“We had slavery in Nova Scotia?” As the author of Enslavers of the Maritimes, Brenda J. Thompson hears this question often. The question asked far less often is the harder one: who did the enslaving in Nova Scotia, and who was enslaved?

In Enslavers of Kings County, Nova Scotia, Thompson examines the people in Kings County who enslaved others, and the people whose lives were shaped by that violence. By naming names and confronting local history directly, this presentation challenges comfortable myths and invites a more honest reckoning with Nova Scotia’s past.

The answers may surprise—and unsettle—those who believe slavery happened “somewhere else.”  Questions, comments, and audience insights are welcome throughout.

Biography: Brenda J. Thompson is a Nova Scotia writer, researcher, and lifelong disturbe de merde. An alumna of Acadia University, she earned her MA in Sociology in 1992 and has put it to work ever since through books, research papers, press releases, and protest chants. Her work is grounded in a deep interest in history, power, and the status quo in Nova Scotia.

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Every week during the academic semesters, we invite ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual ALLways Learning Series (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series).

We cover topics both big and small in scope, from local to international, and from arts to sciences. We aim to offer lively talks from engaging speakers that anyone in the audience can enjoy. No registration is required.

See the full schedule here!