I am because we are.

It is the core of the definition of Ubuntu, and we at the DBDLI are immensely pleased to bring this initiative to you today.

We are stronger when we stand together, and we are wisest when we share our knowledge with each other. Welcome to The Ubuntu Educational Experience!

Explore each individual cultural centre and enjoy the knowledge that we proudly present on behalf of all of African Nova Scotia’s rich cultural heritage. As you delve into each educational institute that we’ve captured for you, it is our privilege and humble responsibility to bring you all of the information that we can. Read about each museum and wander its halls in a VR-enabled space (with or without your own virtual reality headset). Take the time to absorb each informative comment within, provided as custom notes by each centre’s Curator or Executive Director, and offered to you as a guided tour through its artifacts and relics. Enjoy these pieces of Nova Scotia’s storied cultural heritage.

We are overjoyed to bring these experiences – and this important historical knowledge – to you today.

Africville was a thriving African Nova Scotian community, first settled in the 1860s. It’s an integral part of Nova Scotia’s black heritage, and its legacy is still felt in today’s living memory. In the 1960s, its buildings were wiped from their home on the edge of Halifax’s Bedford Basin, its residents displaced; all in the name of Halifax’s industrial expansion.

The Africville Museum has been designed as a contemporary replica of Africville’s historic church, which once stood as the spiritual centre of the entire community. When you visit, you’ll find informative panels, authentic artifacts, and audio-visual kiosks. These humble elements proudly tell the story of the Africville community; singing the joys of this enduring community spirit, and acting as monument to its unjust destruction. Africville’s history cannot be buried, and Africville Museum stands as a shining beacon to those who seek wisdom, honour, and a true community spirit. It stands strong on the shores of its past, facing the shining sun and a bright future.

This cultural centre is proudly Rainbow Registered: Canada’s national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive, welcoming and safer spaces for all.

Some of the highlights you’ll see on your tour

Life in Africville, while joyful and optimistic, was not without its dangers. It takes true spirit to encourage prosperity.

Look at our photos and you’ll see not only houses, but homes. Africville was a music-filled neighbourhood full of love, sunshine, and people.

“Long as this church is here, we’ll be here.” We work hard to embody every aspect of this beloved statement, including preservation of Africville’s most cherished relics.

“Seaview Park” was this land’s new name, when Halifax reopened it as a public park.

Even the most mundane relics are precious, as they tell the true story of day-to-day life within a thriving community.