Feature Friday

On this month's episode of Feature Friday, we're excited to host MLA Suzy Hansen on the pod! Suzy is the MLA for Halifax - Needham and she chats about what it actually takes to serve community inside and outside the Legislature. She also walks through her roots, the role church played in keeping Black communities connected, and why music has always been her therapy. Suzy Hansen is a Canadian politician who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2021 Nova Scotia general election and re-elected in the 2024 Nova Scotia general election. She represents the riding of Halifax - Needham as a member of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party. As of August 2025, Hansen serves as the Official Opposition critic for Housing, African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, the Human Rights Commission, and Communications Nova Scotia. She also serves as the Caucus Whip. Prior to her election, Hansen was a former board member of the Halifax Regional School Board and other boards and an active volunteer. She was also one of four Black Canadians elected to the Nova Scotia legislature in 2021 and 2024.

Season 3 is here! In part 2 of the premiere, Aaliyah shares a day in the life in med school and Trev reflects on his origin story and what brought him to where he is today.   We've got a great season of guests this year and can't wait to share with you the amazing episodes coming your way soon!

Season 3 is here! In part 1 of the premiere, Aaliyah and Trev catch up on life updates and reflect on what they've learned from past seasons — then Aaliyah shares what led her to med school, how purpose fuels confidence, and why trying new things can change your whole trajectory. They also talk identity, ambition, community, and pushing past the fear of not "belonging." We've got a great season of guests this year and can't wait to share with you the amazing episodes coming your way soon!

On the season finale of season 2, we're honoured to have brothers and entrepreneurs Nevell Provo and Corvell Beals join the pod!   The episode traces their journey growing up in North Preston, where basketball wasn't just a game — it was a foundation. They break down how elite-level athletics, from Team Canada to NCAA competition, shaped their confidence, discipline, and willingness to take risks long before business ever entered the picture.   Nevell and Corvell dive deep into their transition from sports to entrepreneurship, explaining how problem-solving, leadership, and resilience became the backbone of everything they've built — from Smooth Meal Prep to the rise of R&B Kitchen, a community-rooted business that gained momentum during COVID by serving people first.   Beyond business, the conversation explores the real realities of entrepreneurship — failure, financial pressure, mental toughness, and why "chasing failure" is often the fastest path to growth. They speak candidly about putting God first, aligning personal priorities, developing discipline, and how self-development directly determines how far a business can go.   A major theme of the episode is community responsibility. Nevell and Corvell share why they chose to build and stay in Nova Scotia, how mentorship and visibility change what young people believe is possible, and why creating access — not just success — is the real legacy.   The episode closes with powerful advice for youth, emerging entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling limited by their environment: believe in yourself, learn how to learn, and understand that you are capable.   This is more than an interview — it's a blueprint for turning adversity into opportunity and using success to lift others along the way. We'll see you in 2026! 00:00 - Introduction to Nevell Provo and Corvell Beals 04:25 - Leadership & Giving Back 10:45 - Taking Risks & Leaving Home to Chase Opportunity 15:30 - Discovering Entrepreneurship Early 19:45 - Creating Opportunity in Nova Scotia 23:40 - The Birth of Smooth Meal Prep & R&B Kitchen 29:15 - COVID: Crisis Turned Opportunity 31:45 - Hardships, Failure & Mental Toughness 36:00 - Faith, Discipline & Personal Development 38:45 - Learning, Mentorship & Self-Education 44:30 - Teaching, Giving Back & Leading by Example 50:45 - Loyalty to Community & Generational Vision 56:30 - Expanding Beyond Traditional Industries 1:05:30 - Advice to Youth & Emerging Entrepreneurs 1:14:30 - One Word Checkout with Nevell and Corvell!  

Our guests for this month's Feature Friday are Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw.   Kye Clayton is a Halifax-based artist, producer, and certified audio engineer pushing the sound of Nova Scotia forward. As Manager of Youth Power and Innovation at Hope Blooms, he empowers youth through music and mentorship. A two-time ANSMA Award winner — earning the Lieutenant Governor Award and Portia White Youth Award — Kye has performed at the ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Magnetic World Festival, and opened for Xzibit. Through his collective LDN and upcoming project Live by Faith, Not by Sight, Kye continues to inspire creativity and community growth.    Jody Upshaw is a radiant force of emotional truth and feminine power whose brand essence lives at the intersection of beauty and battle, vulnerability and victory. With every lyric, every look, every live moment, she creates a space for women to rise, release, and reclaim their power.   From her single being featured on the hit HBO series Euphoria to being named Music Nova Scotia's 2022 Artist in Residence. earning multiple East Coast Music Award nominations, and taking home the African Nova Scotian Music Association's Rising Star Award, Jody has captivated audiences with her signature blend of raw vulnerability and ethereal glamour. Jody embodies liberation through art. Her mantra to #FreeTheGirls from toxic narratives and limiting beliefs isn't just personal - it's communal.   Beyond her artistry, Jody is passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, particularly within the African Nova Scotian community. She envisions using her industry experience and authentic understanding of the creative process to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and professional development support to emerging artists navigating their own journeys toward artistic and commercial success.   It was a pleasure hosting Kye and Jody in part 2 of their episode!   Show notes: 00:11 – Roots & heritage 02:40 – "What does community mean to you?" 04:34 – Social media awareness + protecting your mind 06:52 – Being a positive representative (even when others aren't) 11:35 – Giving back "with a real heart" 12:08 – Jody on community + the legacy of Three Mile Plains 17:03 – Finding community beyond where you live 21:12 – Music community + chasing purpose professionally 23:07 – What's next: projects + release plans 25:08 – Ten years from now: Kye's vision + leadership 33:50 – Jody's 10-year vision 35:12 – Career highlights 39:41 – How "Jody + Kye" started 48:58 – One word check out with Jody and Kye!

