Legacies of African N.S. women highlight February events

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The Feb. 5 Valley launch of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia included a tribute to “the unsung matriarchs” of African Nova Scotian communities and the second annual quizbowl event.

African Heritage month, celebrated each February, was officially recognized Jan. 27 at Province House in Halifax. Robert Ffrench, executive director of the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association (VANSDA), sai, this year, launches were staggered at locations throughout the province. The Valley event was hosted by VANSDA at Festival Theatre in Wolfville.

This year’s theme of “Leading Ladies, Lasting Legacies” focuses on the contributions of African Nova Scotian women, including Edith Cromwell of Inglewood, Annapolis County. “These strong women made lasting contributions to life in their communities,” said Ffrench during his opening remarks.

After a life dedicated to education and activism, Cromwell passed away last fall. Her son, Peter, was on hand to unveil the 2010 poster that features her photo. “We all know how my mother believed in education. She was a special person who believed in the potential of all students,” said an emotional Cromwell.

VANSDA chairwoman Geraldine Browning shared in Cromwell’s praise of his mother. “Edith paved the way for race equity, while giving her children constant love and support - often sacrificing her own needs for those of her community and family.”

After the poster unveiling, three teams competed in the second annual Quizbowl, moderated by Constable Craig Smith. Teams representing Acadia University, the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board and a community-based team competed for points in a Reach For The Top-style game Smith said was “all about having fun and learning something new about our heritage.”

Local African Heritage Month events continue this weekend, when Acadia University celebrates its African history with a salute to Acadia athletes of African descent. A full day of Acadia sports is on the agenda, along with a special unveiling at 3:30 p.m., between the women's and men's basketball games in Acadia's War Memorial Gymnasium. "We believe it is important to recognize and name the people of African descent who have attended Acadia University and who took their place in the classroom and on the playing field," said Ffrench, an Acadia alumnus. "They all have played a role in the development of the community in the Annapolis Valley."

The event will feature an African Drumming performance, as well as special guests. Acadia student athlete Jasmine Parent will sing the Black national anthem, "Lift Every Voice.” There will be a display and reception in the Athletic Complex Mezzanine.