Historical background of the origins of Truro
Pre-history to the 19th Century — Part VIII
Historical narratives of Truro often glaze over both the successes and injustices felt by the African Nova Scotian (AFNS) communities in the region (known as The Hill, The Marsh, and The Island).
Over the years, The Hill continued to grow to include people from Bermuda, the Caribbean, the United States and other areas in the Maritimes.
Although all three African Nova Scotian communities are distinct, they have familial connections and have always offered hospitality to others in times of need, forming a larger cohesive community.
The AFNS community in Truro is noted for its strength and resilience. Being allotted isolated, poor land, community members also had to contend with Environmental Racism (environmental injustices inflicted upon communities due to their race).
Truro waste facilities were created in the backyard of both the Hill and the Island. Flooding had likewise been a major issue, causing many community members to vacate their homes and move to rented accommodations. Nonetheless, these communities thrived and their residents participated in both the economic and cultural landscape of Truro.
Not only did the African Nova Scotian communities endure economic hardship, they were also subject to racial discrimination over the years. Slavery, although not nearly as common in the Cobequid Townships as elsewhere, did exist during the 18th century.
Although there are only a handful of documented cases, colonial attitudes were prevalent amongst the people of Truro. Segregation was common. Indeed, one report in the Truro Daily News from August of 1932, documents a cross-burning by the infamous Ku Klux Klan on Foundry Hill. It notes that the organization held a meeting in Truro attended by between 200 and 300 people.
These unfair and unfortunate circumstances did not prevent the African Nova Scotian community from prevailing. Religion, known for its close bond and community support, has played a strong role in the community. The community established Zion Baptist Church in 1896 after leaving the First Baptist Church where they had been relegated to seats in the balcony.
Many notable people have emerged from the Truro Black community. This includes Stan “Chook” Maxwell, an international hockey player; Jeremiah Jones, a WWI war hero and soldiers who fought in the all-black No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War.
Many individuals are also noted for their “firsts,” such as Edward Howard Borden, the first Black graduate of Acadia University; Martha Jones, the first Black graduate of the Provincial Normal College, and Portia White, the first Black Canadian opera singer to earn international recognition. Today, African Nova Scotians in Truro have assumed major roles and positions in the town and afar, including town councillors, school principals, educators, business entrepreneurs, prominent sports figures, lawyers, politicians, and many more.
Truro continues to grow and welcome new members with diverse cultural backgrounds into its community today. However, the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, Planters, and African Nova Scotians faced the challenge of building the foundation of present-day Truro and area.
Working as a community, they established an agricultural industry, churches, schools, fire departments, police departments, post offices, businesses, and much more. Their stories, all distinct and complex, contribute to one cohesive narrative of the history of early settlement in the Cobequid region.