Above: Image from the ANS Road to Prosperity Summit, October 2022. Back (L-R): Terry Dixon, Viola Fraser, Rosella Fraser, Iona Duncan-States, Cameron Brown, Jenee Jarvis, Kjeld Conyers-Steede, Shekara Grant. Front (L-R): George Frempong, Dolly Williams, Carolann Wright, Irvine Carvery.
Fostering economic growth and prosperity for African Nova Scotians
February has long been recognized as African Heritage Month, a time to honour and celebrate the contributions and legacies of peoples of African descent. Today, African Nova Scotians are building on our rich legacy of community economic development work and are charting a new road to economic prosperity.
Our municipality is home to many historic African Nova Scotian (ANS) communities — Beechville, Lake Loon/Cherry Brook, East Preston, Hammonds Plains, Lucasville, and North Preston — which were established in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These are some of the oldest and largest indigenous Black communities in Canada.
African Nova Scotian communities, of which there are more than 50, represent a vital part of our province’s history and future — yet we remain unjustly impacted by socioeconomic inequality. We’re working to change that and create a prosperous future for generations to come.
Launched in 2021, the Road to Economic Prosperity Plan (REPP) is a five-year economic strategy developed and owned by ANS communities to address systemic and historic barriers and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians.
The first plan of its kind, the Road to Economic Prosperity was built and is being implemented for us, by us, and with us. We’re focused on three strategic priorities:
- Building unity and capacity among African Nova Scotian communities;
- Establishing land ownership, developing infrastructure, and attracting investment; and
- Increasing opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.
The Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council oversees the initiative and is supported by working groups and Elder and Youth councils that are guiding and advancing the plan’s 30 actions. We’re also working closely with ANS organizations and other partners, including Halifax Partnership, the Halifax Regional Municipality, RBC, and the Province of Nova Scotia.
Working with HRM and private developers, we’ve made great strides in addressing issues related to land ownership and zoning in communities. A shining example, and model for working with ANS communities, is in Beechville where they have collaborated with HRM to develop and implement a Community Benefit Action Plan. Notably, they have successfully worked with developers and HRM to expand the community’s boundaries back to its historic size, and to rename the Lakeside Industrial Park to Beechville Industrial Park. Looking ahead, we’re hopeful that community benefit agreements will be enacted in the municipality to ensure private and public developments enhance the lives of African Nova Scotians.
In the area of education, employment, and entrepreneurship, we’re helping our youth build their network and connect to career opportunities through the African Nova Scotian Connector Program. We’re also working with partners to help community members build financial literacy and wealth management skills.
Another important initiative is the development of the first-ever African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-being Index which will allow us to track and report on progress and challenges in ANS communities and inform policies and programs impacting African Nova Scotians.
Collaboration between ANS communities and with private, public, and post-secondary partners has been and will continue to be key to our success. The private sector has a major role to play in supporting African Nova Scotian economic development and prosperity. Businesses of all sizes can step up to train, hire, and develop ANS talent. They can work to create inclusive cultures and workplaces. They can mentor and connect our youth and entrepreneurs to opportunities. They can be customers of ANS businesses and good neighbours and partners in developing and enhancing our communities.
We invite you to walk the road to prosperity with us and help African Nova Scotians thrive.
To learn more about the African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan, visit:
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