The Times of African Canadian Services Division

Council on African-Canadian Education African Nova Scotians Times Series The African Nova Scotian History & Heritage Student Challenge 2009 YOU HAVE CHALLENGED SCHOOL CHILDREN TO LOOK BEYOND THE WHO’S AND WHEN’S OF HISTORY AND INSTEAD DELVE INTO THE WHYS AND HOWS. —The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL Lieutenant Governor of , June 13, 2008 A proper understanding of African heritage in this province needs context. How did the people get here? Why did they come? Why did some stay when many left?

ONLY WITH THE Take the ANSWERS TO THESE 2009 History & QUESTIONS CAN THE Heritage Student FULL STORY BE TOLD. Challenges

In February 2008, the Bursary Prizes Council on African Canadian Totaling $3000.00! Education (CACE), the African Canadian Services The 2009 ALI Student Division (ACSD) of the Awards will be Nova Scotia Department of presented to students Education and the Afri- and teachers whose centric Learning Institute submissions to the (ALI) challenged students African Nova Scotian in Nova Scotia to explore History & Heritage The inaugural ALI Student Awards were presented on June 13, 2008. Front row, left to right; Tylisha Way; Marlisha Mintis; and discuss the contri- Student Challenges, in Tatiyauna Talbot; Denzell Desmond; Johnathan Hiles; Her Honour, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL , the opinion of the butions that African Nova Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia ; Sydney Hamilton; Alessandra Pagnotella; Toni Marsman; Shatori Willis. Back row, Scotians have made to the left to right; Kara Hyland; Brent Robertson; Curtis Whiley; Taylor Maxwell and Greg Pelly. judges, best exemplify history, heritage and culture the contributions that of our province. Students students and teachers who eighteen years old and African Nova Scotians submitted essays and have made a positive con- grades six to twelve. Cash have made to the photographs, interviewed tribution to the discussion bursaries totaling $1,900.00 history, heritage and community elders and nom- about African Nova Scotian were awarded. See page two culture of our province. inated their own candidates history in our schools. The for a complete list of 2008 Bursaries totaling for ‘Notable Nova Scotian’. Student Challenge and the Award recipients. $3,000.00, gifts and Submissions were judged Awards promote a better The Honourable Mayann classroom resources will by a volunteer panel of understanding of African E. Francis was piped into be presented to Award educators and the best Canadians and highlight the auditorium by Cicely recipients at a ceremony submissions in the opinion their history, heritage, Sparks and joined the to be held later this year. of the judges were presented culture, traditions and presenters and special Go ahead. Take the with an ALI Student Award contributions to society. guests on stage. The school Challenge. See pages at a gala celebration in June. The gala was held at band played a rousing 5 to 11 for details . Conjon Jallah (left) drumming a traditional African welcome. The Awards recognize O Canada Graham Creighton Junior Award recipient Shatori Willis (right) presents her photo entry. rendition of and High and Dr. Walter Borden drummer Conjon Jallah served as Master of Cere- Kakembo, Director of Afri- of autographed ‘Notable brought the crowd to its feet monies. The Awards were can Canadian Services, Nova Scotian’ posters. when he played a traditional presented to students by brought greetings from the Teachers received bursaries African drum welcome for distinguished Notable Nova Minister of Education. for classroom resource Her Honour. Recipients - Scotians including Dr. Guest of Honour, the Hon- materials. Fifteen Individual presented their entries on Daurene Lewis, Dr. Wayne ourable Mayann E. Francis, Awards were presented to stage prior to receiving their Adams, Mr. Gordon Earle, Lieutenant Governor of students and four Class Par- Awards. There were many Dr. Les Oliver and Dr. Edith Nova Scotia, presented the ticipation Awards were proud family members and Cromwell. Special guests Class Participation Awards presented to teachers. Award friends also in attendance. from CACE included Ms. and gave the final address. recipients represented many Her Honour’s closing re- Delvina Bernard, Director Award recipients received different schools from across marks were particularly Master of Ceremonies and Mr. Charles Sheppard, bursaries ranging from the province. Participants insightful and are reprinted Piper Cicely Sparks Dr. Walter Borden . Chairman. Dr. Patrick $50.00 to $500.00 and gifts ranged in age from ten to in full on the following page. 2 The Times of African Nova Scotians 2008 ALI History & Heritage Award Recipients “As the Queen’s representative in Nova Scotia I am delighted to join with you today to celebrate young writers who are seeking to understand the past so that they can make sense of Sydney Hamilton Brent Robertson the present and plan for the future. Cobequid Lockview High School Educational Centre I want to commend the Africentric Learning Institute and the Age 16 Times of African Nova Scotians Age 18 for sponsoring the ALI History Grade 11 ACS Grade 12 and Heritage Awards. You have challenged school children to Nominated Nominated look beyond the who’s and when’s of history and instead delve Ruth Johnson Michael Duck into the whys and hows. It is a far more complete examination. For a proper understanding of African heritage in this province needs context. How did the people get here? Why did they come? Why did some stay when many Marlisha Mintis left? Only with the answers to these questions can the Saint Patrick’s- Shatori Willis full story be told. A complete and deep understanding of Alexandra School Oxford School Age 12 Age 12, Grade 7 one’s heritage is essential. For if you do not know the Grade 7 Photo of great- past, how can you judge if progress has been made? The Honourable Nominated grandmother Lena Many African-Nova Scotian families have deep roots Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S., DHumL Maxine Tynes in our province, tracing lineages back for more than 200 Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. years. The ancestors of these families came to Nova Scotia on the promise of freedom and better life for themselves and their children. We know those promises were not always kept. That is a fact, a part of the historical record. Toni Marsman It cannot be denied. For many years, African-Nova Scotians were marginalized Oxford School Alessandra Pagnotella economically, socially and politically. Age 12 Sacred Heart School Grade 7 Age 16 But these were not people who easily surrendered to such treatment. Instead, African- Photo of great- Nominated Nova Scotians built their own institutions - churches, community halls and schools. They grandnanny Yvonne Atwell built their own businesses, their own communities, their own lives. In these places, a Theresa Willis people flourished. Leaders arose, skills developed and a culture was born. This is the heritage you students were asked to examine. It is a heritage at once both complex and simple. Complex because that heritage is made up of tens of thousands of individuals, each acting on their own desires with their own abilities and motivations. Curtis Whiley Taylor Maxwell Simple because this heritage involves universal human themes - survival, adaptation and Charles P. Allen Cobequid Educational triumph. High School Centre Age 18 I applaud the teachers for embracing this program and for getting their students to go Age 15 Grade 12 beyond the simple memorizing of places and dates. History yields no lessons unless it is Grade 11 Nominated Deacon properly understood and analyzed. Photo of Maxwell Family Aubrey T. Whiley . African heritage is not static. It is still being written. For new chapters are being added every day to the story of people of African descent in North America and here at home. We are still celebrating firsts - the pioneers who blazed the trail for others to follow, often under difficult circumstances. Tremendous responsibilities rest with “firsts” because Greg Pelly Kyle MacNeil they want to ensure that they will be followed by seconds, thirds and fourths. Halifax West Lockview High School It is a long and proud heritage. Embrace it, learn from it, understand it. For it is the High School Age 17 Age 18 story of us all. Grade 11 ACS Grade 12 Thank You. Merci. Tapadh leibh. Asante. ” Interview with Interview with Dr. Lorne White Ms. Gloria Ann Wesley

