Elissa Barnard in conversation with Lindsay Ruck, author of Amazing Atlantic Black Canadians. “The Atlantic provinces are bursting with amazing Black Atlantic Canadians. This could be multiple volumes.”
o celebrate African Heritage Month, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Anti-Racism/Human Rights Committee is focusing on African Nova Scotian activists who are making a difference and who share their work-related and personal experiences with us. Melissa Marsman interviews Charlene “Missy” Chasse, a proud member of the PSAC – UNE Local 80018 where she holds the elected position of Human Rights Officer.
Elizabeth Goodrige reports on Sunday’s march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relations.
Wendy Lill on Bill C-7, proposed legislation which removes death as a reasonably foreseeable criterion and includes suffering with a disability as one of the eligible criteria for seeking an end to life. “A worse stereotype could not be institutionalized in law: that disability-related suffering, often caused by inadequate health, poverty, lack of social supports and entrenched inequality, justifies the termination of a person’s life.”
Raymond Sheppard: It amazes me that in this so-called enlightened year of 2021, broadcasting stations in Canada can be so insensitive to people of African descent.
Paul Wartman in conversation with Jessika Hepburn, community organizer and owner of the Biscuit Eater Cafe in Mahone Bay about the multi-layered notion of Black food sovereignty. “If we recognize Black people and Indigenous people as sovereign, we have to talk with them as if they have equal rights and equal power to determine how things happen–how systems develop, how we create food systems, etc.”
Wayne Desmond reflects on the long history of Black excellence in his hometown of New Glasgow. “So, when I think about African Heritage month, I don’t just think about the famous Black icons that are celebrated. I think about the trailblazers of my hometown, whose shoulders I stand on.”
The gentleman then asked her, “From Halifax, hey?” She didn’t answer this all too familiar question. After a pause, he said as clear as day, “So, the father must be a darkie, hey?”
Brenda Thompson: “John Kellum, a ‘master’ whitewasher in Halifax was born approximately 1839. I am highlighting him for African Heritage Month not just because he was African Nova Scotian and was poor but also because John Kellum gave us a stark demonstration of how poor people lived and attempted to survive in Halifax during his life time.”
Raymond Sheppard: As an African Nova Scotian elder I was pleased to see the CBC taking steps to embrace African Canadians and “diversity” in all its splendor after so many years. I hope “true and real diversity” becomes part of a new service delivery package. I also hope my excitement is not short-lived.