Our guests for this month's Feature Friday are Kye Clayton and Jody Upshaw.   Kye Clayton is a Halifax-based artist, producer, and certified audio engineer pushing the sound of Nova Scotia forward. As Manager of Youth Power and Innovation at Hope Blooms, he empowers youth through music and mentorship. A two-time ANSMA Award winner — earning the Lieutenant Governor Award and Portia White Youth Award — Kye has performed at the ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Magnetic World Festival, and opened for Xzibit. Through his collective LDN and upcoming project Live by Faith, Not by Sight, Kye continues to inspire creativity and community growth.    Jody Upshaw is a radiant force of emotional truth and feminine power whose brand essence lives at the intersection of beauty and battle, vulnerability and victory. With every lyric, every look, every live moment, she creates a space for women to rise, release, and reclaim their power.   From her single being featured on the hit HBO series Euphoria to being named Music Nova Scotia's 2022 Artist in Residence. earning multiple East Coast Music Award nominations, and taking home the African Nova Scotian Music Association's Rising Star Award, Jody has captivated audiences with her signature blend of raw vulnerability and ethereal glamour. Jody embodies liberation through art. Her mantra to #FreeTheGirls from toxic narratives and limiting beliefs isn't just personal - it's communal.   Beyond her artistry, Jody is passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, particularly within the African Nova Scotian community. She envisions using her industry experience and authentic understanding of the creative process to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and professional development support to emerging artists navigating their own journeys toward artistic and commercial success.   It was a pleasure hosting Kye and Jody in part 1 of their episode!   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Kye and Jody   02:54 - Planting seeds for the next generation   03:30 - Jody's early grind & family influence   06:40 - Representation, radio, and Nova Scotia pride   12:20 - Kye's path from hoops to hip-hop   13:42 - First songs, LDN collective & DIY come-up   19:10 - Grief, growth & taking music seriously   20:01 - From high school buzz to real momentum   25:01 - Writing, freestyling & creative process   28:14 - Choosing the positive path   31:34 - Jody's sound, R&B lane & "Free the Girls"   37:02 - Collaboration, confidence & beating imposter syndrome   44:22 - Creating for yourself vs. your audience   47:45 - Outro, contests & community

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Nathan Simmons.   Nathan is an actor of compelling presence and range, best known for his role as Elgin Williams on the supernatural horror-mystery series FROM.   Hailing from the historical Black communities of East and North Preston in Nova Scotia, Simmons brings both authenticity and nuance to his craft.   He graduated from the acting program at the Fountain School of the Arts in 2017, laying a solid foundation in theatre before making the transition to screen. Early in his career, Simmons distinguished himself in Canadian theatre, earning recognition and accolades for his stage work in Halifax and beyond.   His screen credits include appearances in the legal drama Diggstown, the sketch comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and independent films like Black Cop.   In FROM, Simmons' character Elgin arrives in the enigmatic township after having premonitions that forewarn the arrival of the town's grim dangers. His portrayal combines youthful urgency with an underlying sense of dread, capturing the show's tension between the ordinary and the unfathomable.   Off-screen, Simmons is also a musician, often performing live in Halifax venues — a testament to his multi-dimensional artistic instincts. With a bright future ahead, he continues to cultivate roles that challenge him and expand his profile across North American productions.   It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the muti-talented Nathan Simmons!   Show notes: 00:00 - Nathan on his acting style  02:07 - You're Never Fully Ready for Success" 03:31 - Trade-Offs, Missed Gigs & Success as Bubbles 05:11 - Self-Development & Working for Tomorrow 08:34 - Video Games, Gamified Storytelling & Coding 11:29 - Dungeons & Dragons, Storytelling & Black Creativity 16:36 - Hustling on Set: Locations, Crew Work & Learning Film 20:30 - Assistant Work for Sterling K. Brown 23:01 - Film Budgets, Long Days & Why Details Matter 27:04 - From, I'm Black & 0 to 60 – Black Excellence on Screen 32:25 - Nathan on Collective Producing 36:15 - One Word Checkout with Nathan!

