Coalition calls on Houston for long-term funding to African Nova Scotian community groups

A coalition that represents the interests of African Nova Scotians is calling on the Houston government to reaffirm its commitment to a United Nations initiative through money — not just words.

On Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston used the launch of African Heritage Month to proclaim his government's continued support for the International Decade for People of African Descent, which has been extended another 10 years to 2034.

He said the proclamation reasserts his government's commitment to "recognizing and uplifting African Nova Scotians and all people of African descent."

But the head of the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition said while the proclamation is good, what her organization and others need is stable funding to continue their advocacy.

"What monetary value is that [proclamation] going to bring to the community?" said Bernadette Hamilton-Reid, the coalition's executive director. "How is it going to enhance our organizations?

"How is it going to help to sustain many of our organizations that are always chasing, chasing, chasing money?"

The coalition represents organizations that serve African Nova Scotian people, communities, interests and needs. On its website, the group says part of its mission is to "forge a renewed working relationship with government(s) that creates conditions for all African-descended people in Nova Scotia to thrive."

CBC News asked the Department of African Nova Scotian Affairs if the coalition would receive more money in the upcoming budget.

The department did not directly address the question in its response, but sent a statement saying the extension of the United Nations initiative "underscores the continued need for collaboration and investment in this work." 

"While specific funding decisions are determined through established processes, the government remains dedicated to supporting organizations like [African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition] in continuing their vital work," the statement said.

The UN's International Decade for People of African Descent is a global call to action that aims to protect and promote human rights for people of African descent.

Hamilton-Reid said she hopes the spring budget will include stable and repeat funding so her group can continue working to meet the UN's objectives. The coalition, which has working groups focused on community services, health and justice, can't go on without core funding, she said. 

"You just can't say we're going to extend the decade with no purse to it," said Hamilton-Reid. 

"We need to be a budget line every year and not coming back year after year begging and asking for money."

Though February is African Heritage Month, the celebration kicked off Wednesday with the unveiling of a poster at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook. This year's theme is Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance. 

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.