Tag: Racism

Environmental Racism in Nova Scotia: What Was Promised, What Was Withheld, and What Black Communities Should Take From It

A social media graphic using a historic Africville photograph as its background. The image includes bold headline text discussing environmental racism in Nova Scotia, framed by a yellow border. The background photo shows unsafe water conditions in a Black community, reinforcing the article’s focus on environmental harm and systemic neglect.

For months, Nova Scotians heard about a provincial report on environmental racism not because it was released, but because parts of it leaked. When the government finally posted a draft, it raised more questions than it answered — about delay, accountability, and what justice actually looks like for Black and Mi’kmaq communities still living with the consequences. This piece breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what Black Nova Scotians should be watching for next.

Who/What is “African Nova Scotian”?

Collage of photographs showing African Nova Scotian community life, including elders speaking at rallies, families and children, musicians performing, faith leaders preaching, athletes and referees on a field, interviews at cultural events, and groups gathered for civic, cultural, and religious moments across Nova Scotia.

Across Nova Scotia, Black communities share rhythms, memories, and histories — but often remain disconnected from one another. This reflection looks at why that is, who benefits from it, and what solidarity could look like if we chose to build it.

Nova Scotia MLAs Clash Over Racism in Policing [VIDEO]

Halifax Needham MLA Suzy Hansen questioned the provincial government on October 3, 2025 about the lack of support for Truro police officer Brent Bowden, an African Nova Scotian officer on leave after an alleged racist incident. The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions around government responses to racism complaints.

Quebec Man Confronted at Historic Black Monument in New Glasgow

A still image shows a tense interaction at the Afrocentric Heritage Park in New Glasgow. A white man in a blue cap and shirt faces a Black man wearing a bicycle helmet and a black T-shirt with a lion design, as a police officer stands nearby watching. A monument plaque is visible in the foreground. Text over the image reads, "Historic Black Monument in New Glasgow Disrespected During Homecoming Week" inside a yellow border.

Yesterday morning, a white man was confronted by a group of Black community members at the Afrocentric Heritage Park Monument in New Glasgow after several ropes were strung across the structure, holding what appeared to be blankets or towels — laundry — on a monument built to honor the African Nova Scotian community, its history, and its ancestors.

Emancipation Day: A Reminder, Not a Celebration

A split-image collage framed in orange. On the left, Ruben “Rocky” Coward and former heavyweight boxer Kirk Johnson speak seriously outside the Truro Police Station after a rally. On the right, a smiling woman wearing an “Indigenous Lives Matter” shirt and a man in a bright yellow hoodie and bucket hat form a heart symbol with their hands at the 2021 Emancipation Day celebration in Grand Parade Square, Halifax. Both images depict moments of Black pride, unity, and resistance.

On August 1st, we mark Emancipation Day, a date commemorating the formal abolition of slavery across the British Empire in 1834. But to merely mark the date is not enough. Emancipation Day must not become an annual checkbox of recognition – a brief news mention or a series of well-meaning speeches – while the deeper meanings and unfinished struggles it represents remain obscured or ignored.

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.

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.