News

How do you contribute to your community?

I contribute to my community through my work at Imhotep Legacy Academy where I break academic barriers for Black students in Nova Scotia teaching them hands-on STEM activities highlighting Black professionals.

Why does Black history matter?

Black history is important because we need to acknowledge and honour those who have received no recognition for their hard work and efforts.

How can people support Black/African Nova Scotian Communities beyond African Heritage Month?

A good way to support the Black community in Nova Scotia is by patronizing their businesses: there are a lot of good Black-owned business across the province, from food to clothing businesses. I think another important way is to learn about the culture. There is the Africville Museum; African Nova Scotians have been here for over 400 years, so I think it is important to learn the culture.

Why does Black history matter?

I think it is important to celebrate our resilience, history, achievements and contributions and I also think it is an important time to remember our roots that are often overlooked as well as embrace all that makes us who we are.

How can individuals support Black/African Nova Scotian communities 12 months of the year?

Some ways that people could help promote and support Black communities in Nova Scotia would be helping Black businesses, (buying from them) and educating themselves more about black history and black culture.

Why does the celebration of Black History matter?

I believe Black History Month is important because it is so vital to uplift Black and African lives. Black people have been subjected to discrimination and racism through history, so I believe just promoting and celebrating culture and heritage and family in general is important to bring the community together.

Tell me something about you growing up?

Growing up, basketball was a big part of who I was and currently am. I spent a lot of time at the local YMCA, and it really brought that sense of family, community and togetherness within the Black community here and I was fortunate to have amazing coaches and peers who helped shape the values that I carry today.

How can individuals support Black/African Nova Scotian communities all the time?

A big thing is consistency. Support should not only be happening in February, it should be year round. Some meaningful ways people could do this is to start educating themselves about Black history, particularly Black Nova Scotian history as it is deeply rooted in this province as well as supporting locally owned Black businesses and advocating for equitable opportunities and employment for Black people.

What’s something you think others should know about Ghana?

A fun fact about Ghana is that our first President, Osagyefo Doctor Kwame Nkrumah was one of the first presidents to lead the country to independence in 1957. This historic achievement encouraged other countries beyond West Africa to break free from colonial rule and gain their own Independence.

Why does celebrating Black history matter?

Black History Month Matters because it is a moment for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of those who came before us—whose strength, leadership and determination helped shape the opportunities and identity of Black people today.

What’s a favourite fact about where you grew up?

A fun fact about my personal history is in Africa and the places I have lived, the likes of Kenya and Harare, have been that you have the ability and the chance to witness the creation we have been gifted as humans; really getting to take life easy and visit the wildlife in the natural beauties across Africa and the places I have lived.

Why is it important to celebrate Black history?

Black history is important as it symbolizes a true reconciliation of the actions done against Black communities. And to getting better to understand how we can help as a community going forward.

Why do you think African Heritage Month is important?

Sometimes we forget where we come from. It’s always good to have that opportunity to reflect and really think about the contributions and the lived experiences of different groupings in our society. It's not just one dominant group. It's that celebration of multiculturalism that comes to be. And February is a short month, but it always leaves you with that nostalgia and that movement to move forward. You know, you look back, you know where you are today and then you can move forward. That's very important.