Media Releases

(Halifax, NS) – Today, Dalhousie University kicked off African Heritage Month with a celebration. Dalhousie President Dr. Richard Florizone was joined by Tony Ince, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and members of the Dalhousie community, including representatives of the Dalhousie Black Faculty and Staff Caucus, Dalhousie Senate, faculty, students and staff. This year’s provincial theme for African Heritage Month is Passing the Torch… African Nova Scotians and the Next 150.

“African Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of African Nova Scotians, African Canadians and the diaspora on our campus and in our community,” says Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University. “This month’s theme encourages us to reflect on and honour past and present legacies, while looking ahead to future achievements. This is particularly significant at Dalhousie, an environment dedicated to educating and supporting our future leaders.” 

The event featured remarks and a reading from celebrated poet and Dalhousie University’s James Robinson Johnston Chair in Black Studies, Dr. Afua Cooper. Dalhousie Fountain School of the Performing Arts student Nathan Simmons, accompanied by fellow student Maia Bruce on cello, performed Lift Every Voice, an anthem of hope.

“Today we gather to recognize the contributions of people of African descent in our university community and in our greater community,” says Norma Williams, Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusiveness at Dalhousie University. “Celebrating diversity and inclusiveness is necessary for us to grow as a university and to ensure a better Nova Scotia for all. Today’s event is one way we can pause and take stock of where we have been and where we need to go.”

Following the opening event, the attendees moved to Dalhousie’s Studley Campus quad for the raising of the African Heritage flag. Additional events on campus are planned throughout African Heritage month. To learn more visit  Dalhousie’s Human Rights & Equity Services website. To read stories celebrating the contributions of individuals throughout African History Month, please visit Dal News.

                                                                    -30-

Media Contact:
Janet Bryson
Janet.bryson@dal.ca
902-494-1269

Lindsay Dowling
Lindsay.dowling@dal.ca
902-494-4189