A new research project that will shed light on historic Black communities around the province has been launched by the Black Artists Network of Nova Scotia.
The project is 40 Places Called Home, named for the 40 Black communities that have existed in Nova Scotia at different times of history.
The goal is to encourage Black Nova Scotians to share their own history through personal stories, archives, art and photographs that will then be used to create detailed projects about their communities.
“All of these places were what we called home, you know, in terms of the Black community,” David Woods, the network’s founder and project organizer, told CBC Radio’s Information Morning Halifax.
“But they weren’t just home in the sense of [it’s] where we returned to, but in the more segregated and racially oppressive times, they were really sanctuaries where we had to create our own worlds, our own ways of doing things.”
David Woods is the founder of the Black Artists Network of Nova Scotia. (David Woods)
So far, there are 15 teams participating, representing communities from Shelburne to Middleton to Africville to Sydney and Whitney Pier.
Each team is required to create a Facebook page that includes a community profile, a timeline of historical events, profiles of important community members and a folklore story, among other items like photographs and artwork.
The deadline to complete each page is June 30 and prizes of up to $2,500 will be awarded.
“We can’t always depend on our museums and our cultural institutions to do that work because sometimes they drop the ball or they’re not even aware,” Woods said.
“So, part of it was my frustration of knowing things and watching people die and knowing that this stuff was not recorded. So, hey, let’s ask the people who lived these experiences. Let’s find a way to get them to actually share it in a way that everybody can be a part of it.”
Information Morning – NS8:1940 Places Called Home
Woods said he’d like the project to inspire local museums to create their own exhibits about Black history in Nova Scotia.
Team Middleton is made up of five members, including Theresa Character, Josephine Morrison, Catherine Tolbart, Gwen Tolbart and Cathy Parent.
Parent said there were two separate Black communities in Middleton, one on Brooklyn Road and one on North Street. She said the research project may provide some insight into the discrimination and racism Black families faced during the 1950s and ’60s.
She said Black residents weren’t welcome in what was called downtown Middleton, and couldn’t go to the local dentist or hairdresser because it would upset white clients.
“They didn’t want us to come out of that neighbourhood. So yeah, we built us a little chapel for ourselves and there were weddings there and funerals, and we just did what we did,” she told Information Morning.
The North Street Chapel in Middleton, N.S., pictured on the left in 1960, served as a link between the Black communities in the area. (Cathy Parent)
That chapel, called North Street Chapel, will be featured in the project, she said, as it was the link for the two Black communities.
Louise Delisle and Jessika Hepburn make up Team Shelburne.
Delisle said a lot of stories that will be included in the project are anecdotal, including some from her grandmother and parents.
“The way they took care of each other, the community itself, and how they shared,” Delisle told Information Morning.
“How they helped each other build their homes, how they worked in each other’s gardens and helped share the food from that.”
Louise Delisle, left, and Jessika Hepburn make up Team Shelburne. (Jessika Hepburn)
Hepburn said she’d like to include information about North America’s first recorded race riot, which happened in Shelburne nearly 240 years ago, as it’s not a well-known history.
She said an important part of the project will be a timeline and map, which will trace the community’s history and important locations from 1783 to the present.
Hepburn said one painting that will be featured in the project is by George H. McCarthy in 1885, titled View of Town of Shelburne. She called it the first known painting by an African Canadian.
Information Morning – NS10:51Meet two of the teams taking part in 40 Places Called Home
She said doing this research has been enlightening.
“It highlights the deep connections within the Black community to these stories and that connect us across the globe, that connect us to Sierra Leone, to New York in America and that we build a home here where we are,” she said.
Delisle said although it’s tough to relive history of discrimination and racism, it’s important to share these stories with younger people, including Hepburn.
“I hope that she can learn from me in some way and some things, and the young people will pick it up and keep going and fighting for what’s right.”
Hepburn says this depiction by Captain William Booth is considered the first image of a Black Nova Scotian, in British Canada in 1788. He was a wood cutter in Shelburne. (Wikimedia Commons)
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
