‘We are capable:’ N.S Black-owned café reflects on success, challenges

The Opus Cafe continues to enjoy success with Cherry Brook, N.S., community.

The Opus Café in Cherry Brook, N.S., has been serving up hot breakfast for three years, much to the delight of regular customers.

“I come here for several reasons, one being the food. (It’s) delicious. It’s like (a) homecooked meal. Two is, I like the atmosphere. And why else? Because I want to support a Black business,” says customer Janet Sparks.

Owner Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins says, as a Black business owner, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

“There were times when I was going to say, ‘I’m folding all of this in.’ But again, going back to my ancestors, going back to the fact that we have endured and overcome so much in our lives, that really set in my head that I’m not going to give up in this journey,” says Vaillancourt-Higgins.

Vaillancourt-Higgins says the sense of belonging from her customers warms her heart.

“Giving us an opportunity to have a space that we could come in feel safe, have conversations and share stories...I’ve said it from the day one that I opened, I said I don’t own this café, the community owns this café,” she says.

It’s not just the food that keeps customers coming back; the café is located where the Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children once stood.

“I had an uncle, my mother’s brother, who worked here. And I have what could be considered a cousin, she was here, and other people I know,” says customer Dorcas Pleasant.

It’s the perseverance of those who came before her that Vaillancourt-Higgins says has allowed her to push through.

“I remember one thing that was told to me from the very beginning that as a Black woman, you not only have to show up, but you have to continue to be persistent. We are capable,” says Vaillancourt-Higgins.

And her customers, most of whom are grew up in the area, agree.

“You know this is what you’d hope for growing up. I have several grandchildren now and I can’t wait for them to visit and come to a place like this,” says Pleasant.

“Economics is a crucial thing. And if we don’t support each other, who’s going to?” says Sparks. “I go to Halifax and pick up my friends and bring them here because they need to know, and they need to support.”

Vaillancourt-Higgins hopes support for Black business and each other will be an everyday goal, not just during African Heritage Month.

“If I could say anything to our people…let’s keep this going. Let’s not allow this to be buried. We need to keep celebrating Black History Month. It should be more than just a month. It should be a part of our everyday that we can be celebrated,” she says.

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