MODG Council passed a proclamation at the February 28th, Special Council meeting, proclaiming February as African Heritage Month. The proclamation read as follows:
THAT WHEREAS the Government of Canada has deemed February as African Heritage Month;
WHEREAS people of African ancestry contributed significantly and positively to the shaping of our Canadian society for 150 years;
WHEREAS people of African ancestry have been residents of Nova Scotia for more than four hundred years;
WHEREAS the General Assembly of the United Nations designated 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent;
WHEREAS the Municipality of the District of Guysborough is provincially recognized as one of more than 52 African Nova Scotian communities in the Province of Nova Scotia;
WHEREAS the Municipality of the District of Guysborough values and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of its community; and salutes the sacrifices and leadership of our African Nova Scotian citizens of Guysborough and across Nova Scotia;
WHEREAS this year’s theme is “Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience”;
THEREFORE, I, Warden Vernon Pitts, of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough do hereby proclaim the Month of February 2024 as African Heritage Month in recognition of the achievements and legacy of the African Nova Scotian community while also looking forward to future greatness. We will strive to address inequities and injustices, to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding among all people while furthering pride, dignity, and inspiration in those who identify with African heritage.
A joint meeting with members of the African Nova Scotian community and Council was held before the passing of the proclamation as well as a flag raising in front of the Municipal Office to commemorate African Heritage Month 2024!