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Affirmations of Black Loyalists is an illustrative narrative that explores the journey of General Henry Clinton’s Company of Black Pioneer soldiers—formerly enslaved men, women, and children, who escaped bondage during the American Revolution in pursuit of freedom. This presentation traces their migration to Digby, Nova Scotia, where they sought land, community, and a new beginning. Through intimate and complex accounts of their experiences, Allister sheds light on a vital yet often overlooked chapter in Nova Scotia’s history. These affirmations offer a compelling lens into the legacy of African Nova Scotians and their enduring contributions to the province. 

Allister J. Barton is an amateur genealogist and educator who has been researching African Nova Scotian lineages since 2014. His work has uncovered a rich collection of stories that affirm the experiences of Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia, particularly those who were settled in Digby, Nova Scotia, following the American Revolution. Through public presentations at libraries, genealogical societies, and community organizations, he shares these narratives to foster greater awareness and appreciation of African Nova Scotian heritage.

Additional information on the UELAC is available.