Tag: Racism

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.

[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….

Black Community Support Line: 1-866-732-1253 Ext. 2

Black Community Support Line - 1-866-732-1253 Ext. 2

The Black Community Support Line (1-866-732-1253, Ext. 2) is available to provide resources, support, and navigation to those of African descent across Nova Scotia. #blackhealthmatters #novascotia #canada #health

Desmond Inquiry Final Report Delayed Again [AUDIO]

Three-picture Collage: Tim Houston, Lionel Desmond, Warren Zimmer

“The Nova Scotia government has dismissed the judge presiding over an inquiry that has spent much of the past five years investigated why Afghanistan war veteran Lionel Desmond killed three family members and himself in 2017.

Brad Johns, Nova Scotia’s attorney general, confirmed Tuesday he has asked the chief judge of the provincial court to assign a new judge to finish the work started by provincial court Judge Warren Zimmer, saying the province has waited long enough for Zimmer’s final report.” – City News

Halifax constable referred to restorative justice for 2020 assault on Black teen [VIDEO]

Top left photo: Halifax Regional Police officers Const. Mark Pierce & Const. Craig Trudel in Feb. 2020 moments before arresting a 15-year-old Black teenager who suffered injuries during the arrest (seen in the bottom left three photos) before releasing him without charges. Right photo: Const. Mark Pierce entering a restorative justice meeting in May, 2023.

Const. Mark Pierce, the Halifax Regional Police officer charged with assaulting a 15-year-old Black boy outside of a mall in Bedford in February 2020, came face to face last week with the youth and his parents for the first time since the night of the incident.

Demario Chambers, now 19 years old, said he received a concussion, cuts, bruises, and badly hurt finger at the hands of Pierce and his partner Const. Craig Trudel when they arrested him.

They released Chambers without charges to his parents later that night.