Mom Suse: Matriarch of the Preston area Black Communities
by
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"However, a horrific accident took place in Halifax Harbour a few years later. It was recorded as the first man-made explosion in history. On, December 6, 1917, at five minutes after 9:00 am, the French munitions ship, Mont Blanc was seriously overloaded with explosives when it collided with the Belgian Relief, the Imo. A horrific and angry fire erupted on the Mont Blanc. It was followed by gigantic explosion. This culminated with a massive tidal wave toward Dartmouth’s Turtle’s Cove Indian Settlement. In Halifax the death count was at 2000, the seriously wounded, 9000, and 200 were left without sight.
A day later, a sever blizzard battered Halifax, thereby hampering rescue efforts. Ironically, Cornwallis Baptist Church was the only area church left unharmed. It was utilized to shelter the injured homeless. The Town of Dartmouth lost about forty of its citizens. The resulting tidal wave practically levelled the Mi’kmaq school and its’ settlement at Turtle’s Cove. At least nine Native children and a number of adults lost their lives.
Hence, the survivors relocated to Shubenacadie. As they trekked mournfully along, their cries of lament lingered hauntingly in the air.
It seems that the black community of Africville, along the Bedford Basin was not spared, either. They arose to the challenge of rebuilding their damaged church and other property. Upon hearing of this current news, I had to view the devastation for myself. I remember being only able to nod my head and repeat, “My Lord…my Lord. What a morning!”
In this instance, any information on blacks was not considered newsworthy.
As time went by, my family grew, but the enormity of the work took a strain on me physically and tragically. Almost yearly I found myself pregnant. However, this resulted in multiple miscarriages, stillbirths and enfant deaths. Believe it or not, I would have nineteen pregnancies. I lost nine babies, all within the space of about fourteen years. As well, in the 1930’s, I would eventually, lose two grown daughters to consumption or tuberculosis.
The passage of time had caused me to comment that, “As God saw fit, He would truly bless my life with more children, in His divine wisdom. I really do believe that God must have a good reason for the loss of so many babies back up in Heaven with Him, because they were needed up there,” I said, solemnly. In total, I had lost eleven children."
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About the Book
This is a true account of Mom Suse. She was born in the rural Black community of Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, eastern Canada. Mom Suse lived to be 105 years old and passed away in 1988. You will read a brief overview of the First Nations people of Nova Scotia, the Mi'kmaw, as well as, other major ethnic groups who made this province their home. This self-effacing lady lived through the following events: Slavery in Nova Scotia, Sinking of the Titanic, 1st World War, The Halifax Explosion, The Great Depression, 2nd World War, Shubenacadie Indian Residential School, Viola Desmond's Civil Rights case, to name a few. Back in the day times were hard, especially for First Nations & Black folk. Mom Suse was of dual race, she was Metis. It was in her spirtual strength that she overcame and survived by seeking out those to support. Even today, many people living in Nova Scotia and in Canada, remember and respect her name.
About the Author
She has won the 'Women who Make a Difference' Award/ in Toronto for her debut as a literary contributor regarding her grandmother, Mom Suse and family. She has travelled the world extensively as a rythmn and blues singer. At the Miss Black Ontario Pagent, she won the award of 'Miss Congeniality'. All of the 31 contestants experienced her caring ways of inspiration. Her hit single, 'Don't Lose Me' was heard coast to coast on Canadian radio stations, as well as, in San Francisco. Her unique soulful voice captured the essence in the message. The award of 'Queen of North Preston' was given to her in Toronto for her many years of commitment to entertainment and community events. These days, she leads a busy life as an organic gardener. And has been blessed with a bountiful harvest. She makes her own chow chow, tomato sauce, dill pickles, pickled beets, apple sauce and other berry pies. Her time is also utilized in running her small 'free range' poultry farm of meat birds and turkeys. During Harvest & Christmas time her loyal customers from the Black & White communities alike, return to buy her produce. This versatile lady lives in the renovated family homestead in North Preston, Nova Scotia. As an aside, North Preston has the unique distinction of being the largest Black community in Canada.