Africville: Lessons in Community, Resilience, and the Fight for Justice

Africville. The name itself carries a weight of history, a mix of pride and sorrow.  Nestled on the shores of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, Africville was a vibrant Black community for over 150 years.  It wasn't just a place on a map; it was a home, a tapestry woven with the threads of family, tradition, and resilience.  But the story of Africville is also a stark reminder of systemic racism and the devastating impact of urban renewal projects gone wrong.

Scenes from around Africville

Let's rewind. Africville was made up of formerly enslaved people, Jamaican Maroons, and, later, Black Loyalists and refugees from the War of 1812.  Over time, the community of Africville grew, establishing its own church (the Seaview United Baptist Church), businesses, and a strong sense of community.  Despite facing constant challenges like limited access to basic services – no proper roads, sanitation, or even garbage collection for many years – the residents of Africville built a life for themselves, relying on each other and celebrating their unique culture.

However, in the 1960s, the city of Halifax declared Africville a "blighted area" and decided to "relocate" its residents as part of an urban renewal project.  The city’s justification was that this removal would provide better housing and opportunities.  The reality was far different.  Families were forcibly displaced, their homes bulldozed, and their community erased.  They were offered meager compensation, often inadequate to rebuild their lives, and scattered throughout Halifax, losing the close-knit support system they had built over generations.

The destruction of Africville wasn't just about buildings; it was about tearing apart a community, disrupting lives, and erasing a history. It represents a significant example of environmental racism, where a marginalized community was disproportionately affected by a decision that prioritized development over the well-being of its residents.

The story of Africville, while complex, offers valuable lessons for children, teaching them about:

Community: Africville demonstrates the importance of community, how people come together to support each other, celebrate their culture, and build a life, even in the face of adversity.  Discuss with your children the importance of being a good neighbor and supporting the people in your community.

Resilience: The residents of Africville showed incredible resilience in the face of hardship.  They built a thriving community despite facing discrimination and lack of resources.  Talk to your children about overcoming challenges and the strength that comes from perseverance.

Fairness and Justice: The story of Africville highlights the injustice of systemic racism and the importance of fighting for what is right.  Explain to your children in age-appropriate terms what happened in Africville and why it was wrong.  Discuss the importance of treating everyone fairly, regardless of their race or background.

History and Empathy: Learning about Africville helps children develop empathy and understanding for different cultures and experiences.  It encourages them to think critically about history and how past events can impact people's lives today.  Encourage your children to ask questions and learn more about different cultures and historical events.

The Power of Voice: Even after their community was destroyed, the former residents of Africville and their descendants continued to fight for recognition and justice.  This teaches children the importance of speaking up against injustice and advocating for what they believe in.

Children’s story book about Africville 

Take Away

Talking about difficult topics like racism and displacement can be challenging, but it’s crucial.  Use age-appropriate language, focus on the human stories, and emphasize the positive aspects of the Africville community, such as their strength, resilience, and love for one another.  Resources like children's books, documentaries, and age-appropriate articles can be helpful tools in these conversations.

The story of Africville is a reminder that we must learn from the past to create a more just and equitable future. By sharing this story with our children, we can empower them to become active and informed citizens who value community, fight for justice, and embrace diversity.

Africville Museum in Nova Scotia

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