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Events

African Heritage Month Opening Night Celebration

TD presents African Heritage Month

Join us for the 41st Annual Opening Night Celebration of African Heritage Month 2025.

This program, held in partnership with the Black History Month Association, Halifax Public Libraries, the HRM Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO, and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, will feature local political leaders, and entertainment by Cindi Cain, Drummers from Home and Rhythm of Africa.

A reception will follow.

How to participate

You can attend in person, or click to watch the live stream on YouTube at the time of the event.

Tech Requirements: All devices are accepted.

Central Library - Wednesday January 22nd @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm Paul O'Regan Hall | Floor 1 All Ages

Teen Take-Homes: African Hand Fans

TD presents African Heritage Month

Hand fans originated in Egypt at least 4000 years ago and remain popular in many African countries today. Styles and significance vary across regions, but they are commonly associated with royalty and used in sacred and religious ceremonies. Of course, they are also a convenient way to cool down.

Every month, we'll have craft kits for teens to take home. Although they are only listed here for the first week of the month, they will likely be available all month long. They can be found in the Teen Section while supplies last.

Cole Harbour Public Library - All Day Teens

Movie: Harriet

Rated G | 2019 | 2h 5min

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter. Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Tantallon Public Library - Tuesday February 4th @ 6:00pm - 8:15pm Adults | All Ages | Kids | Teens

Movie: Belle

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated PG | 2015 | 1h 43min

Belle is based on the extraordinary true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle. An 18th-century English woman of mixed race, raised in privilege by her aristocratic great-uncle and his wife, yet she is denied a proper social standing because of her skin colour. 

But when Dido falls in love with a young idealist lawyer who aspires to create positive change, she finds herself caught between two worlds. With everything to lose, she struggles to convince those around her - and the society in which she lives - to overcome their biases and accept her fully. 

J. D. Shatford Memorial Public Library - Tuesday February 4th @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm Adults

Movie: Judas and the Black Messiah

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated 14A | 2021 | 2h 6min

Judas and the Black Messiah is an electrifying dramatization of historical events where FBI informant William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton.

A career thief, O'Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell. Hampton's political prowess grows just as he's falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson. Meanwhile, a battle wages for O'Neal's soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover commands?

Please note, this film contains strong language.

Tickets given out 30 minutes before showtime.

Woodlawn Public Library - Wednesday February 5th @ 1:30pm - 3:45pm Adults

I Love My Style: African Heritage Storytime

TD presents African Heritage Month

Black hairstyles and fashion are rich in history and meaning, full of fascinating tales to share. Join us for songs and stories to celebrate African Heritage.

All Ages

Sackville Public Library - Friday February 7th @ 10:30am - 11:00am All Ages

African-American Read-in

TD presents African Heritage Month

The African-American Read-In is a worldwide event established in 1990 as part of African Heritage Month. Celebrate African-Canadian and African-American authors with books, stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Dartmouth North Public Library - Saturday February 8th @ 10:30am - 11:30am Kids | Preschoolers

African Heritage Month with Julia Tynes Music

TD presents African Heritage Month

Bring your kids to hear local African Nova Scotian Pop/R&B singer-songwriter Julia Tynes and celebrate African Heritage Month at this fun, interactive performance for the whole family.

J. D. Shatford Memorial Public Library - Saturday February 8th @ 11:00am - 11:45am All Ages | Kids

George Elliott Clarke, D.D. Jackson & Halifax Public Libraries Present: 5 Poets Breaking into Song (#16)

TD presents African Heritage Month

Welcome to George Elliott Clarke, D.D. Jackson & Halifax Public Libraries Present: 5 Poets Breaking into Song (#16) - Saltwater Spirituals & Uppity Blues II!

Halifax native and Toronto Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke will host a delightful afternoon of original poetry and music. Poets Delvina Bernard, El Jones, Reed Jones, Salima Tourkmani-MacDonald, Stedmond Pardy and George Elliott Clarke will recite original poetic works.  

These works will then be performed as musical pieces composed by Emmy Award-winning composer D.D. Jackson, and sung by Nova Scotia native Shanice Skinner and Dean Bowman. This afternoon promises to be a salve for your soul.

How to participate

You can attend in person, or click to watch the live stream on YouTube at the time of the event.

Tech Requirements: All devices are accepted.

In the event of inclement weather, this event will take place on Sunday, February 9.

Central Library - Saturday February 8th @ 2:00pm - 4:00pm Paul O'Regan Hall | Floor 1 All Ages

African Sun Yarn Art

TD presents African Heritage Month

Come by the Library and create a vibrant yarn art craft inspired by the rich colours and textures of Africa.

Dartmouth North Public Library - Saturday February 8th @ 2:30pm - 4:00pm Adults Registration Required.

Please come by the library or call (902) 490-5840 to register.

