Tag: Nova Scotia

Labour Board Signals Unions Can’t Ignore Racism Among Their Members

Three police officers wearing formal blue dress uniforms are featured in a graphic with a red border. The officer in the center, who is Black, stands outdoors, while the other two are indoors. Bold white and black text across the image reads: “Labour Board Signals Unions Can’t Ignore Racism Among Their Members.”

A Nova Scotia Labour Board decision has allowed Truro police constable Brent Bowden’s complaint to proceed, after he alleged his union failed to represent him following a racist incident at work. The Board found the claim timely and potentially linked to discrimination, sending the matter to a Review Officer for further review.

[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.

(Sept 12-28) Black Justice Strategy Community Engagement Sessions

Staff from the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. Photo: Matthew Byard

Canada’s Black Justice Strategy Community Engagement Sessions – Hosted By ANSJI The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute is leading public engagement sessions across Nova Scotia to inform the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy (CBJS). This strategy, driven by the Federal Department of Justice and community partners, addresses anti-Black racism, systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation […]

Twila Grosse said no decision yet on her role with African Nova Scotian Affairs, joining caucus [AUDIO]

C MLA Elect for Preston, Twaila Grosse, at her campaign announcement even in June, 2023.

Twila Grosse won Tuesday’s byelection, making her the first person of African descent to be elected for the provincial PC party.

The next sitting of the legislative assembly will also be the first in Nova Scotia’s history where MLAs of African descent will represent all of the parties in the legislature.

At her campaign announcement event in June, Grosse and Premier Tim Houston said they had had some preliminary discussions about her taking on the role of minister with African Nova Scotian Affairs. In an interview with the Examiner on Thursday, Grosse reiterated that no decision has been made on that matter.

“Now my focus is, in terms of being oriented, being set up as an MLA, getting going with regards to trying to seek solutions, and trying to get up to speed on some of the various issues and some of the things that need to be done in the riding,” Grosse said.

“I’m sure at some point that discussion will be had with regards to moving forward and sort of how I can contribute to our government.”

Dartmouth mother of two felt “bullied” into signing fixed-term lease in Ocean Breeze

Destiny Beals sits on the couch in her living room, holding her 7-month-old son who desperately wants to escape her grasp.

When Destiny Beals moved into her apartment in Ocean Breeze, she expected to be able to stay and live with her family for a few years.

According to Beals, Universal Property Management, a realty group managing leasing agreements in Ocean Breeze, told her and other residents not to worry about the details of their fixed-term leases, and that construction would not impact them for years to come.

“It felt like I was being bullied and pressured,” Beals said in an interview. “We are literally just being thrown to the wolves right now. We have no recourse.”

DJ R$ $mooth celebrates career as host of longest-running Black music radio show in Atlantic Canada [VIDEO]

Ryan "R$ Smooth" Somers gives the peace sign while broadcasting on the radio

The longest-running Black music radio show in Atlantic Canada recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary on the airwaves.

Ryan Somers, aka DJ R$ $mooth, has been hosting $mooth Groove$ on CKDU 88.1 FM since 1998. The show, which airs every Sunday from 5pm to 8pm, broadcasts out of the Student Union Building on the campus of Dalhousie University.

“I always think of the show as like a home base, like no matter what’s going on… most people can hear me that Sunday,”