the request of their grandmother to perform at her 70th birthday celebration. Through Puppetry, the crew continues to share their love of music and storytelling.

Registration is open but not required.

How to attend

Go to the Library's YouTube channel at the start time of the event with this link.

    - Tuesday April 13th @ 11:00am - 12:00pm All Ages Registration Required.

    The Dr. Harris L. Barton Scholarship Launch & Information Session

    TD presents African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries | Hosted on Zoom by our Partner.

    Join us for the launch and information session for The Dr. Harris L. Barton Scholarship. The award honours the life of Dr. Harris L. Barton, an openly gay African Nova Scotian community leader and doctor who was raised in the North End of Halifax. 

    The annual scholarship aims to shine a mirror of representation, recognition, kinship, and loving support towards Black LGBTQIA2S+ student awardees. The award will be funded annually by Dr. Rachel Zellars at Saint Mary's University.

    Before you join us on Zoom, you are encouraged to read more about the criteria, learn about the scholarship's namesake, and to take a look at the application form.

    In partnership with the Health Association for African Canadians

    What you can expect

    The experience will be like watching a movie. Your video and microphone will be off.

    How to attend

    Register 1 attendee per participant. You will be emailed an invitation link to Zoom and instructions before the event.

    Tech Requirements: All devices are accepted.

    New to Zoom? No problem. Instructions will be emailed to you, and we’ll be there to guide you.

    Registration ends at 4:00 PM on the day of the event.

    Your privacy is important to us

    This event will be recorded by the library and our partner.

    No recordings, screenshots, or photographs will be permitted by participants. 

    Please be mindful of your visible and audible background environment in protection of your privacy and in ensuring a safe space for all participating.

    Resources

    - Thursday April 22nd @ 6:30pm - 8:30pm All Ages Registration Required.

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    Thank You

    Thank you to our Community Advisory Group for guiding and enriching African Heritage Month programs and content.