Issue 58 – Summer 2014 - Black Business Initiative

issue
58
The Business
of Music
The African Nova Scotian
Music Association (ANSMA)
Also in this issue:
 Spiritual Leaders
 Provincial Politics
 Successful Entrepreneurs
“A dynamic and vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community.”
Black 2 Business
is the official periodical of
The Black Business Initiative
Its goal is to support the
BBI as it fosters a dynamic and vibrant
Black presence within the Nova Scotia
Business Community.
3
For Advertising Information, Rates,
Submitting Story Ideas, Notices
or Community Events,
and for more Information,
call: 902-426-8683
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC
Published by:
The Black Business Initiative
The African Nova Scotian Music Association
Editor in Chief:
Michael Wyse
Design & Layout:
Design North
Production by:
Mirabliss Media Productions
1
Message
7
Cover Photograph:
Russell Wyse
from the Chair
& the CEO
2Regional Business
SHOUT-OUTS
3
COVER STORY
The Black Business Initiative
Centennial Building
Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1V7
Phone: 902-426-8683
Fax: 902-426-8699
Toll Free: 1-888-664-9333
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.bbi.ca
The Business of Music
7Cyndi Cain
ANSMA Artist of Year
10BBI's On The Move
17
11AFK Reef Supplies
Blair Crawford
13 Trailblazers
Spiritual Leaders
Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail
Sales Agreement no. 0040026687
C O N TENT S
17Gwen’s Bridal
19
Gwen Cain-Shepherd
19Provincial Politics
& Economic
Development
23People & Business
on the Move
25Lincoln
Construction
Stewart Williams
28The START Program
25
29Ask an Expert
Entrepreneur’s Tool Kit/
Dare to Dream
31Corey Katz
Photography
33Out & About
with the BBI
35The Law
31
and Your Business
38The Imhotep
Legacy Academy (ILA)
39Community &
Business Events
The Black Business Initiative (BBI)
is a province-wide business
development initiative committed
to fostering the growth of
businesses owned by members of
the Nova Scotia Black Community.
The BBI focuses on supporting
business starts, growth and
business attraction to Nova Scotia.
The BBI also places priority on
supporting Black owned firms
to improve productivity, invest
in strategic innovations and
enhance regional and global
competitiveness.
In 1996, the Government of
Canada and the Province of
Nova Scotia set up the BBI
to address the unique needs
confronting the Black business
community in Nova Scotia.
The BBI and its broad scope of
economic development activities
is currently funded by the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency (ACOA), the Nova Scotia
Department of Economic and Rural
Development and Tourism, project
funding, corporate donations,
fund-raising and commercial
activity initiated across BBI's
composite group of companies.
BBI Vision
A dynamic and vibrant Black
presence within the Nova Scotia
business community.
BBI Mission
To positively influence the Nova
Scotia business culture by
promoting and assisting in the
development of Nova Scotia Blackowned businesses.
2
...
Message from the Chair and CEO
Message
Greg Browning, Board Chair & Mike Wyse, CEO
A Call to Action
Economists are forecasting
GDP growth from .9 percent in
2013 to 2.7 percent in 2015.
Nova Scotia will be among Canada’s leading
provinces in economic growth. A lower Canadian
dollar will support tourism and export activity,
while infrastructure projects propel job creation
and our near-term economic prosperity. Nova
Scotia exports were up 9 percent in 2013. Paper
and seafood were key contributors to this surge.
Oil and gas, the $1.5 billion Maritime Link, the $25
billion ship building contract, and Shell’s $970
million offshore exploration project all contribute
to Nova Scotia’s strengthening economy.
When Roland Martin spoke at BBI’s 2012 business
summit, he challenged us to “Think Bigger.” We
want to reinforce his sentiments. Economic
prosperity is on Nova Scotia’s horizons, but the
early indicators suggest that the Black business
community is currently not well positioned to take
full advantage. When we look through the Black
Business Directory (www.bbi.ca), how many of
the listed companies are positioned and prepared
to compete and participate in the high-growth
sectors that will drive Nova Scotia’s economic
prosperity?
The reality is that the gap between Blackowned businesses and the mainstream remains
1
...
Mike Wyse, CEO and Greg Browning, Board Chair
disturbingly large in Nova Scotia. There
is certainly an opportunity for constructive
dialogue in pursuit of a better result. For
example, in our ongoing discussions with the
Black Construction Association, we clearly
hear the membership’s messages of being
underserved and under-represented. This
offers an opportunity to collaborate, to pool
our collective ideas to pursue new strategies
and initiatives to achieve a better result. We
are on the same team and our goals are in
alignment. We are jointly exploring how we
can better collaborate to address priority
challenges faced by the membership.
Please know that we are committed to doing
the best that we possibly can to close the gap
and address issues of equitable participation
in the mainstream economy. We will continue
to seek out strategic partnerships to bring
value and support efforts to start and grow
businesses. We will build on our successes,
forge new alliances, and strategically guide
our efforts in search of better results. We
are in this struggle together and cannot do it
alone.
Margaret Mead said, “The best way to
predict the future is to create it.” It will not
just happen, nor should any of us expect
that someone else will do it for us. Working
together, we can seize better control of our
economic futures.
continued on page 16
REGIONAL
BUSINESS
Custom Design
Additions
Energy Home Audits
Kitchens & Baths
Windows & Doors
Plumbing & Electrical
Roofs & Siding
Decks & Fences
Flooring & Trim
and Much More
Committed to
Service Excellence!
SHOUT-OUTS

