For Immediate Release

Community Invited to Help Share the Story of Dr. Clement Ligoure
Halifax, NS — September 12, 2025

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Association of Nova Scotia Museums, the Africville Museum, and the Loyalist Connections Creative Society, is pleased to announce the launch of a community-driven project to highlight the life and legacy of Dr. Clement Ligoure—Halifax’s first Black physician, community leader, and hero of the Halifax Explosion.

Over the summer, project partners have worked with museums across the province to photograph and make public over 200 historic objects connected to Dr. Ligoure, early 20th century medicine, the Halifax Explosion, the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and African Nova Scotian community life. In addition, more than 500 objects have been tagged with cultural affiliations in the provincial NovaMuse collections database, making it easier for community members to connect with their heritage.

But this is only the beginning. The project team recognizes that Dr. Ligoure’s story cannot be told fully without the voices, memories, and knowledge of the community.

“This project is about more than documenting history—it’s about working together with community to ensure Dr. Ligoure’s contributions are honoured and his story is shared with future generations,” said Russell Grosse, CEO of the Black Cultural Centre. “The work we are doing today is the first step in building resources for teachers, museums, and families across Nova Scotia and Canada.”

Community Session: September 16th
As part of this first phase, the partners are hosting a community information session on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 PM at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia (10 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook). Community members are invited to join in-person or via Zoom to:
– Learn about discoveries and progress made so far,
– Share stories, information, and perspectives,
– Explore ways to participate in the ongoing project.

This community session marks the first step in a multi-year process that will include educational resources, exhibits, cultural competency training, and digital storytelling tools. The ultimate goal is to create lasting resources that strengthen understanding of African Nova Scotian heritage and ensure Dr. Ligoure’s contributions are recognized on a provincial and national scale.

About Dr. Clement Ligoure
Born in Trinidad and trained in medicine in Canada, Dr. Ligoure settled in Halifax, where he became a physician, editor of The Atlantic Advocate, recruiter for the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and a trusted community leader. Following the Halifax Explosion in 1917, he opened his home clinic to treat hundreds of injured residents—providing care to more than 200 people per day in the aftermath of the disaster.

Partners
This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of:
– Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
– Africville Museum
– Loyalist Connections Creative Society
– Association of Nova Scotia Museums

Media Contact
Russell Grosse : rgrosse@bccns.com | 902-456-1477