This year’s African Heritage Month, opens a new window is all about honouring the past and celebrating Black brilliance—which is exactly what we'll be doing this February and beyond, opens a new window. And who better to spotlight than Alex Ross—a Teen Specialist at Halifax North Memorial Public Library and the creative visionary behind this year’s stunning t-shirt design.
Let’s explore Alex’s story, his connection to the community, and what makes this year’s African Heritage Month t-shirt design so special.
Meet Alex Ross
“I work to promote inclusivity and representation, making the Library a welcoming space for everyone," says Alex. This passion is obvious in everything he does with Halifax Public Libraries.
If you’ve ever visited Halifax North Memorial Public Library, opens a new window, chances are you’ve met Alex. He’s been a dedicated team member for nearly nine years, and in his role as Teen Specialist, Alex wears many hats. He’s not only an organizer of fantastic programs for youth—like painting nights, sports activities, and more—but he promotes inclusivity and representation whenever he can.
“I love doing programs with teens. I just love my job and I love collaborating,” says Alex.
Alex’s roots in Uniack Square and his deep connection to African Nova Scotian heritage have shaped his work and creative vision. Known affectionately as "Cunny" by Library visitors, Alex is not just a Teen Specialist—he’s a community leader and now, a Library t-shirt designer extraordinaire.
A Spark of Creativity
"This design represents resilience, unity, and pride," Alex says. "It’s a reflection of our culture as African Nova Scotians, tied to places like Africville, North Preston, and Uniack Square."
Alex's t-shirt design for African Heritage Month 2025, created alongside our Marketing and Communications department, captures this year’s theme, "Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance," in bold and meaningful ways. Featuring vibrant hues of red, green, and yellow, the design symbolizes resilience, unity, and brilliance within the African Nova Scotian community.
Looking back on the design process, says Alex, "Crystal Mulder (our beloved African Nova Scotian Community Specialist) called me and said the committee was looking for a creative collaborator for the 2025 African Heritage Month t-shirt. I got straight to work."
And he didn’t disappoint. In fact, Alex turned his inspiration into reality in no time.
“I designed it in five minutes... my mind just works when I’m passionate about creating,” says Alex.
His passion and talent were clear to everyone who saw the design, which has already received glowing feedback from staff and the community.
"I want to acknowldge that this is a bit of Black brilliance from one of our own—Mr. Alex Ross," said Crystal during our African Heritage Month Opening Night 2025 celebration in late-January. "Alex has been with us for many years—a North Branch baby, all grown up, who is now working at North Branch."
All in the Details
At the heart of the design is the African Nova Scotian flag, given a weathered texture that tells a deeper story.
"I added the weathered look to the flag to show what we’ve been through, but we’re still here today," says Alex. The worn details reflect the community’s struggles and, more importantly, its strength and perseverance.
One of the most unique elements of the design is the subtle "365" detail, which Alex included to remind us that African Heritage should be remembered throughout the year.
"I wanted to highlight that African Heritage Month isn't just February," Alex says. "It's something we live and celebrate 365 days a year."
Celebrating Together
"African Heritage Month is rich history that just keeps on building,” says Alex. “There’s more history here that we’re all learning, and I’m all about learning, observing, and knowing who I am as an African Nova Scotian."
As African Heritage Month kicks off, Alex is looking forward to seeing his design in action and participating in the exciting events, opens a new window planned across our 14 branches, like Opening Night at Halifax Central Library, opens a new window, where his work as Creative Director was recently celebrated.
More Than a T-Shirt
This year’s t-shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a celebration of unity, resilience, and brilliance of the African Nova Scotian community.
We’re so grateful to Alex for sharing his talents and helping us honour African Heritage Month 2025. Thanks to him, this design speaks volumes of the community it represents.
See Alex's design up close and personal by visiting us throughout February, opens a new window to check out Library staff and our community partners rocking this brilliant t-shirt.
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