*On this date in 1921, the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children was formed. This facility is part of Black history in Canada.
The home opened in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to accept Black children in need of care who were not permitted in white institutions at the time. A crowd of 3000 spectators, the largest gathering of Black Nova Scotians since 1783, celebrated the home's opening. In the 1960s, segregation ended, and Blacks were integrated into white institutions. During the end of segregation and into the 1970s, the home became an institution for children of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
The home came under fire when many former residents reported physical and sexual abuse they suffered during their time at home. Many former residents came forward with allegations of abuse they experienced during their time at home, which ended in a class-action lawsuit and an apology from the Premier of Nova Scotia. This abuse was discontinued in the 1980s.
On October 10, 2014, the premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen McNeil, apologized to those who suffered due to the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. A class-action lawsuit with the province of Nova Scotia was settled in July 2014, which awarded 300 former residents $29 million on top of $5 million settled in the summer of 2013 with the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. Many former residents are still waiting for the money awarded to them.
The former schoolhouse is now used as a meeting place for local community groups. McNeil noted that this was one of the most horrific events that took place in the province, and the people's cries fell on deaf ears for so long. McNeil also noted that he is thankful to the former residents for their courage and ability to share their stories and bring awareness and inspiration to other African Nova Scotia communities and all Nova Scotians. Currently, the building is used as a meeting place for community groups.
