Judy Haiven: Sharon Murphy, activist and friend
Judy Haiven on her dear friend, the fierce activist Sharon Murphy, who passed away in late February.
History of activism
Raymond Sheppard: A tribute to Dr. Lynn Jones
Raymond Sheppard: “We should recognize and credit those African Nova Scotians who have made a difference in the past and continue to make a difference today. Dr. Lynn Jones is such a person. She helps wherever and whenever she is able to.”
Book review: Before the Parade is a must-read on gay, lesbian and bisexual resistance in Halifax
Documenting the histories of local activism is of vital importance, and Before the Parade, a wonderful new book by Rebecca Rose on the history of Halifax’s gay, lesbian and bisexual communities in the seventies and early eighties is a very welcome addition.
Weekend video: Faith Nolan sings the Viola Desmond song
This weekend’s weekend video features Toronto activist and singer Faith Nolan, with a rousing song about Viola Desmond. I found out about Faith’s connections with Nova Scotia while reading Before the Parade, a great book by Rebecca Rose about LGBTQ activism in Halifax in the seventies and early eighties. Watch the video and buy the book!
Anne Bishop about writing Under the Bridge: ‘There is this idea out there that you can’t write fiction about social justice issues’
A bit of a book review, and an interview with Anne Bishop, who wrote the wonderful novel Under the Bridge, set in Halifax in the mid-nineties, one of these times in history when activism had real energy.
Central Nova Communist candidate Chris Frazer: If we don’t do something bold and meaningful it may end up being too late for us
An interview with Chris Frazer, the Communist candidate in Central Nova. We talk about climate justice, poverty, turning rural Nova Scotia around, Boat Harbour, his activism to erase homophobia, and much more.
The Economic Gospel of J.B. McLachlan, 1919
With Labour Day around the corner, Professor David Frank introduces an essay by the great J.B. McLachlan on the ideal preacher. McLachlan, known first and foremost through the Cape Breton coal miner strikes, is Nova Scotia’s most important labour leader, and he is on fire here.
“In a word, the “Ideal Preacher” is not a soothsayer. “He stirreth up the people,” for which he may get hanged some day, but if he gets his way the disinherited will refuse to remain disinherited.”
Relational leadership: a restorative response to racism and inequity at Halifax Fire
Halifax Fire District Chief and Restorative Lead Kevin Reade on the racism he encountered when he joined Halifax Fire as a Black recruit, the Human Rights complaint and the formation of the Association of Black Firefighters, and the challenges and opportunities offered by a restorative justice approach.
Weekend video (and PSA): Our dance of revolution film screening and panel
“To be Black and queer is to be a danger to the world, and I think that is beautiful.” Check out the trailer, than come to to the screening and panel discussion on Sunday July 21, at the North End Library.
Raymond Sheppard: Each one teach one and each one reach one – A call to action
A powerful and empowering call to action by anti-racism activist Raymond Sheppard, directed especially at young African Nova Scotians.