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Nathan Simmons.   Nathan is an actor of compelling presence and range, best known for his role as Elgin Williams on the supernatural horror-mystery series FROM.   Hailing from the historical Black communities of East and North Preston in Nova Scotia, Simmons brings both authenticity and nuance to his craft.   He graduated from the acting program at the Fountain School of the Arts in 2017, laying a solid foundation in theatre before making the transition to screen. Early in his career, Simmons distinguished himself in Canadian theatre, earning recognition and accolades for his stage work in Halifax and beyond.   His screen credits include appearances in the legal drama Diggstown, the sketch comedy series This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and independent films like Black Cop.   In FROM, Simmons' character Elgin arrives in the enigmatic township after having premonitions that forewarn the arrival of the town's grim dangers. His portrayal combines youthful urgency with an underlying sense of dread, capturing the show's tension between the ordinary and the unfathomable.   Off-screen, Simmons is also a musician, often performing live in Halifax venues — a testament to his multi-dimensional artistic instincts. With a bright future ahead, he continues to cultivate roles that challenge him and expand his profile across North American productions.   It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the muti-talented Nathan Simmons!   Stay tuned for part 2 coming November 13th!!   Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Nathan Simmons 01:57 - Grade-3 heartbreak: skipping the Annie audition & sensing the calling 06:15 - University pivot: sciences → theatre 13:17 - Imagination as a superpower 16:13 - Presence & prep work 18:22 - Nathan's acting technique 27:10 - A teacher's nudge 40:32 — "Marble in honey": Philip Akin's metaphor for truth in performance 45:41 — On FROM: good people, taking your space, humility vs. knowing your worth

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Damini Awoyiga.   Damini is a student, an activist, a spoken word poet, and the former Halifax's Youth Poet Laureate (2023-2024). Damini is the founder of Damini Creatives and the Afro-Indigenous Book Club, a book club created to encourage young people to read books written by Black and Indigenous authors and to share the realities and experiences of Black and Indigenous Canadians. Damini was the Junior Artist in Residence for Wellness Within, a community organization working for reproductive justice, prison abolition, and health equity; CBC's artist-in-residence for the Michaelle Jean Foundation Canadian Black Summit held in July 2022, where she hosted an interactive community poetry booth. She is also a freelance journalist for CBC Mainstreet. She has also enjoyed being a board member of the Nova Scotia Girls Institute for Resource and Learning (NS GIRL), and she is a member of the HRM Youth Advisory Committee. Damini has received multiple awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award. She recently spoke at her first TEDx Talk at TEDx Argyle about the power of creativity, becoming the youngest TEDx Argyle speaker at the age of 18. Damini loves to dance, write, create, sing, and perform poetry about social justice issues she cares deeply about.   It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the inspiring Damini Awoyiga!

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Tyree Haley. Tyree Haley is a model, actor, and fitness coach with a deep passion for helping others unlock their full potential. Now based in Thailand, he runs a wellness retreat on the island of Koh Tao and teaches English part-time, supporting Thai locals in his community. Originally from Halifax, Tyree previously worked as an African Nova Scotian recruiter and served on the board of the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI). He has also walked in New York, Paris and most recently Thailand Fashion Week respectively. Ty lives by the motto "All things in time"—a reflection of his belief that with patience, perseverance, and passion, anything is possible. He's deeply connected to his ancestral roots and is committed to amplifying Nova Scotia's presence on the world stage. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with the inspiring Tyree Haley!

Our guests for this month's double feature is Shekara Grant and Curtis Whiley!   Shekara Grant has ancestral ties to both Cherry Brook and Weymouth Falls, two of over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities in this province. She graduated from Dalhousie University with combined honours in Sociology and French and a Certificate in Intercultural Communications in 2019. In 2023, Shekara founded the Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a platform for a vibrant community voice that stewards the land of Weymouth Falls by intersecting opportunities for growth and development with historical preservation of its cultural identity and assets. In addition to her work with the land trust, Shekara is pursuing a Masters in Sociology where she has been able to read and write primarily about African Nova Scotian and Indigenous relationships to property, land and justice. Her thesis will take a Black sociological approach to understanding and describing African Nova Scotian cultural identity beyond race and locality.    Curtis Whiley is a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian from Upper Hammonds Plains. With over 13 years in public service, he currently serves as Director of the Land Titles Initiative. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA in Social Enterprise Leadership. As the founder of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, Curtis leads efforts in land stewardship, affordable housing, and economic empowerment. He sits on the boards of the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts and the Ecology Action Centre. A passionate advocate, Curtis is committed to building equitable and innovative solutions that facilitate community-led transformation.   It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with two incredible community trailblazers, Shekara and Curtis!   Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Shekara Grant and Curtis Whiley 9:55 - Land titles in community 18:45 - Curtis on starting a community land trust (CLT) 27:10 - Navigating communication centred around the community land trusts with community members 31:55 - The ins and outs of a community land trust 40:10 - Determining membership in a community land trust 47:15 - Looking at other CLTs in North America for inspiration 54:00 - The colonial nature of land titles 57:00 - Shekara and Curtis' goals for their CLTs 1:16:20 - Where does funding come from? 1:26:55 - The future of CLTs 1:32:35 - One word checkout

