Africville Community Members ‘Furious’ After Five Shot During Annual Reunion

Former residents and descendants of those who grew up in the historic Black community of Africville are incensed after five people were shot on Saturday during the community’s annual reunion in Halifax.

“I’m furious. I’m hurt. I’m sad. I’m upset … In 40 years we’ve never had a problem and last night here was like a war zone,” said Paula Grant-Smith, who lived in the community until she was 15 years old, and was camping with family and friends Saturday night at Africville Park.

This weekend marked the 41st annual Africville Family Reunion, which aims to bring together former residents and their descendants. The community was uprooted in the 1960s when the City of Halifax demolished homes in the neighbourhood and residents were displaced.

Halifax Regional Police said Sunday that five people in attendance were shot Saturday night when two men exchanged gunfire and the bullets went into the crowd.

One victim, in their late teens, is believed to have life-threatening injuries while the other four, all in their 20s, were also sent to hospital with injuries, police said.

{snip}