African Nova Scotians hold a distinct and proud place in Canada's history, with a literary tradition that reflects resilience, cultural pride, and a deep-rooted sense of identity. From the earliest Black settlements in the province to contemporary authors telling powerful stories today, African Nova Scotian writers have used literature as a means to preserve history, celebrate identity, and share their lived experiences with the world.
The History and Legacy of African Nova Scotians
Nova Scotia is home to one of the oldest Black communities in Canada, with deep historical roots dating back over 400 years. Unlike many Black communities across the country, African Nova Scotians are not recent immigrants but the descendants of multiple waves of migration, including:
The Black Loyalists (1783-1785) – Formerly enslaved African Americans who sided with the British during the American Revolution and were resettled in Nova Scotia.
The Jamaican Maroons (1796) – A group of skilled warriors and community leaders deported from Jamaica after rebelling against British rule.
The Black Refugees (1813-1816) – African Americans who escaped enslavement during the War of 1812 and found freedom in Nova Scotia.
These settlers built strong, self-sufficient communities, many of which still exist today, fostering a distinct African Nova Scotian culture shaped by resilience and determination.
One of the most well-known African Nova Scotian communities was Africville, a historically Black settlement on the outskirts of Halifax. Despite facing systemic discrimination and lack of government services, Africville thrived for over a century as a close-knit, self-sustaining community. Its destruction in the 1960s under the guise of urban renewal was a painful chapter in Nova Scotia’s history, but Africville’s legacy remains a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance for African Nova Scotians today.
Notable African Nova Scotian Authors
African Nova Scotian authors have made significant contributions to Canadian literature, shedding light on untold histories, celebrating Black identity, and challenging racial injustices. Some of the most influential African Nova Scotian writers include Henry Bishop, co-author of Historic Black Nova Scotia, a vital work documenting the rich history and contributions of Black communities in the province; Afua Cooper, a poet and historian, who authored The Hanging of Angélique, which brings attention to Canada’s history of slavery and Black resistance; and Mayann Francis, the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, who's memoir, An Honourable Life, reflects on her journey and experiences.
Other incredible African Nova Scotian writers and their work include:
George Elliott Clarke, a celebrated poet and playwright, wrote Whylah Falls, which is a poetic novel capturing the lives and emotions of Black Nova Scotians.
Shauntay Grant, a poet and children’s author, wrote Grant’s Up Home, a beautifully illustrated book reflecting the warmth and spirit of growing up in a Black Nova Scotian community.
Sylvia D. Hamilton, filmmaker and poet, explores themes of identity, history, and the African Nova Scotian experience in And I Alone Escaped to Tell You.
Bridglal Pachai is co-author of Historic Black Nova Scotia. Pachai’s work preserves and highlights the contributions of Black Nova Scotians.
Lindsay Ruck is the author of Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians, a book celebrating the achievements of Black Canadians in the Atlantic region.
Wanda Taylor, an author and journalist, explores the impact of a historically significant Black institution in her book The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children: The Hurt, the Hope, and the Healing.
Gloria Ann Wesley was the first published Black Nova Scotian poet. Her work, If This Is Freedom, is a historical novel exploring the struggles of Black Loyalists in Canada.
The Importance of African Nova Scotian Literature
African Nova Scotian literature is more than just storytelling—it’s an act of resistance, a means of preservation, and a celebration of a unique cultural identity. Through poetry, fiction, memoirs, and historical accounts, African Nova Scotian authors continue to amplify the voices of their communities, ensuring that their stories are heard, honored, and remembered.
For readers, these books provide a window into the rich history, traditions, and lived realities of African Nova Scotians. They challenge stereotypes, deepen cultural understanding, and celebrate the strength and endurance of Black communities in Nova Scotia.
Supporting African Nova Scotian Writers
To help uplift the voices of African Nova Scotian authors, consider these actions:
📖 Read their works – Explore books by African Nova Scotian writers to learn from their unique perspectives.
📢 Share their stories – Recommend these books to friends, colleagues, and educators to increase awareness.
🛍️ Give the gift of their work – buy books by African Nova Scotian writers for friends and family members, and better yet, buy these books from bookstores or online from small, independent publishing houses.
📚 Encourage inclusion in schools and libraries – Advocate for African Nova Scotian literature to be included in school curriculums and library collections.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
African Nova Scotians have played an essential role in shaping Canadian literature, ensuring that the voices of Black communities are heard and preserved. As we celebrate these contributions, we must continue to honor the past while uplifting the next generation of Black writers, ensuring that their stories remain an integral part of Canada’s literary landscape.