Africville reunion shooting added to unsolved crime rewards program

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The provincial government is now offering a large financial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people involved in last year’s shooting at the Africville annual reunion.

The shooting happened on July 27, 2024, when hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate the 41st annual reunion at the national historic site in the north end of Halifax. It saw former residents and their descendants of the historic Black community that was demolished in the 1960s gather. Five young people were injured in the shooting that happened around 10:00 p.m., according to the province.

The case being added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program means a reward of up to $150,000 is available. The amount actually given to someone is determined based on the investigative value of the information provided, according to a media release.

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“The Africville reunion was meant to be a place where people could come together and celebrate their history, culture and community,” said Halifax Regional Police chief Don MacLean. “For a select few to bring violence into that event, causing serious injury and trauma to those in attendance, is unacceptable.”

The province also says this is the first time a case not involving a murder or a suspicious missing person has been added to the program.

In a social media post after the incident, reunion organizer Vincent Williams said that despite the “hateful and senseless terror” that left the Africville community reeling, they will pick up the pieces.

Anyone with information should call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program at 1-888-710-9090.