Class Participation Award Recipiants High School - Lockview High School ; Grade 11 African Canadian Studies class; Mrs. Wendy Driscoll, teacher . Recipients in this class were Kyle MacNeil, Interview with Dr. Lorne White and Brent Johnson for his Notable Nova Scotian nomination Ruth Johnson . Entries of note from this class included Tylisha Way for Just Because I’m Black... and Kara Hyland for Writing Racial Slurs on a Bathroom Wall .

High School - Runner-up. Cobequid Educational Centre ; Grade 11 African Canadian Studies class; Mr. Foster, teacher. Recipients in this class were Taylor Maxwell for her photo of the Maxwell Family and Sydney Hamilton for her Notable Nova Scotian nomination of Michael Duck .

Junior High School – St. Patrick’s-Alexandra School ; Grade 5/6 and junior high partners. Mr. Myra, teacher. Recipients in this class included Marlisha Mintis for her Notable Nova Scotian nomination Maxine Tynes . Entries of note from this class included Favour Fagbile for History of the Black Loyalists ; Johnathan Hiles for African Nova Scotian Hockey Players and Tatiyauna Talbot with partner Denzell Desmond for Back to Africville .

Junior High School - Runner-up. Oxford School ; Grade 7; Mr. Noble. Recipients Shatori Willis and Toni Marsman for their Clues in Old Photos . Special Guests and ‘Notable Nova Scotians’ presented the ALI Student Awards. Seated (left to right) : Dr. Edith Cromwell and Her Honour, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, For an electronic version of this publication, please email Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Standing (left to right): Dr. Wayne Adams; [email protected] with ‘Student Challenges’ as the subject line. Mr. Gordon Earle; Dr. Walter Borden; Dr. Daurene Lewis and Dr. Leslie Oliver. The Times of African Nova Scotians 3 Have you ever noticed that months free of charge to see if he liked how it worked. He Yvonne Atwell was born in every time you order a large dou- ended up buying the machine and later bought a newer East Preston, Nova Scotia in ble-double at Tim Hortons, it version with a built-in refrigerator. 1943 and has lived there most of always tastes the same? That’s all For the next five years, Duck kept his day job as he built her life. She is known as a thanks to Michael Duck , CEO of his SureShot empire from his basement. In 1990, Duck politician, running for the Nova A.C. Dispensing Equipment Inc. quit his job at the dairy and hired his first employee. The Scotia New Democratic Party This multimillion dollar business company ’s big break came in 1995 when Tim Hortons and winning a seat in the Nova started with a large cup of coffee installed the SureShot in all their locations in Ontario. Scotia House of Assembly in and an even larger idea. Within a few years, the company had outgrown several 1998. She represented the riding Michael Duck grew up in a locations and eventually built a 65,000 square foot factory of Preston and became the first town called Neptune on the New on its own eight-acre property. African-Canadian woman to Michael Duck Jersey [USA] coast in the 1960’s. Today, Michael Duck’s company, A.C. Dispensing Ltd . Yvonne Atwell hold a seat in Nova Scotia’s Inventor/Businessman Politician/ He moved to Halifax, Nova has many employees and he spends more than half the year Businesswoman House of Assembly. Scotia with his family when he was 16. As a teen, Duck travelling North America, meeting with clients and selling Over the years, Yvonne felt that he was not cut out for the classroom. He dropped his SureShot system. Duck is the perfect rags-to-riches Atwell has won many awards including the YWCA out of school and went from job to job until he landed a job story. He’s a notable African Nova Scotian who changed Woman of Distinction Award in 1998 and the Queen’s at a dairy. It was at this job that he discovered his true coffee drinkers’ lives forever. Jubilee Award in 2002. She is an active volunteer and talent, an aptitude for mechanics. Though he had no formal — By Sydney Hamilton owns and manages her own consulting company. With all training, Duck eventually became the plant’s head that she has accomplished, Yvonne Atwell is certainly a maintenance engineer. Notable Nova Scotian. In 1985, while still working at the dairy, came the coffee — By Alessandra Pagnotella cream epiphany. As he stood in line at the local Tim Hortons for his daily large coffee, he realised that he always faced the same dilemma, either too much or too little cream. Duck’s life changing idea was to create a machine to dispense precisely the same amount of cream or milk every time. Duck spent six months developing a prototype of the SureShot dispenser, made from a wire frame, a small timer and a 20-litre milk carton. A manager from the dairy suggested he meet with the owner of the Tim Hortons located on the corner of Young and Robie Streets in Halifax , which at the time was the busiest franchise in the Sydney Hamilton accepting her Award from country. The owner agreed to use the dispenser for a few Dr. Les Oliver. Alessandra Pagnotella accepting her Award from Gloria Ann Wesley first books of poetry by a Black African Nova Scotian was born Dr. Daurene Lewis. in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in woman. In 2002, Gloria self-published Woman, Sing and 1948. She and her older brother in 2007, Burlap and Lace . were raised by her Grandmother Gloria has devoted her life to creating cross-cultural Maxine Tynes was born in and Gloria cites her as the understanding. She is passionate about Black History and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in biggest influence in her life. has volunteered countless hours to various groups such as 1949. She is an author and has Gloria’s Grandmother worked as the Black Cultural Centre, Black Educators Association written poems and short stories. a domestic and had to walk five and the Black Loyalist Society. Gloria continues to write Ms. Tynes is well-known for miles into town to work every and to volunteer in the community. writing about the experiences of day. Gloria was assigned chores — By Greg Pelly women and people of African from an early age including descent. She has won a number Ms. Gloria Ann Wesley cooking, piling wood, weeding of awards for her writing Educator/Author the garden, filling water buckets including the Dennis Memorial and washing clothes. Gloria feels that these chores Poetry Prize and the People’s instilled a strong work ethic in her. Maxine Tynes Poet of Canada Award in 1988. Author/Teacher : Gloria graduated from High School in 1968 and from Her books include Save the the Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1970. In 2002, she World for Me , Woman Talking Woman , The Door of My received her Bachelor of Education degree from St. FX. Heart and Borrowed Beauty . Ms. Tynes is the first African Gloria taught school for 34 years and retired in 2004. A Canadian to be appointed to the Board of Governors of testament to her as a teacher is the number of former Dalhousie University. students who still regularly contact her . — By Marlisha Mintis Gloria started writing at a young age and by the end of high school she had a vast collection of stories and poems, wrote a regular column for the ‘Yarmouth Light’ and was the editor of the school paper. In 1975 she published a Greg Pelly presenting his entry prior to receiving his Award. book of poems entitled To My Someday Child , one of the

