We are actually quite shocked to learn that there was a place called Africville, which was located on the shores of Bedford Basin in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
What is Africville?
Africville, was a small community that was established in the mid-1800s by people of African descent, who had gained their freedom after being enslaved in the United States. These people, approximately 400 of them, made their way by see to settle in 400 acres of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
While we were re-boarding our Princess Cruise on the Caribbean Princess at the Halifax cruise port, we had walked by a number of shops, and were greeted by Angel, who I presume, is a volunteer and advocate of the memory of Africville, who invited us in to see the free display.
Sadly, we had actually walked by this display 4 times before we had even noticed it!
Thankfully, today, we had a chance to learn what we almost missed!
Injustice in Africville, Halifax
In the Halifax, Nova Scotia cruise port display, you would see pictures of the times of the 150 years where Africville was home to a thriving community of African Nova Scotians.
You will note that these residents had their own homes; they were self-sufficient with building their own business, providing their own resources, and had maintained a strong sense of identity.
Sadly you will also learn of the terrible injustice, where the City Of Halifax had decided to expropriate the land and FORCIBLY displace the residents of Africville. In fact, the last resident's house stood until 1970.
The Result of the Injustice in Africville, Halifax
The city of Halifax had claimed that the 400 acres of area where Africville was, was deemed as unsanitary and unsafe. Ultimately, despite protests and legal battles, the community was destroyed. Homes and buildings were demolished, and residents were forced to leave their homes and community behind.
More on the Memory Of Africville, NS
There is an actual museum of Africville, where perhaps cruise port visitors should decide to visit on a day trip. The location is at 5795 Africville Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The museum is found online at africvillemuseum.org
There is also a lot of information found on social media, at the Africville Museum (Youtube), and Africville Museum on Facebook.
That is so sad. Next time we visit NS we will definitely visit. Thanks