Our guest for this months Feature Friday is Vanessa Hartley! Vanessa Hartley is an 8th-generation Black Loyalist descendant, born and raised in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Her work and volunteer efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to Black history, Community Engagement, and Environmental Justice within her home province. Hartley began her career at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in 2019, serving as Program Coordinator and Visitor Experience Supervisor, where she developed a love for Black history and Community Engagement. After completing her education, she returned to her community to support adults with different abilities. Seeking further growth, she joined the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education (TCRCE) as a Community Outreach Coordinator, which led her to The PREP Academy as Community Engagement Lead. Her dedication to community service has been recognized, notably in 2021 when she was awarded Provincial Volunteer of the Year, representing the Municipality of Shelburne. She chaired the South End Environmental Injustice Society (SEED) from 2019-2022, an organization recognized for its efforts in fighting environmental racism in historic African Nova Scotian communities. Hartley also volunteered for the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) as the Rural COVID Community Coordinator, part of the ABSW/HACC Covid response team. Additionally, she was the Community Regional Researcher with the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute, developing research for an Afrocentric Framework for Recognition of Prior Learning. Furthermore, Hartley was the Project Manager for the Provincial Environmental Racism Panel and was a research assistant to Dr. Ingrid Waldron's research project, "Genes and Geography: Disparities in Cancer Incidence and Outcomes in a Black Canadian Community. She also worked as the African Nova Scotian Student Support Worker at Lockeport elementary and high school and is currently the Active Living Coordinator for the Municipality of Barrington. Vanessa Hartley is also the co-founder and president of the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), a community-based board established from the historical Bill C-226, aiming to redress environmental harms and injustice in her hometown of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Vanessa Hartley on our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Vanessa Hartley 8:20 - What is environmental racism? 13:45 - Vanessa on the research she's doing 17:00 - The history of environmental racism in Shelburne 26:30 - Vanessa on navigating government to help the community 33:25 - Vanessa on her family history 36:55 - Who inspires Vanessa 44:15 - Vanessa on gratitude 46:35 - Vanessa on what she values most 48:14 - Vanessa's advice 49:45 - Vanessa's five year plan 54:35 - Vanessa's spiritual journey 59:25 - Environmental racism in the news 1:07:32 - Vanessa on her identity 1:15:00 - One word checkout!

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Alfred Burgesson! Alfred Burgesson is an entrepreneur committed to driving inclusive innovation, economic growth, and social impact. Recognized as a 30 Under 30 Innovator and Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine, a Changemaker by Globe and Mail's Report on Business, and the recipient of the Public Policy Forum 2025 Emerging Leader Award.   He is the Founder & CEO of Tribe Network, a thriving community for racialized entrepreneurs and innovators, providing access to capital, coaching, and networks to help them start, build, and scale businesses. His work has led to the creation of Tribe Ventures, where he serves as Founder & Managing Partner, investing in transformative businesses and technologies that advance equity and opportunity. With a deep passion for education, economic empowerment, and well-being, Alfred specializes in convening leaders, launching high-impact initiatives, and mobilizing communities using digital tools and technology. His mission is to create ecosystems that empower diverse entrepreneurs, drive inclusive growth, and build a more prosperous future for all.   It was a pleasure hosting the insightful and inspiring Alfred Burgesson on our podcast this month!   Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Alfred Burgesson 2:50 - From Ghana to Cape Breton to Halifax! 6:40 - Family values for Alfred 8:05 - Alfred on taking risks in life 12:30 - Alfred on finding your tribe and starting Tribe Network 21:50 - Alfred on dealing with imposter syndrome 27:20 - What does success look like at Tribe for Alfred? 34:20 - Strategic collaboration over competition 36:20 - Where does Alfred see Tribe in 10 years? 40:15 - Alfred's experience with the ANS Lab committee 42:55 - One word checkout with Alfred!

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is DeRico Symonds! DeRico Symonds is a 8th generation African Nova Scotian currently employed with the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute as the Director of Engagement and Justice Initiatives. DeRico Symonds is the founder and President of Ignite Consulting, as well as a founding member of two non-profit organizations, ACCE (Arts, Culture, Community, Economics) and GC902 (Game Changers 902), a social justice advocacy group based in Halifax. DeRico has been awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Century of Service Award, the Irving & Ruth Pink award for youth development and social justice, and the Dr Burnley "Rocky" Jones Human Right award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. With an extensive career in community work in our racialized and marginalized communities, DeRico has a wealth of community engagement experience. DeRico provides counselling to marginalized youth and is called upon during incidences of gun violence in our Black communities. DeRico Symonds is also an Impact Race and Cultural Assessor (IRCA) with the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute serving Atlantic Canada. It was a pleasure hosting the motivational and community-driven DeRico Symonds on our podcast this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to DeRico Symonds 2:30 - DeRico on his upbringing 15:00 - How DeRico translated his experiences to where he is today 21:20 - DeRico on his experience and lessons learned at university 40:10 - DeRico's post-university work 56:40 - DeRico on being politically informed 1:05:30 - DeRico on the work he's currently doing 1:15:05 - DeRico on his consulting work 1:20:50 - "Always Take the Stairs" 1:28:35 - One word checkout

