A Love Letter to Africville is a dazzling compilation of personal stories and photos from former residents of Africville. Much has been written about the struggles of the Africville community, who have been hurt, discriminated against and dispossessed for so long — but Africville is so much more than just the pain. This book recasts the historical narrative to help former residents heal by emphasizing the beautiful and positive aspects of Africville. Amanda Carvery-Taylor organizes captivating stories and stunning photography that express the love and importance of Africville. This book is a warm hug from one of Canada’s most important storied communities.

Amanda Carvery-Taylor was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her father grew up in Africville, and she grew up understanding the importance of what was lost. The fight to retain Africville’s history has guided and shaped her desire to document and celebrate the community. She is a founding member of Word Iz Bond Spoken Word Artists’ Collective and has performed live as well as on radio and television, as well as on stage across Canada. She teaches writing and poetry workshops in schools and helped bring the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word to Halifax. She has attended Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and Dalhousie University, as well as working at Dalhousie’s School of Social Work. She loves to hike, and enjoys mothering two children and three puppies, while making time for circus aerials training. She shares her life with her partner, who is from Sipekne’katik and shares her understanding and passion for community.

Amanda Carvery-Taylor's profile page

“Delightfully capturing the joy of family, friendship and community like a warm hug. A Love Letter to Africville gives us a small glimpse of what is truly important about the people of Africville.”

Juanita Peters, Manager, Africville Museum

“Through personal stories and beautiful photos Amanda Carvery-Taylor brings us a refreshing new positive image of the loving and sharing community that was Africville.”

Lynn Jones, Social & Political Activist, compiler of the The Lynn Jones African-Canadian & Diaspora Heritage Collection in the Saint Mary’s University Archives.