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The story of a black Canadian settlement that was bulldozed is coming to St Catharines

The first residents of Africville were slaves freed in the 1800's
Africville stories
Paul Novotny, Jackie Richardson and Joe Sealy offer a startling tribute to one of the first black settlements in Canada to celebrate February, Black Heritage month. (Photo: Supplied)

A historical and powerful jazz and blues musical tribute to Black History month bolsters the compelling narrative in “Africville Stories,” based on one of the most notable documented black settlements in Nova Scotia, Canada.

“We are proud to bring this acclaimed show about Canada’s oldest black community in Nova Scotia as part of a necessary conversation about equality in Canada for people of colour. This not-to-be-missed musical celebration shares an important story – and uplifting music-- in celebration of Black History Month,” exclaimed Annie Wilson, Program Supervisor for the First Ontario Performance Art Centre, PAC.

Africville’s narrative is based on the development of Africville in 1847 on the shores of Bedford Basin at the north end of Halifax. Many early inhabitants were African-Americans escaping the slave trade and persecution in the United States and those freed in the War of 1812 only to have their community destroyed and its residents evicted during the late 1960’s.

PAC’s press release notes that “Africville has become an important symbol of Canadian African identity and the struggle against racism.” It can also be construed as a social commentary on the attitude that prevailed in the 1960’s despite the fact, blacks were considered equals under Canadian law.

The governing bodies overseeing Africville did not support its infrastructure or maintain its development, which eventually led it to become a decayed, slum community.

Africville became one of the most notable examples of gentrification in Canada based on race, and the homes were bulldozed and replaced with a more white, affluent neighborhood. It was originally deemed “an urban improvement” measure, enforced without much forethought to the persons it displaced.

In more recent times, the community of Africville finally restored its community church, which was a central gathering place for blacks. In 1996, that area was designated a Canadian Heritage Site, which is seen as an important symbolic step towards liberating the Africville’s community from its problematic past.

However, approximately 300 residents have still not been appropriately compensated for the loss of their homes, according to PAC’s press release.

Sealy’s musical presentation is not without personal roots. Sealy’s grandmother is a descendant of two of the Africville’s community founders. He also lived in Halifax during its demise and destruction.

He describes Africville as a “little section of Halifax, you know that most people didn’t go to.”

However, famous boxer Joe Louis, known as the (Brown Bomber) and famed jazz pianist and big band leader, Duke Ellington visited Africville before it was destroyed. Sealy pays homage to them.

In retrospect, music wise, Africville was as diverse as it gets. Sealy writes: “And you know they listened to the radio, they listened to Motown, they listened to Hank Jones, they listened to Don Messer, they listened to everybody. So what I ended up doing was basing the (musical) suite on events, personalities and locations.”

“Africville Stories” will be performed by Jackie Richardson, Paul Novotny and Sealy, who is an Order of Canada recipient, as well as radio broadcaster, pianist and composer who has presented “Africville Stories” in Scandinavia, as well as across parts of the U.S. and Canada.

He has also toured with rock-fusion headliners, “Blood Sweat and Tears”, and performed with jazz artists, Joe Williams and Milt Jackson.

Richardson has graced her presence in film, theatre and television alongside many award-winning stars, such as the late Christopher Reeve and Sidney Poitier, along with Jane Seymour and Kiefer Sutherland. She has also a been on the same bill with giants, such as: Ray Charles, Anne Murray, Dr. John and Celine Dione.

Novotny is considered a musicology author, composer and audio mixer-master. He has also performed with several jazz luminaries, as well as vocalists, Roger Whittaker, Molly Johnson and David Clayton Thomas, frontman for “Blood, Sweat and Tears”.

This award- winning presentation based on “Africville Suite” by Joe Sealy, winner of a 1997 Juno Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album will be at the PAC in St, Catharines, Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m.

This noteworthy event comes to the First Ontario Performance Art Centre (PAC) in St. Catharines, Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Please visit: firstontariopac.ca for tickets or call the box office (905) 688-0722 to enrich your history in celebration of Black Heritage month.