Community

In honour of the 40th year of African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries, we are thrilled to reissue and reintroduce new limited-edition bookmarks recognizing prominent members of the African Nova Scotian community, both past and present. These bookmarks, which we first introduced in 2004, are more than just placeholders for your favourite reads; they are gateways to the profound stories of those who have shaped our community’s history and identity.

Jupiter Reign’s rise in the Halifax R&B scene is a tale of resilience woven with joy. Her music, marked by emotional depth and extraordinary vocal talent, chronicles her evolution as an R&B artist, spotlighting her challenges and triumphs. This artist’s story is one of finding strength in vulnerability, the transformative power of music, and celebrating each milestone with a deep love for her craft.

As we welcome African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia and celebrate 40 years of honouring this occasion at Halifax Public Libraries, we’re thrilled to honour this year’s provincial African Heritage Month theme, “Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians,” through thoughtful words from our very own staff who share their journeys, stories of community, resilience, and happiness.

With roots in Ethiopia and a passion for art that transcends boundaries, Nahom Assefa, the winner of Halifax Public Libraries’ 2024 African Heritage Month T-Shirt Design Contest, has created a design that embodies the spirit of the African diaspora. Sharing a vibrant visual celebration of African culture and heritage, the 19-year-old artist recently sat down to discuss the inspiration behind his iconic t-shirt that weaves together the rich patterns of African heritage, creating a common thread.

For up-and-coming Halifax-based singer Jody Upshaw, family has been especially important. From the support of her parents to the people she’s met in the music industry, “family”, in all its forms, has been a cornerstone of her success. The 19-year-old singer visited Central Library to give a performance of her catchy track “Guilty One” and chat about the importance of family to her career.

Othello Pollard was once a well-known African American chef and caterer who lived the latter part of his life in Halifax and Dartmouth. Among the earliest fine-dining restaurant owners in the United States, Othello was also Halifax’s first known Black restaurant owner. Writer Kate Foster explores his legacy.

Shared from Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President – Social Impact, Sustainability, & Corporate Citizenship

René Boudreau’s video series aims to help Black Nova Scotians explore the province, gain perspectives through travel, and break down barriers.

Social worker and community connector, Rajean Willis reflects on her Library talk show series, and what it means to see someone else’s perspective.

The Avenue is a small, but significant, historically Black community in Dartmouth. Writer Kate Foster looks deeper into its history.

Funmi is the Creative Director of MichNat Fashion House, based in Halifax. Her desire to fully pursue her passion in fashion was largely influenced by the need to fulfil her dreams and purpose in life. She strives to fill the existing gap for the demand for African designs mixed with western flair within the city/province.

Read more about Funmi’s entrepreneurial roots and inspiration on our blog.

Tara Taylor was Halifax Public Libraries’ first-ever Artist in Residence, during African Heritage Month 2021. Originally from East Preston, Tara has recently returned to her roots in the community—”I’ll never leave again. I love my hometown. It helps ground me, and inspires me to create when I’m home; when I’m standing on the land, in the front yard, in the grass.”

Read our interview with Tara about her creative process and her Library residency.

Teo (Mateo) is a creator, model, and advocate for Black and queer communities. In this post, he celebrates his Jamaican roots, and reflects on the meaning of ‘listening’ as it relates to Black culture and history.

Damini is a teenager with a passion for making change, using her countless talents in countlessly creative ways. Her new poem, Our Crowns, shared here, highlights and celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of Black hair.

Teyana is a creator, lifestyle blogger, fashion enthusiast, and proud mother. Here, she looks back at experiences she had growing up, and writes about creating a brighter future for her son and other Black youth.

Keonté Beals is a multi-talented writer, award winning artist, and entertainer from North Preston, Nova Scotia. He reflects on what it means to take action, be resilient, and be authentically Black.

Born in Chicago, Illinois; and raised in Gary, Indiana; Evelyn C. White has written four books, including the 10-years-in-the-making biography of Alice Walker, published in 2004. She worked for The San Francisco Chronicle for 8 years, and has interviewed the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, and Whoopi Goldberg. Evelyn now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia and continues to write. In 2019, Evelyn shared her connection to The Color Purple with us.