THE BEDFORD SOUTH REPORT

Celebrating African Heritage Month

Hi everyone, 

I hope everyone is having a great start to 2024. It’s hard to believe January came to an end and that February is upon us.

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year (February 10-17), with much success and good luck in this Year of The Dragon.

This month we also celebrate Heritage Day on Monday, February 19th. This year in Nova Scotia, we are honouring William Hall, VC. He was the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and the third Canadian to receive the British Empire’s highest award for bravery, the Victory Cross. He received his medal in October 1859, after his acts of valour under fire in what is now known as The Indian Rebellion of 1857.

My colleagues and I are extremely pleased that The Nova Scotia Legislature begins sitting again on Tuesday, February 27th, as we have lots of work to do on behalf of all Nova Scotians. 

In the coming weeks, you will receive my newsletter in the mail. It will include local community news and updates, and a small survey. I would really appreciate you taking the time to share your views, so I hope you will take a couple minutes to respond.

Stay warm and enjoy our beautiful community.

All the best,

African Heritage Month

February is African Heritage month in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities with a long, deep and complex history dating back over 200 years. African Heritage Month provides us with another opportunity to celebrate our culture, legacy, achievements and contributions of our people – past and present.

As we recognize and celebrate African Heritage Month, I hope you will take the time to reflect on the journey, challenges, and obstacles African Nova Scotians have faced and overcome to build vibrant, joyous communities.

This year’s provincial theme is “Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians.” The theme is a reminder of the positive impact African Nova Scotians bring to our community. As we celebrate their achievements and contributions, we must continue the ongoing work to embrace diversity and inclusion and eliminate systemic racism.

The Black Culture Centre has a wealth of information available on their website that features the latest information on African Heritage Month events, programs and activities, as well as an interactive calendar of events.

You can also visit Halifax Public Libraries website for their African Heritage Month collection of resources.

Be sure to see the light show downtown (pictured above) at the old Library building as it commemorates this year’s theme: Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians.

Learn More

Accessing Grants and Rebates 

💲 The Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund in now accepting applications. This program supports Nova Scotians facing an emergency situation with home heating cost during the winter months. Learn more...

📎 There is still time to apply for a Community Infrastructure and Access-ability grant for 2024-25. Learn more...

Community Engagement

🗣️ One of the greatest privileges for me as an MLA, is to recognize residents who positively impact our community or achieve a milestone, by publicly recognizing them with a Members Statement in the House of Assembly. Please contact my office if you wish to nominate someone. Learn more...

🚗 Our communities are growing, and we need a regional transportation system that’s safe, efficient, equitable, and resilient to support this growth. The JRTA is developing a regional plan. Get an update on the plan progress and share your concerns by attending their virtual information session. Learn more...

Heathcare Resources

📱 Get FREE access to online health and wellness programs covering a range of topic areas including self-management, reducing your health risks, healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellness, and parenting. Learn more...

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Community Spotlight

Heritage Day Free Skate

As part of our Heritage Day celebration, some of my colleagues and I will be hosting a Free Skate at the BMO Centre on Gary Martin Drive from 3pm to 4pm.

Everyone is welcome, so please join Councillor Tim Outhit, District 16; Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, M.P. Halifax West; Hon. Kelly Regan, MLA Bedford Basin; and myself for this fun social activity. It’ll be great to see you.

Learn More

What's on in Bedford South?

❓ What's up on Wednesdays? The library has changes in store this year. Each week, you can dabble in art, fiddle with LEGO Technic, goof-off with games, and chill with friends. Learn more...

⚕️ Each month, Caregivers Nova Scotia offers a caregiver support group for people who provide care to family members or friends who have a chronic or acute health condition. Learn more...

❄️Our neighbours in Sackville are gearing up for their annual Snow Days festival. Join in the fun as countless community groups, organizations, businesses, and volunteers come together to create a weekend of fun activities all around Sackville. Learn more...

📌 If you are interested in starting a new career in truck driving or are already licensed, but looking for a new opportunity, there will be a Trucking Industry Career Fair in Bedford on February 15th. Learn more...

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