Africville: Canada’s Most Famous Black Community Who: Over its 120-year history, perhaps 90 to 100% Blacks with a few white families. Permanent residents and transients. At its peak, Africville had perhaps 400 residents. What: A small, self-contained, tight-knit Black community within the city limits of Halifax, Nova Scotia. At its peak, just before World War I, it was made up of approximately 80 families / 300 residents. Where: Halifax, Nova Scotia -- in the northern edge of the Halifax peninsula, beside the Bedford Basin. When: 1830s - 1970. Developed slowly after the War of 1812, grew after the American Civil War, thrived from the 1890s to the 1920s. Endured a bad phase during the Depression; rebounded during the late 1930s and after World War II. During the 1950s it began a slow downturn until the late 1960s. Relocation occurred between 1964 and 1967. The last house was bulldozed January 2, 1970. Why: The controversy following the relocation, the spirit of the former residents, and the fact that it was a unique community has made Africville a national and international legend –- a lost community gone forever. It is also an enduring symbol of racial intolerance, the myth of urban renewal, and the value of community culture.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:21:42 +0000
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