February marks our annual celebration of African Heritage Month at Acadia and across Nova Scotia. For 2026, we will be recognizing Acadia’s theme, “For Us, By Us: Celebrating Black Excellence,” alongside the provincial theme “Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.” Together, these themes reflect the collective power that emerges when African Nova Scotians and people of African descent come together with shared vision — guided by elders, grounded in community, and oriented toward futures filled with opportunity and prosperity.

What does “For Us, By Us: Celebrating Black Excellence” mean to you?

Our community shared what the 2026 African Heritage Month theme means to them personally. Explore the insights of our community members as they reflect on what “For Us, By Us” means to them.

Blessing Sithole


For me, the statement ‘For Us By Us’ allows me to reflect on the history of my people, and how my forefathers fought to preserve the culture I can be proud of till this day. It is a form of self-expression, the ability to be unapologetically Black despite where I am. It is the ability to choose how I want to express myself as an African woman and portray my culture as a Ndau/Shangani woman with no justification needed. My culture and blackness is so unique and rich just like any other making it important that my portrayal of my heritage is considered enough or worth representing without looking at other unnecessary criteria.

Megan Glasgow


The theme “For Us, By Us” centers ownership, community and self-determination. It reflects the importance of creating spaces that are shaped by our voices, values, and lived experiences. This theme affirms that our stories and traditions need no external validation as they are worthy and complete as they are.

The theme is rooted in pride and emphasizes ownership of our narrative. It is also about joy and celebrating music, food, fashion, and all the things that make us happy.

“For Us, By Us” invites everyone to show up authentically and to be embraced by community. It is a reminder that when we remain authentic and create together, we can build spaces that affirm belonging and connection.

Saheed Akande


To me, “For Us, By Us” speaks to ownership, intention, and authenticity. It reflects the idea that Black excellence doesn’t need external validation, it is cultivated within our communities, shaped by our histories, and carried forward through collective care and resilience. Personally, it represents my journey of learning to take pride in my voice, my work, and my presence in spaces where representation matters. Excellence, for me, looks like showing up fully, uplifting others, and building pathways for those who come after me.

Events

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Resources

Have we missed a resource that you would like to share with our campus community? Let us know at equity@acadiau.ca  

Scarborough Charter

Acadia joined 40 post-secondary institutions across Canada in November 2021 to sign the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities. As of May 2022, there have been 53 post-secondary institutions to sign the charter, with more to come. Those who have signed the Charter have committed to addressing and redressing the anti-Black racism in universities and colleges across Canada and fostering Black inclusion on those campuses.

As we celebrate African Heritage Month at Acadia University, it is a time to take pause and reflect on where we have come from and where we are going as a campus community that affirms Black excellence, Black brilliance and Black thriving as well as our collective accountability for a more inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist Acadia.

The 2025 provincial and Acadia theme is “Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.” The theme celebrates the enduring legacy of Black Nova Scotians, paying tribute to the community’s resilience, achievements, and impact throughout history. It reflects the brilliance within the community: the stories we share, the lessons passed down by our elders, the rhythms that drive progress, and the powerful ability to honor the past while shaping the future.

The theme also aligns with the culmination of the second United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). Over the past decade, this global initiative has emphasized empowerment, leadership, and increased awareness of the contributions of people of African descent worldwide. The decade’s focus on justice, recognition, and development mirrors the progress and presence of Black Nova Scotians in all facets of society.

Nova Scotia is home to 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, with a rich and complex history that spans more than 200 years. African Heritage Month is a time to honor this heritage and celebrate the culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Nova Scotians—both past and present. It is a moment to recognize the strength of our shared legacy and the brilliance that continues to inspire future generations.

Throughout the month and year, it is essential to recognize the profound contributions that Black individuals have made to Acadia University, the Town of Wolfville, the Annapolis Valley, as well as Canadian society, culture, and economy. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the past while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and achievements of Black communities across Nova Scotia.

Current Statistics Canada data reveals notable disparities in education and employment within Black communities. According to the 2021 Census, Black individuals represent approximately 3.5% of Canada’s population. While educational attainment rates among Black Canadians have improved significantly, there remains work to be done to close the gaps. In Nova Scotia, the high school graduation rate for Black students has seen recent progress but still lags behind the provincial average.

In terms of employment, Black Canadians experience higher unemployment rates compared to their white counterparts. The 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey indicated that Black Canadians had an unemployment rate of around 12.1%, compared to a national average of 5.9%. In Nova Scotia, these disparities echo the national trends, with Black communities facing continued barriers in accessing quality employment opportunities, earning less on average than non-Black employees.

As we honor African Heritage Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice for Black Nova Scotians. It is crucial to support policies and initiatives aimed at increasing access to education and employment opportunities for Black communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive Acadia University that values diversity and supports the empowerment of all individuals that walk through our halls.

Let this month inspire us to further educate ourselves about the rich history and contributions of Black Nova Scotians and individuals of African descent, to take action towards building a brighter, more equitable future for all.