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday episode is Daneesha Provo! Daneesha's journey has been all about growth, purpose, and impact, and she is excited to see where it takes her next. Right now, Daneesha is taking some time away from basketball to focus on family, enjoy life, and really be present in this chapter. After years of dedicating herself to the game, playing at the highest levels, traveling the world, and pushing through the ups and downs, she's embracing a new balance. One of her biggest priorities is building her basketball academy. She's always believed in using basketball as a tool for education and opportunity, and now she is fully committed to creating a space where young female athletes can grow, learn, and chase their dreams just like she did. Beyond basketball, she has been tapping into other passions, including writing a children's book, something she has wanted to do for a long time. Storytelling has always been important to her, and she is excited to bring her experiences and lessons to life in a way that inspires kids from her community and Nova Scotia. Daneesha is also working with Tribe Network as the Community Engagement Lead, which has been an amazing experience. She gets to collaborate with incredible people, connect with her community in new ways, and help create opportunities for others. It's been the perfect setup for her, and is loving every moment of it. Travel is also still a big part of her life. Whether it's for work or just exploring, she loves being able to see new places, meet new people, and gain fresh perspectives. It was a pleasure hosting the inspirational Daneesha Provo on our podcast this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Daneesha's backstory 5:10 - Daneesha's special relationship with her dad 8:50 - Daneesha's experience in boarding school 16:20 - Daneesha's advice on the lessons she's learned on the path to success 20:30 - How do basketball skills translate to real world skills? 28:00 - Daneesha and Aaliyah's advice for people who want to expand their identity outside basketball 33:45 - Daneesha's experience in China 40:10 - Daneesha on start her basketball academy 43:55 - Daneesha's children's book 47:10 - Daneesha work with Tribe Network 51:00 - Daneesha's advice for people who want to travel and see the world 57:00 - One word checkout!

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday, as well as first guest of season 2, is Angelina Simmonds!   From North Preston, Angelina spent much of her early life as an athlete including basketball and competitive swimming. Competing provincially and nationally, and holding records in Nova Scotia. Driven to uplift women and girls through empowerment and confidence-building, Angelina founded Black Girls Pillow Talk (BGPT) in 2023 to create nurturing and encouraging spaces for young Black girls to share their lived experiences, prompt the healing of intergenerational trauma, experience joy, and thrive together. BGPT blends self-care with community care through activities that can include physical movement, hair care, mentorship, confidence building, and knowledge sharing. Building on her passion for empowering youth, Angelina pursued studies in Women and Gender Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, fueling her commitment to addressing intersectional challenges. She applies her knowledge as a consultant at A Team Coaching, a family business designed to help inform more equitable futures by transforming cultures, mindsets, and systems. Angelina also assists individuals in navigating the justice system as a Justice Navigator at the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. Her role encompasses prevention and mitigation in areas such as criminal law, youth justice, mental health, addictions, and social justice issues. Before this, Angelina held positions at Acadia University, Halifax Partnership, and Black Cultural Centre.   It was a pleasure hosting the impactful Angelina Simmonds on our podcast episode this month!   Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Angelina Simmonds   3:25 - What made Angelina take an interest in competitive swimming   11:30 - Discussing the education system in Halifax and beyond   16:50 - Advice that Angelina would give to her younger self   18:40 - The impact of Blacks Girl Pillow Talk   31:55 - Angelina on A Team Coaching   39:30 - Angelina's advice for people who want to get involved with things like Black Girls Pillow Talk and A Team Coaching   52:10 - Angelina on the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute   1:04:10 - Angelina on how her work impacts ANS youth   1:17:05 - ONE word checkout

Season 2 of Feature Friday is brought to you by the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative administered by the Black Business Initiative.    In this episode, hosts Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver dive into the vision and mission of Feature Friday, share what's in store for the new season, and let you know how to get involved. They'll also update you on what they've personally been up to this year! For years, Feature Friday has been a platform dedicated to amplifying voices, sharing experiences, and celebrating the achievements of ANS (African Nova Scotian) community members and allies. Through meaningful conversations, we highlight the incredible work being done to close the employment gap for Black and ANS individuals aged 18-35. We explore personal journeys, passions, and successes to inspire and uplift our audience. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe/follow to stay connected!