Shatori Willis (far right), Taylor Maxwell (centre) and Toni Marsman (right) were each presented with an Award for their Old Photo entry by Dr. Edith Cromwell. Marlisha Mintis accepting her Award from Mr. Charles Sheppard. 4 The Times of African Nova Scotians Deacon Aubrey T. Whiley was Samuel’s son Aubrey was born in 1912 and soon was Trustee and Church Choir. As he used to say “the race is born April 10, 1912 and lived his helping his father with gardening, livestock and mill not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to the one entire life in the Black community operations. He was only 12 years old when he hauled his that endures to the end”. of Upper Hammonds Plains. He first load of merchandise by horse and wagon to the — By Curtis Whiley hailed from a long line of barrel Halifax waterfront alone, and managed to return home coopers and sawmill operators. His safely by nightfall. At the age of 20, Aubrey lost his father grandfather, Deal Whiley, founded in a fatal mill drowning accident. Instead of breaking his the first sawmill in the area during spirit, he persevered and continued running the family the early 1800’s. Over the years, business for many years. My grandfather was very proud fire destroyed many buildings on of the Whiley legacy, not only for their hard work and my great-grandfather’s property perseverance in the mill, but also for their community work Aubrey T. Whiley including a pig house, the cooper such as being dedicated members of the Hammonds Plains Deacon/Businessman shop and the family home. Volunteer Fire Department . However, through the very hard work and the dedication of My grandfather was also a very devoted member of the both Deal and his son Samuel, the mill and cooper shop were original Emmanuel Baptist Church. He became a Deacon rebuilt to manufacture pickling barrels and wooden fish there in 1940 and “lived” at the church until his passing in 2000. He was a respected Deacon for 60 years, a member boxes. These products were very much in demand during the Curtis Whiley accepting his Award from Mr. Gordon Earle. lucrative years of the cod and mackerel fisheries . of the Men’s Brotherhood, Finance Committee, Board

