Our Heritage Our Future
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 PROGRAM OUR HERITAGE OUR FUTURE PRESERVE. PROMOTE. PROTECT. 1 WORLD TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE FLOOR PLAN DOWNTOWN HalifaX 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome from the Honourary Chair . 2 Welcome from the Lieutenant Governor . 3 Welcome from the Premier . 4 Welcome from the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs . 5 Welcome from the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation Chair . 6 Program at a Glance . 7 General Information . 8 Detailed Program . 14 Social Events . 22 Companion Tours . .. 24 Cultural Events . 25 Conference Presenters . 28 Conference Planning Committee . 55 Sponsors . 57 Cover image: Portia White, Contralto (June 24, 1911– February 13, 1968) Portia White was a Nova Scotian classical concert performer who was born in Truro, Nova Scotia and raised in Halifax by her parents, Rev. William and Izzie White. A former schoolteacher who taught in segregated schools, Portia catapulted to international stardom after triumphant debuts in Toronto (1941) and New York (Town Hall, 1944). White’s bel canto technique, mastery of languages and three-octave range drew accolades from audiences and critics alike. She performed memorably throughout Canada, the US, the Caribbean and South America. Though health and management issues sidelined her brief but groundbreaking career, her achievement was rare in a period when race and gender defined women’s place in society. She has been recognized as a person of Canadian National Historic Significance and commemorated on a Canadian postage stamp. The Portia White Prize, one of Nova Scotia’s premier arts awards, was created in her memory. Photograph by Yousuf Karsh, 1946. (Library and Archives Canada) 1 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 WELCOME FROM THE HONOURARY CHAIR Dear Friends, Welcome to the 2011 African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference! In my capacity as Honourary Chairman of the Conference, I am delighted to welcome you to beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia . Canada is honoured to host this prestigious international conference for the first time in its history; even more so because 2011 is the International Year for People of African Descent . This year’s theme is “Our Heritage, Our Future: Preserve . Promote . Protect ”. The main purpose of this international conference is to link the African Diaspora by developing and sustaining cultural heritage destinations . My view is that this cultural tourism initiative will provide us with a golden opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions on the significance of the African Diaspora worldwide . It will also offer Canada an opportunity to highlight the key role African-Canadians have played in shaping our national history and collective identity . Indeed, Canada is home to some 800,000 Blacks . Nova Scotia has hosted a number of national and international conventions and is well recognized as a city offering world class and versatile facilities such as the World Trade and Convention Centre, home of the ADHT Conference . While in Nova Scotia, I encourage you to explore some of the sights and sounds that make our province so unique and exceptional . I think, for instance, of Birchtown, Nova Scotia, one of the many important sites on the African Diaspora Heritage Trail . In the late 1700s, Birchtown was home to the largest community of free men and women of African descent outside of Africa . I offer my hopes that you will enjoy your stay in Halifax and will fully engage in both thought provoking and motivating conversations on the importance of our African heritage . Best wishes for a successful conference . We are delighted to have you among us . Yours very truly, Senator Donald H . Oliver, Q .C . Honourary Chairman, 2011 African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference 2 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 WELCOME FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR As The Queen’s representative in the province of Nova Scotia, it gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all participants at the 2011 International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference . I am delighted that Nova Scotia has been selected as the first venue in North America to host this prestigious conference . I am aware of the positive impact the conference will have on our community as an African Diaspora heritage destination and how enriching this experience will be for all those who have gathered to participate . I applaud your efforts to enhance the cultural and economic viability of African Diaspora countries and safeguard the core values and creativity of those of African descent, their culture, and their history . I hope visitors to our province will also have an opportunity to experience the rich heritage, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality for which our beautiful province is renowned . On behalf of the people of Nova Scotia, I extend best wishes to all participants for an exciting and successful conference . Mayann E . Francis, ONS, DHumL Lieutenant Governor Province of Nova Scotia 3 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 WELCOME FROM THE PREMIER On behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia, I am pleased to welcome you to Halifax for the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference in 2011, the United Nations International Year for People of African Descent . African Nova Scotians are one of this province’s founding cultures . The African community here in Nova Scotia has a rich and vibrant heritage that we are eager to share with the world, so we are thrilled to be hosting this event . We are especially proud as this is the first time that the international conference has been held in continental North America . This is a unique opportunity to showcase all the great things Nova Scotia has to offer, and I urge you to experience as much as you can during your stay . Best wishes for a productive conference, have an enjoyable stay, and please come visit us again soon! Sincerely, Darrell Dexter, Q .C ., M .L .A . Premier 4 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 WELCOME FROM THE MINISTER OF AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN Affairs Greetings, Welcome to the 2011 International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference . We are pleased to be hosting this conference during the International Year for People of African Descent, and we welcome the opportunity to share Nova Scotia’s rich history and culture with you . I know you will benefit from a full and satisfying conference experience . I hope you will also take the time to explore a bit further . You will have the opportunity to visit community landmarks including the Black Cultural Centre and the brand-new Africville Seaview Church Museum . You can browse the International African Bazaar on the Halifax Waterfront, enjoy stories from award-winning African-Canadian authors, and take in terrific music at a concert in partnership with the Festival des cultures francophones/ Francofestival . Enjoy your weekend, and I hope this taste of what our province has to offer will bring you back for more . Kindest regards, Hon . Percy A . Paris Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism 5 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Heritage TRAIL BERMUDA Foundation On behalf of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Bermuda Foundation board of directors, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 7th International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference . The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation (“ADHT”) is a transnational heritage tourism initiative launched by the Bermuda Department of Tourism in 2002 . The foundation serves to identify places and phenomena relevant to the global presence and influences of the peoples and cultures of the Africa continent, and to develop mechanisms to promote and facilitate informed and socially conscious travel to these international ADHT sites . The board of directors is pleased to partner with the Province of Nova Scotia’s Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs as they host the 2011 annual conference, as the mission of the foundation is to educate and connect people of African descent and to promote cultural integrity whilst creating financial viability . The annual international conference creates a unique and inspiring learning environment for all committed to the development of African Diaspora heritage destinations . We therefore encourage everyone to participate fully in the wide range of activities available in the conference programme . We suggest that you share your perspectives and experiences with others so that we can continue to perpetuate the theme of the conference, to Preserve, Promote, and Protect the African Diaspora, its people, and its cultures for generations to come . G . Maxine Esdaille Chair African Diaspora Heritage Trail Bermuda Foundation September 2011 6 7TH INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN DIASPORA HERITAGE TRAIL CONFERENCE 2011 PROGRAM at A GLANCE TIME EVENT LOCATION Thursday, September 22 12:00 pm Black Cultural Centre Renovation – Grand Opening Black Cultural Centre Buses depart from WTCC at 11:30 am 2:00 – 8:00 pm International African Bazaar open Sackville Landing, Halifax Waterfront 6:30 pm Welcome Reception Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Friday, September 23 8:30 am Conference Grand Opening and Parade of Flags World Trade and Convention Centre (WTCC) 9:30 am Conference