HALIFAX, NS – The Africadian Empowerment Academy (AEA), formerly the East Preston Empowerment Academy, celebrated its 10th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The milestone event, held at the East Preston Recreation Centre, was expected to host over 200 guests under the theme, “Reimagining the Future Together”.1234
The celebration was structured with the AGM held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a special luncheon and a Trade Fair from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The day’s program featured Reverend Dr. LeQuita Porter, former Pastor at the East Preston United Baptist Church, as the guest speaker, and a special spoken word performance by Dr. George Elliot Clarke, who created a poem honoring the AEA’s new name.13
The event highlighted AEA’s decade of significant achievements, particularly in programs related to skilled trades for people of African Descent. AEA, which began in September 2014 with an Adult Learning Program, expanded in 2016 to include the Pathways Initiative for Trade Apprenticeship. This program trains people in various skills, including plumbing, electrical, and vehicle mechanics, to qualify for Red Seal Certification.231
Reflecting on the organization’s success, Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, AEA President and founding member, said, “As a founding member, and current President of the AEA, I am honored to be hosting this tenth anniversary celebration. It is a significant milestone and an opportunity to thank all the people who have contributed to our success”.1
Key impact figures from a 2020 study by Deloitte Canada were also highlighted:
- AEA contributed up to $1.02 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Halifax economy between 2016 and 2020.1
- The academy generated $161,000 in government revenue during the same period.1 ● 70 per cent of participants surveyed indicated they experienced a salary increase due to their success in the programs.1
- Most participants reported that their overall well-being and happiness in life increased after enrolling at AEA.1 The event recognized key supporters, including Platinum sponsors African Nova Scotian Affairs, NS Labour Skills and Immigration, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, NS Dept of Community Services, NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage, and NS Dept of Economic Development. Silver sponsors included Nova Scotia Power and Nova Scotia Community College.
