Aisha C.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

From my perspective on the research, the most interesting piece of information would be the story leading up to the explosion. I found it quite interesting that even though warnings were given out, the SS-Imo remained in the harbor and was late to understand the trouble it could bring. I also found it surprising since the entire explosion, leading to the death of thousands could have been easily evaded.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I, of course, knew how racism affected a lot of communities in Canada's past, but to think that the village of Africville was truly faced with such cruelty due to their race is astounding. I want to share how the city of Halifax discriminated against this village and refused to supply them with many necessities including clean water, sewage, and trash transfer. Following the explosion, many alleviation operations sent donations to Halifax yet not a penny was spent to repair the damages in Africville, rather they left them unrecognized. They were later forcibly relocated in the 1670s when their homes were bulldozed in their absence.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The citizens truly suffered through many conflicts due to their race and compared to them I feel blessed. Unfortunately, they didn't receive any of the utilities I use today and faced trouble fitting into their communities. We also have different perspectives comparing our educations since they were discriminated against there as well. I feel that our lives are incomparable since they suffered through I wouldn't imagine in this day and age.