Chief Curator / Artistic Director, Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, Dartmouth, NS. Born: Weymouth Falls, NS.
At the start of his career, Dr. Henry Bishop was employed as a Communications Officer with the Black United Front of Nova Scotia, then worked independently in graphic design and photography. This led to his assisting the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, for which he became employed as curator in 1983.
Dr. Bishop trained with the Nova Scotia Museum complex and co-curated the nationally travelled exhibit “Africville: A Spirit That Lives On” (1985). His aim, to “create better understanding and respect for people with the use of positive cultural experience.” He is active in developing educational programs for schools and social agencies, and has been featured on radio, film and TV programs, including Japan Radio. Dr. Bishop is also a well-known African drumming specialist.
Honours: Inclusion in Who’s Who in Black Canada 2 (2006); Honorary Doctorate, Fine Arts, Nova Scotia College of Arts & Design, (2000); Gandhi, King, Ikeda Humanitarian Award, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.
Works: Co-authored Out of the Past and Into the Future (1994); In Our Time (1996).
Reviewed in: Black to Business; CACE; Blacks in the Maritimes.
Education: B. Visual Communication Arts, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD University, 1975); additional studies in African Music, History & Culture, Dalhousie University; studies in Museumology, Mount Saint Vincent University.
Motto: Keep the faith…faith will keep you.
Favourite book? They Came Before Columbus by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. The book changed my perspective on African genius, in the global context.
Favourite quote? “A People without knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Messiah Garvey
Given the chance, what would you love to do that you haven’t done yet? Teach children the art of African Drumming full time!
Who inspires you? My late mother was/is my greatest inspiration for her strength of faith & noble character.
Why do you do what you do? I find my passion/purpose in the human service of inspiration to disadvantaged folk who lack self-esteem.
Contact: Website