15 episodes

Introducing the Loyalist Connections Podcast:

Step into a world where history comes alive, voices echo through time, and untold narratives find their voice. Welcome to the Loyalist Connections Podcast, where we discover and capture the rich heritage of the African Nova Scotian community and beyond.

Hosted by Laurice Downey, and Shawn Smith our passionate duo brings their expertise and dedication to reveal the captivating stories of our ancestors, shedding light on their resourcefulness, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a commitment to promoting recognition, justice, and development, the Loyalist Connections Podcast is a gateway to discovering the diverse heritage and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotians.

Tune in as we capture first-voice historical narratives and present them through captivating audio experiences. Our engaging interviews, featuring special guests and community members, provide an authentic window into the lives of those who have been historically overlooked.

Join us on this exciting journey of self-discovery, as we bridge the past and present, champion change, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black and African Nova Scotians

The Loyalist Connections Podcast Loyalist Connections Creative Society

    • History
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Introducing the Loyalist Connections Podcast:

Step into a world where history comes alive, voices echo through time, and untold narratives find their voice. Welcome to the Loyalist Connections Podcast, where we discover and capture the rich heritage of the African Nova Scotian community and beyond.

Hosted by Laurice Downey, and Shawn Smith our passionate duo brings their expertise and dedication to reveal the captivating stories of our ancestors, shedding light on their resourcefulness, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a commitment to promoting recognition, justice, and development, the Loyalist Connections Podcast is a gateway to discovering the diverse heritage and contributions of Black and African Nova Scotians.

Tune in as we capture first-voice historical narratives and present them through captivating audio experiences. Our engaging interviews, featuring special guests and community members, provide an authentic window into the lives of those who have been historically overlooked.

Join us on this exciting journey of self-discovery, as we bridge the past and present, champion change, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black and African Nova Scotians

    Season 3 - Trailer

    Season 3 - Trailer

    Season 3 of the Loyalist Connections Podcast kicks-off with a focus on the Cultural Preservation and Capacity Building Forum we held in February. In this trailer Laurice and Shawn discuss the two-day event that brought together students, educators, and community members together to explore Black and African Nova Scotian Cultural Preservation and Community Capacity Building.
    Highlights include the involvement of historians, the interaction between elders and youth, and the importance of intentional spaces for meaningful conversations. The upcoming episodes introduce two new co-hosts and features various community leaders discussing capacity building, cultural preservation, and activism.
    Get ready for impactful narratives and insights that highlight the significance of Black and African Nova Scotia History as a vital part of Canadian History.

    • 8 min
    Special Episode - Anti-Black Racism

    Special Episode - Anti-Black Racism

    Vanessa Fells, a distinguished community voice, guides us through the multifaceted layers of systemic racism, from its roots in the transatlantic slave trade to its present-day manifestations.  Shawn and Laurice, join Vanessa in a journey that uncovers uncomfortable truths and powerful stories that resonate deeply within the Black community. 
    Dive into a profound exploration of anti-Black racism in Nova Scotia in our latest episode, featuring special guest Vanessa Fells. This conversation is not just an analysis but a reflection on the historical and current impacts of systemic racism on the African Nova Scotian and Black experience. 
    Listen now for a conversation that's essential, and a testament to the power of education and awareness in fostering change. 

    • 48 min
    Africville - Connections to Urban Renewal

    Africville - Connections to Urban Renewal

    Experience the essence of the Loyalist Connections in this heartwarming episode where community, ancestry, and connection come alive. Join Shawn and Laurice along with guests Beatrice and Bernice, as they weave an intricate tapestry of stories that define the spirit of Black communities. 
    In this episode, we delve into how storytelling is not just a pastime but a lifeline in these communities, serving as a vessel for preserving cultural heritage, fostering a strong sense of identity, and nurturing a sense of belonging. Each story shared is a thread in the rich fabric of collective wisdom, passed down through generations, binding people together in an unbreakable bond of unity and legacy. 
    Sit back and immerse yourself in the narratives that unfold. As we narrate these tales, you'll feel like you're among friends, gathered around a warm fire, sharing in the laughter, sorrows, and triumphs that define community life. This isn't just an episode; it's a celebration of the enduring spirit of community in marginalized communities, where storytelling is both an art and a means of survival, ensuring that their legacies are not just remembered, but lived and breathed every day.

    • 52 min
    Special Episode - ArcoVision

    Special Episode - ArcoVision

    In this compelling episode of the Loyalist Connections Podcast, hosts Shawn and Laurice sit down with content creator Matthew Johnson.  Matthew discusses his passion for boxing, his dedication to fitness and mental health, and the creation of ArcoVision.  

    • 44 min
    Weymouth Falls - Connections to the Caribbean

    Weymouth Falls - Connections to the Caribbean

    In this captivating episode, we venture beyond the surface of connections to explore the rich African Nova Scotian history in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia. Join Shawn and Laurice, and our special guest Juanita Peters, as they illuminate the stories woven into this small yet significant community. 
    Weymouth Falls is not just a place of picturesque landscapes and fertile farmland; it's a symbol of the rural Canadian experience, where agriculture, natural beauty, and tight-knit community life converge. This episode delves into how the community's past is deeply entwined with pivotal historical events like the Atlantic slave trade, the settlement of Black Loyalists, and subsequent waves of immigration. 
    But there's more to Weymouth Falls than just its history. It's about the people - a vibrant community bound by mutual support and care, with strong ties to the land and a profound appreciation for their heritage. Sit back and join us as we bring to light the stories of a community that not only survived but thrived through solidarity and resilience. An episode that's not just about history, but about the heart and soul of Weymouth Falls.

    • 49 min
    Upper Hammonds Plains - Connections to Urban Development

    Upper Hammonds Plains - Connections to Urban Development

    Join our hosts Shawn and Laurice as they welcome Curtis Whiley, who guides us through the life and soul of Upper Hammonds Plains. This episode is not just a history lesson; it's a celebration of the struggles and triumphs of African Nova Scotian residents and communities in securing their land rights, protecting their heritage, and creating a vibrant, unified community. 
    Discover the local history of the Whiley Box Factory, the first all Black volunteer fire department, and the resilience of this African Nova Scotian community. We’re bringing these narratives to the forefront, showcasing how this community continues to overcome numerous challenges related to land titles, water access, and systemic racism. 
     

    • 49 min

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