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.

Cape Breton’s Universal Negro Improvement Association was built over 100 years ago, inspired by the amazing work of publisher & activist Marcus Garvey. In the early 20th century, Garvey became internationally known for the promotion of social, political, and economic freedom for Blacks; he founded the UNIA in his home of Jamaica in 1914.

The UNIA has been preserved in the historic Glace Bay neighbourhood known as The Sterling—a predominantly and proudly black community. There were once 1100 branches of the UNIA worldwide, yet only 20 remain. The hall in Glace Bay is the only one of the original halls remaining in Canada. In the historic past, the building served as a community centre for the Black residents of the Glace Bay area. In fact, early in its existence the hall served as accommodation for workers who came from as far as the West Indies to work at one of Cape Breton’s many nearby coal mines. It was very, very challenging for workers to afford a home of their own—miners had to repay the costs of their travel to the mine company, and were consistently kept in its debt. The UNIA hall was a home for months (sometimes years) to many Black miners, and the open-armed spirit of a warm welcome is strong, to this very day.

A home to relics and living history, this space is both cultural centre and community hub, offering a common space and day camps for children.

Some of the highlights you’ll see on your tour

The photography and paper relics in our collection are safely stored and reverently preserved. We’re so proud of their heritage and history.

Here in Cape Breton’s Glace Bay, we honour both our local Black history as well as our world leader heroes.

As you explore Nova Scotia’s African community’s history, the most everyday pieces of history become even more precious.

It takes hard work, determination, and sacrifice to become a Champion. But Eddie “Drovoe” Howard’s story is one of honour and pride—just as ours is, to honour him.

The Black community in this area is inseparable from the region’s overall history. Come and explore! And see how we’ve all played our part, shaping this land.