Town of Truro Launches Naming Contest for Park Honouring African Nova Scotian Women Educators
Truro, Nova Scotia, December 1, 2025 The Town of Truro, in partnership with the African Nova Scotia Community Strategy Committee, is inviting residents to take part in a naming contest for the park located at the corner of Ford and Robie Streets.
The park will be named in honour of African Nova Scotian women educators and community leaders whose courage, leadership, and vision helped shape Truro’s schools, neighbourhoods, and cultural landscape.
In May 2025, the Nova Scotia Women’s History Society unveiled portraits of five influential women in this park: Martha Eleanor Jones, Willena Beatrice (Corbin Gabriel) Jones, Donna Lee Byard Sealey, Ann Michelle (Shelley) MacLean, and Vera (Halfkenny) Clyke. The portraits, created by artists Letitia Fraser and Bruce Wood, are a permanent tribute to their impact.
Located in one of Truro’s historically African Nova Scotian neighbourhoods, the park serves as both a gathering place and a reminder of the strength and legacy rooted in this community. Residents are encouraged to suggest a name that reflects the park’s significance.
Guiding Principles for Name Suggestions
Name ideas should be inspired by local history and community stories, promote engagement and unity, and honour the legacy of African Nova Scotian women educators whose leadership helped shape Truro and Nova Scotia.
Residents can submit suggestions online https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/909d3a8d1b034b19ab6e03845c72ace8 or by picking up a paper form at Truro Town Hall at 695 Prince Street or the Douglas Street Recreation Centre at 40 Douglas Street.
Submissions will be accepted from December 1, 2025 to January 9, 2026. The African Nova Scotia Community Strategy Committee will review all entries and make a recommendation to Truro Town Council. The selected name will be announced in February 2026 in celebration of African Heritage Month.
