The African Nova Scotian History Challenges are back for 2023-2024!

The African Nova Scotian History Challenges recognize students whose submissions best exemplify the contributions of African Nova Scotians to the history, heritage, and culture of Nova Scotia. Online form registration is mandatory for all entries.

  • Eligibility: Open to students from grades primary through 12 attending school within Nova Scotia.

  • Age Groups: Contests are categorized by grade levels. Participants must enter in the appropriate category that corresponds to their current grade.

For 2024, we’re continuing with our hybrid model. This approach makes the Challenges stimulating and accessible, encouraging historical inquiry and artistic expression across various mediums for students at all educational levels.

The DBDLI Awards for Excellence in African Nova Scotian History are presented to students whose submissions to the Challenges best exemplify the contributions African Nova Scotians have made to the history, heritage, and culture of our province and our country. Bursaries totalling $3,000, gifts, and prizes will be presented to the recipients at an awards ceremony in the spring.

Check out this year’s brochure for all the details on the six Challenges. And be sure to read our rules and regulations before submitting your entries.

Entries accepted from December 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 .

The top school awards are traditionally presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Pictured above (left to right) are DBDLI board member and chair Randy Headley, the Honourable Arthur LeBlanc, community advocate and Preston MLA Angela Simmonds, Her Honour Rosemary Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc, and board member Gilbert Daye.

  • Awards vary by category, including monetary prizes, prize packs, pizza parties, and certificates.

  • Honourable Mentions receive certificates and exhibition of their work.

Entry Form – Closed

Submissions are now closed!

The projects are now being reviewed and schools will be notified once the results have been determined.

We look forward to celebrating with you in the spring!

Inquiries & Contact

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact: historychallenges@dbdli.ca

Challenges

The Challenges offer students a unique opportunity to explore and showcase their insights into African Nova Scotian history in innovative ways. Participation in these challenges is not only about learning history, but also about developing skills and confidence for their future educational paths.

SCOPE: Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT: Video (3-5 Minutes in length)
DETAILS: You are the reporting team sent to cover breaking news. Produce and submit a video news report, 3 to 5 minutes long, about one of the following significant historical events. Be sure to cover the basic reporter’s questions of who, what, where, when, and why. Why is the event significant? What is the aftermath? If working in a group, include interviews and eye-witness accounts with your report.

  • Viola Desmond is arrested after refusing to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She is thrown in jail for the night and fined for defrauding the government of a one-cent amusement tax.
  • City officials threaten to have Eddie Carvery arrested when he sets up his protest camp at Africville. Despite the threat, he begins the longest continuous protest in Canadian history.
  • Residents of East Preston, North Preston, Cherry Brook, and Lake Loon are fighting to receive clear titles to their land. This issue dates back to the 18th century, when Black settlers arrived in Nova Scotia and were not given legal title to their land. Angela Simmonds and other community members work together to change this 200-year-old historical injustice.
  • Calvin Ruck just found out that his son was denied service at a barber shop in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The barber says he refuses to cut Black people’s hair. Calvin has called out the barber for racial discrimination and is calling on the help of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to right this wrong.

SCOPE: Open to Class, Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT: Vlog, Board Game, Card Game, or Scavenger Hunt.
DETAILS: Choose a Black community or settlement in Nova Scotia (map and list in the brochure) and develop a captivating travel game or create an informative vlog (video blog) to serve as a visitor’s guide. Your project should effectively showcase the community’s unique history, incorporating:

  • Historical Facts: Uncover and present key historical details about the community.
  • Landmarks: Highlight notable landmarks and their significance.
  • Prominent Figures: Feature profiles of important individuals from the community’s past and present.
  • Additional Attractions: Include other points of interest that would appeal to visitors.

Whether through an interactive game or a vlog, your goal is to make your project both fun and engaging.

SCOPE: Open to Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT: Short Essay or Video
DETAILS: African Nova Scotians have made important contributions to the political, social, and cultural life of our communities, our province, and our country. A new generation of movers and shakers have started to rise up and take the torch from those who were saying “Black Lives Matter” many decades before. Select one of the following Notable Nova Scotians and choose an individual who is continuing their work today. Write a short essay or record a video telling us how the two are similar and what they are doing to make a difference in the world today.

Here’s another option!
Nominate an African Nova Scotian, past or present, that you think lives up to the title of “Notable Nova Scotian.” Write a one-page essay sharing what they have done to contribute to their community, their province, or their country? Why are their achievements important?

SCOPE: Open to Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT: Essay, Speech Recording, or Video Presentation.
DETAILS: This challenge celebrates the achievements of African Nova Scotians in the fields of sports, arts, and beyond. You are invited to honour a Black athlete, artist, or significant community figure – either a historical figure or someone from the present day.

