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.

First African Nova Scotian Chief Judge of Provincial, Family Courts Appointed: Perry Borden

New Chief Judge of Provincial, Family Courts, Perry Borden.

Judge Perry F. Borden will be the new chief judge of the Nova Scotia provincial and family courts.

Judge Borden was appointed to the bench in 2020 after serving as a Crown attorney with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. His time there included five years in the special prosecutions service, focusing on cybercrime, child pornography, child-luring and sexual assault offences.

1st Miss Black Canada crowned 25 years ago this week

Tamara Tynes after being crowned the inaugural Miss Black Canada, Aug. 30, 1998. Photo: Tamara Tynes Powell.

25 years ago on this date in Toronto I became the 1st Miss Black Canada. At age 18 no one expected this Scotian girl would take home the crown but I got the judges with my public speaking. Contestants would ask me where I was from as they were from the islands or African countries. Had to give them a history lesson about African Nova Scotians (We Been Here 400 +). Scotian for the win! ?✊?

Police lay charges in homicide of Davelle Rodney Vance Desmond

Davelle Desmond is seen in a family photo. The 26-year-old's death on Aug. 6 has been ruled a homicide. (Kevin Desmond)

Police have laid charges in the homicide of Davelle Rodney Vance Desmond that occurred earlier this month in Halifax.

On August 6 at approximately 9:40 p.m., police received a report of a disturbance that had occurred on the Halifax waterfront in the area of the 1500 block of Lower Water Street. Officers located an unresponsive man on the boardwalk. The victim was transported to hospital where he later died.

Halifax police release use of force policy, three years after request from oversight board [VIDEO]

Halifax police release use of force policy, three years after request from oversight board

Two years after a confrontation with protesters ended with angry shoving, pepper spray and almost two dozen arrests, Halifax Regional Police finally released its policy on use of force.

It comes as an external review by a Toronto law firm is underway into police action during a protest on Spring Garden Road in August 2021, when hundreds of people tried to stop police and city workers from removing shelters used by homeless people.