Ruth Johnson (née Brown) was born September 17, A native of Halifax, Ronald School, Main Avenue School and eventually, he became 1919. Her family was one of the founding families Lorne White was born on vice-principal of Bloomfield School, the school he of Africville. Ruth lived in Africville, was December 16, 1928. He was the attended as a child. baptized in the Bedford Basin and attended son of Mrs . Izie Dora and Dr. White is perhaps more well know as a singer and the segregated school at Africville. Reverend Dr. William White, entertainer than as a teacher. For twelve years, he was a When she was 26, Ruth married pastor of Cornwallis Street principal performer and singer on the CBC-TV show Gerald Johnson and moved to Baptist Church. Lorne was the ‘Singalong Jubilee’, which featured the best singers in the Cobequid Road where she twelfth of thirteen children. region, including a very young Anne Murray. For many became the organist at Dr. White recollected how his years, Lorne, his wife Mary, daughters Holly, Shelly and the Cobequid Road days at home as a child were very Lee and his sister Yvonne travelled extensively throughout Baptist Church. pleasant. Music was a big part of the Maritimes, entertaining audiences everywhere. Known She was an Dr. R. Lorne White The monument at Seaview Memorial his life because his Mom was a as the White Family Singers, they sang at churches and organizer for the Educator/Singer/ trained soprano with a very community events and they were hugely popular. Park notes the Brown family as one of Community Activist. African United the founding families of Africville. beautiful voice. Everyone in the Dr. White is often invited to schools to speak to students Baptist Associa- family had gifted voices and the family choir included about his family and the contributions they’ve made to the tion and also worked with the disabled. Ruth was well tenor, alto and bass voices. His sister Portia became country. He speaks about the adversity which they faced known and was even featured in a film about Africville. popular and famous on an international level for her and ultimately overcame. Ruth had a collection of photo albums and news soprano voice. Dr. Lorne White has, throughout his life, been active in clippings about the Black community that she started In 1947, in his last year of high school, Lorne was his Church and his community. He has served as collecting in 1939. Her artifacts have been part of fine elected President of the Students Union. It was then that he Moderator of the Halifax County Baptist Association, in arts and cultural exhibits and most of the photos in the experienced his first taste of racial discrimination. Dr. leadership roles in the Birch Cove Baptist Church and on book Spirit of Africville are from her collection. White recalled coming home for lunch one day and being the Council of the Canadian Baptist Federation. He has Ruth received many awards during her lifetime. The told that he had a telephone message. He called the served on the Appeals Committee and the Student Loans Harry Jerome Award, a prestigious honour awarded for number and found it was the parent of a friend of his. The Advisory Council of the Nova Scotia Department of Social outstanding service to the Black community, was parent told him that his friend, who was a girl, had come Services, the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children, presented to her by the Prime Minister. She was also home from school crying because some of the kids at the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, the Board of Directors of granted an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Mount Saint school were giving her a hard time after she was seen with Canada World Youth and the Nova Scotia Sport Heritage Vincent University. Most special among her awards was him. The parent didn’t want her to be seen with Lorne Centre. His broad range of service to church and one given to her for her 42 years as organist at Cobequid again, even though she could have no finer a friend than community has been recognized with awards including the Road Baptist Church. him. The friend was a white girl who lived only a few Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, the Commemorative Medal Ruth’s grandmother used to say “there is no place in the blocks away from him and they would sometimes walk for the Canadian Centennial and the 125 th Anniversary of world for nobodies but there is always some place for home from school together. It was a simple friendship, not Confederation Medal. On May 10, 1993, Lorne White was somebody”. Ruth was somebody. She was well-respected a relationship, but Lorne suspects that the teasing was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by Acadia University for her faith and loved by her people and her church. Ruth retaliation from a certain faction at school who had for his significant contributions to the province of Nova Johnson died February 21, 2002. I am honoured to have opposed him becoming President of the Students Union. Scotia, his role as an educator and his constructive had Aunt Ruth in my community and in my family. After high school, Lorne attended Acadia University involvement in policies and activities leading to improving — By Brent Robinson where he was an exceptional student and athlete . He racial relationships. graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and his Dr. Lorne White, an outstanding layperson, a prominent Bachelor of Education in 1952. Upon graduation, he was Nova Scotian and Canadian, an influential educator, a awarded the Cox Cup and Medal. The Cox Cup and Medal superb vocal artist, a community activist, a builder of social, are awarded to the male graduating student who has made ethnic and cultural bridges, has accomplished so much and the most outstanding contribution to inter-collegiate I feel truly honoured to have met and interviewed him . athletics, other extra-curricular activities and academics. — By Kyle MacNeil Dr. White later graduated from Dalhousie University with a Masters Degree in Physical Education and School I didn’t really know how much Dr. Lorne White had accomplished Administration. until I sat down and interviewed Dr. White started teaching in the Armdale School him .* From that interview, I was Section in 1952. It was there that he met his wife of 53 able to put together the preceding years, Mary Hennigar. Mary was also a graduate of Acadia brief biography of his life. University and even though they had been at the same *Dr. Lorne White passed away on Brent Robinson accepting his Award from campus for two years, they had never met there. He taught April 14, 2008, shortly after this Dr. Wayne Adams. at Major Stevens Junior High, South Armdale High interview – Ed. The Times of African Nova Scotians 5

African Canadian Services Division

Council on African-Canadian Education The African Nova Scotian History & Heritage Student Challenge The ALI History & Heritage Student Awards are an initiative of the Africentric Learning Institute (ALI), the Council on African Canadian Education (CACE) , the African Canadian Services Division (ACSD), Nova Scotia Department of Education and various partners in education from around the province. The Awards were instituted to encourage discussion about African Nova Scotian history in our schools and communities. The ALI History & Heritage Student Awards promote a better understanding of African Canadians and highlight their history, heritage, culture, traditions and contributions to society. The 2009 ALI History & Heritage Student Awards will be presented to students whose submissions to the African Nova Scotian History & Heritage Student Challenges , in the opinion of the judges, best exemplify the contributions that African Nova Scotians have made to the history, heritage and culture of our province. Bursaries totaling $3 ,000.00, gifts and classroom resources will be presented to Award recipients at a ceremony to be held later in the year . Mail all entries to: The ALI History & Heritage Challenge PO Box 31085 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5T9

General Rules: The African Nova Scotian History & Heritage Student Challenge is open to all students and classes from all schools in Nova Scotia . Students may submit one entry to each Challenge. Teachers are invited to submit class entries. Please note limits on class entries on some Challenges. Awards will be presented solely at the discretion of the Judging Committee and the Judging Committee’s decisions will be final. Awards include a $500.00 bursary for top prize in the group Challenge, $200.00 bursaries for first place entries in each Challenge and two or more $50.00 bursaries for runners-up in each Challenge. Judges will consider content, creativity, and neatness in evaluating each submission. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2009. Entries via mail only . Submissions post-marked after deadline date will not be considered. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, grade, your teacher’s name and the name of your school. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Only Award winners will be contacted. See pages six through eleven for the 2009 Challenges .

