Gloria Ann Wesley

The community of Africville began in the early 1800s with the settlement of former American slaves and other black people on the Bedford Basin, just north of Halifax. Over time the community grew to include a church, a school, and small businesses. At its peak, about 400 people lived in the tight-knit community of Africville. But the neighbourhood was not without its problems. Racist attitudes prevented people from getting well-paying jobs outside the community and the City of Halifax denied the residents of Africville basic services such as running water, sewage disposal, and garbage collection. Despite being labeled a "slum," the community was lively and vibrant, with a strong sense of culture and tradition.

In the 1960s, in the name of urban renewal, the City of Halifax decided to demolish the community, relocate its residents and use the land for industrial development. Residents of Africville strongly opposed this move, but their homes were bulldozed and they were forced into public housing projects in other parts of the city, and promised, but did not receive social assistance to help them resettle.

After years of pressure from former members of the community and their descendants, the City of Halifax apologized for the destruction of Africville and offered to pay compensation. Through historical photographs, documents, and first-person narratives from former Africville residents, this book offers an account of the racism behind the injustices suffered by the community. It documents how the City destroyed Africville and much later apologized for it.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 13-18.

This book is part of the Righting Canada's Wrongs series.

Additional Information
96 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | 300+ colour and b&w visuals