Acadia University to celebrate African Heritage Month

(Wolfville, N.S., January 29, 2015) - - Acadia University and the Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association (VANSDA) will together mark the beginning of African Heritage Month with an event recognizing Acadia student-athletes of African descent.

On January 31, prior to the Acadia men’s basketball game against the University of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Honorable Tony Ince, will join Acadia President and Vice-Chancellor Ray Ivany, VANSDA Chair, Dr. Geraldine Browning and local municipal leaders to celebrate the contribution Acadia’s student-athletes of African descent have made to the University’s proud history.

"More than 175 years ago, Acadia was well ahead of its time when it was founded on the belief that everyone has a right to higher education, opening the door for Acadia to become a leader in open and inclusive education,” says Ivany. “February is the month when our community comes together to celebrate African Heritage, but for Acadia we can celebrate every day. Almost since our inception, students of African descent have been an important part of our community and we are proud of the accomplishments of these young men and women and the place they have taken in communities both here at home and around the world. Our varsity athletes of African descent represent a small but important segment of students who came to Acadia and found something in themselves that has allowed them to flourish.”

At 7:30 pm on January 31, special guests will take centre court between the women's and men's basketball games in Acadia's War Memorial Gymnasium. The event will feature guest performer Dr. Henry Bishop providing an African Drumming performance and former Acadia student-athlete, Jasmine Parent, who will perform the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice". In addition to remarks from the Minister, a banner honouring former student-athletes of African descent will be raised where it will remain on display throughout the month of February.

The theme for African Heritage Month is Social Justice, Roots of Progress. For Nova Scotians, this means remembering significant people, places, and events that have shaped the Province’s history and seeking opportunities to establish a strong base for young people to achieve success. “When we think of social and racial Injustice we cannot help but think of Dr. King, Viola Desmond and Rosa Parks,” says Browning. “Today we stand on hallowed ground and on the shoulder s of our forefathers and many others. Today we move forward with the power given to us by our Creator and we will not allow anyone to take our freedom or allow them to take our power.  It is important for us to celebrate that we have come a long way and achieved many things.”

About the Valley African Nova Scotian Development Association

VANSDA's role in the community development of the Annapolis Valley "is to improve the quality of life for African Nova Scotians in the Valley by creating Partnerships in Employment, Training and Government/Economic Development." With a focus on increasing employment opportunities the organization strives to create and expand opportunities for community members.  www.vansda.ca

About Acadia University

Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia has long been recognized as one of Canada's premier undergraduate institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized research initiatives, small classes, and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. For more information about Acadia, visit our website at http://www.acadiau.ca /