Join us for this bonus episode brought to you by the Youth Climate Action Fund, where the ONE team of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Ambassadors—Josh Paris, Sarah Yehayes, and Leah Khisa—share their experiences in raising awareness about climate change within African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia. Their goal is to engage you in a dialogue around 'green jobs', a crucial step to help close the employment gap for Black individuals and African Nova Scotians aged 18 to 35 in our province. In this episode, Rodney Small, Josh Paris, Sarah Yehayes, Leah Khisa, and co-hosts Aaliyah Aarb Smith and Trevor Silver come together to discuss their experiences and insights with the broader community. Tune in to discover the many opportunities within the green economy that often go unnoticed due to a lack of awareness regarding climate change and the importance of climate justice. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to the team 0:55 - One North End and the green economy 4:30 - How ONE team members have been working with the community to encourage the green economy 9:30 - The biggest learning experiences the team has had with these green economy initiatives 11:40 - A closer look at the Next Ride tours 14:30 - Breaking down the joint regional transportation agency 20:45 - Analyzing the low-carbon community survey responses  26:05 - Discussion on the Green Schools 30:10 - The unique perspective of working on projects with the youth Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Ashley Hill!   Ashley Hill is an African Nova Scotian woman, creator and social entrepreneur.   With over 10 years of combined experience working in corporate and non-profit industries, she has led strategy, fundraising, donor engagement, community outreach, student engagement, program evaluation and program development. She's inspired to serve Black students as they shape their way forward to being young trailblazers, and to be a guide to changemakers who want to launch non-profit organizations. As the Founder of The PREP Academy, a community based non-profit organization, she wanted to create a service designed to give African Nova Scotian students access to knowledge and culturally relevant relationship based supports that help ease and inspire their journey into and completion of higher education. She's a CBC Black Changemaker and YMCA Peace Medal Recipient. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Preston, and the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth. She is passionate about student advancement, education and the development of African Nova Scotian communities.   It was a pleasure hosting the dynamic and inspiring Ashley Hill for our podcast episode this month!   Find PREP Academy on:   Website: https://www.instagram.com/theprepacademy.ca/?hl=en   Instagram: https://www.theprepacademy.ca/   Follow ANS Lab on:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag   Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/   Follow One North End on:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd   Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Chaz Samuel! Chaz Samuel was born and raised on the island of Antigua. He moved to Halifax in 2018 to pursue a Bachelor's of Commerce at Saint Mary's University. From a very young age he fell in love with basketball. He played collegiate basketball at Tyler Junior College in Texas, USA and proudly represented the national basketball team for Antigua. His love for the sport has grown into a passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential. In 2019, he co-founded No Days Off Apparel Inc., a clothing company created to motivate and inspire people to stay committed to their goals. In 2024, he expanded this vision to No Days Off Fitness Inc., the first and only private basketball facility in Nova Scotia. NDOFitness Inc. consists of a team of dedicated coaches who are passionate about providing a high-quality basketball experience that fosters teamwork, discipline, and dedication. It offers customized training programs, clinics, camps and birthday parties with the overall goal of creating a safe and inclusive space for every athlete to reach their full potential, on and off the court. Additionally, NDOFitness Inc. strives to showcase the basketball talent in Nova Scotia through social media. Chaz has grown his Instagram account @ndo.fitnesss to over 200,000 followers with the intention to put Nova Scotian athletes on the basketball map. He is constantly finding innovative ways to contribute and giveback to the basketball culture. It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Chaz Samuel, Shayna Court-Samuel, and their daughter for our podcast episode this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Chaz and Shayna 6:35 - The origins of No Days Off Fitness 13:30 - How Chaz and Shayna share their entrepreneurial journey together 15:50 - How Shayna's journey has led her to medical school and beyond 21:15 - Chaz and Shayna on parenthood 27:05 - No Days Off Mentality 32:55 - Advice from Chaz on how to build a business successfully 36:40 - NDO's business structure 41:40 - Three things an athlete needs to be successful 43:15 - What do Chaz and Shayna think is the biggest takeaway from their entrepreneurial journey so far 1:00:40 - One word checkout! Find No Days Off Fitness on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ndo.fitnesss/?hl=en Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Lindell Smith is a lifelong resident of the North End Halifax, and a proud father. Co-founder of Center Line Studio, a non-profit recording studio for youth who want to express themselves through art and music.  In 2016, Lindell was elected as City Councillor for District 8 Halifax Peninsula North. Lindell has been a member at large on The Council on African Canadian Education (CACE), which is a provincial advisory council that provides advice and guidance to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on educational programs, services and funding for African Nova Scotian learners. He also sits on the Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality". Lindell has been awarded various awards and honours including the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax Inspire Public service award, and The Coast Halifax "Best of Halifax" Gold – Best Councillor (2017-2019)(2021-2023). It was a pleasure hosting the incredible Lindell Smith for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Lindell Smith 5:20 - Lindell's journey growing up to becoming an elected politician 11:20 - How Lindell prepared himself before getting into politics 23:40 - Lindell's different experiences growing up that contributed to his leadership qualities 34:40 - What motivates Lindell? 37:00 - What sort of impact can a councilor make for their community? 48:00 - How Lindell would handle negative situations with his constituents 54:00 - Lindell's next chapter 58:00 - The inspiration behind Lindell's music studio 1:06:25 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Chika Chiekwe!   Chika Chiekwe is a partner at Cox & Palmer in Halifax. Chika was born and raised in Nova Scotia, growing up in Cole Harbour. Her family is originally from Nigeria. She was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2018 and holds an accounting degree from Acadia University and earned her law degree at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University. Chika has a broad-based legal practice in corporate and commercial law and wills and estates. Chika values giving back to the community and volunteers her time when she can. Chika currently serves on the boards of YWCA Halifax, Hope Blooms, Nova Scotia Career Development Association and the Halifax International Airport Authority.   It was a pleasure hosting the ambitious Chika Chiekwe for our Feature Friday this month!

