The rhythmic and joyful sounds of African drumming filled the Joyce Family Atrium in Mulroney Hall Feb. 3rd and set the tone for celebration as the Town of Antigonish, in partnership with StFX, hosted the 2026 African Heritage Month Launch.
This year's provincial theme, Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress, reflects the strength that grows when communities come together with shared purpose. It honours the progress made through solidarity and the power of unity to create lasting change.
The theme also highlights the importance of intergenerational connection, says African Nova Scotia Affairs. Elders, as knowledge keepers and leaders, carry the stories that help us understand where we come from. Youth bring new energy and vision to carry that legacy forward. Together, they show us that unity is not only our history. It’s our way forward.
That way forward is much like the proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’ StFX Black Student Advisor and ceremony co-emcee Akua Amankwah-Poku told the crowd in her remarks.
That saying speaks to this year’s theme of the power of unity, she noted.
African Heritage Month is an important time for reflection, awareness, and most importantly, education, she said. It is also important to recognize and celebrate this history and culture on an ongoing basis. It is not just for one month of the year, but every month, every week, and every day.
STRONGER TOGETHER
We are stronger together, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin agreed in his remarks.
“At StFX, we know great strength comes from working together,” he said as he noted that working together as a community often results in opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
Let’s use this month as a time to learn, to commit to growing a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive, and to affirming our collective commitment to finding unity, he said.
Dr. Hakin also gave special welcome to the elementary to high school students in attendance. “This is your university,” he told the young people. “This is where you need to be.”
The Hon. Twila Grosse, Minister of African Nova Scotia Affairs, sent video greetings. African Heritage Month gives us time to pause, to reflect and to recognize the living strength in our community, she said.
For over 400 years, African Nova Scotians have showed what unity in action looks like, even while the path is not easy.
Unity reminds us that we can honour our differences while still walking on the same road, and through unity, real change happens when we continue to lift one another up, she said.
Lorraine Reddick brought greetings on behalf of the Antigonish/Guysborough Zone 7 African Cultural Heritage Association as well as local African Nova Scotia communities.
It is always a wonderful time to come together and to recognize the resilience and impact of African Nova Scotians who have contributed so much to society, and to honour the proud legacy of our ancestors on whose shoulders we stand, she said, echoing that it is important to celebrate these contributions all year long.
The Hon. Michelle Thompson, Antigonish MLA and Health and Wellness Minister, says this month’s theme really does outline actions for each of us, around building relationships and respect in community, and what unity can bring to a broader community.
Paul Landry, executive director of the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE), also spoke on collective efforts to strengthen meaningful change. Speaking on the importance of education, he noted that throughout the school year and especially in February, teachers share lessons and opportunities to help deepen student understanding and create inclusive learning environments. He acknowledged SRCE employees who are championing this work and acting as role models to the next generation.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis also spoke on the importance of a more inclusive future, and the importance of ensuring that Black voices are heard and supported not just this month but all year.
This is an important opportunity for our community to recognize the traditions and contributions of African Nova Scotians that have shaped this province for our 400 years and enrich our community every single day, Antigonish Mayor Sean Cameron shared before reading the official proclamation.
This year’s theme, he said, reminds us of the importance of lifting each other up and making space for each other, and about the work still ahead to ensure equity and belonging for all members of our community.
Tara Reddick, the ceremony co-emcee, shared an important message directed especially towards the young people in the audience before she invited two school students to the podium to read poems.
It is important to find your identity, to be yourself and to embrace your diversity, Ms. Reddick advised. “That’s your strength, your beauty and your power.”
The Pan-African flag was raised and the provincial poster for the month unveiled during the ceremony, which closed with African drumming led by St. Andrew Junior School teacher Morgan Gero and school students.
“I hope you have been encouraged. I hope you have been inspired. And I hope you have been educated.” Ms. Amankwah-Poku said.
To celebrate African Heritage Month, a number of events are planned on campus. These include:
• Feb. 6th: African Heritage Month basketball games at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Coach K Court
• Feb. 10th: Keynote speaker workshop with multimedia artist, playwright, filmmaker, singer and actress Tara Taylor, 6 p.m.
• Feb. 12th: African Heritage Month Sodexo dinner starting at 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 19th: African drumming at Bloomfield Hub, 7-10 p.m.
• Feb. 24th: Black Excellence Panel (virtual), 7-8:30 p.m.
• Feb. 27th: Black Student Gala, 6-9:30 p.m.
