Mahatma Gandhi once stated that, "a man cannot see his future until he has first seen his past."
The Black people of Nova Scotia cannot see their future because they have not been able to see their past. The few historical documents that mention Afro-Canadians, are all based upon information recorded by White members of the society. That is not to say that there has not been an acute attempt to inform the Black community by the White community. But, because of these two different cultures, we feel that this leaves much to be desired. This is why we say that Blacks best know their history and culture as Whites best know theirs. Just as the French and English Canadian cultures are distinct from each other, we advocate the Black culture is also distinct from both.
Recognizing that Blacks in Nova Scotia constitute the largest " indigenous" Black population of Canada, it is imperative that their history, folklore, songs, etc., become known to themselves and all Canadians. The oral history is fast being lost as old people die off and the extended family system breaks down. The years have slipped past and old people have few receptive ears for their stories. In view of the above, Black students must go into all Black communities and gather information while it still exists. This will in particular serve Black people and will directly and informatively educate other cultures.
B.A. Rocky Jones
Halifax, N.S.
1970