This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Dr. Cinera Cartwright!   Dr. Cartwright obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at Dalhousie University with a double major in biology and psychology. She attended Dalhousie Medical School and obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2017. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Dalhousie University in 2023. She is currently the Clinical Academic Leader for the Transcultural Psychiatry Program at Dalhousie University, Department of Psychiatry. In this role, Dr. Cartwright is working to provide culturally competent psychiatric services to multiple underserved and equity deserving groups including Black/African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, Newcomers, and people experiencing homelessness.    It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Dr. Cinera Cartwright for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Cinera 6:15 - The people in Cinera's life that have inspired her 10:05 - How Cinera decided to choose a career path in Medicine 18:50 - Cinera's experience in post secondary education 26:25 - The legacy of racism in Nova Scotia and how it has affected Black Nova Scotians in the education system 34:34 - Cinera and the passing of her Mom and how she still plays a role in her life 56:25 - Cinera on the importance of culture competency 1:04:00 - Cinera's current work 1:10:40 - Resources for psychiatric support 1:16:05 - Navigating the mental health stigma that still exists 1:18:10 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

This episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Keonté Beals! Keonté Beals is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, performer, author, and entrepreneur from North Preston, Nova Scotia. In 2021, Keonté self-published his first children's book 'I Am Perfectly Me' alongside his younger brother, Antonio Beals. The book sold thousands of copies and led to Keonté's company, KBeals Entertainment, launching its publishing arm in 2022 following a launch of 'Je suis parfaitement moi' - an Acadian French translation of the famous English release. Keonté and KBeals Entertainment headlined 'The I Am Experience Tour,' a Canadian school tour produced by the company and presented to thousands of kids all across Canada in provinces such as Ontario and Nova Scotia. Keonté illustrates all the "I Am" books as a multidisciplinary artist. We were honoured to host the talented Keonté Beals for our Feature Friday this month! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Aquakultre! Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson — an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, NS. Since winning the 2018 CBC Searchlight competition, Aquakultre has released two Polaris-nominated albums and a multitude of genre-diverse, multi-media collaborations, establishing him as a significant musical and cultural presence. The live show is a warm-hearted party where all are welcomed by Aquakultre's big voice and bigger stage presence. Through all his works, via poetic lyrics and straight-up jams, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the culture.  It was a pleasure hosting the influential Aquakultre for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 11:45 - "You are what you eat" 35:12 - New show GeneratioNS 40:10 - Finding your identity 54:15 - Becoming Aquakultre 1:01:00 - Being the change you want to see 1:09:00 - Family and friends life 1:35:00 - Bringing different communities together 1:40:40 - Advice from Lance 1:45:00 - Upcoming news 1:53:00 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Guyleigh Johnson! Guyleigh Johnson is an Author, Artist, Advocate, Facilitator and Filmmaker from the vibrant community of Dartmouth North. Carrying the essence of her roots, she stands at the forefront of social change using her art and voice to amplify. A hard-working, solution-oriented professional with 10+ years of experience and knowledge in community engagement, arts facilitation and project management using a client-centred framework. She has a passion for collaboration and community development implemented through an Afrocentric lens of collective care, responsibility and value. With strong communication and relationship building skills she has been facilitating workshops over the last ten years within organizations, schools and businesses for youth ranging from age ten to thirty. Partnering with many organizations locally and nationally to develop and design programs, initiatives and workshops. As an artist and advocate many of the workshops/programs are centred around exploring the power of storytelling from a personal perspective geared towards inner healing and creating space for self. She is very intentional in curating spaces where people can feel seen and supported. We were delighted to host the talented Guyleigh Johnson for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Guyleigh 1:55 - Guyleigh's passion for community 4:15 - What inspired Guyleigh to become a writer  13:05 - Guyleigh's writing process 20:10 - Guyleigh's advice for facilitating 22:45 - How Guyleigh translates her skills from reading and writing into everyday life 24:15 - Revisiting Guyleigh's books 31:10 - What does Guyleigh define as art? 33:00 - How does Guyleigh build her skillset? 39:50 - Turning failures into successes 43:40 - Who are Guyleigh's mentors? 46:35 - What keeps Guyleigh grounded? 49:55 - How Guyleigh translates her work into film 54:10 - Cultivating your talent when growing up 56:45 - Discovering the power of intention 58:20 - What's new in Guyleigh's life 59:25 - Advice from Guyleigh 1:02:55 - One Word Check-out! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Gary Beals! Gary Beals is a Juno nominated artist celebrated for his soulful voice and captivating performances. Born and raised in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, Gary's journey in music began at a young age, singing in local church choirs and talent competitions. His breakthrough came on the inaugural season of "Canadian Idol" in 2003, where his magnetic voice propelled him into the spotlight, establishing him as one of the show's standout contestants, securing a notable second place finish.    