In memory of Vanessa Yasintha Wambura (August 2003 – August 2023).
As we know, to learn about the present we must first learn the past. What past? Well our relatives’ past. Way back to the 1812-1969s. Does anyone have an idea what important historical event happened then? Well, it was the reign of Africville. Africville was a lovely place, not by sight, but if you got to know the historical site you would understand why African-Americans fought to keep Africville a place on the map. So why don’t you just relax and get to know this amazing place that many people called “home”. Here is my story:
We all know that African-Americans, Jamaicans and all black people were victims to slavery. It was hard and brutal and it was unjust. So, by the help of the “Underground Railroad” and many kind souls, around two thousand slaves sailed to Nova Scotia, Canada looking for lodgment. Eventually some of these former slaves of American and British owners settled on the northern tip of the Halifax peninsula. There, they created a vibrant community by the shores of the Bedford Basin. That community was called Africville. The first eight black families to settle in Africville were the Brown’s, Carvery’s, Dixon’s, Arnold’s, Hill’s, Fletcher’s, Bailey’s and Grant’s. Soon the population grew, blacks from America and Canada heard of this community and went to Africville.
Since it was only a few years since these formers slaves were free, they had very little. They did not have the right money to build a proper town that met all the needs of people. In fact, it was considered a dump. But, the residents of Africville were able to cope with so little. There wasn’t a person they didn’t know. Everyone was friends and there was no need to lock doors for safety and privacy issues. If someone was hurt, they didn’t have to walk all the way home. They just went to the nearest home where they were treated and taken care of for as long as needed. They were happy and grateful to be in Canada.
THE END …
Unfortunately no. In 1945, the Halifax municipal council looked deeply into Africville. Apparently it was a great docking place for boats due to the fact that it was right near an ocean. Also it was great space for shopping centres and schools. Which meant, as you can imagine, that Africville was in a deep trouble. The council offered to buy Africville to turn it into their dream village. Halifax Municipal Council stand was “the property could be cleared in case some industry might want to go there.”
The residents of Africville turned down their offer without hesitation. They loved their town and did not want to leave. Even after the municipal government offered the each family of Africville 500 dollars to find suitable living arrangements the residents refused to move.
This was their home and they couldn’t lose everything… AGAIN! Unfortunately the municipal council did not understand their reasons and continued to make offers and even threatens to tear their home down. The residents stayed strong, they signed petitions had held protests to fight for their right. During this time many blacks and whites believed that this was an act of racism. Why would the municipal government want to demolish a black community with so little when there were so many available spaces in Halifax (near the ocean might I add). A lot of people were divided whether or not this was racism. My class (who is currently learning about Africville) had a debate whether or not this was racism. The majority of the class thought it was racist, the debate was heated with good points from both sides. I can say that I thought this was an act of racism. Why would the municipal government want to take away the little that the residents had? If anything they could have renovated Africville, so then the residents could live there again.
Now the sad part is the fact that, all their attempts to keep Africville their home forever failed. In the late 1960s the residents of Africville were forced to move and their huge family was separated to different parts of Canada. Not only did they lose their home but they lost their independence too. WAIT! It isn’t over yet, one resident by the name of Aaron “Pa” Carvery did not want to leave his home behind, and for several months he stayed in Africville after being asked to leave many times before. Finally, Pa caved in after he was handed $14,387.76 cheque, he left January 2nd 1970 leaving the government an okay for the destruction of the city.
But don’t get sad. Africville today is a historical park called Seaview Gardens Memorial Park. Seaview used to be the name of the African Baptist Church. In 2008 a festival was held in honour of Africville. Blacks, white, Asians and all races, tongues, and religions came together to celebrate a true community with no segregation…
That is what Canada is today, thanks to our ancestors we have the rights that they didn’t have many years ago. It is great to know that we won’t be judge by the colour of our skin, or our background or religion. This is no different from what the great Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of when he said:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!” – Martin Luther King Jr.
The nation he dreamed about could be America or Canada or any other nation for our generation’s sake. Happy Black History Month Everyone!!!
Vanessa Wambura