**** Libraries Media Release
February Kicks Off Year-Long African Heritage Celebrations at Halifax Public Libraries
Beginning in February 2022, TD presents African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries will feature community conversations, showcase local talent, and honour African Nova Scotian history, while looking forward together. Celebrations for the 38th year of African Heritage Month will resonate the whole year round.
The theme this year is Through Our Eyes: The Voices of African Nova Scotians. “The Indigenous Black population of Nova Scotia have a unique, painful, beautiful, and resilient history to share,” says Crystal Mulder of Black History Month Association. “The theme, ‘Through Our Eyes,’ gives us a chance to look at the systemic effects of anti-Black racism throughout the African Nova Scotian community and to honour the trailblazers of change—past and present.”
“The Library is delighted to have this opportunity to support African Heritage Month in ways that extend well beyond the month of February,” says Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian and CEO of Halifax Public Libraries. “We’re providing free programming year-round for everyone to deepen their understanding of Black history and the African Nova Scotian experience, and to celebrate the talent within the African Nova Scotian community.”
February will remain the feature month for African Heritage Month. There will be virtual, live streamed, and online experiences. Annual event favourites, such as Lift Every Voice, Halifax Black Film Festival, and the Youth Quiz will soon appear on the calendar alongside the cooking workshops, reading lists, and history seminars already listed.
As presenting sponsor of African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries, the TD Ready Commitment has increased the community’s and the Library’s capacity to create programs year-round. “At TD, we are so proud to support and be a part of African Heritage Month across Nova Scotia and the sharing of unique stories and voices of African Nova Scotians,” says Jennifer Auld, Vice President, TD Canada Trust – Atlantic Region. “We look forward to listening alongside Halifax audiences as we work to learn, understand, and take action to build an inclusive future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”
To keep up to date as African Heritage celebrations are added to the Library’s calendar, follow @hfxpublib and check halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/ahm. There will be performances, programs, author readings, and book recommendations added frequently.
