Join us Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. AST for a conversation with Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard entitled “Human Rights Through our Eyes” in recognition of the theme of this year’s African Heritage Month and the necessity for us to acknowledge the context in which we consider human rights in this province.
Kymberly Franklin, Senior Legal Counsel for the Commission, will host Senator Thomas Bernard for an intimate discussion centering the voices and lived experiences of Black people in our region regarding efforts to protect and advance human rights. The conversation will explore a collaborative way forward toward the goal of advancing equity and dignity and protecting the human rights of African Nova Scotians and persons of African descent.
This event will be live-streamed via the Commission’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard
Ph.D., C.M., O.N.S.
Senator – Nova Scotia (East Preston)
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard is the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, representing the province of Nova Scotia and her hometown of East Preston. Senator Bernard champions issues impacting African Canadians and people living with disabilities. She is particularly invested in human rights, employment equity, and mental health. Through her involvement in community projects, her social work career, her time with Dalhousie School of Social Work, and now her work in the Senate, Senator Bernard has maintained a deep dedication to social justice and racial justice. Senator Bernard advocates for reparations for the historic and continued anti-Black racism impacting the lives of African Canadians in her work.