News Release 

HRM event celebrates African Heritage Month

Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 – HRM acknowledged African Heritage Month through a recognition event yesterday for the founding members of the Racially Visible Employee Caucus (RVEC) of HRM.  Six of the 10 founding members were present to receive certificates of appreciation from Richard Butts, HRM’s Chief Administrative Officer. 

“The foresight of the founding members has laid the groundwork for some of the initiatives and policy approaches that are ongoing today within HRM,” said Mr. Butts. “I know that a number of HRM staff have been and continue to be champions of this work and I applaud them for their contributions.”

The RVEC was created 10 years ago to provide a safe and confidential forum to offer support and guidance to racially visible employees of HRM. It also acts as a resource to HRM by increasing the knowledge and awareness of HRM leadership regarding areas of diversity and social inclusion.

The event, Racially Visible Employee Caucus (RVEC): Celebrating a Decade, provided a networking opportunity where attendees met the RVEC founding and general members and learned about HRM’s recently established African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office.

Terry Dixon, Director of Community YMCA for Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, delivered the keynote address which focused on the importance of peer support and how groups such as the RVEC play a key role in strengthening that understanding.  

Sylvia Parris, Manager, HRM’s African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office, noted the message provided by Mr. Dixon was inspirational. 

“It was especially heartening to hear from Terry, a former resident of Africville, who emphasized the significance of having an African Nova Scotian Integration function now within HRM that resulted from the dedication and commitment that went into finalizing an agreement between HRM and Africville,” said Ms. Parris. 

Celebrations continue throughout the month of February in recognition of African Nova Scotian History Month. To find out more, visit Halifax Public Libraries at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/ahmonth  and the African Nova Scotian Affairs Provincial office at ansa.novascotia.ca.

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Media contact:
Michaelyn Thompson
HRM Communications
490-5940