Movie: The Secret Life of Bees

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated PG | 2008 | 1h 50min

The Secret Life of Bees is the story of Lily, a 14-year-old growing up in a small Southern town in 1964. She is haunted by memories of shooting her mother when she was a young girl. Lily lives with her emotionally distant father, and her best friend is their African-American housekeeper Rosaleen. 

After locals beat Rosaleen for attempting to register as a voter, and Lily's dad goes one step too far during an argument with his daughter, Lily and Rosaleen set out to find the place where the only picture Lily has of her mother was taken. 

That place turns out to be the home of the independent Boatwright sisters, a trio who make a very successful living producing honey. Lily and her friend move in with them, and soon the girl learns about both beekeeping and life.

J. D. Shatford Memorial Public Library - Tuesday February 11th @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm Adults

Movie: The Hate U Give

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated PG | 2018 | 2h 13min

Based on the best-selling novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr Carter, who lives in two worlds: the poor, black neighbourhood where she resides and the mostly white prep school she attends. 

This uneasy balance is shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend by a policeman. Facing pressures from all sides, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what's right.

Tickets given out 30 minutes before showtime.

Woodlawn Public Library - Wednesday February 12th @ 1:30pm - 3:45pm Adults

Celebrating Black History & International Networking Month

TD presents African Heritage Month

This event is a celebration of culture, history, and the power of global connections, featuring entrepreneurs and businesses from our community and highlighting our African Nova Scotian business leaders.

Please join us to network, create connections, and celebrate.

In partnership with BNI


Central Library - Wednesday February 12th @ 6:00pm - 8:00pm Paul O'Regan Hall | Floor 1 Adults

Super Saturday: African Heritage Month

TD presents African Heritage Month

On Saturday mornings, step into a world of fun and discovery!

In this exciting program, families will explore a variety of hands-on activities - arts, crafts, STEM experiments, and more - all in a prepared environment designed for learning through play.

This week we'll get inspired by the art of Alma Thomas! Kids will have the chance to explore her vibrant style and create their own beautiful collages. 

It’s a fun way to discover art, express creativity, and celebrate African Heritage Month. Don’t miss out on this colourful experience!

Ages 3+

Tickets are given out 30 minutes before the start of the program.

Woodlawn Public Library - Saturday February 15th @ 10:30am - 11:30am Kids | Preschoolers

African Heritage Month Trivia: Family Fun Edition

TD presents African Heritage Month

Drop in to celebrate African Nova Scotia Heritage with our trivia challenge!

This will be a celebration for all ages. Refreshments will be on hand and it's a chance get together, learn together and maybe showcase your excellent knowledge of African Nova Scotian History! 

Captain William Spry Public Library - Saturday February 15th @ 1:00pm - 2:30pm Adults | All Ages | Kids

The History of Motown Presented & Sung by Julia Tynes

TD presents African Heritage Month

Celebrate African Heritage Month with an unforgettable journey through the legendary sounds of Motown! Join Julia Tynes, a local African Nova Scotian Pop/Soul singer-songwriter, as she performs iconic Motown hits and shares the story behind this timeless genre.

This fun, interactive, and educational program is perfect for the whole family.

Come ready to tap your feet, sing along, and learn about the legacy of Motown music!

Cole Harbour Public Library - Saturday February 15th @ 3:00pm - 4:00pm Adults | All Ages | Kids | Teens

Makers Gonna Make: Faith Ringgold Collage Art

TD presents African Heritage Month

Join us for collage art inspired by African-American multimedia artist and author, Faith Ringgold.

Ages 5-11

Join us every Tuesday to make something awesome! We'll provide everything you need to take part.

Alderney Gate Public Library - Tuesday February 18th @ 3:30pm - 4:30pm Kids Registration Required.

Movie: Antwone Fisher

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated 14A | 2003 | 2h 

Antwone Fisher is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Antwone is a volatile young sailor in the Navy, getting into trouble for his constant fighting. 

When he gets appointed to see naval psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport, he begins to reveal the emotional problems behind his rage. Through an introduction to anger management, Antwone is able to confront some secrets of his past and eventually search out his family for a confrontation.

J. D. Shatford Memorial Public Library - Tuesday February 18th @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm Adults

Movie: Hidden Figures

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated PG | 2017 | 2h 7min

Hidden Figures is the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) - brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn, a stunning achievement that turned around the Space Race. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines and inspired generations.

Tickets given out 30 minutes before showtime.

Woodlawn Public Library - Wednesday February 19th @ 1:30pm - 3:45pm Adults

Puppet Theatre: Anansi & The Moss-Covered Rock

TD presents African Heritage Month

"Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock" is a lively puppet show filled with humor and adventure. The clever spider Anansi tricks his fellow animals to claim a magical rock, but his plan unravels in unexpected ways. A fun, vibrant tale of wit, teamwork, and lessons learned in the forest. 

