African Heritage Month 2026 | Placemaking 4G Changemakers Series

As part of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, Placemaking 4G is proud to spotlight local Black changemakers we have had the honour of learning from and working with this past year. The theme of this year’s African Heritage Month is ‘Strength in Unity’: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.

Today, we are honoured to feature Shekara Grant, Founder & President of the Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust (WFCLT). 

The WFCLT is a living commitment to self-determination that exists to protect and care for the cultural, historic, and land-based heritage of Weymouth Falls.

Since becoming official stewards of the Mount Beulah Baptist Church one year ago, the WFCLT has secured the funding to undertake a thorough and community-engaged building feasibility study and design process in 2026. This will include interactive visioning workshops with the community and the creation of a restoration plan to ensure long-term sustainability of the community space. The WFCLT is working with zzap Architecture & Planning as their project lead, supported by a technical project team of planners, architects, and engineers.

“This project aims to both rehabilitate Mount Beulah and support our legacy as a community,” says Shekara. “The support we have received to date means we can take a very intentional approach to how we restore this community heirloom. We are applying the lens of conservation architecture to see this historic and culturally significant community space come alive again in a way that reflects the modern needs and vision of our community. Throughout this project and all of our work, we are proud to elevate the input of African Nova Scotian descendants whose ancestors have cared for Mount Beulah for well over a century.”

The design process is balancing the need for modern systems with climate resilience and cultural preservation, an approach that will serve generations to come. As this phase of work continues, Shekara anticipates a pivotal moment.

“By the end of this year, we will have determined the construction costs and be ready to keep moving forward,” she says. “With the right financial support, we will go from planning to building. Our intent is to break ground during our next Weymouth Falls Reunion in August 2027.”

Please take a moment to help us celebrate and recognize Shekara Grant for her leadership and care in advancing the vision of the WFCLT. Her work reminds us that meaningful change comes from a deliberate carefulness – by listening to, critiquing, planning, and assessing what is needed to move with purpose. 

Profile written by Margaret Schwartz.