Black Communities

COCA

African Nova Scotians

• Descendants of Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, and Maroons

• Settled in communities like Birchtown, Africville, North and East Preston, Cherry Brook, Beachville, etc. 

• Over 400 years of history in Nova Scotia

• Strong ties to land, history of systemic racism and displacement

Black Loyalists

• Enslaved and free Black people who sided with the British during the American Revolution (1775-1783)- in exchange for freedom.

• About 3,000 to 4,000 freed Africans were resettled in Nova Scotia after the war.

• They faced discrimination, delayed land grants, harsh living conditions, and limited economic opportunities.

• Built communities such as Birchtown, creating churches, schools, and preserving cultural traditions.

• Many left for Sierra Leone in 1792 due to ongoing hardships.

Maroons

Enslaved Africans in Jamaica who escaped plantations and formed independent, self-sufficient communities.

Origins: Some Maroons in Nova Scotia were part of the Jamaican Maroons deported by the British in 1796 after conflicts in Jamaica.

Settlement in Nova Scotia: Lived in poor conditions around Halifax, often facing harsh winters and inadequate land.

Community life: Maintained strong social bonds, cultural practices, and resilience despite marginalization.

Later migration: In 1800, most were relocated to Sierra Leone due to discrimination and harsh conditions in Nova Scotia.

Caribbean Canadians

Migration waves: Economic migration from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and other Caribbean countries

Settled primarily in Toronto, Montreal, and other urban hubs during the 1950s–1980s

Cultural influence: Often connected to urban centers (Toronto, Montreal)

• Music: Reggae, soca, dancehall

• Food: Jerk chicken, roti, ackee and saltfish

• Language/Slang: Patois 

• Festivals: Caribana, emancipation day celebrations 

Black Refugees 

enslaved and free Black people from the United States who escaped during the War of 1812, seeking freedom with the British.

Promise of freedom: The British offered emancipation and land to those who supported them against the U.S., similar to the Black Loyalists.

Migration to Nova Scotia: Around 3,500–4,000 were evacuated to Nova Scotia, settling in communities like Preston, Hammonds Plains, Africville, and Halifax.

Settlement challenges: Faced harsh winters, poor or delayed land grants, limited access to farming or work, overcrowded housing, and discrimination from white settlers.

Community organization: Despite hardships, they built churches, schools, and community networks to preserve culture and support one another.

Cultural and social impact: Strengthened African Canadian identity in Nova Scotia and contributed to music, religious life, and cultural traditions.

Long-term legacy: While some moved later to Sierra Leone, many stayed, influencing Nova Scotia’s Black population for generations and leaving a lasting impact on the province’s history.

African Immigrants

More recent immigration (1990s–present)

Countries: Nigeria, Somalia, Ethiopia, Ghana - Many are skilled professionals, students, or refugees.

Diverse languages, religions, and cultural practices: 

• Languages: Swahili, Amharic, Yoruba, Igbo, French

• Religions: Christianity, Islam, traditional beliefs

• Communities navigating identity in Canada 

Different experiences with identity and “becoming Black” in Canada

North Preston

What defines it:

• One of the largest historic Black communities in Canada

• Strong, multi-generational family networks

• Long history of land ownership

What matters:

• Land = protection, independence, identity

• Family = support beyond just the household

Reality Check:

• Often stereotyped

• Internally: strong, connected, culturally rich

East Preston

What defines it:

• Strong tradition of activism and leadership

• Central role of churches

• Focus on youth and education

What matters:

• Leadership is built within the community

• Institutions help organize and create change

Takeaway:
Communities don’t wait for change, they build it!

Cherry Brook

What defines it:

• Smaller, tight-knit community

• Strong storytelling traditions

• Deep intergenerational connections

What matters:

• Knowledge is passed down, not lost

• Culture is preserved through everyday life

Takeaway:
Strength isn’t always loud—it can be steady and lasting