Celebrate African Heritage Month in Downtown Halifax

The Black History movement began in 1926 when historian Carter Godwin Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History introduced Negro History Week in the United States. This initiative aimed to promote the study and teaching of Black history, which was largely overlooked in schools and public narratives at the time.

Chosen to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, Negro History Week laid the foundation for broader recognition and, in 1976, evolved into Black History Month, becoming an internationally recognized observance honoring the contributions, resilience and legacy of people of African descent.

In Nova Scotia, African Heritage Month has been celebrated since the late 1970’s with community organizations hosting a wide range of events each year. 
(Source: https://novascotia.ca/african-heritage-month/) 

Nova Scotia boasts 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, each with a profound and complex history spanning over two centuries. African Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to celebrate the culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of our people, both past and present.

Baby & Tot Drop-in: Celebrating African Heritage

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road
 

In this program, babies and tots hear stories, songs, rhymes, and interact with other babies.

Parents and caregivers learn new songs and fun things to do with baby, and have some social time with other grown-ups.

Preschool Storytime: Celebrate African Heritage

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road

Have fun with your little ones while reading stories, singing songs, sharing rhymes, and dancing! 

All activities, toys, and more have been specially chosen to engage and delight preschoolers.

Image

In honour of African Heritage Month join the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and Joy Bullen for Celebrations and Revelations, a concert featuring award-winning artists Jah'Mila and Julian Taylor. 

Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $40.00

The concert will bring music, heritage, identity and storytelling together with two artists whose work speaks to migration, memory, belonging and the power of song.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets. 

Attention school groups! You can register for a special 10:00 a.m. performace, FREE of charge.

A rare opportunity for Atlantic Canadian classrooms to experience award-winning Black artists for FREE.

Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 10:00 am
Cost: FREE

For registration information, click here. 

George Elliott Clarke Presents: 5 Poets Breaking Into Song (#20) - Liberty to Love

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road

Halifax native and Toronto Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke will host a delightful afternoon of original poetry and music. You will enjoy live recitations of original poetry by Delvina Bernard, El Jones, Salima Tourkmani-MacDonald, Stedmond Pardy, and George Elliott Clarke. Then, you will hear the poetry sung with piano keys, adding sugar and pepper or ebony and ivory.

Movie Night for Crafters: Belle

6:30 p.m. -  8:30 p.m. 

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road

This is a craft-friendly movie night, where the lights are left on so you can see your work in progress.

Grab your knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, sketchbook, spinning, or any lap-based project, and enjoy the movie 'Belle' with like-minded makers! Non-crafters are also very welcome.

Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Captain. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle's lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. 

Black History & International Networking

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road

This in-person event brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening focused on connection, visibility, and meaningful conversations. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local business owners, learn about their work, and build genuine relationships in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Whether you are showcasing a business, supporting local entrepreneurs, or simply looking to expand your network in a relaxed way, this event is designed to celebrate community, culture, and connection.

The Hangout: Ablaze with Colour

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road
 

Join them after school for a fun-filled afternoon. They will be using the paintings of Alma Thomas, as well as the book Ablaze With Color, as inspiration for your own paintings! Come learn about this incredible artist and use her style to inspire your own masterpiece.

2026 African Heritage Month Gala
Presented by the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

5:00 pm–11:30 pm

Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street

Attend an unforgettable evening at the 2026 African Heritage Month Gala, a prestigious event celebrating the rich culture and heritage of the Black community in Nova Scotia.

Image