Honoring African Nova Scotian Heritage in Kentville

For over 400 years, African Nova Scotians and people of Black heritage have been a vital part of this region’s history. Their contributions date back more than 150 years before Kentville was incorporated as a town, shaping our community through resilience, achievement, and culture.

This page highlights the rich history of African Nova Scotian communities in Kentville and the surrounding region, recognizing their lasting impact and legacy.

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Celebrating Black History Month at KISS FM NS

At KISS FM NS, we’re proud to be a Black-owned and operated radio station, and this Black History Month, we’re taking the time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities in Nova Scotia and beyond.

The Legacy of Black Nova Scotians

Nova Scotia has a deep and powerful Black history, from the arrival of Black Loyalists in the 1700s to the resilience of Africville and the ongoing contributions of Black artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. Figures like Viola Desmond, who stood up against racial segregation in 1946, and Portia White, a world-renowned opera singer, have shaped the province’s history and inspired generations.

Music as a Voice for Change

Music has always been at the heart of Black culture, and at KISS FM NS, we celebrate that every day. From the roots of gospel, blues, and jazz to the rise of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats, Black artists have defined and redefined the sound of generations. This month, we’re turning up the volume on Black excellence, spinning tracks from legendary voices and rising stars who continue to push boundaries.

Supporting Black Creators & Businesses

As a Black-owned station, we understand the importance of supporting and amplifying Black creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses. We encourage our listeners to do the same—shop local, support Black-owned businesses, and uplift the artists and voices that reflect our diverse culture.

Get Involved

This month, we’re featuring special programming, interviews, and music that celebrate Black history and culture. Tune in, share your stories, and join us in recognizing the impact of Black communities in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the present and the future. Let’s keep learning, supporting, and celebrating together.

Key Moments in African Nova Scotian History

1606 – Mathieu da Costa, the first recorded Black man in Nova Scotia and Canada, arrives as an interpreter for French and Dutch traders.

1759-65 – Approximately 150 people of African heritage arrive in Nova Scotia as enslaved individuals brought by New England Planters.

1783 – 3,500 free Black Loyalists settle in Nova Scotia, marking the first major wave of Black settlement in the province.

1800-01 – Dinah Powell and Chloe Landsey establish Pine Woods (now Kentville’s North End and Aldershot), one of Nova Scotia’s 52 historic Black communities.

1802/1803 – George Gibson, a Black Loyalist, founds Gibson Woods after purchasing 40 acres of land for £40, creating another of Nova Scotia’s historic Black communities.

1812 – Nearly 2,000 Black refugees from the War of 1812 settle in the Maritimes, seeking freedom and opportunity.

1916 – The Landsay brothers, raised in Pine Woods, enlist in the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only Black military unit in WWI.

1934 – Dr. Rev. William Pearly Oliver, born in Wolfville, becomes the first African Nova Scotian to earn two university degrees. He is a leader in civil rights and the founding father of key Black organizations in Nova Scotia.

1954 – Elroy Hill Sr. becomes Nova Scotia’s first paid Black professional firefighter, serving at Camp Aldershot before continuing his career in Halifax.

1976 – Bryan Gibson competes in the Summer Olympics, becoming the first African Nova Scotian boxer to represent Canada.

1977 – Orval Browning of Gibson Woods becomes the longest-serving African Canadian member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving 43 years and receiving multiple honors.

1999 – Juanita Pleasant, a Kentville-based poet and author, publishes works celebrating Black history, culture, and community. Her work gains recognition from global leaders, including a former U.S. President.

2012 – Craig Gibson, originally from Gibson Woods, becomes the first Black commanding officer in the 151-year history of the RCMP, later advancing to a leadership role at RCMP headquarters in Ottawa.

A Lasting Legacy

African Nova Scotian history is a shared history—one of perseverance, excellence, and deep cultural significance. We honor and celebrate the many contributions of the Black community in Kentville and beyond, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.

Want to learn more or share your own stories? Connect with us today!