Passing the Torch

February is African Heritage Month (also known as Black History Month). The theme in Nova Scotia for 2017 is “Passing the Torch.” It’s all about celebrating the past and looking ahead to the next 150 years in Canada.

Below is the write up from the African Heritage Month 2017 web page on the Government of Nova Scotia’s African Nova Scotia Affairs website (https://ansa.novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month):

Our 2017 African Heritage Month theme honours past and present legacies of African Nova Scotians while looking forward to future greatness. Embracing the struggle and adversity that African Nova Scotians endured over the generations, the theme highlights their successes and bright path forward as Canada celebrates 150 years of confederation.

The province of Nova Scotia has over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities, dating back over 200 years. Annually we celebrate the history, heritage and contributions of African Nova Scotians during the month of February and beyond.

The 2017 theme also aligns with the global observance of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (http://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade) from 2015-2024 which focuses on three pillars: Recognition, Justice, and Development.

Our Baptist life is richer because of our brothers and sisters in the African United Baptist Association (http://www.aubans.ca/web) and others all around Atlantic Canada. We thank God for their active presence and contribution to our Baptist family and how they lead by example in joining God in their neighbourhoods.

For more info about African Heritage Month and events near you, visit the sites linked above and these sites:

• ANSA Events Calendar – https://ansa.novascotia.ca/calendar
• Black History – http://www.blackhistorycanada.ca