“HE WHO IS RELUCTANT TO RECOGNIZE ME OPPOSES ME”: SELF-DETERMINATION, RECOGNITION, AND REVOLUTION BETWEEN THE BLACK UNITED FRONT AND THE CANADIAN STATE

Abstract

On November 30th, 1968, over 400 Black Nova Scotians met at a North-End Halifax library to discuss the creation of a self-deterministic, activist organization called the Black United Front (BUF). Between 1969-1996 the Black United Front held Black cultural events, promoted Black businesses, and highlighted racial barriers present in Nova Scotia. An area of contention throughout BUF's existence was the acceptance of federal funding. This research analyzes the actions of BUF, focalizing on the relationships between BUF and State institutions that attempted to shift the organization’s direction and activism; to what extend is BUF's self-determination and activism influenced by government funding?