The Honourable Mayann E. Francis presented Class Participation Awards to Mrs. Wendy Driscoll and the Grade 11 class at Lockview High School (top) and to the Grade 6/7 split class at St. Patrick’s-Alexandra Junior High (centre). Dr. Patrick Kakembo (bottom) presented one of the runner-up Awards to Mr. Foster, Oxford Junior High. 6 The Times of African Nova Scotians # Pastor/Educator/Social Activist Publisher/Social Activist Challeng1e Short Essay African Nova Scotians have made and continue to make important contributions to the political, social and cultural life of our province and our country. Their accomplishments span all professions and every era . Write a short essay about one of these Notable Nova Scotians describing why you think his or her achievements are significant. Please use an accepted form of documentation including footnotes, endnotes, bibliography, etc. Essays may be Carrie M. Best , O.C., O.N.S. Rev. William Pearly Oliver, C.M. 1903 - 2001 between 800 and 1,500 words long . Limit : One entry per student or 1912 - 1989 New Glasgow Social Activist and Publisher of The Clarion . five (5) entries per class. Pastor, Educator and Social Activist. Officer of the Order of Canada. First posthumous Member of the Order of Canada. recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia

Social Activist/Church Leader Social Activist/Author Boxer/Community Activist War Hero

Althea Pearleen Oliver Reverend Richard Preston 1917 - 2008 Delmore “Buddy” Daye Unknown - 1861 Cook’s Cove, Guysborough 1928 - 1995 Jerry Jones Halifax Social Activist and Author. First woman New Glasgow 1869-1950 Founder of the First African Baptist Church, the Moderator of the African United Baptist Canada’s first Black Sergeant-At-Arms. Truro African Abolitionist Society and the African Association. Inaugural recipient of the YWCA Canadian Lightweight Junior Champion. A Canadian hero at Vimy Ridge who deserved Baptist Association. Community Leader Award. Inducted into Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame. the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Veteran/Community Activist Lieutenant Governor World Champion Boxer World Hall of Fame Boxer

Sam Langford The Honourable George Dixon 1886 - 1956 Isaac C. Phills, O.C. Weymouth Falls Mayann E. Francis, O.N.S. 1896 - 1985 1870 - 1909 The only boxer inducted into the World Boxing Sydney Sydney Africville Hall of Fame not to have won an official title. First African Nova Scotian invested into the First African Nova Scotian Lieutenant Governor First Black World Champion in any weight class Langford aroused so much fear in opponents that Order of Canada. of Nova Scotia. Order of Nova Scotia recipient. and the first Canadian-born Boxing Champion. many boxers refused to fight him.

War Hero Businesswoman/Social Activist Pastor/Social Activist Teacher/Classical Singer

William Hall, V.C. Portia White 1827 - 1904 Viola Desmond Reverend William Andrew White, BA 1911 - 1968 Horton Bluff 1914 - 1963 1874 - 1936 Halifax First black person, first African-Canadian and Halifax Truro Internationally renowned Contralto. the first Nova Scotian to be awarded the Successful businesswoman and pioneer The only commissioned African Nova Scotian The Portia White Prize for Artistic Achievement . in the cosmetics industry in Nova Scotia. officer in WWI. in the Arts is awarded annually in her honour. The Times of African Nova Scotians 7 Businessman/Community Activist Lawyer/Social Activist Lawyer/Educator Judge

Beresford Augustus Husbands, O.B.E. James Robertson Johnston , BA, LLB 1883 - 1969 1876 – 1915 Corrine Sparks Halifax Burnley A. ‘Rocky’ Jones Preston Halifax Founder of the Halifax Colored Citizens Truro First African Nova Scotian lawyer and social First African Canadian appointed to the judiciary Improvement League, Member of the Order of First African Nova Scotian to successfully argue advocate for the provision of accessible higher in Canada and the first African Nova Scotian the British Empire. a case before the Supreme Court of Canada. education. appointed to the bench.

Poet/Educator/Playwright Actor/Playwright/Activist Community Activist/Educator Teacher

George Elliott Clarke , O.C.,O.N.S. James A. R. Kinney Windsor Plains University professor. Winner of the Governor- 1897 - 1940 Walter Borden , C.M. General’s Award for Poetry, the Portia White Yarmouth Mrs. Edith H. Cromwell, O.N.S. Prize for Artistic Achievement, the Dr. Martin New Glasgow First black graduate of the Maritime Business Inglewood Luther King Jr. Award and numerous other Invested into the Order of Canada, 2005. College and first Superintendent of the Nova One of the earliest graduates of the awards. Canada’s hardest working poet. Portia White Prize winner 2006. Scotia Home for Colored Children. Nova Scotia Teachers College.

Scholar/Educator Educator/Mayor/Artist Politician Pastor/Builder

Reverend Wellington Ney States Wayne Adams , C.M. 1877 - 1927 Leslie H. Oliver Daurene Lewis , C.M. Halifax Wolfville Wolfville Annapolis Royal First elected African Nova Scotian Member Missionary for the AUBA and gifted carpenter. Professor Emeritus, Jodrey School of First elected African Nova Scotian Mayor of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Reverend States built or restored Baptist Churches Computer Sciences, Acadia. and first black woman Mayor in Canada. Cabinet Minister. throughout Nova Scotia.