Hindsight Infrared Services Inc.
Things are progressing well. We’re offering a coupon, for a limited time, with
15% off our energy efficiency services. Give Charles a call at 902-252-1790.
For more information see our ad on page 36.

Ebony Hair Salon
Business is booming. Every Wednesday Ebony Hair Salon offers 50% off to
Seniors on colors, perms and relaxers. During the spring 2014, Ebony Hair
Salon will offer a 10% discount to anyone who presents one of their coupons
for any salon service. Give Elvera a call at 902-433-0425.

S.A.J Property Management and Construction
Spring is now here, so please give S.A.J Property Management and
Construction a call for any chimney repairs & installation, interior/exterior
painting, flat/shingle roofing repairs, and all masonry work. Please call 902580-9500 Jason or 402-6922 Russell.

ADEPA Construction Management Inc.
If you would like to renovate your existing home or build a new home, give
us a call at 902-468-0606. We specialize in custom design, eco-efficent
construction, additions, kitchens & baths, windows & doors, plumbing &
electrical, roofing and siding, decks & fences, flooring & trim and much more...
– Just ask us!

Gwen’s Bridal
School proms and Wedding Bells are ringing. Contact Gwen Cain-Shepherd
at 902-433-0591 for men and women’s bridal, evening, church, formal and
informal wear, specializing in the full figured women. Check out our profile in
this issue!

