AFRICVILLE

Ms Crathorne

Where is Africville?

Southern Shore of the Bedford Basin in Halifax

In the 1960s Africville was destroyed and the residents relocated for the building of the Mackay Bridge

The History

Africville was settled after the War of 1812 when the Black Loyalists were promised free land and equal rights

Many think the community was named because of Africa but an elderly woman who lived there said “It wasn't Africville out there. None of the

people came from Africa…it was part of Richmond (Northern Halifax), just the part where the colour folks lived.”

History

Africville was a very self-sufficient community and very close knit

Their houses ranged anywhere from shacks built of left over supplies to more vibrant houses

The community

There was both a church and a school within the community

The school was funded by Africville and many teachers did not have formal training

The church was the heart of the community

The social life revolved around the church –weddings, funerals, services and Sunday picnics

Was there racism?

Yes The town never received proper roads,

health services, water, street lamps or electricity

Africville became a site for all types of undesirables a prison in 1853, an infectious disease

hospital in 1870, then a slaughterhouse, and even a depository for fecal waste

Relocation

The relocation took place between 1964-1967 Most citizens of Africville were “squatters” Only 14 residents held clear legal titles to

their land. Those with no legal rights were given a $500 payment and promised a furniture allowance, social assistance, and public housing units

People were relocated to a low income housing facility known now as Uniacke Square

Why the relocation?

The city of Halifax wanted the land to develop and use to construct the MacKay Bridge

Life After Relocation

People were still faced with many problems as before the relocation The cost of living increased because of the

low-income housing that had to be paid for Many people were unemployed Debt accumulated People were forced to rely on public

assistance How do you think this made the people

from Africville feel?