Educator/Film-maker/Writer Scholar/Pastor Politician/Senator Politician

Edwin Howard Borden , BA, MA 1869 - 1953 Truro Don Oliver Gordon Earle Sylvia Hamilton First African Nova Scotian university graduate. Borden graduated from Acadia with his Wolfville Halifax Beechville Bachelor of Arts degree in 1892 and his First African Nova Scotian appointed First elected African Nova Scotian Award winning film-maker, author and educator. Master of Arts degree in 1896. to the Senate. Member of Parliament (MP). 8 The Times of African Nova Scotians Many African Nova Scotians are well known and their contributions noted but others have Nominations for more yet to be recognized for their achievements. Who would you nominate as a Notable Nova # Scotian? Describe the accomplishments of an African Nova Scotian, past or present, who you Notable Nova Scotians think should be recognized as a Notable Nova Scotian. Be sure to include your candidate’s Challeng2e name, place of birth, accomplishments, awards, etc. Include a photograph if possible . High School Student Qualifies for the Olympics! Some African Nova Scotian sports heroes Marjorie Turner was one of four children Quebec, Marjorie ran the 100 meters in twelve At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Canada’s are famous . The feats of boxers George Dixon in the only Black family in the small fishing seconds flat; good enough to place second and premiere female sprinter was 28 year old and Sam Langford are well documented and village of Lockeport, Nova Scotia . Her qualify for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. To most Marjorie Turner. She had qualified in the legendary . Dixon was from Africville and was mother and father were both descendants of athletes, making the Olympic team would one hundred, the two hundred, the 4x100 the first Black World Boxing Champion in the Black Loyalists who settled in the have been the fulfillment of a life-long dream relay and as an alternate in the 4x400 relay. any weight class. Langford was from Shelburne area in 1783. Marjorie recalls her but Marjorie says she was only having fun. Now all she had to do was stay injury-free. Weymouth Falls and aroused so much fear in childhood years as happy and unremarkable. Unfortunately, an injury prevented Marjorie She finally succeeded. Though she won opponents that many boxers refused to fight That is, until she reached high school. It was from going to Tokyo. Though most athletes no medals, Marjorie made the semi finals in him. But did you know that when Marjorie in Grade 11 that Marjorie began her would have been heart-broken, Marjorie both the one hundred and two hundred Turner-Bailey was only sixteen years old and incredible journey to the Olympics . remembers that her only disappointment was meters. She ran the anchor leg in the 4x100 still in high school, she became one of the Marjorie was a great all-around high not getting to go to Japan to meet her idol, so fast that she moved the Canadian team up youngest athletes to ever qualify for the school athlete. She excelled at soccer and African-American sprinter Bob Hayes. to fourth spot from sixth. Her time of 10.8 Canadian Olympic Track and Field team? she, along with her two sisters, were the Marjorie set her sights on the 1968 seconds was the fastest she had ever run. stars of the Lockeport High School Olympics in Mexico. She trained hard but She had made eight Olympic appearances in Basketball team when they won the another severe injury kept her at home. This three different events and she and her three Provincial title in 1964. But it was track and time Marjorie was heart-broken. She retired Canadian team mates set a Canadian record field that put Marjorie in the national from running and in 1971, she and her new- in the 4x100 relay. Twelve years after she spotlight. Her Phys Ed teacher, Eldon born son Tony joined her husband in first qualified, Marjorie Turner had finally Forbes, had started a track and field program Jamaica. But Marjorie’s Olympic dream run in the Olympics! at school. Mr. Forbes soon recognized wouldn’t fade. In 1972, she and Tony moved Marjorie continued to run and at the 1978 Marjorie’s special talents and together with to Vancouver, British Columbia where she Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, she school principal Louis Fraser , petitioned the began to train again. It was a gruelling won a silver medal. But her aging body and School Board to have Lockeport High schedule that started at 3:30 every morning. nagging injuries finally caught up to her and School enter a team in the 1964 Mt. Allison Unlike today, there was no financial support she retired soon after . Her dreams of Relays, an annual provincial track and field available to athletes, even elite Olympic travelling the world and running in the tournament . Marjorie single-handedly won athletes. Marjorie had to squeeze her training Olympics had come true. She has met her the team trophy for Lockeport High School! in between two jobs in order to support idol Bob Hayes and other legendary runners She won all the running events and all the herself and her son. She didn’t qualify for the like Jesse Owens. She has travelled all over field events. To prove that it was no fluke, 1972 Munich Olympics but Marjorie the world and has met Prime Ministers, Marjorie entered the biggest track and field continued to train and a year later she burst Premiers and Princes. Marjorie has made event in Nova Scotia that year, the Acadia back onto the Canadian sports scene. A west enough memories to last a lifetime. Relays , and did it again! She was the sole coast newspaper headline described “a In 1981, Marjorie moved back to Lockeport representative of her school and won all the flashing figure from the past” winning at the and now lives within sight of the house where running events, the javelin and the discus. 1973 Vancouver Relays. Even after almost she grew up. She works at a retirement home Marjorie kept training and improving her six years away from competition, Marjorie nearby and is often asked to speak at schools technique. She ran the one hundred yards in ran the one hundred meters in 11.7 seconds. and special events throughout the province. 11.1 seconds and the 220 in 24.7 seconds. To get ready for the 1976 Montreal Among her many honours, Marjorie has the Though she was only sixteen years old, Olympics, Marjorie ran at track meets all unique distinction of having been inducted Marjorie was named ‘Nova Scotia Athlete of over the world . She travelled to Switzerland, into both the Nova Scotia and British the Year’. She also received the ‘Myrtle Cook East and West Germany, England, Poland, Columbia Sports Halls of Fame. Trophy’, a national award presented to age- Romania, Yugoslavia, Denmark, Sweden and Marjorie Turner is an inspiring role model group athletes. That summer, at the Canadian Hungary and competed at the 1974 that has set a very high standard for all athletes Marjorie Turner-Bailey Olympic Time Trials held in St. Lambert, Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. to follow. She is a Notable Nova Scotian.

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Where will you go? The Times of African Nova Scotians 9 # # Challenge Challenge Old Photo Challenge Pictures can capture an event, person, pla4ce or time in detail and they can be studied for historical clues at leisure. We are looking for Top 10 African 3Nova Scotian Sports Heroes photos of people, places or events that may offer clues about African Nova Scotian history and heritage. All categories of photos are eligible including family photos, portraits, group shots, photos of sporting events, community events and rural or urban landscapes. Send a photocopy only of your picture. Include a brief history of the photo. Who is it? When and where was it taken? What does the picture reveal? Why is it important? Sometimes a picture is informative for what’s not in it.

African Nova Scotians have a long history of excellence in sports. They have represented our province and our country with honour and some have made sports history. There has been at least one African Nova Scotian in every professional Major League sport in North America and African Nova Scotians have had prominent roles on many high school and university sports teams. Who would be on your list of the Top 10 African Nova Scotian Sports Heroes or Teams? Send us your Top 10 list. Include what sport each played and a brief biography of your number one choice.

