The Africadian Empowerment Academy of Nova Scotia

WE'RE HIRING !!!

It was a pleasure to visit the Africadian Empowerment Academy Youth Trades Camp on Friday at the Woodlawn Library.

Students aged 11–15 from the Cole Harbour area spent the week exploring a variety of skilled trades through hands‑on activities, inspiring guest speakers like Fred Crawley RSC, and visits to local trade sites.

Funded by the N.S. Apprenticeship Agency, Youth Trades Camps are running throughout July in Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Halifax, Truro, and New Glasgow. These camps offer young people an incredible opportunity to build confidence, learn practical life skills, and discover future career pathways in the skilled trades.

It was especially meaningful to see three social work students from the Africentric BSW Program at Dalhousie University, Dale Adams (pictured), Tracey Dorrington‑Skinner, and Phillip Jackson, using their social work skills during their internship to coordinate and facilitate these camps alongside AEA staff. Their leadership and commitment are making a real impact on our youth.

Celebrating Progress, Partnership, and Possibility at the Africadian Empowerment Academy AGM 2026

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Africadian Empowerment Academy proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting and Graduation Celebration at the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook, bringing together community members, partners, graduates, supporters, and stakeholders for a memorable morning of reflection and celebration.

The AGM provided an opportunity to share the Academy's financial and program reports, highlighting another year of impact, growth, and commitment to creating pathways to economic empowerment through skilled trades and workforce development.

A special moment of the day was the recognition of board transitions. We extend our deepest gratitude to Elder Wayne Adams, a founding member of the Academy, and Funmi Odeniyi for their dedicated service, leadership, and contributions over the years. We also warmly welcomed Josh Browning and Sophia Okoroafor to the Board of Directors as they begin their journey of helping shape the future of the organization.

We were honoured to hear from our guest speaker, Veronica Marsman, Executive Director of Akoma Holdings Incorporated, whose presentation challenged and inspired attendees to remain positioned for impact in an evolving economy. We were also privileged to welcome Twila Grosse, MLA, whose presence underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing opportunities for African Nova Scotian communities.

One of the most inspiring highlights of the event was the celebration of achievement. We proudly recognized:
🔹 New Red Seal Certified Tradespeople
🔹 New Blue Seal Graduates
🔹 The 19 graduates of the Pathways to Shipbuilding Metal Fabrication Program

These graduates represent resilience, dedication, and the tremendous potential that exists when opportunity meets determination.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, partnered, and celebrated with us. Together, we continue to build stronger pathways to skilled trades, economic participation, and community prosperity.

Congratulations Senator Wanda!

I am honoured to receive the Glen Drover National Award for Outstanding Service from the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) during their 100th Anniversary celebration. This recognition is deeply meaningful. The award is presented annually to a social worker who exemplifies the profession’s highest ideals through exceptional advocacy, leadership, and service.

As I reflect on forty nine years of social work practice, I remain grounded in compassion, community, and an unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice. I am profoundly grateful to all who have walked this journey with me, including my family, chosen family mentors, colleagues, students, community members, and ancestors whose wisdom continues to guide my steps. One of those mentors was Glenn Drover, which makes this award extra special.

The work continues, and so does the collective struggle for dignity, equity, and justice.

Thank you!