African Heritage Month 2018 ready to roll

Events are planned for this weekend to kick off celebrations

African Heritage Month 2018 will begin its monthlong celebration of black history with events this week.

There will be a “Reading of the Proclamation” at the Civic Centre to officially open African Heritage Month 2018 on Friday at noon, along with a number of other activities to kick off the event.

The theme this year is “Educate, Unite, Celebrate Community.” Its aim is to recognize African Nova Scotians and their long-lasting legacy of uniting a passion to educate all Nova Scotians about an integral part of our culture and heritage.

After the official reading of the proclamation there will be cultural refreshments for everyone present provided in the Community Round Room at the Civic Centre.

On Saturday, the Glace Bay U.N.I.A. Cultural Museum, in partnership with African Nova Scotian Affairs, will host the eleventh annual African Heritage Month Celebration Gala at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

The gala was introduced in 2008 and has been a thriving community initiative ever since. The annual event is sold out this year, with 620 people expected to attend.

Committee members said the gala has a significant economic impact on the community at a time when business may be slow.

The Hampton Inn in Membertou is the sponsor hotel for the event and has been booked solid for weeks.

This year people attending the gala will be able to hear a variety of artists including Cindy Price, Gary Beals, Dutch Robinson, Sanctified Brothers and Owen Lee. African

drumming will also be on display through the Drummers from Home.

The main band will feature Steve Lawrence and the All-Stars. In between artists Cape Breton’s own DJ Trew (Ayvery Norman) will perform.