News Release
Formal Deed Transfer Part of HRM Apology to the Former Africville Residents
(January 14, 2011) A formal deed transfer today of 2.5 acres of land at Seaview Park to the new Africville Heritage Trust Board marks another step forward in realizing the commitments made to the former Africville residents.
HRM Mayor Peter Kelly said he is pleased that all of the commitments made on behalf of Council and residents less than a year ago are either fulfilled or nearing completion.
“This is further evidence of our solemn commitment to the people of Africville and their descendants,” he said. “As I previously stated, history cannot be rewritten; however, I hope those who have been wronged will view today’s deed transfer as an opportunity, together, to hold the same pen and write a shared tomorrow.”
The deed transfer, along with the $3 million contribution announced in November, is for the reconstruction and operation of the Seaview United Baptist Church to serve as a memorial to Africville. The $3 million in funding includes $2.5 million for construction and $500,000 directed towards the installation of services to the new building.
Daurene Lewis, Chair of the Africville Heritage Trust (AHT) Board, said, "This is an important part of the settlement with the people of Africville, and allows the Africville Heritage Trust to proceed confidently with our planning for the construction of the Church."
The AHT Board will be providing an update to the Community on plans for the construction of the replica Church at the Africville site during an open house at the North End Memorial Library Saturday, January 15 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Africville was situated on the shores of the Bedford Basin for 150 years before its homes and the Seaview United Baptist Church were removed by the former City of Halifax and its approximately 400 residents were relocated away from their beloved community. Members of the Africville Genealogy Society worked tirelessly for recognition and a fitting tribute to the community’s vital history.
Irvine Carvery, President of the Africville Genealogy Society, said, “The return of this land back to the people of Africville repairs a tear in the fabric of our souls. As my good friend Terry Dixon noted, ‘We may own our homes in other communities, but something is missing.’ That something has been returned to us.”
The official apology delivered on February 24, 2010 by the Mayor, on behalf of Council, included the following:
? 2.5 acres of land at Seaview Park to an Africville Heritage Trust Board that is to be established in short order;
? a park maintenance agreement between Africville Heritage Trust and HRM for the lands known as Seaview Park; and
? an African Nova Scotian Affairs function within HRM, which is to be included in business plans for the upcoming 2010/11 fiscal year.
The Mayor noted that HRM is very close to establishing an HRM African Nova Scotian Affairs presence/office in conjunction with the 2010-11 Budget discussions.
“This will bring a concerted focus on the needs and concerns of African Nova Scotians within our region,” he said.
For more information about the history of Africville, visit the Africville Genealogy Society website: www.africville.ca .
-30-
Contact:
HRM Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010
Daurene Lewis, Board Chair
Africville Heritage Trust
491-4642
Irvine Carvery. President
Africville Genealogy Society
237-8745
