In Conversation with Dr. Mayann Francis

An intimate conversation with one of the most respected and influential Black Women in Nova Scotia. The road to becoming Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor, and so much more, was not an easy one. Join HBFF’s CEO Fabienne Colas as she talks to Dr. Francis, Black woman to Black woman, about experiences and lessons learned.

Moderator

Fabienne Colas: CEO and Founder of The Halifax Black Film Festival and 9 other Black festivals and events globally
Fabienne Colas has been named one of 2019 Canada’s Most Powerful Women, as well as having received the prestigious Canada's Top 40 Under 40 award. For almost 20 years she has been doing outstanding work across Canada and Internationally for many years as a trailblazer who works tirelessly and passionately to foster, support and promote Diversity and Inclusion in the arts and in our society. She is an award-winning actress, director and producer. In 2017, she created The Halifax Black Film Festival. She provides expertise, mentorship and guidance to the HBFF team, as together they work to bring Black and non-Black communities together through the Arts.

Special Guest

Dr. Mayann Francis: Former Lieutenant Governor of NS; Author
The life of the Honourable Mayann Francis is a catalogue of firsts. She was the first African Nova Scotian to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the first employment equity officer for Dalhousie University and the first Black woman to serve as assistant deputy minister to the Ontario Women’s Directorate. She was the first woman to hold the position of Nova Scotia provincial ombudsman and the first African Nova Scotian woman to serve as director and CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.