No Job too Big
or too Small
A part of the BBI’s Composite
Group of Companies
Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA)
Imhotep’s Legacy Academy has been in operation since Sept 2003. It is
an educational support organization that provides mentoring and tutoring
programs in sciences, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) to
African Nova Scotia students in junior and high schools in metro and other
communities across the province (Truro, Antigonish, Sydney). ILA also
provides on-line tutoring in STEM for grades 10-12 students and in person
at the Killam Memorial Library, Dalhousie University. Finally ILA provides
scholarships and research studentships to African Nova Scotian students at
the post-secondary level. Call for more info 902-494-7884.
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The African Nova Scotian Music Association
The Business of Music
By: Carol Dobson
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Since 1997, the African Nova Scotian
Music Association (ANSMA) has been
the formal voice of music for the Black
community. It was founded in reaction
to what was felt to be a narrow view of
traditional Maritime music at that time.
ANSMA recognized an opportunity to
bring more diversity to the East Coast
Music Scene.
“1997 was the first year that the
ECMAs introduced gospel and hip hop
categories,” Delvina Bernard recalls.
“Our group, Four the Moment had a
great product but we didn’t apply to
the gospel category because we really
didn’t see our music as gospel. It was
also early in Jamie Sparks’ career;
he was placed in the Urban Dance
category for his album. That year,
Ashley MacIsaac, won that award.”
Bernard, Marc Perry, Linda Carvery
and a number of other well-known
Nova Scotian artists came together
after that ECMA awards show and
decided to form an association to both
showcase Black artists and serve as an
ambassador for Black musicians.
From that, ANSMA was born.
Paul Adams
Russell Wyse
W
hat defines a culture is the
sum of many things – language, religion, storytelling, food, social habits, sports, music.
Here in Nova Scotia, music is an inherent part of the diverse cultures that
define our province.
“We didn’t have social media for
promotion back then so we put up
posters, made phone calls, and sent
faxes. 45 people came to the North
Branch Library for our first meeting.
Our first executive had people like
Marc, Ed Matwawana, Erma Pope,
Brian Atkinson, Shelley Fashan and
myself.”
The group later held a membership drive
to increase Black musician membership
in the ECMA and succeeded in having
Shelley Fashan appointed to the ECMA
board.
From those humble beginnings, ANSMA
has grown into a strong force in local
music. The first Black Vibes showcase
for the ECMAs was held in the old Blues
Corner in Halifax. Since then, it has
become a major part of the ECMAs and
Nova Scotia Music Week.
In 1998, the first ANSMA awards were
presented at a BBI-sponsored luncheon
held at the World Trade and Convention
Centre. Since then, the ANSMA awards
have become a much-anticipated event
that brings African Heritage Month to a
close every February.
“From a small lunch to a major gala
that feels like the local equivalent to
the Academy Awards; we’ve even been
LEFT: Lou Gannon Jr. ANSMA President
BELOW: Delvina Bernard, presenting at the 2014 ANSMA Awards Show
Ed Matwawana (past president of ANSMA)
able to attract major entertainers such
as Divine Brown,” says Lou Gannon,
ANSMA’s President.
From the beginning, Gannon says there
have been a number of organizations
and individuals that have supported
ANSMA, including the Council on African
Canadian Education, the Black Educators
Association, the Office of African Nova
Scotian Affairs, and the Black Business
Initiative. Other noted supporters have
included the Nova Scotia Department
of Communities, Culture and Heritage
previously known as the Department of
Tourism and Culture.
“ANSMA has created jobs, educated
people about our music and culture
and has helped to develop the
entrepreneurial side of our local music
industry,” continued Gannon.
Local musician Vanessa Parsons (ASIA)
says that ANSMA has been a major
supporter of her career and her band ASIA and Nu Gruv. One of the premiere
cover bands in the Halifax area, ASIA
and Nu Gruv have become regular
performers at HRM events, such as
Canada Day, Natal Day, and the HRM’s
New Years Eve celebration.
continued on page 5
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...
“I’ve been singing since I was a little girl
in the church choir,” she says. “When
I was about seven, I decided that I was
going to be a singer. When I started,
I was a rapper and then I formed my
band. ANSMA has helped me get my
foot in the door at the ECMAs. Thanks
