NSNDP

February 1st, 2019

Statement: African Heritage Month is about more than history

Dartmouth -- NDP African Nova Scotian Affairs spokesperson Susan Leblanc made the following statement on the first day of African Heritage Month:

“Every year, we take time to mark African Heritage Month and the important role of the African Nova Scotian community in our province.

However, our efforts can’t stop at discussion, they have to include action on the issues that Black residents of Nova Scotia face every day.

This week, more data was revealed that shows African Nova Scotians are still disproportionately impacted by street checks. Community members who are African Nova Scotian or Black shouldn’t have to worry about being stopped by police. This practice is a form of systemic racism and should be stopped.

As we celebrate African heritage in Nova Scotia we need to remember that the work doesn’t stop at the end of the month.”

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