Rev. Jessie Jackson visits the Black Cultural Centre

On Monday, June 15, 2009, Rev. Jesse Jackson was greeted by about 10 leaders and community members when he made a last-minute visit to the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. Mr. Jackson was in Halifax to speak Monday night at the 60th anniversary dinner of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council but he made time to visit Cole Harbour School and the Black Cultural Centre.

Mr. Jackson toured the centre for about 15 minutes and it was evident that he had done his homework on Nova Scotia Black history. He was familiar with the migration of Black Loyalists and refugees from New York, Delaware and Chesapeake during the 1700s and 1800s. He also knew of world-renowned heavyweight boxer Sam Langford, who hailed from Weymouth Falls. "Sam Langford, that's the man," Mr. Jackson said, pointing to the Centre's large exhibit of Langford.

Henry Bishop, the centre's chief curator, called Mr. Jackson's presence at the centre "an incredible gift from above." Rev. Wallace Smith, pastor of St. Thomas United Baptist Church in North Preston, one of those at the centre to welcome Mr. Jackson said "to see him in person is a whole new experience for me.”

With his first visit to Nova Scotia, civil rights activist Rev. Jackson hopes to forge new ties with his brothers and sisters here by forming an affiliate chapter of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition in this province. Blacks here and in the U.S. are fighting the same battles when it comes to injustice, marginalization, housing, access to jobs and health care, Mr. Jackson said, so he thinks there's a connection to be made between his group and organizations here.

Complete coverage appeared in the June 16, 2009 Chronicle Herald by Sherri Borden Colley, Staff Reporter - Chronicle Herald.