Nicole Johnson is one of the Community Specialists at the Halifax Public Library for the Preston Township, and she stopped by our Dartmouth studio as a guest on Community Update this week.

Johnson shed light on the upcoming African Heritage Month celebrations. The festivities promise a unique blend of cultural vibrancy, artistic expression, and community engagement. The theme for this year's celebration is "Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience".

The month-long celebration kicks off with an event at the Halifax Central Library on Thursday, January 25th, featuring performances, refreshments, and a live experience. Crystal Molder, the community specialist at the regional level, will host the opening ceremony, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of African Nova Scotians. Nicole Johnson highlighted their commitment to extending the celebration beyond performances, encouraging the community to participate in various events throughout February.

To accommodate diverse schedules, many events, including the opening ceremony, will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Beyond the library's central location, Johnson urged community members to explore other events happening in the Preston Township and all across the province. She emphasized the importance of not cramming everything into February, expressing a desire to stretch the celebration into subsequent months. Discussing her role and the library's outreach efforts, Nicole Johnson shared her enthusiasm for engaging with the community, stating that she is fortunate to work, play, and live in the same community. She highlighted the library's presence in the community, providing services and acting as a launchpad for various programs. As Black History Month approaches, Nicole emphasizes the significance of celebrating more than just a slave narrative, urging people to understand their roots and the resilience of the African Nova Scotian community. T

he interview concluded with an invitation for everyone to participate, celebrate, and check the library's website for updates on events and programs throughout the month.