The DBDLI’s key africentric activities cover:
1. Research
Conduct research and identify alternate models of education that address the needs of African Canadian/Nova Scotian learners.
2. Policy Analysis
Review and respond to relevant policies that affect the education and success of Nova Scotian learners of African Ancesty
3. Community Engagement
Work in collaboration and partnership with African Nova Scotian/ Canadian community to carry out participatory research, develop education resources and provide venues for community self-expression
4. Professional Development
Support teachers, other educational professionals and community based educators with the knowledge about Africentric learning, historic and contemporary African Nova Scotian/Canadian communities and the related educational needs
5. Youth Development
Support the development and enhancement of leadership skills through engagement with and empowerment of African Nova Scotian/Canadian youth
6. Community Education
Provide educational opportunities to the African Nova Scotian/ Canadian communities by giving them a central role in their own education and demonstrating valuing of formal and informal learning
7. Resource Centre
Collect and disseminate information as it relates to African Canadians/ Nova Scotians and the creation of structures that will allow for appropriate collection and dissemination of research and innovative models of learning
8. Publishing and Knowledge Sharing
Provide Africentric resources for the public school system, the African Nova Scotian and the broader community. Contribute to the development of writers of African (Black) Ancestry