Black Heritage in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia
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As early as 1783 there had been black slaves and settlers in Cumberland
County, many of whom arrived with the Loyalists after the American
Revolution. Amherst has always had the largest black population in the
county, then Springhill, Parrsboro, Oxford, Tidnish and Joggins. Some
of the earliest surnames to appear in official records by 1827 were
Boles/Bowles, Cook, Dixon, Gay, Halfkenny, Howe, Jones, Martin,
Milligan, Newton and Rogers. Descendants of several of these earlier
pioneers reside in Cumberland County to this day.
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Several sandstone buildings in the county were erected with the help of
skillful stone masons from the black community. Other earlier settlers
became farmers and were successful in raising large, healthy families.
A couple of the midwives in the county were Florence Martin in the
Oxford area and Maria (Sickles) Cook in the Amherst and Brookdale area.
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Religion played a large part in the lives of our ancestors, many of whom
were members of the Church of England congregation in Amherst. Later in
1877 when the Highland A.M.E. Churchwas built on Poplar Street in
Amherst, a large percentage of the black community joined this newly
formed church. The Highland A.M.E. Church is still active at the
current location on Church Street in Amherst.
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The 1st CANSA Homecoming was held in Amherst from July 31 - Aug. 5, 2006
to celebrate the heritage and achievements of all African Nova Scotians
in Cumberland County. The week long celebrations included an Opening
Ceremonies, Meet and Greet, Arts, Cultural and Genealogy display,
Softball Game, Talent Night, Highland A. M. E. Church Special
“Homecoming Service”, “Back in Time” - Sock Hop, Closing Ceremonies, and
Dinner and Dance with Linda Carvery & Friends. A great time was had by
all who attended, with many participants wanting to make this an annual
event.
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