Today, Feb. 1, marks the beginning of African Heritage Month here in Nova Scotia.

Our province has more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities with long, deep, and complex histories dating back centuries. This month provides an important platform for celebrating, honouring, and recognizing that history, as well as the culture and achievements of people of African descent in our province.

The provincial theme of this year’s African Heritage Month is Through Our Eyes: The Voices of African Nova Scotians.

This theme recognizes the legacies of people of African descent through first voice, lived realities, and experiences. It highlights that when we listen to others’ perspectives, interpretation, and views on the world, particularly those from marginalized communities, we will gain a more meaningful understanding on how to make our world a better place.

It is on all of us to help make Nova Scotia a better society by recognizing these perspectives, as well as the long-standing history and legacy of African Nova Scotians. By acknowledging the racialized issues encountered by people of African descent, we can strengthen our communities and our province.

African Nova Scotians have a rich history in the game of hockey as well and Hockey Nova Scotia would like to recognize and celebrate those contributions to the game. From Art Dorrington and the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, to Bill Riley, John Paris Jr. and our own Black Youth Ice Hockey Program, African Nova Scotians have made a lasting impact on the sport we all love.

To learn more about African Heritage Month and this year’s theme, please visit https://ansa.novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month.

By listening to new perspectives and exploring the important history and contributions of our African Nova Scotian communities, we can make our game and our province more inclusive and welcoming.

-Dean Smith, Diversity and Inclusion Chair, Hockey Nova Scotia