Episode Summary: In this episode, hosts Itai Kuwodza and Shawn Smith are joined by guest Chuck Smith for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of cultural preservation within the African Nova Scotian community. They discuss the power of storytelling, the role of family traditions, music, and sports in maintaining cultural identity. The conversation also addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with passing these traditions on to future generations.

Episode Highlights:

• The significance of sharing family stories and oral history
• Farming, resourcefulness, and the tradition of working the land
• The generational influence and evolution of Black music, and its role in shaping community identity.
• The Provincial Black Basketball Association and sports as a pillar of community
• The importance of education and integrating Black history into school curriculums
• The value of honoring unsung community heroes and elders

Credits:

• Hosted by Shawn Smith and Itai Kuwodza
• Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS) as part of the LCCS Forum
• Special thanks to the Black Cultural Center, Black Loyalist Heritage Center, and St. Mary’s University for their support

Notable Quotes:

• “It’s important to share those stories. Sometimes you’re not in spaces that you can share stories, so it’s important that we create these spaces.”
• “Music has been a big part of my life through my dad, my cousins, and my community.”
• “You owe it to future generations, and the ancestors, to keep this going.”

Connect with Us: Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates

In this special episode of the Loyalist Connections podcast, we sit down with legendary Canadian boxer and community leader, David Downey Sr. Joined by his son, David Downey Jr., this conversation explores the rich history, personal stories, and lasting impact of the Downey family in Halifax and beyond.

Episode Highlights:

• David Downey Sr. shares memories of growing up in Halifax, his early days in sports, and the journey to becoming a Canadian middleweight boxing champion.
• Reflections on family, community, and the importance of mentorship in sports and life.
• Stories of overcoming adversity, building bridges across communities, and the legacy of the “Fighting Downies.”
• Additional commentary and insights from David Downey Jr., offering a multi-generational perspective on family, heritage, and the power of storytelling.
• Special moments, including encounters with sports legends and the significance of being inducted into the Nova Scotia and Canadian Sports Halls of Fame.

Credits:

• Hosted by Laurice Gabriel Downey and Shawn Smith
• Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society
• Special thanks to the Black Cultural Center, Black Loyalist Heritage Center, and St. Mary’s University for their support

Connect with Us:

• Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram: @LoyalistConnectionPodcast
• Listen, like, and share on your favorite podcast platforms

In this episode, Shawn Smith and Graham Nickerson of the Loyalist Connections Creative Society partner with the South Shore Multicultural Association to host "Around the Table," a dinner series designed to foster meaningful connections within our community and highlight African Nova Scotian culinary and history.

The episode also features dinner by R&B Kitchen and a detailed discussion of the No.2 Construction Battalion's historical significance, libation rituals, and community activism against racist portrayals in the media. This session is rich with personal anecdotes, academic insights, and interactive Q&A about Black history in Nova Scotia.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 01:00 Shawn Smith's Background and Motivation behind Loyalist Connections Creative Society 02:20 Graham Nickerson's Background and Research 03:40 Challenges and Systemic Issues in Education 06:18 Community Connections and Support 08:41 Libation Ceremony and Its Significance 18:06 Q&A Session: Black History and Education 29:19 Exploring Historical Sites in Nova Scotia 30:22 Mass Exodus of Black People in Nova Scotia 31:26 Economic and Social Challenges 37:29 Influential Black Figures in Music 39:42 Bob Marley's Inspiration and Podcast Innovations 40:57 No.2 Construction Battalion 51:02 Activism and Pan Africanism 53:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Loyalist Connections podcast, hosts Itai Kuwodza and Graham Nickerson discuss the significant influence and contributions of Black Women, particularly African Nova Scotian Women, in instigating social change with special guest Dr. Rachel Zellers, a professor in Social Justice and Community Studies, the discussion covers topics such as the maternal influence in activism, the impact of Afrocentric learning, the historical challenges of white supremacy, and the vital role Black Women have played as genealogists, storytellers, Advocates for change. The episode also highlights the African Nova Scotian Freedom School’s origins and evolution, reflecting on the importance of Black Wealth and Heritage Preservation.

By examining historical cases and personal experiences, the conversation underscores the continued relevance and resilience of Black Women's Agency in shaping both past and present Societies.

In this episode of the Loyalist Connections Podcast, Laurice Downey and special host Graham Nickerson discuss Capacity Building from an Urban Perspective with special guests Rodney Small and Andre Anderson. This episode explores social entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship in the filmmaking industry, highlighting opportunities and experiences.

Rodney shares his deep connections to African Nova Scotian Communities and how his background influenced his community work and his journey of personal growth. Andre talks about his roots in Upper Hammonds Plains and Preston Township, and how reconnecting with his heritage has shaped his work in capturing African Nova Scotian stories through film. They emphasize the significance of mentorship, preserving cultural heritage, creating opportunities for youth, and the importance of genuine community engagement.

The episode underscores the power of resilience, the necessity of collaboration, and the impact of meaningful community involvement in capacity building efforts.

We're starting where it all began!

In this episode our hosts and their special guest Graham Nickerson discuss some of the key cultural traditions, practices and connections between the Black Loyalists that settled in Birchtown and Shelburne.

These communities were made of Black people across the region who represented different cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds that they transported on to their new homes. Our guest speaker passionately speaks to the resilience of once enslaved people who gained their freedom after fighting for the British.

In this episode of the Loyalist Connections podcast, Laurice Downey and special guest hosts Graham Nickerson introduce a discussion on cultural preservation, food sovereignty, and Afrocentric learning with special guests Wendie Wilson.

Wendie shares her background as an artist, writer, educator, and advocate for BIPOC educators. The conversation covers African Nova Scotian culture, traditional foods, the significance of storytelling, and the role of women in preserving history.

Wendie also discusses the creation of the African Nova Scotian flag and the importance of documenting cultural heritage for future generations.

In episode of the Loyalist Connections Podcast, Laurice Downey and special guest host Graham Nickerson, discuss the deeply rooted history of Activism and Advocacy within the African Nova Scotian community featuring special guests Dr. Isaac Saney and Irvine Carvery.

The episode sheds light on their personal connections to community activism, discussing key figures such as Rocky Jones and organizations like the Black United Front.

This episode also explores historical and ongoing struggles against racism, the importance of economic development, and educational initiatives.

With a focus on the legacies of past leaders and the need for continued advocacy, this discussion offers a comprehensive look at the resilience and efforts of Black and African Nova Scotians in their fight for justice and equality.