Please join us in celebrating African Heritage Month for the month of February.

The 2026 theme for African Heritage Month is: “Strength in Unity – Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress.”

“Our friends at African Nova Scotian Affairs share that “The theme reflects the strength that grows when communities come together with shared purpose. It honours the progress made through solidarity and the power of unity to create lasting change. This year’s theme also highlights the importance of intergenerational connection. Elders, as knowledge keepers and leaders, carry the stories that help us understand where we come from. Youth bring new energy and vision to carry that legacy forward. Together, they show us that unity is not only our history. It’s our way forward.”

This year, VNS is celebrating Tyler Simmons from North Preston, NS.

Tyler most recently was the Head Coach for the 2025 Canada Summer Games Indoor Volleyball Men’s Program, and is currently the Lead Coach for the male VNS Provincial Excellence Program (PEP), an Assistant Coach at Mount St. Vincent Women’s Volleyball Team, as well as AC for the 18U Blizzard Boys Volleyball Team.

When asked to reflect on his connections to those who came before him have contributed to his involvement in sport, Tyler immediately named Howard Jackson, Brad Barton and Derrick Brooks as having significantly impacted his vision and aspirations to contribute to growing the sport of volleyball in Nova Scotia. For Tyler, sport is more than just the competition, ” It’s a space for belonging, confidence, and community. I’ve been fortunate to learn from leaders who cared deeply about people, not just the game.“

When reflecting upon how Howard, Brad, and Derrick have shaped his journey, he had these reflections to share, “Howie and Brad were educators, Derrick is an African Support Worker, and all three became excellent referees. In different roles, they were all teachers and role models. In many ways, I’m a testament to their legacy… but  you probably won’t see me refereeing anytime soon. Howie was one of the first to make me believe I could go further in volleyball. Brad inspired me through his calm presence and the respect he brings into every space. Derrick’s commitment to growing the sport across Nova Scotia showed me what it means to lead with purpose. Their mentorship inspires me to develop the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders, helping to grow volleyball in our province.”

As an elementary school teacher in his day job, Tyler sees firsthand the positive impact sports can have on youth, especially when they see leaders who look like them. Tyler helped initiate a Smashball Program in North Preston, and also spends his “extra time” in his summers coaching the Smashball Beach program for VNS, which is an introductory program to the sport of volleyball for children aged 6-12 through a focus on fundamental movement skills and FUN. Tyler shares, “Programs like Smashball in North Preston and the VNS Smashball Beach program create fun, welcoming spaces where kids build confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.”

Finally, Tyler shared with us his reflection through the theme of 2026’s African Heritage Month, “The African Heritage Month theme, “Strength in Unity,” truly resonates with me. Seeing three Black coaches and leaders pour into another Black coach is powerful. I hope to continue their legacy and create opportunities for the next generation of Black coaches, officials, and leaders, helping to grow volleyball in Nova Scotia for years to come.”