The Original Black Communities in Nova Scotia

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The 52 Settlements of The Original Black Communities

Nova Scotia

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Rich History of Black Settlement Spans Over 400 Years

The province is home to over 50 historic Black communities, many of which were founded by Black Loyalists, Maroons, and Black Refugees who arrived between the 18th and 19th centuries. This website is part of the efforts of 902 Man Up to document, preserve, and celebrate these historic communities Their stories are not just about struggle, they are about triumph, legacy, and the ongoing fight for justice and recognition.

These communities collectively represent the enduring presence and contributions of African Nova Scotians to the province’s history, culture, and society. They are part of Nova Scotia's deep connection to African heritage and resilience. Despite facing systemic racism, land inequities, and economic marginalization, these communities have preserved their unique culture, traditions, and sense of identity.

Some of these communities are now less populated or absorbed into larger areas, but their historical significance remains pivotal to understanding Black history in Nova Scotia.

Historical Context

Black Loyalists (1783): During the American Revolutionary War, many enslaved Black people were promised freedom and land in return for supporting the British. Over 3,000 Black Loyalists settled in Nova Scotia, becoming one of the largest migrations of free Black people to Canada.
Jamaican Maroons (1796): A group of 550 Maroons, exiled from Jamaica after resisting British colonial rule, were resettled in Nova Scotia.
Black Refugees (1813-1816): Thousands of Black refugees from the War of 1812 were granted passage to Nova Scotia, seeking freedom from enslavement in the United States.
Pre-Loyalist Settlers (1600s): Individuals of African descent were among the earliest settlers in Nova Scotia, some arriving as enslaved people in the 1600s.

Below is an overview of the 52 historic Black communities in Nova Scotia and the historical context of each community with details such as their founders, geographical location, year of establishment, settlers' occupations, community highlights, high-profile individuals, and significant historical events.

the interplay between Black Loyalist settlement and rural development

Windsor Plains

Windsor Plains: Windsor Plains demonstrates the interplay between Black Loyalist
settlement and rural development, emphasizing the significance of faith and
education.

A rural community in Digby County

Southville

Southville: A rural community in Digby County, home to descendants of Black
settlers.

ettled by Black Refugees and families of African descent

Mulgrave Road (Guysborough County)

Mulgrave Road (Guysborough County): Settled by Black Refugees and families of
African descent. Mulgrave Road underscores the tenacity of Black Refugees in
building self-reliant communities amidst systemic marginalization in Nova Scotia.

s the challenges and successes of Black Refugee

Mount Uniacke

Mount Uniacke: Mount Uniacke reflects the challenges and successes of Black
Refugee integration into Nova Scotian society in the 19th century.

Nova Scotia’s Black community with a thread of resilience against systemic challenges

Weymouth Falls

Weymouth Falls is a Nova Scotia’s Black community with a thread of resilience against systemic challenges, including land inequities, segregation, and economic marginalization.

The Weymouth Falls community and others collectively illuminate the broader narrative of African Nova Scotian history. It is a story of perseverance in the face of systemic challenges and a steadfast commitment to cultural identity and justice. The Weymouth Falls community has contributed significantly to Canadian culture, civil rights, and social progress.

A significant community of Black Refugees in Guysborough County

Upper Big Tracadie

Upper Big Tracadie: A significant community of Black Refugees in Guysborough
County. Upper Big Tracadie reflects the resilience of African Nova Scotian farmers
and laborers who forged a strong community in the face of systemic barriers.

Founders: Black Refugees and Loyalists.

Location: Guysborough County.

Year Established: Early 1800s.

Preoccupation of Settlers: Agriculture and forestry.

Known For: Rich cultural traditions. Close-knit community.

High-profile individuals: Community leaders and activists.

Significant Events: Efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Heritage conservation projects.

Landmarks: Historical cemeteries and homes.

Nova Scotia’s Black community with a thread of resilience against systemic challenges

Shelburne

Shelburne is a Nova Scotia’s Black community with a thread of resilience against systemic challenges, including land inequities, segregation, and economic marginalization.

The Shelburne community and others collectively illuminate the broader narrative of African Nova Scotian history. It is a story of perseverance in the face of systemic challenges and a steadfast commitment to cultural identity and justice. The Shelburne community has contributed significantly to Canadian culture, civil rights, and social progress.

the legacy of Black Loyalist resilience in establishing sustainable rural communities

Mount Denson

Mount Denson: Mount Denson embodies the legacy of Black Loyalist resilience in
establishing sustainable rural communities despite systemic exclusion.

A unique community founded by Black and Acadian families

Tracadie

Tracadie: A unique community founded by Black and Acadian families in the late
18th century. Tracadie highlights the unique fusion of African and Acadian cultures,
illustrating the collaborative survival strategies of marginalized groups in Nova
Scotia.

Founders: Black Loyalists and Acadians.

Location: Guysborough County.

Year Established: Late 1700s.

Preoccupation of Settlers: Farming and fishing.

Known For: Unique blend of African and Acadian heritage.

High-profile individuals: Civic and cultural leaders. Activists preserving local
traditions

Significant Events: Community recognition for its heritage.

Landmarks: Historic homesteads.

Significant Events: Cultural recognition efforts

North Preston is known as the largest Black community in Canada

North Preston

North Preston: Known as the largest Black community in Canada, it was settled by Black Refugees and Loyalists. North Preston demonstrates the strength of cultural preservation and community identity, thriving as Canada’s largest Black community while facing systemic challenges related to land rights and economic opportunities.