Halifax, NS, October 21, 2022 - Members of African Nova Scotian communities, along with representatives from the private, public, post-secondary and community sectors, are gathering today for the second annual African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Summit at the Prince George Hotel in Halifax, NS. 

Community leaders will report on progress and advance work on the Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan (REP), a first-of-its-kind economic development strategy that aims to address systemic issues in African Nova Scotian communities, attract investment, and improve economic and quality of life outcomes for African Nova Scotians.

 “Our communities have the knowledge and skills to lead our own economic development,” says Dolly Williams, Co-Chair of the Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council. “Systemic racism has prevented us from this. This work has to be done for us, by us and with us.”

 “Over the past two years we have made significant progress on our plan including developments in leadership and capacity building, land development and infrastructure, education, entrepreneurship and employment,” says Irvine Carvery, Co-Chair of the Road to Economic Prosperity Advisory Council.

REP leaders have worked in partnership with HRM to make significant progress in enhancing direct participation by community members in forming their own community action plans and identifying boundary and zoning changes that will protect the historic nature of African Nova Scotian communities and ensure access to ancestral lands.

“The ANS Road to Economic Prosperity Community Summit theme is For Us. By Us. With U.s and I am excited to learn about what has been accomplished and what will be next for this African Nova Scotian, community-led initiative. I am proud of this work and Council’s support of it.” – Mayor Mike Savage.

For Media Inquiries Contact:

Nzingha Millar

nzingha.millar@gmail.com

(902) 789-9464

Background Reports

•  African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity Action Plan (2020) here.

• African Nova Scotian Economic Action Plan Halifax Regional Council Report (2020) here.

• Regional Plan Review – Phase 3 Report to Halifax Regional Council (July 2022) here. (This Council report provides background on proposed amendments to the Regional Plan to more actively involve African Nova Scotian communities in the planning and development process. Beechville is mentioned as a success and model for work with other communities.)