The Crystal States Community Award

Open to full and part-time students enrolled in any year of study of any program under the School of Health and Human Services at the Pictou and Strait Area campuses.

Application assessment will consider

• Financial need
• Community involvement, volunteerism and extra-curricular activities
• Community leadership
• Good academic standing
• Self-identification: Historically Indigenous Black / African Nova Scotian or Black / African Descent

About the award
Crystal is a beacon of hope and compassion in the field of social services. With a heart dedicated to serving others, Crystal has spent over 30 years selflessly working to improve the lives of those in need. Through her tireless efforts, Crystal has made a profound impact on the community, inspiring countless individuals to strive for a better tomorrow. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and human dignity has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and community leaders alike.

Crystal States is the Program Administration Officer with African Nova Scotian Affairs, serving Northeastern NS., and a former Regional Educator with the Black Educators Association of Nova Scotia – Northern Region. Her career has integrated education and community development with a strong focus on strategic growth, collaboration, and building partnerships.

Crystal has made her mark at home as well as much further afield – a few examples include, presentations at the National Alliance of Black School Educators conferences throughout the United States as well as being a pioneer of the African Heritage Month launch in New Glasgow, former chair of the New Glasgow Black Gala Homecoming, former chair of the New Glasgow Black Education Committee, former chair of the Ward 1 Recreation Centre and more recently, a current board member Pictou County Kids First and the Cultural Connector Initiative Advisory member, Second United Baptist Church Clerk and Pictou County Affordable and Supportive Housing Association to name a few. Crystal also served as a member of the African Canadian Advisory Committee to NSCC and served as Chair for a two year term.

Crystal is committed to the advancement of African Nova Scotians and building communities. She has a proven record of supporting and empowering youth, respecting and honouring elders and ancestors of African descent and having a clear understanding of the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion to create change.