Reflection on AfricVille

   I wanted to write on the video we saw in class concerning the history behind Africville and the history behind the Black people in Nova Scotia. When I came here for school, I was wondering why are all the blacks segregated and why do they stick together amongst themselves? But after seeing the video, I realized why; It seems as if for a very long period of time, the blacks in Halifax has felt racialized, deprived and in the video they seem like the repressed group in Halifax. Although this video does not give every little detail about the history of blacks in Halifax, it is no surprise that these same blacks are the ones who flock community housing and all the social free benefits of the Halifax Society. I am not implying other races do not share these benefits either, I am saying that if they were given the same privileges of others in the society, some may have been better off. Because Africville clearly had the visible minority in it compromising of one set of people; Afro-Nova Scotians.

The most popular church for Africville was the Seaview African United Baptist church. The blacks in the movie were so church oriented, they did everything through the church, businesses to bring in income, educating the children, clean up campaigns and getting together to have community meetings. Community meetings involving clubs, picnic set ups, funerals, baptisms, wedding and to discuss major accomplishments were all brought together making everyone feel a sense of belonging and something to be happy about. Education in the video seemed to be a main concern and scare of many of the residents that were included in the history of Africville along with employment opportunities. The schools were poorly equipped with learning tools and an environment that could bring about a positive learning movement. Why didn’t the government intervene to these people to help? Aren’t they worthy of an education as well? If people found a job, it would be the men but getting paid the minimum wages as possible. In the 60s and 70s Africville was ordered to become nonexistent. There are reasons, like some construction that was taking place, the real question is- Are they Legit reasons?? After the movement and relocation of the people of Africville, lifestyles did not get better, unemployment was still prevalent, crimes of course got higher. In 2005, The Aficville Bill was imposed with the government apologizing. 2005 is clearly too late, but better late than never. The hurt and destruction still remains as Blacks are still less privileged in the Halifax Society. The movement of Africville could be seen as an important event in the History of Halifax and Nova Scotia period. The struggle of equality and the fight for the freedom of movement despite race.