Olympic Athlete S E V I H C R A L A P I C I N U M L A N O I G E R X A F I L A H This is a photo of Halifax County Councilors taken in 1916. What information can be gleaned from this picture? Seated in the front row, second from left, is George H. Diggs, Councilor for Preston, then known as District 30. Closer inspection of the historical record reveals that the community of Preston has had an almost unbroken record of electing African Nova Scotian representatives dating back to 1887 and ending with the amalgamation of Halifax Regional Municipality in 1994. Preston became District 16 in 1939 and District 8 in 1973. Marjorie Turner-Bailey Lockeport One of the youngest Canadian runners to ever Preston County Councilors: Joseph Thomas 1887 – 1899; Thomas Johnson 1899 – 1902; John Thomas 1902 – 1906; Joseph Thomas qualify for the Olympics. Competed at the Olympic, Commonwealth and Pan-Am Games. 1906 – 1908; George H. Diggs 1908 – 1917; John W. Colley 1918 – 1920; George H. Diggs 1920 – 1930; Allan W. Evans 1931 – 1961; Has the unique distinction of being inducted into Wm. B. Thomas 1961 – 1964 ; Arnold D. Johnson 1964 – 1976; Wayne F. Adams 1979 – 1994. Patrick M. Lachance, a white man, both the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame and the British Columbia Hall of Fame. represented district 8 from 1976 to1979.

The Black Educators Association (BEA) was founded in 1969 to assist African Nova Scotian communities develop strategies toward an equitable education system so that African Nova Scotians are able to achieve their maximum potential. Demonstrating a strong commitment as a grass roots organization, the BEA coordinates its efforts with parent associations; school boards; community groups; the Department of Education, African Canadian Services Division; The Council on African-Canadian Education (CACE) and other educational bodies. The BEA is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Join one of our Committees today! STEPPING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

COMMITTEES Operations Committee Curriculum Development Community Involvement Membership Committee Professional Development Personnel Committee 2136 Gottingen Street Tel: (902) 424-7036 Halifax, Nova Scotia Fax: (902) 424 0636 B3K 3B3 Toll Free: 1-800-565-3398 “Learning is like sailing the ocean – no one has ever seen it all .” 10  The Times of African Nova Scotians

# Short Story, # Rebels or Challenge 5 Historical Fiction Challenge 6 Freedom Fighters Write a short story (1,000 words minimum) about a day in the life of a Black Loyalist Slavery and exploitation still occurs in many parts of the world. Guerrilla tactics are or a Black Refugee. Who are they? Where did they come from? Where did they settle? often employed by groups fighting for human rights, religious freedom or political How did they survive? Judges will consider historical accuracy and creativity in their independence. When do rebels become freedom fighters? Are their tactics always Limit evaluations. : One entry per student or five (5) entries per class. justified? Write a short paper (1,0 00 - 2,000 words) about a conflict area in the world Limit today to support your answer. : One entry per student or five (5) entries per class. Bias Alert: Historians generally use the term ‘Loyalists’ to describe the immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1783 and ‘Refugees ’ when describing immigrants fleeing the . The word ‘loyalist’ has a positive connotation that implies patriotism, importance and action. ‘Refugee’ implies loss, passivity and victimization. However, the similarities between the two groups are quite compelling. Both groups came to Nova Scotia because of military proclamations that offered freedom, both risked their lives in escaping slavery and members of both groups had fought for the British during the wars. These immigrants brought a variety of different skills and talents with them and settled throughout the province.

The first major migration of black people to Nova Scotia happened in 1783. The American War of Independence forced the emigration of nearly 100,000 people who had remained loyal to Britain. About half of these ‘Loyalists’ came to what was then known as Nova Scotia. Among this influx to the province were 3,500 free Black Loyalists and approximately 1,500 slaves accompanying white Loyalists. Approximately 1,521 of these Black Loyalists formed Birchtown, the largest black settlement of the time in British North America. Others settled in Guysborough, Digby, Cornwallis, Horton, Weymouth, Annapolis Royal, Preston, Sydney, Windsor, Fort Cumberland, Parrsboro and other smaller settlements throughout the province. The War of 1812 spurred the next major influx of permanent black settlers to Nova Scotia and by 1818, more than 1,600 Black Refugees had settled in the province. The majority of these Black Refugees came from two areas of the southern , the Chesapeake Bay area and the Georgia Sea Islands. Most of the Chesapeake Refugees The British used ferocious dogs to track down the defiant Maroons. settled together in the Preston area while the majority of Sea Island Refugees settled together at Hammonds Plains. The Maroons were descendants of escaped slaves who had fled the death-trap plantations in Jamaica and lived as free people in the interior of the island. They had signed a peace Imagine arriving in Nova treaty with the British in 1739 that allowed them a certain amount of autonomy but in 1795, Scotia in the summer or fall of the Maroons of Trelawny Town had a disagreement with the governor and drove the 1783. You need a roof over government superintendent out of their community. Fearing a rebellion, the governor your head but lumber is in short supply or you don’t have declared martial law. The Maroons were skilled guerrilla fighters with an unsurpassed time to build a house before knowledge of the rugged countryside but faced with an opposition of overwhelming winter sets in. You dig a hole numbers and superior weaponry, they signed a truce with Britain. The Jamaican Legislature in the ground and make a roof decided to rid themselves of the ‘troublesome’ Maroons once and for all and decided to of tree trunks and canvas over ‘resettle’ them elsewhere . In June of 1796 , 567 Jamaican Maroons were exiled to Nova the hole. This was known as a Scotia for their defiance of British policy. The Maroons were unhappy in Nova Scotia. pit house. The British Army, Fiercely independent, they resented the colony’s attempt to use them as cheap labour and including Black soldiers and the Governor’s attempts to convert them to Christianity. The Maroons were also unprepared engineers, often lived this way for the harsh climate of Nova Scotia and after two severe winters in the province, petitioned while on the march. the British Parliament for their removal elsewhere. In August of 1800, 551 Maroons set sail for Sierra Leone and out of Nova Scotia history. Considering Law as a Career?

