Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy was joined by members of municipal council and the Cumberland African Nova Scotia Association in kicking off African Heritage Month in the municipality.
The mayor signed a proclamation declaring February as African Heritage Month in the Municipality of Cumberland and helped members of council and CANSA raise the Pan-African Flag at the Upper Nappan Service Centre during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.
“African Heritage Month is an important time to celebrate African Nova Scotians and their rich history, culture, and contributions,” the mayor said. “In Nova Scotia, African heritage is deeply rooted and spans more than 400 years, shaping our communities, institutions, and shared identity.
“This month gives us an opportunity to honour that legacy and to recognize the resilience and achievements of African Nova Scotian communities.”
The story of African Nova Scotians is one of endurance and determination, dating back to the first arrivals in the 1600 to the Black Loyalists from the United States, the Jamaican Maroons and generations that followed.
Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association chair Tammy Gero and Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy sign a proclamation declaring February as African Heritage Month in the municipality while (back from left) municipality community engagement coordinator Stephanie Keilhack, CANSA executive director Victorian Vance, Deputy Mayor Fred Gould and Coun. Scott Lockhart look on. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
Mayor Gilroy said the municipality is proud of the role African Nova Scotians have played in building the region.
“From early settlers and community leaders to educators, entrepreneurs, artists and volunteers, African Nova Scotians have helped shape who we are today,” he said, adding this month the municipality will be highlighting the Singing Miner, Maurice Ruddick.
The mayor said the month is also a time for learning and reflection.
“It encourages us to better understand the challenges and injustices faced by African Nova Scotian communities, both historically and today. By acknowledging these realities, we can have meaningful conversations about equity and work together toward a more just and inclusive society for everyone,” he said.
“Celebrating African Heritage Month is about more than looking back—it is also about looking forward. It reminds us of the importance of supporting opportunities for Black futures. When we prioritize Black voices and leadership our communities become stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient.”
Tammy Gero, president of the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association said African Heritage Month is an opportunity for people to come together with purpose, reflection and pride.
“This month gives us the opportunity to honour the history, culture and contributions of people of African descent, not only by looking back, but by recognizing how that legacy continues to shape our communities today,” Gero said.
This year’s theme, Strength in Unity is especially powerful, she said, as its reminds everyone that progress isn’t achieved in isolation.
“It has come through collective effort, through people standing together, supporting one another and building community even in the face of deep injustice. Unity has been, and continues to be, a source of strength, resilience and possibility,” Gero said.
Gero said from the arrival of the first Blacks in the early 1600s, their communities built lives rooted in faith, family, culture and mutual support.
When systems failed, unity carried them forward.
“That same spirit is reflected locally here in Amherst and Cumberland County. Black families who settled here generations ago helped shape the social, cultural and economic fabric of this region,” Gero said. “Their strength was found not only in individual achievement, but in community, in shared responsibility, collective care and standing together to create opportunities for future generations.”
She said it’s important for people to recognize unity is not passive.
“It requires action. Listening, learning, showing up for one another and ensuring that equity, inclusion and belonging are more than just words,” she said. “Strength in unity means recognizing when the community thrives, we all benefit.”
Municipality of Cumberland community engagement coordinator Stephanie Keilhack, Deputy CAO Peter McCracken, CANSA chair Tammy Gero, CANSA executive director Victoria Vance, Mayor Rod Gilroy, Deputy Mayor Fred Gould and Coun. Scott Lockhart stand with the Pan-African flag as the municipality launched African Heritage Month on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo