Drumbeats echoed through the ±«Óătv Arts Centre Wednesday (Feb. 12) as people gathered in the Sculpture Court there to celebrate the legacy and future of Black art.
Dal's African Heritage Month flagship event featured the Black National Anthem, a libation ceremony, remarks from ±«Óătv leaders, and awards presented to faculty, staff and students who have shared their artistry with the community.
If Drummers from Home's rhythms provided a powerful opening pulse for the event, the day's keynote speaker offered reflections on how to keep the beat going.
“This year’s African Heritage Month theme for ±«Óătv is celebrating the legacy and future of Black art, which beautifully reminds us that heritage is not static but a continuum,” said Pamela Edmonds, director and curator of the ±«Óătv Art Gallery. “The artists that we celebrate today are in dialogue with those before them and those who will come after them.”
Edmonds spoke about art as more than entertainment, but as a weapon, teacher, and blueprint. “And Black art is not confined to galleries and concert halls — it lives in rhythm, verses, movement, and salvaged objects turned into monuments.”
“Today as we celebrate Black creativity, let us do so not just with admiration or praise. Let us do so with commitment, action and a promise to keep this work moving forward."
Browse event photos below and view the detailed schedule of upcoming events.
Now read: Lord ±«Óătv Report, African Nova Scotian Strategy, Employement Equity Plan
Drummers from Home share their love of African and world beat rhythms.Ěý
Co-emcee Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dal's assistant vice‑provost equity and inclusion and associate professor, recreation and leisure studies,Ěýdelivers the African Nova Scotian and Indigenous land acknowledgements, with thanks to local communities Beechville and Cherrybrook and Indigenous brothers, sisters and communities that birthed and raised her.
Co-emcee Jalana Lewis,ĚýDal's first director of African Nova Scotian community engagement, delivers remarks and introduces event speakers.
Kenisse Trotman, a third-year medical student at ±«Óătv, sings the Black National Anthem (“Lift Every Voice And Sing” written by James Weldon Johnson in 1899).
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Wayn Hamilton performs a libation ceremony with water from Ghana, Tanzania, the Republic of Beechville, and lakes in Preston townships. The ceremony represents love, respect, and a time and place to remember and honour Black ancestors.
Dr. Kim Brooks, Dal president and vice-chancellor, shares remarks recognizing the invaluable contribution of faculty, staff and students that continue to shape the ±«Óătv community. A special tribute was also shared forĚýDr. Theresa AnnĚýRajack-Talley,ĚýDal'sĚýfirst vice-provost, equity & inclusion, ahead of her retirement in March.
Pamela Edmonds, director and curator of theĚý±«Óătv Art Gallery, shares the keynote address.
Fabiyino Germain-Bajowa, curatorial mentee at the Dal Art Gallery,Ěýshares her experience and gratitude curating Down Home – an exhibition that brings together nine contemporary artists of African Nova Scotian and African Canadian descent, whose portraits and mixed media works exploreĚýdifferent aspects of self, family, and community.
Dr. Nicole Jordan, assistant professor and Fountain School of Performing Arts EDIA advisor, is recognized as a versatile vocalist, performing internationally in opera and oratorio.
Juliette Thomas, dental assistant and clinic coordinator for Dal’s Dentistry Outreach Clinic at Nelson Whynder Elementary School in North Preston, is recognized for her various art forms, including painting pottery, and jewelry-making.
Asher Trim-Gaskin, executive director Imhotep's Legacy Academy, is recognized for his musical talent and violin, playing in local and national orchestras.
Kenisse Trotman, third-year medical student, is recognized for her excellence in music and choir.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to artists with portraits in the Down Home exhibition. Attendees were invited to the browseĚý following the flagship event.
