Accessibility Links
Africville is an eyesore
When dump trucks roared in to ship Africville residents out, it seemed like a good idea to city planners. By the 1960s, years of neglect and racism had made Halifax's oldest and largest black neighbourhood one of the worst slums in the country. But the relocation of Africville also meant the end of a vibrant community. As one former resident put it, they lost more than a roof over their heads, they lost their happiness.
Halifax city officials agree once and for all to raze Africville. They order the 70 families to leave by 1967.
Africville residents, some whose families have lived there for 150 years, are stunned to learn they have to move.
"In this country, when you own a piece of land, you are not a second class citizen," resident Joe Skinner tells the CBC.
Many residents say they own the land but very few have deeds to prove ownership. They have no choice but to accept the city's offer of $500 and its promises of relocation.
• The community of Africville was also known as Seaview.
Program: Close-Up
Broadcast Date: June 24, 1962
Guest(s): Joe Skinner
Reporter: Claude Baikie, Saundra Collis
Duration: 9:26
Last updated: January 11, 2012
Page consulted on December 6, 2012
All Clips from this Topic
-
City of Halifax decides to raze Africville.
-
A sample of attitudes towards black Canadians at the time.
-
Bulldozers move in as residents are shipped out.
-
In the beginning, Africville is described as a hard-working black comm...
-
Bulldozers destroy the church - the heart of the community.
-
It's only after former Africville residents are settled elsewhere and ...
-
Studies show relocation of Africville is a disaster.
-
The spirit of Africville still lives on.
-
Former Africville residents fight for recognition.
-
Talks over compensation continue to spark passionate debate.
-
The federal government officially recognizes the historic significance...
-
When dump trucks roared in to ship Africville residents out, it seemed...