The wounds run deep
Premier McNeil acknowledges a history of racism in Nova Scotia
The wounds of racism run deep in Nova Scotia and for generations African Nova Scotians have been left in poverty, said Nova Scotia’s Premier Stephen McNeil.
He took part Friday in Annapolis Royal’s proclamation that February is African Heritage Month.
He was proud of Nova Scotians who fought against racism and became icons for equality – like Viola Desmond, Rose Fortune, and Daurene Lewis.
“The theme of this year’s African Nova Scotia History Month is Passing the Torch: 150 Years,” said McNeil, “but we know that history is much deeper than that. Quite frankly some of the wounds are much deeper than that.”
He said many came to Nova Scotia looking for a new life but unlike the province’s white settlers weren’t welcomed in peace and friendship -- like Membertu had welcomed the French.
“For generations, quite frankly, they’ve been left in poverty,” McNeil said, adding that dealing with the issue of the Home for Coloured Children was a stark reality.
“It was a stark reality standing there looking at my ancestors and your ancestors quite frankly, (we) treated those young African Nova Scotia kids differently because they weren’t white,” he said.
He said people who were looking after them weren’t trained as well, the amount of money used to make sure they were being fed properly wasn’t as much as it was for white children who were taken into custody.
“We had to acknowledge that,” said McNeil. “Had to acknowledge the wounds that are there. And also take a look at the fact the institutions that you and I value so much – the institution of law, the institution of government – there are a lot of people in this province who don’t see themselves reflected in those institutions because of racism.”
McNeil was speaking in the very council chambers where Daurene Lewis became the first black female mayor in Canada.
“It’s been a hard-fought struggle,” he said. “Daurene fought that struggle here in your town and the residents of this town responded in such a positive way making her the first African Nova Scotia mayor, making a first for your community.”