African Heritage Month

February 3, 2025

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour proudly recognizes African Heritage Month as a vital opportunity to honour the rich contributions of workers of African descent and celebrate their culture, resilience, and achievements. This month serves not only as a time for celebration but also as a call to action to confront and dismantle the systemic barriers that workers of African descent and communities continue to face in our province.

Across Nova Scotia, people of African descent have played a crucial role in shaping our province’s history and remain a source of inspiration for its future. From the courageous individuals who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad, workers of African descent have historically led the way in the fight for justice, innovation, and progress.

This year’s theme, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,” signals that the stories of workers of African descent are being written daily. Advocates for racial equity, entrepreneurs establishing thriving businesses, and artists using their creativity to provoke change are all vital to Nova Scotia’s development.

As a labour movement, we recognize that workers of African descent in Nova Scotia have long faced employment discrimination, wage inequity, and unsafe working conditions. Unfortunately, these challenges persist today, with precarious employment, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership roles still impacting our communities. Unions are dedicated to fighting for workplace equity, fair wages, and respect for all workers. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for policies that dismantle systemic racism, protect workers’ rights, and create more opportunities for workers of African descent throughout Nova Scotia.

In Nova Scotia, workers of African descent have faced and continue to face too many obstacles. Last year, the Government of Canada extended its initiatives under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent until 2028 and welcomed the establishment of a second International Decade, running from January 2025 to December 2034. This extension allows us to increase investment in workers of African descent-led programs, advance racial justice, and foster opportunities for workers of African descent. However, this cannot be achieved by governments alone. The labour movement, employers, and all Nova Scotians must collaborate to eliminate anti-Black racism within our workplaces and communities.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour urges our affiliates, members, and allies to use this month to amplify Black voices, support Black-owned businesses, and advocate for meaningful changes that will promote racial justice in our province. Let us honour the legacy and leadership of workers of African descent in February and every day by committing ourselves to equity, inclusion, and fundamental systemic change.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour proudly recognizes African Heritage Month as a vital opportunity to honour the rich contributions of workers of African descent and celebrate their culture, resilience, and achievements. This month serves not only as a time for celebration but also as a call to action to confront and dismantle the systemic barriers that workers of African descent and communities continue to face in our province.

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