Following that success, he released his self-titled debut album in 2004, solidifying his reputation in R&B and soul music. A career spanning 20+ years, Gary has consistently enchanted audiences with dynamic performances and heartfelt music, releasing four studio albums that reflect his personal and artistic evolution. His commitment to his craft is evident throughout. Recognized for his contributions to Canadian music, he has received numerous awards and honours, including the Premier of his home Province declaring November 22, 2003, as "Gary Beals Day".    Gary's journey is a testament to his passion, perseverance, dedication, and his unwavering authenticity. With his soulful voice, timeless music, and undeniable talent, he continues to inspire and empower audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers everywhere. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the empowering Gary Beals for our Feature Friday this month!   00:00 - Introduction 3:00 - Gary's journey into music   6:20 - What inspires Gary's music   12:05 - What was Gary's experience like on Canadian Idol   17:35 - The importance of support   24:50 - Gary's musical creation process   31:55 - Finding strength through perseverance   37:20 - Gary's role models 48:40 - Current projects Gary is working on 39:50 - Gary's journey to embracing his true self 51:40 - One Word Checkout!   Follow ANS Lab on:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag   Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/   Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd   Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Ross Simmonds! Born and raised in Preston, Ross Simmonds is the founder & CEO of Foundation, a global marketing agency that provides services to organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups to global SaaS brands. Ross was named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs and one of the top marketers in the world by BuzzSumo and SEMRush. Ross is also a well sought out public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of multiple books. It was a pleasure hosting the influential Ross Simmonds for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introducing Ross Simmonds 7:30 - How Ross was able to leverage his knowledge in the marketing world to find success 13:40 - Recognizing potential in yourself 17:45 - Challenges that Ross has faced along his path to success 28:40 - How to network with confidence 31:45 - Create more than you consume | Using social media consciously 38:40 - Finding and being a healthy role model 1:05:00 - The importance of reciprocal relationships 1:30:00 - Managing your time properly 1:45:00 - Harnessing the fear of failure and judgment Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday episode is Nickaya Parris! Born in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in the Community of Uniacke Square, Nickaya Parris is a recognized role model within the African Nova Scotian community, who she pays major homage to as they have crowned her with resiliency and plasticity while showing her the importance of self-discipline and hard work. Nickaya allows her passion for nutrition, healthcare, and underserved communities to lead her daily. Currently working at the Population Public Health level as a Food Security Policy Analyst for the Provincial Government of NS, Nickaya is also a Registered Dietitian (RD) and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) Degree in Nutrition and Food Science and a Certificate in Food Security from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH) Nutrition & Dietetics with a Clinical Nutrition Specialization from the University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health. It is an honor to host Nickaya as this is a full circle moment as Nickaya was the original "hostess with the mostess" for our "Feature Friday." Show notes: 00:00 - Introducing Nickaya Parris 6:00 - Nickaya's vocalness and how she uses her outgoing personality to her advantage 17:20 - Importance of family structure and support 23:30 - Nickaya's different perspectives of growing up 34:24 - Interpreting culture from an ANS perspective 43:00 - Touching on historic ANS communities 55:20 - Finding self guidance from within 1:02:00 - Being a role model in the community 1:07:00 - What is Nickaya up to currently? 1:20:25 - One word check out! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Meet Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, our hosts for the Feature Friday podcast. This episode they take the time to introduce themselves and talk about their journeys. They also discuss what to expect in future episodes, and how to participate in our gift card draws. Don't forget to like, comment, and share to participate in our giftcard giveaway of two $50 e-gift cards made possible through our ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs! Like and comment (could be your #OneWordCheckOut or tag someone you would like to see in the podcast) for one entry, and share this post to your story for an extra entry. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 3:55 - Trevor's journey (transitioning from law school to entrepreneurship) 8:00 - Aaliyah's journey (studying in medicine) 10:05 - Colonial elements in medical school and beyond 23:00 - Aaliyah and Trevor's roles at One North End and ANS Lab 33:45 - Listening to your emotions and finding peace from within 40:16 - Getting involved with healthy hobbies 43:20 - The importance of community and family Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

ANS Lab's Feature Friday is now a podcast! The goal of our long-standing Feature Friday initiative has always been to give you a platform to share your experiences, expertise, and passions.  This platform hosts holistic conversations promoting stellar ANS community members and true allies, placing a focus on the fantastic work being done in the community to help close the employment gap for Blacks and ANS between the ages of 18-35. We inspire our audience by exploring your personal stories, what drives you, and your accomplishments.  This year's 12 podcast episodes, which come out the last Friday of every month, are hosted by Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver and are sponsored and supported by ShiftKey Labs, with giveaways of two $50.00 e-gift cards for every episode. There will also be the opportunity to win gift cards from local Black businesses. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms as well as YouTube! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ansyouthlab/featured Follow One North End on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneNorthEnd