The shackled ascent : life and education of blacks in Nova Scotia from 1766 to 1865

Abstract

It appears that in Nova Scotia, the foundation for the suppression of Blacks, both in their life style and education, was paved by the attitude permitting the early existence of a slave society. This study provides an historical profile of the life and educational conditions of Blacks in Nova Scotia from 1766 to 1865. After describing the two significant periods of Black immigration to Nova Scotia it traces the work of the philanthropic educational societies comprising the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Then, from the passing of the first Nova Scotia Education Act in 1766, a succession of such acts are seen to serve only to suppress educational opportunities for the Black people of this province. The primary purpose of this study is to show the related patterns of historical components involved in the education of Blacks. A broad outline of these features includes settlement conditions, religious societies, legislation, and the emerging attitudes of the White population.