Indigenous The Indigenous Blacks and Mi’kmaq Initiative was Students who are interested in entering Dalhousie Law established at Dalhousie Law School in 1989 to reduce School through the IB&M Initiative are invited to contact Blacks and systemic discrimination by increasing the representation the IB&M office for additional information. Mi’kmaq of African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq people in the legal profession. Initiative The Initiative is designed to ensure that African Nova Indigenous Blacks Scotian and Mi’kmaq students have access to Dalhousie and Mi’kmaq Initiative Law School and involves community outreach and recruiting; student support; developing Aboriginal law Dalhousie Law School and African Canadian legal perspectives; and providing 6061 University Avenue career placement assistance. Students who enter Halifax, NS B3H 4H9 Dalhousie Law School through the IB&M Initiative join the regular first class, write the same exams, complete Tel: 902.494.1639 the same work and earn the same LL.B. degree as do all Fax: 902.494.6512 E-mail: [email protected] other students at Dalhousie Law School. www: ibandm.law.dal.ca The Times of African Nova Scotians 11 

# Interview a Community Elder # Challenge 7 CRahdaiolloernge 8 Community elders are an important primary source of history. Older members of the community can recount the events of Newsreel their lives and pass along the stories and traditions that were handed down to them from previous generations. Community elders Report can often reveal important clues about our past. Recount some aspect of local history as told to you in an interview with an African Nova Scotian elder from your family or your community. The year is 1946 and a young African Nova Scotian businesswoman, Viola Desmond, is arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the whites-only lower section of the Roseland T N E Theatre in New Glasgow. The incident sparks M E G A

N outrage from both black and white people A M

S across Nova Scotia and creates a dramatic D R O C

E upsurge in race consciousness and pride in R D

N black communities throughout the province. A S E V I Group/Class Challenge - The modern mass H C R

A media of the day is radio. You are the team A I T O

C covering the event. Prepare a two minute radio S A V

O report about the incident. Be sure to cover the N basic reporter’s questions of who, what, when, This photo of the Stag Inn (left) was taken in 1932 and comes from the collection of John Brooks. An inscription on the bottom of where , why and how . Include “interviews” the photo reads “formerly William Deers or Dears (coloured man) better known as ‘Stag Inn’, originally built in 1842 on the north and “eye-witness” accounts with your report. side of Preston Road, Preston, 8¾ miles E.N.E. of Dartmouth, Halifax Co., N.S.” The sign (right) comes from the Inn. Submit a recording or a written script of your report. An interview with George Brooks then it was closed down. George Dare died in 1895.” George Alternative Group/Class Challenge – In conducted in 1982 reveals more of the Dare’s wife, Susan, lived in the house that was the Stag Hotel for 1946, news clips were often shown before history of the ‘Stag Inn’. another nine years until her death in 1904. The place was willed movies at theatres nationwide. Prepare and George Brooks was born on March to George Brooks’ father, John Brooks, who lived there from submit a short video news clip about the Viola 13, 1907. His parents were John 1904 until his death in 1942. It was in this very building that Desmond incident. Include “interviews” and Brooks and Mary Ellen (née Kane). George Brooks grew up. “eye-witness” accounts with your report. His father was born in East Preston and George Brooks recalled his early life in East Preston. As a young his mother was born in Cherrybrook. boy he did a little farming around the house and collected firewood George Brooks was one of six for sale in Halifax. A hundred split pieces sold for one dollar. children, three girls and three boys. At Around the age of fifteen he began working at this on his own. A George Brooks the time of the interview in 1982 there few years later, around 18-19 years old he became a bricklayer. were only two survivors, the other being his brother, John. Bricklayers earned somewhere around 40 cents an hour. According to George Brooks, his grandfather, John Brooks George Brooks went to school in East Preston in 1914 and died in 1882, and his grandmother was Nancy Dare, the remained in school until 1921 when he reached grade 7. He daughter of the famous William Dare who ran the Stag Hotel in remembers all his teachers as good teachers. They were all Preston, the first hotel to be run by a black person in the area. black teachers. Asked to name them, he gave the following “He came here I guess as a slave from the south and lived here names: Carolyn Marsman, Pearl Gibson, Pearl Anderson and for years.” George Brooks remembers the Stag Hotel: “We lived Spurgeon Paris. in the building. We built a piece on but we lived in it.” Mr. Brooks married the former Rita Saunders and raised George Brooks recalled that when he was a boy the Stag Hotel 18 children. had long ceased to operate as a hotel . “You see William Dare had a son named George Dare who ran it for years after his father Source: Traditional Lifetime Stories: A Collection of died. His father died back in the 1870’s. He ran it until 1895 and Black Memories ; Black Cultural Centre, 1987. Vol. I. African Canadian Services Division Department of Education African Canadian Services Division 4th Floor Brunswick Place Tel: (902) 424-2585 2021 Brunswick St., P.O. Box 578 Fax: (902) 424-7210 Halifax, Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Government Web Site: B3J 2S9 http://acs.ednet.ns.ca

The African Canadian Services Division (ACSD), located within the Public School Branch of the Nova Scotia Department of Education was established in February of 1996 to implement the Department’s response to the BLAC Report on Education, Redressing Inequity – Empowering Black Learners (December 1994, Volumes 1-3). What ACSD Does

• Develops, promotes and delivers programs, resources and services for African Nova Scotian students. • Encompasses all levels of education. • Promotes understanding of African Canadians and their history, heritage, culture, traditions and contributions to society, recognizing their origins as Africans. • Ensures African Canadian students have greater access to post-secondary institutions. • Works with staff in the branch and across the Department to address systemic racism and discrimination, by facilitating implementation of the Racial Equity Policy. Providing Educational and Cultural Excellence