  • Choose a Luminary: Select an African Nova Scotian whose contributions and achievements in their field have been noteworthy.
  • Create an Award Tribute: Write an essay, prepare a speech, or create a video that would serve as an acceptance speech or tribute to this individual.
  • Highlight Their Journey: Discuss their major accomplishments, the challenges they overcame, and their journey to success.
  • Inspiring Others: Explain how this person has inspired others, including possibly yourself, and their impact on the community or field.

SCOPE: Open to Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT:

  1. Required Written Component: All entries must include a written component, such as a diary entry, a poem, or song lyrics.
  2. Audio or Video Component: Alongside the written work, you have the option of including an audio recording or video performance of the poem or song.

DETAILS: Craft a diary entry, poem, or song from the perspective of a Black Loyalist or Black Refugee in Nova Scotia. This creative work should delve into their personal experiences and emotions, exploring several key aspects such as: Where did you come from? Where did you settle? What are your fears, hopes and aspirations? How did you survive? How is your life different since settling in Nova Scotia?

A picture is worth a thousand words
Alternatively, illustrate a picture depicting a day in the life of a Black Loyalist or a Black Refugee in Nova Scotia.

SCOPE: Open to Class, Group (2-6 members), or Individual submissions.
FORMAT: Open!
DETAILS: People of African descent remember and honour Africa through their language, art, music, dance, and fashions. Their influence has helped define and shape culture in North America. Submit a poem, song, illustration, dance, spoken word piece, or any other example of culture that has been influenced by people of African descent. All original entries accepted. Recorded entries must be no longer than five minutes.

We encourage students and teachers to immerse themselves in the African Nova Scotian History Challenges, sharing their projects and excitement on social media.

Winning Entries

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s African Nova Scotian History Challenges. We were once again blown away by the immense talent and care that went into each submission. The top prizes and honourable mentions are listed below. Congratulations!

And the winners are…

Challenge 1: Breaking News

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entry

Abimanyu, Cash, Lucas, Adnan
Westmount Elementary

Honourable mentions

Hasan
Rocky Lake Elementary

Aysel, Maryam, Janan
Bedford South

Elena, Sophia, Ava
Leslie Thomas Junior High (Grade 6)

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Mya, Harlow, Emily
A J Smeltzer Junior High

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entry

Asha, Akira, Jerry, Gloria
Halifax West High

Honourarble Mention

Kaymen and Brooke
Central Kings Rural High School

Challenge 2: African Nova Scotian Communities

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entry

Amy North’s Grade ⅘ class
St Joseph’s Alexander McKay Elementary

Honourable Mention

Alex McPherson’s Grade 5 Class
Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Senior Elementary

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Chevez and Dallas
A J Smeltzer Junior High

Honourable Mention

Lila
A J Smeltzer Junior High

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entry

Cohen, Autumn, Isabella, Noah, Mo, Felicity, Carson, Sarah, Teryn, Minty
Annapolis West Education Centre

Honourable Mention

Aleida
Central Kings Rural High School

Challenge 3: Notable Nova Scotians

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entry

Addie and Luana
West Bedford

Honourable Mention

Tofunmi
Elizabeth Sutherland School

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Adam
Ecole Secondaire Du Sommet

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entries

Emily
Pugwash District High School

Lili
Central Kings Rural High School

Challenge 4: And the Award Goes to…

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entry

Kathleen McIver’s P/1 class
Rockingham Elementary

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Yeondu
Ridgecliff Middle School

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entry

Austin, Logan, Michael, Ben
Central Kings Rural High School

Challenge 5: A Day in the Life

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entry

Sam
Hawthorn Elementary

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Lawrence
Riverside Education Centre

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entry

Elim and Anjie
Halifax West High

Challenge 6: Express Yourself!

Primary to Grade 6

Top Entries

Grade 4 and 5 students
John MacNeil Elementary

Ariah, Janae, Jedidiah, Nathan, Romello, Kyrah
Harbourside Elementary School

Honourable Mentions

Grade ⅘ Dunn
Hillside Park Elementary

Annaliesa, Maya, Caelan
St. Joseph’s Alexander-McKay Elementary

Shaun Currie’s Grade 4 class
Shipyard Elementary

Grades 7 to 9

Top Entry

Julia Morales
Ridgecliff Middle School

Grades 10 to 12

Top Entries

Noah
J L Ilsley High

Calli and Sav
Annapolis West Education Centre

Honourable Mentions

Anjolaoluwa
Halifax West High

Felicity
Halifax West High

Congratulations and thank you for being part of this important initiative!