Africville Genealogy Society president Irvine Carvery speaks to a police officer at Africville Park in Halifax on the morning of July 28, 2024. Five bystanders were shot the previous night when two males exchanged gunfire during a dance at the annual Africville Family Reunion. Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentThe Africville Family Reunion is taking place this weekend in Halifax, one year after two males exchanged gunfire during an evening dance at the annual event, injuring five people in the crowd.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOrganizers have implemented extra safety measures for the 42nd annual gathering at Africville Park, including increased lighting, more security and a registration process.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“As we mark the one-year anniversary of this terrible event, I am encouraged by the resilience of the Africville community,” Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean said in a statement Friday.Article content“They have not let this incident stop them from holding their reunion again.Article content“As police, we will do our part to help the community feel like they can come together to safely celebrate their history and culture without fear. Our officers will be at the event and will be patrolling the surrounding area throughout the weekend. If you see anything concerning, flag down an officer or call 911.”Article contentMacLean said if the anniversary encourages anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, “our investigators are here and ready to talk to you.”Article contentPolice have yet to lay any charges in relation to the July 27, 2024, shooting, which left some of the victims, who included a teenager, with serious injuries.Article contentArticle content“There is no place for violence at community events,” MacLean said. “The shooting was senseless, tragic and left a long-lasting impact on people of all ages.Article content“Over the last year, investigators have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and the Africville community. We have completed over 100 judicial authorizations, allowing us to conduct searches, seizures and gather any evidence we can related to this crime. We have also spoken to over 200 people.Article content“Unfortunately, each piece of evidence and each conversation has fallen short of what we need to successfully make an arrest and get a conviction.”Article contentIn April, the provincial Justice Department added the incident to the Nova Scotia Major Unsolved Crimes Program, which offers rewards for information that leads to convictions.Article content“This program is typically reserved for homicides and missing persons cases,” the police chief said. “We applaud the province for recognizing the serious impact this crime has had on the community and doing their part to help find those responsible.Article content“Unfortunately, the $150,000 reward has not yet led to any tips.”Article contentMacLean said police know it can be difficult to come forward and talk to them.Article content“Fear, distrust or concern for safety are all valid concerns,” he said. “But speaking up can be a courageous way to stand up for your community.”Article contentThe reunion attracts upwards of 5,000 people annually to celebrate the history and culture of Africville, a Black community that was torn down by the city in the 1960s. The 2024 event was cut short after the shooting, which happened on a Saturday night.Article content
Halifax police chief praises resilience of Africville reunion one year after ‘senseless, tragic’ shooting
