The Africville Heritage Trust has hired a new executive director.
The trust released a statement Thursday, announcing that Sunday Miller will oversee the startup operations for the Africville Church Museum in Halifax, as well as fundraising for the Africville interpretative centre.
Daurene Lewis, chairwoman of the trust, said Miller is an African-Nova Scotian with an Honours degree in science and a Masters of Business Administration.
"Sunday's unique combination of experience and understanding of the community will serve her well in the challenges of starting the operation of the Africville Church Museum, and the Board is looking forward to working with her to ensure that we honour the traditions and spirit of Africville," said Lewis in the statement.
Miller has led community development projects in South America, Indonesia, and Halifax, and not-for-profit organizations ranging from the Black Educators Association to AdSum House, according to the press release.
Her hiring comes after controversy erupted in September when the trust hired a white woman for the job.
Some African-Nova Scotians raised their concerns over the hiring of Carole Nixon at a community meeting, and while the trust initially defended Nixon, she was eventually let go after concerns were also raised about her past employment history.
Miller will begin work with the trust on Feb. 6.
"This is not just a project to create a museum and an interpretive centre," said Miller in a statement. "This is a spiritual journey toward healing and the creation of a vibrant Black community. I am excited to be part of it."
