The history of Nova Scotia's black communities is a complex story of triumph and struggle, intertwined with the many stories of ancestors, destinies, and challenges. The knowledge and insight of veteran authors Bridglal Pachai and Henry Bishop provide welcome guidance to the mosaic of Nova Scotian black history in Historic Black Communities. Presented in the engaging format of an Images of Our Past book, this readable history book is interspersed with ample black and white photos, providing a visual link to the stories of the past.

Eleven chapters explore the African presence in Nova Scotia, and range from topics such as the influence of the church and the African United Baptist Association (AUBA); pioneers in publishing, law, politics and business; the legacy of Africville; heroes of sports, military, arts, and volunteer activism; Historic Black Communities provides a comprehensive, but always accessible entry into the many realms of black influence. Above all, the many photos and stories of this historic tribute salute the dignity and achievements of the resilient black community in Nova Scotia, and provide an unshakeable optimism for its promising future.

Henry Bishop's profile page

Bridglal Pachai was born and raised in South Africa and came to Halifax in 1875. One of the foremost authorities on African Nova Scotian history, he has taught at Dalhousie, St. Mary's, and Mount Saint Vincent Universities, and served as executive director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. He is the author/editor of seventeen books, including Historic Black Nova Scotia.

Bridglal Pachai's profile page