The 2024 theme for African Heritage Month is  ‘Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians,’ which encapsulates the enduring spirit and resilience demonstrated by people of African descent throughout the centuries in our province.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate this important month in Halifax with your family: (Click on each heading for more information)

1. Attend the Flag Raising

There will be a special performance by Owen Lee at Grande Parade (weather permitting) at the  African Heritage Month flag raising on January 29th. Move indoors to Halifax Hall for a proclamation reading by Deputy Mayor Austin and light refreshments.

When: January 29, 2024
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Grand Parade Square and Halifax Hall
Website: www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/african-nova-scotian-affairs/african-heritage-month

2. See City Hall Lit in Pan-African Colours

City Hall will be illuminated in black, green, red, and yellow in honour of African Heritage Month.
When: January 25, 2024 | February 1, 2024| February 11 – 17, 2024
Where: City Hall
Website: www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/african-nova-scotian-affairs/african-heritage-month

3. Visit the Africville Museum

The Museum, which is in a replica of the Seaview Baptist Church, shares stories of the community of Africville, the spirit of which lives on.

Date: Monday – Friday
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: 5795 Africville Road, Halifax NS
Website: www.africvillemuseum.org

4. Check out the DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN Lights Display

De-light-ful lights on winter nights! DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN is shining bright at The Memorial Library Building at Granville Park.  The light show features different seasonal and cultural themes including an African Heritage Month tribute that runs for the month of February.

Where: Halifax Memorial Library Building
Website: https://downtownhalifax.ca/delightful
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHalifax

5. Visit the Black Cultural Centre

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth,  was created to protect, preserve and promote the history and culture of African Nova Scotians. Explore the rich history of African Nova Scotians at the museum, library and archives, with your family or group. Virtual tours are also available.

Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where:  10 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook, NS
Phone: 902-434-6223
Website: http://web1.bccnsweb.com
Facebook: Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

6. Take in a film at the Halifax Black Film Festival

The 8th Halifax Black Film Festival will be held at various locations throughout the city.  See a full film and location schedule online.

Date: February 23-26, 2024
Location:  Cineplex Park Lane
Website: www.halifaxblackfilm.com

7. Attend an Event at Halifax Public Libraries

Halifax Public Libraries have loads of events scheduled to help you celebrate African Heritage Month. Visit their website to see a full list of events, locations and schedules.

Location: Various Halifax Libraries
Date: Throughout February
Website: www.halifax.bibliocommons.com/v2/events

8.  Celebrate African Heritage Month at Pier 21

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will be celebrating African Heritage Month with a musical performance Celebrations and Revelations 2024 – Unyielding Roots
Date: February 2, 2024
Location: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Website: www.pier21.ca/events

9. Attend the Halifax Shopping Centre African Heritage Month Event

Halifax Shopping Centre is buzzing with excitement as it gears up to celebrate local leaders throughout African Heritage Month. This special event is a chance to honour individuals from Nova Scotia’s past, present, and future who have made and continue to make a significant impact on our communities.
Date: February 12th to the 29th
Where: Halifax Shopping Centre
Website: www.halifaxshoppingcentre.com/events