Tag: systemic racism

Nova Scotia Releases Annual Anti-Racism Report

The Nova Scotia government has released its latest annual report under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act. Here’s a breakdown of what the report says, what it leaves out, and the questions Black Nova Scotians should continue asking about equity, accountability, and measurable progress.

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.

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….

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