Eddie Carvery facts for kids

Eddie Carvery is a brave social activist from a special place called Africville in Nova Scotia, Canada. Africville was a small community where many Black families lived. In the 1960s, the city decided to tear it down. This was part of a plan called "urban renewal," even though the community had been ignored and didn't get good services for a long time.

Eddie Carvery started a protest in 1970 right where Africville used to be. He wanted to make sure people remembered what happened. He lived on the land, which became known as Seaview Park, for many years.

Who is Eddie Carvery?

Eddie Carvery is known for his very long protest. He stood up for his community and for justice. He wanted the world to know about the history of Africville. His actions helped keep the memory of Africville alive for decades.

What Was Africville?

Africville was a vibrant community located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was home to many Black families for over 150 years. Despite being a part of the city, Africville did not receive basic services like clean water, proper roads, or garbage collection. The people of Africville built their own homes, church, and school.

In the 1960s, the city decided to remove the community. They called it an "urban renewal" project. This meant the city wanted to use the land for other things. Sadly, all the homes and buildings in Africville were destroyed. The families had to move away. This event caused a lot of sadness and anger.

Eddie Carvery's Long Protest

Eddie Carvery began his protest on the Africville site in 1970. He felt it was important to remember the community that was lost. He lived on the land, sometimes in a tent or a small shelter. His protest was a way to show that the people of Africville had been treated unfairly.

He stayed there for over 25 years, living on and off the site. His protest became a symbol of resistance and a call for justice. He wanted the city to acknowledge the wrong that was done to Africville.

Important Moments in the Protest

Eddie Carvery's protest gained international attention in 1995. This happened when the G7 summit came to Halifax. The G7 is a meeting of leaders from some of the world's biggest economies. The City of Halifax tried to make Eddie and his brother, Victor, leave Seaview Park.

However, the brothers continued their protest. They moved to land right next to the park. This was where the village school of Africville once stood. They kept protesting on the grounds of Africville for many more years. As of 2012, Eddie was still at his protest site. He was behind the newly rebuilt Africville Church.

How is Eddie Carvery Remembered?

Eddie Carvery's story has been shared widely. A book about his life, called The Hermit of Africville, was published in 2010. This book tells the story of his long and dedicated protest.

In 2022, he was also featured on a podcast called Africville Forever. This podcast helps to keep the history of Africville and Eddie's protest alive for new generations. Eddie Carvery is remembered as a powerful voice for justice and a symbol of hope for his community.