Anansi inspired craft to follow.

Dartmouth North Public Library - Saturday February 22nd @ 10:30am - 11:00am All Ages

Super Saturday: Artist of the Month - Faith Ringgold

TD presents African Heritage Month

Join us for our Artist of the Month series! 

This month, we'll be celebrating African-American multimedia artist and author, Faith Ringgold with crafts and activities inspired by her work.

Alderney Gate Public Library - Saturday February 22nd @ 11:00am - 3:00pm Kids | Preschoolers

Wontanara Drum & Dance

TD presents African Heritage Month

Children of all ages will enjoy discovering and exploring the world of African drumming and dancing in this fun and unique interactive performance.

Kids will learn to sing, move, dance and learn rhythms while promoting self-confidence, multiculturalism, cooperation, improvisation, creativity and musicality.

Tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the performance.

Woodlawn Public Library - Saturday February 22nd @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm All Ages | Kids | Preschoolers

Makers Gonna Make: Paper Kente Cloth

TD presents African Heritage Month

Kente cloth is the beautiful, colourful, and symbolic cloth made by the Ewe and Ashanti weavers of Ghana. We’ll be honouring their intricate craft by making Kente-inspired décor out of paper. We’ll also be learning about the meaning behind the colours and symbols used. There will be more complicated patterns available for veteran weavers.

Can't make the program but want to make the project? We'll miss you, but you don't have to miss out! Contact me for a take home kit.

Join us every second Saturday to make something awesome! We'll alternate between projects that are more STEM-heavy and some that are more artsy. You'll learn new skills and meet new friends who love to create. We'll provide everything you need to take part.

Can't make the program but want to make the project? We'll miss you, but you don't have to miss out! Whenever possible, take-home versions will be made available upon request.

Cole Harbour Public Library - Saturday February 22nd @ 2:30pm - 4:00pm Adults | All Ages | Kids | Preschoolers | Teens

Eat Plantain with Mary

TD presents African Heritage Month

In commemoration of African History Month, chef Mary Nkrumah from Mary’s African Cuisine will be cooking up something special. 

Come delight your taste buds and learn how to make something authentic from the continent.

Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library - Monday February 24th @ 2:00pm - 3:30pm Adults | Teens Registration Required.

To register, please call (902) 889-2227. 

African-American Read-in

TD presents African Heritage Month

The African-American Read-In is a worldwide event established in 1990 as part of African Heritage Month. Celebrate African-Canadian and African-American authors with books, stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Ages 0-5

Alderney Gate Public Library - Tuesday February 25th @ 10:30am - 11:00am Kids | Preschoolers

Movie: The Woman King

TD presents African Heritage Month

Rated 14A  | 2022 | 2h 15min

Inspired by true events, The Woman King is the remarkable, action-packed story about the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. 

Follow the epic and intense journey of General Nanisca (Oscar winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.

Woodlawn Public Library - Wednesday February 26th @ 1:30pm - 3:45pm Adults

Eat Plantain with Mary

TD presents African Heritage Month

In commemoration of African History Month, chef Mary Nkrumah from Mary’s African Cuisine will be cooking up something special. 

Come delight your taste buds and learn how to make something authentic from the continent.

This event is held in the Lou Duggan Creative Studio, a place to Learn, Discover, Create, and Share.

Central Library - Thursday February 27th @ 6:00pm - 7:30pm Lou Duggan Creative Studio | Floor 2 Adults | Teens Registration Required.

Voices from Down Home: Dialogues on Community Connections in Black Canadian Art

TD presents African Heritage Month

Join us in celebrating African Heritage Month with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring artists from Down Home, an exhibition at the Dalhousie Art Gallery curated by Fabiyino Germain-Bajowa. 

Through their unique works, these artists share layered stories that illuminate the strength and vibrancy of African Nova Scotian and Black Canadian life and identity. Drawing on their distinct cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, the artists will engage in a conversation exploring themes of diverse representation and cultural continuity through art and creative expression.

Panelists:

  • Chantal Gibson – African Canadian author, artist, and educator
  • Kayza DeGraff-Ford – African Canadian visual artist
  • Rebecca Fisk – African Nova Scotia visual artist and educator
  • Preston Pavlis – African American visual artist
  • Vanessa Thomas – African Nova Scotian digital artist and muralist

Moderators:

  • Pamela Edmonds – Director and Curator, DAG
  • Fabiyino Germain-Bajowa – Assistant Curator, AGNS

Presented by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Dalhousie Art Gallery and the Dalhousie African Nova Scotian Strategy Council

Central Library - Thursday February 27th @ 6:00pm - 8:00pm Paul O'Regan Hall | Floor 1 Adults