The 53-year-old spent some time on Saturday afternoon at the Marigold Cultural Centre admiring the Truro Black Educators Committee's exhibit for African Heritage Month.
"It gives us a chance to see what we have contributed to the community and to show pride in our heritage," said Beals.
A number of items on display caught Beals' attention when she first walked into the gallery where the exhibit will be housed until Feb. 27.
Also attractive to Beal was the display on the far wall, complete with an African-Canadian symbol.
"And, of course, the quilt, because quilts have been a longtime part of our heritage."
Embracing her heritage means a lot to Beals, who has had to deal with racism throughout her life. Originally from Dartmouth, Beals moved to Truro about 20 years ago when she was working with a bank and got a transfer. For the past 10 years, however, she's been an African Nova Scotian student support worker. She currently works out of Truro Elementary School.
"I faced racism all through school. My father was one of the first black men in the Navy so we moved around a lot. I was usually the only black student in my class."
Back then, Beals said, African heritage was taught differently than it is now.
"It was often done in a stereotyping, negative way," she said, adding she was always used as an example because she was the only black student in her class.
"The emphasis was on me and it was very uncomfortable. But as we know, our experiences are what make us who we are."
At the time, Beals wasn't as well versed in her heritage as she should have been.
"And at my age now, I knew I needed to help. That's the kind of person I am. I wanted to do something a little more productive so I got into education."
Although times have changed, Beals still sees and hears racist remarks.
"I choose to ignore it. Whether it's someone ignoring me or someone just looking at me (up and down), racism is alive today," she said.
Aside from working within the education system, Beals also sits on the Colchester African Nova Scotian community committee, which is hosting a symposium in two weeks on the local black community and the vision for where it's going.
The symposium will be held at the Truro Junior High School on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required and can be done through the Community Enhancement Association at 893-1911.
rtetanish@trurodaily.com
Other activities for African Heritage Month:
- A smaller exhibit will be on display at the Colchester East Hants Public Library, Truro branch, Prince Street, beginning today. This is the first time the Truro Black Educators Committee has had an exhibit there.
- An afternoon of African dance will be held on Feb. 11 at the Colchester East Hants Public Library, Truro branch, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
