Category: Updates

The Africville Lawsuit – Why It Still Matters

A weathered RV parked near the waterfront is covered in vibrant graffiti art. The left side features a large, stylized portrait of a man with a beard in orange, blue, and black tones. Bold graffiti text across the side reads “AFRICVILLE PROTEST.” Additional text on the right side says “50 YEARS” and “ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE.” Several empty chairs and a small deck are set up in front of the RV, with overgrown grass surrounding the area under a cloudy sky.

This past year, renewed legal efforts from original Africville residents and descendants, such as Eddie and Victor Carvery, have pushed back into court to seek justice that was never fully delivered. These are not just symbolic gestures. These are legal actions with real implications for land reclamation and financial redress.

Africville Reunion Shooting: In Advance of the One-Year Anniversary

A young Black woman with long braided hair smiles gently while wearing a white top. She stands outdoors in front of a red vehicle and a brick building, with other people and cars visible in the background. This is Chrishia Carvery, the victim of the 2023 Africville shooting.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the shooting that took place during last year’s Africville Reunion, BlackNovaScotia.ca stands with the entire community, especially the families, elders, youth, and organizers whose spirits were tested that day and in the months since.

[VIDEOs] – The Lyle Howe Legal Odyssey

Lyle Howe

Former Halifax lawyer Lyle Howe says he was investigated by the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society in 2011 by way of a practice review. Then, in 2014 Howe was convicted of sexual assault before then having that conviction overturned. Howe was initially suspended following the criminal conviction but went back to practicing law once the conviction was overturned. It was then, Howe says, that the Society laid their own set of serious charges against him and Howe was suspended a second time. Howe attempted to sue the society over that decision, but his lawsuit was initially dismissed. Recently, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal overturned that decision, meaning Howe can proceed with his lawsuit. Howe said that the legal professionals who he said acted against him in bad faith will now be compelled to testify under oath by way of the discovery process in his lawsuit. In an interview with Community Update, Howe says it was the Society’s intention to collect as much evidence as they could to use it against him. Howe, who is Black, says he has evidence and transcripts that demonstrate he was singled out and targeted by former members of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society and by current members of the legal community because of his race. When giving examples, Howe says he was accused of double booking himself in court, a something he says is a common and accepted practice among all lawyers in the local legal community. “I’m literally the only person that’s been charged with it in Nova Scotia.” Speaking with Community Update, Howe also talked about the nature of systemic racism in the legal and justice system in Nova Scotia, he names specific names of people he’s dealt with who, through his experience, he feels are guilty of upholding the system of racism and white supremacy, and he talked about some things he feels need to happen to build on improvements he feels are in fact taking place.

[VIDEO] Advocate challenges dismissal of DND employee after 30 years with the Canadian military

Lionel Beals & Rocky Coward

As we celebrate this year’s Black History Month, this special edition of Community Update highlights the ongoing struggle against racism and injustice faced by Black individuals, particularly within the Canadian Armed Forces. Reflecting on the historical context, including the formation of Canada’s first all-Black military regiment during World War One, the program focuses on recent events involving community advocate Rubin “Rocky” Coward and Lionel Beals, a former Department of National Defense employee.

Beals was fired after being accused of misconduct, an allegation he vehemently denies. Coward, a retired senior noncommissioned officer and community advocate, has taken up Beals’ case, alleging systemic racism within the military.

DeRico Symonds: Legal Strategist talks Black Justice Strategy [VIDEO]

Derico Symonds, a prominent activist and advocate dedicated to advancing the cause of Black and African Nova Scotian communities in Halifax. With years of experience in the provincial government's Department of Justice, Symonds has now taken on a new role as the Senior Justice Strategist for the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. In his latest endeavor, Symonds is spearheading a series of community engagement sessions across the province, aimed at developing a comprehensive Black Justice Strategy. Join us as we explore his journey and the vital work he's doing to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Derico Symonds, a prominent activist and advocate dedicated to advancing the cause of Black and African Nova Scotian communities in Halifax. With years of experience in the provincial government’s Department of Justice, Symonds has now taken on a new role as the Senior Justice Strategist for the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute.

In his latest endeavor, Symonds is spearheading a series of community engagement sessions across the province, aimed at developing a comprehensive Black Justice Strategy.

Why you should care about the Crown’s problematic case against Randy Riley

The prosecution of Randy Riley rests on racist tropes of violent and animalistic Black men and a vulnerable, unquestionable white woman - By: El Jones - [CLICK THE PHOTO TO READ THE ARTICLE]

…These phone data were also used in Randy’s 2018 conviction, meaning that the Crown had the phone records in its possession in 2021 when Fuller came forward with her new story.

The Crown lawyers — Peter Craig and Stephen Anstey — either never bothered to use their own evidence to confirm Fuller’s new story, or they simply didn’t care that this discrepancy existed….

Halifax appoints first Black police chief: Don MacLean

Halifax Regional Council approved the recommendation by the Board of Police Commissioners to appoint Don MacLean as the Acting Chief of Police. MacLean, who is currently Deputy Chief of Operations, assumes the position on Sept. 16 following the retirement of Chief Dan Kinsella on Sept. 15.