P.E.I. musician Scott Parsons and a lifetime dedicated to preserving the stories of Black Islanders

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. musician Scott Parsons has dedicated nearly five decades to sharing the stories of Black Islanders.

The award-winning singer-songwriter has been recognized with numerous awards from Music P.E.I. and the East Coast Music Association, with his body of work revolving around chronicling the lives of Black people in Prince Edward Island and the events that shaped their lives.

“To me, personally, I thought it was really important that the stories of Black Islanders be recognized and told because for many, many years, it was just something that was kind of overlooked here on P.E.I.,” Parsons told SaltWire in an interview Oct. 4.

“And when I started to learn more about the history of people of colour on Prince Edward Island, I thought it was very important that people know about the contributions that were made by people here on the Island.”

His work and contributions were honoured in a ceremony at Government House in Charlottetown on Oct. 4, where Parsons was one of three Islanders awarded the Order of Prince Edward Island for their service to the province.

Recognition

Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson gave recognition to Parsons’ accomplishments during the investiture ceremony.

“You found a way to help Islanders and people from all over through music. You are a true bright spot in our arts and music industry. And I want to say thank you for your leadership,” Thompson said, addressing Parsons.

Parsons’ journey in music dates back to the 1970s when he received support from influential music teachers, including the late P.E.I. music legend Gene MacLellan.

MacLellan even loaned him money to purchase a classical Goya guitar, which Parsons still has.

Parsons said one of the high points of his career was performing with MacLellan on the main stage of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. He also cherishes the memories of performing with his current band at the same venue in recent years.

“It’s nice to be recognized. And without the help of a lot of people, I wouldn’t be sitting here today,” Parsons said.

‘There’s still many stories’

Beyond his music career, Parsons has employed his artistic background to make a positive impact, fostering inclusion and diversity on the Island.

He has worked with at-risk youth, helping them transform their lives. In the 2000s, he organized a program called Around the Block with the P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities, where Islanders with disabilities were trained in puppetry. The troupe performed a play at schools across the Island, addressing anti-bullying and inclusion. He has led music workshops with Indigenous youth in Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.

Additionally, Parsons played a pivotal role in founding the Black Cultural Society of P.E.I., which has grown to include over 300 members.

His recent work includes writing and recording songs for the play, “The Old Stock,” which is part of the curriculum for Grade 6 and 12 students across the Island.

Now 65, Parsons shows no signs of slowing down in his musical endeavours.

“I’ve been writing a lot of new songs … and I’m hoping to be able to record those. Because basically, for me, I wanted to leave a legacy of music for future generations, so they can hear the stories of all the Black Islanders that came before us,” he said.

“There are still many stories, and I’m going to keep writing and cover as many of them as I can.”

Thinh Nguyen is a reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on X @thinhnguyen4291.