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CA BI T-730 · File · 1974
Part of Sound and Moving Image Collection

File consists of two audio reels that feature sound recordings of of Dr. Leo W. Bertley of the United Negro Improvement Association discussing the organization and its history in Cape Breton.

Track listing is as follows:
Side A:

  • Came to Cape Breton in 1974 to do research, C.B. U.N.I.A. people involved
  • Thesis to be controlled into book
  • U.N.I.A. not a West Indian organization, people of African descent tied together
  • Marcus Garvey, here on way to England
  • A.O.C. in Pier, Bishop MacGuire, U.N.I.A., tried to make A.O.C. established church of organization
  • Dr. Alvinus Calder, first president of organizations; W.E. Robertson was a later Bishop
  • Phillis Family
  • Sydney had three associations; West Indian and Black characteristics

Side B:

  • Various backgrounds, several different organizations; West Indians importance of education; Dr. Bertley's other interests
  • A.O.C. has only one church in Canada and it's in Whitney Pier, do not want to be called Africans
  • Marcus Garvey stressed the importance of maintaining archives
  • Bertley met Garvey's son
CA BI 78-112-1862 · Item · 1921

Item is a reproduction of a newspaper article about the Universal Negro Improvement Association band on Laurier Street in Whitney Pier. Members are marching in the street with instruments and banners in support of a movement advocating "Africa for the Africans."

Article attached to photograph reads:
The year was 1921. The scene, Laurier street at Whitney Pier, as members of the city's Negro community paraded in support of a movement advocating, (as banners indicate) "Africa for the Africans." The sizable brass band was one of a number organized within the city and residents who were around at that time recall that nobody ever had to march without the accompaniment of plenty of stirring martial music. Also noteworthy is the complete lack of sidewalks and paving. The photograph is from the album of Pier merchant Louis Mendelson. He's the white-shirted young man with the bicycle standing mid-right in the photo."

On reverse: "Year 1921 Mr. Askell Artzell Hunt 14 Brooks St. Sydney C. B." "Sent a copy to Mr. Hunt" "Colin MacDonald was bandmaster of the Universal Negro Improvement Assoc. approximately 20 members in the band. Band operated from 1928 to 1932. There was also a West Indian Band at the Pier Bandmaster Jack McKnight approx. 15 members Deputy Bandmaster Norman Crawford, lasted 2 years.