“Whenever I start working with collaborators on anti-Black racism and start the walk together to dismantle systems of oppression that are deeply entrenched and rooted, I am reminded of a quote by Ijeoma Olu, American writer and author of the 2018 book, So you want to talk about race,” says Lerato Chondoma (Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism).

“Ijeomu writes that ‘the beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. It is the only way forward.’”

Acadia University came together with the Town of Wolfville to forge a path forward in our joint commitment to fight anti-Black racism on Tuesday, January 28 at a historic event. While the Town of Wolfville recognizes African Heritage Month annually, this year, for the first time, they welcomed special guests to celebrate new partnerships and work in progress.

To mark the occasion at a ceremony hosted by Town Council, Mayor Jodi MacKay and Town Council welcomed guests including members of the Black community from Acadia.

“This acknowledgment of African Heritage Month by the Wolfville Mayor and Council is a first step in recognizing, celebrating, and humanizing the multi-faceted experiences and contributions of Black people living in Wolfville and in Nova Scotia.”

The ceremony is an important step forward, but we are mindful that it is just a beginning; we are looking forward to continuing to walk this path alongside our partners in the Town of Wolfville.

Lerato notes that while the recognition is a crucial step, it “falls short without the additional commitment by Mayor and Council to engage with the Black community in Wolfville and hear directly about their experiences of anti-Black racism while ‘living while Black’ in the town.”

We move forward on the path of anti-racism with the Town of Wolfville throughout the month of February and beyond. On February 24 the Town of Wolfville is hosting an African Heritage Month “Soup & Sides” with special guest speakers. The conversation about combatting racism in Wolfville will continue at a fireside chat on February 25 where the Mayor and Council will hear directly from Black students, faculty, and staff about their lived experiences in our community.

“I am grateful for this additional commitment,” says Lerato. “I am open, I remain hopeful, and I am ready for us to walk together—the only way is forward.”