Edward Leo Carvery

Edward Leo Carvery, a steadfast Canadian social activist whose decades-long protest became a powerful symbol of resilience and the enduring fight for justice for Africville, passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Africville, Nova Scotia, on October 5, 1946, Mr. Carvery witnessed firsthand the systematic destruction of his vibrant Black community by the City of Halifax in the 1960s, an act of urban renewal that displaced hundreds of residents and erased a centuries-old settlement. This profound injustice fueled a lifelong commitment to advocacy that would define his remarkable life.

In 1970, Mr. Carvery returned to the bulldozed site of Africville, then known as Seaview Park, and began a continuous sit-in protest. For over 50 years, he lived in a trailer or tent on the land, a solitary vigil that grew into one of Canada's longest civil rights demonstrations. His unwavering presence served as a constant reminder to the nation of the unaddressed historical wrongs and his demand for individual financial compensation and the restoration of the land to its rightful owners. Despite facing numerous eviction orders, the destruction of his protest structures, and personal health challenges, he consistently returned, embodying an indomitable spirit.

Mr. Carvery's protest garnered significant attention, particularly on the international stage during the G7 summit held in Halifax in 1995, bringing the story of Africville to a global audience. While the City of Halifax issued a formal apology in 2010 and allocated funds for the Africville Heritage Trust, Mr. Carvery steadfastly rejected this collective settlement, maintaining his call for individual reparations for those who lost their homes and heritage. His stance underscored a deeper demand for accountability and recognition of the profound, personal impact of the community's destruction.

A subject of a 2010 biography, "The Hermit of Africville: The Life of Eddie Carvery," and featured in the 2022 podcast "Africville Forever," Mr. Carvery's story resonated with many who sought to understand the legacy of systemic racism in Canada. His grandson, Eddie Carvery III, has expressed his intention to continue his grandfather's fight, ensuring that the flame of justice for Africville remains lit. Eddie Carvery's life was a testament to the power of persistent protest and the unyielding pursuit of dignity and truth for his community. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and an unfinished struggle that continues to inspire.