The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia makes a grand impression. The first display you see as you enter contains giant banners highlighting 16 people - all are black Nova Scotians who made significant contributions to the province.

Guests can read about greats like William Hall, the first black person to receive the Victoria Cross (the military's highest decoration), Viola Desmond, who challenged racial segregation when she refused to leave a movie theatre in New Glasgow in 1946, and James Johnston, the first black Nova Scotian to graduate from university. He'd become a lawyer and community leader.

“We want people to visit the centre, look at the exhibits, experience what life was like for African Nova Scotians, make significant contributions to the fabric of the province,” says Russell Grosse, the Black Cultural Centre executive director.

The centre opened in 1983 with a mandate to protect, preserve, and promote the history and culture of African Nova Scotians.

“A lot of the displays depict community life and how they became a major part of the fabric of the province of Nova Scotia,” says Grosse.

The centre is a museum and cultural gathering place.

Over the years, it's hosted many events and prominent visitors, including Rosa Parks and former Governor General Michaëlle Jean.

The centre also plays host to groups of students from elementary school to university.

Les Oliver, former president of the Black Cultural Centre, says it is a place all Nova Scotians should visit.

“The centre is a great place for discussing who are the African Nova Scotians, what are some of the issues, they are always questions people have. The centre is as much a resource for the whole community, it’s not just for the African Nova Scotian community,” says Oliver.

Oliver’s father, Reverend William Pearly Oliver, founded the museum.

“This was an educational dream for him, that it would be something that would inspire children,” says Oliver.

When his father passed away, a wall of honour was established in his name.

“His ability to organize people and his vision of a provincial body was very much, it was very strong and is seen today in the things that the centre does,” says Oliver.

The museum has displays on black communities, churches, and slavery. It showcases Africville, sport teams, war heroes and the RCMP and is steeped in a rich history, highlighting accomplishments made by communities and individuals challenged by adversity.