to ‘Mr. Lou’, I was able to be included in
some shows and sing backup for Divine
Brown when she was here for the Gala.
Now, we’re working on some songs for
a new EP.”
She says she’s also served as an ANSMA
board member and that experience has
helped give her a broader understanding
of how the organization and the industry
work.
ASIA’s musical partner, Nathan
Symonds says he too comes from a
musical family background and credits
ANSMA with assisting his career.
“ANSMA gave us a start on stage that
we may not have gotten otherwise,”
he says. “They’ve also helped get us
in front of many different audiences,
starting in 2006 at the Black Vibes Stage
as part of the ECMAs in Charlottetown,
which helped get our band on the road.”
Symonds encourages people to get
involved in the organization. (Note: a
membership in ANSMA is only $25 for
two years.)
Cyndi Cain is another rising star who
sings the praises of ANSMA as she
prepares for two major milestones in
her musical career. The first will see
Cain tour Rochester, NY; Scotland;
Cyndi Cain at the 2014 ANSMA Awards Show
Vanessa Parsons (ASIA) and Nathan Symonds of ASIA and Nu Gruv
Paul Adams
Toronto; and Ottawa. The second will
see her open for Aretha Franklin in
Ottawa in June.
“I came to discover the ECMAs through
ANSMA,” Cain says. “And they helped
me with things like my first press kit.
Being involved with ANSMA is paying
off.”
Bernard reflects on another success
story close to her heart. “We had
to get special permission for Adrien
Gough to play at our first Black Vibes
at the Blues Corner because he was
10 and too young to be in a bar. Years
Adrien Gough back in 2002
5
...
later, he went to the Berklee College
of Music in Boston for a year. Upon his
return, he got involved in creating beats
with a musician friend and moved to
Toronto.
Now, Gough’s producing beats for
Rihanna, Florida, Katy Perry and Taylor
Swift and has appeared on stage at the
Grammys.
“He’s a real success story.”
As ANSMA moves towards its 20th
anniversary, Lou Gannon says he’d like
to see more stable funding, perhaps
under the umbrella of one/several of
the major government organizations
that support the association.
So what’s next for ANSMA?
Gannon says “everything is possible.”
Just like what Jeff Goodspeed has done
with the Preston Primos and his work
in Cuba, ANSMA is working towards
becoming more community-based
to engage kids by teaching them the
rudiments of singing and playing an
instrument while giving them a platform
to explore their passion for music.
Lindell Smith accepting The BBI Industry
Development Award at the 2014 ANSMA
Awards Show.
6
...
by: Stephen Cooke
Arts Reporter *
Cyndi will be the opening act
for the undisputed reigning
"Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin
at the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 28, 2014.
Cyndi Cain
Cain named T
ANSMA
artist of
year, Splash
rising star
he African-Nova Scotian
Music Association celebrated its sweet 16th
anniversary in style Saturday night
with a gala awards dinner and dance
at the World Trade and Convention
Centre in Halifax.
The event also served as a cap to
February’s African Heritage Month
activities, with an emphasis on honouring
pillars of the black musical community
and up-and-coming talent trying to stake
out a career in the ever-shifting sands of
the modern-day music industry.
* Reprinted from the March 2, 2014 edition of the Halifax Chronicle Herald,
republished with permission.
7
...
“Happy sweet 16!” exclaimed returning
cohost Charla Williams, thanking the
contributed
Kays Photography
audience for making the awards show
their entertainment choice for the
evening.
While Splash prepares to explore music
further in Toronto — “It’s time to be the
small fish in the big pond,” she smiled
— a singer with roots in Toronto and
Halifax earned the association’s artist
of the year prize.
“You had to give up the basketball
game,” Williams said with a knowing
nod, referring to the AUS men’s
basketball championship next door at
Halifax Metro Centre. “It’s a good thing
the Olympics are over!”
While Williams and cohost Robert
Upshaw are welcome faces every year
at the association awards, since they
debuted at Alderney Landing Theatre
in Dartmouth, it was the first time to
the podium for Tony Ince, Liberal MLA
and minister of communities, culture
and heritage, and African-Nova Scotian
Affairs.
Ince remarked on how members of
the African-Nova Scotian community
contribute to the province’s cultural
economy, particularly “those rising
stars who are making a positive
difference in their community, their
schools and in their businesses.”
To that end, the association’s Rising
they played a big role in helping me get
started in my first year.”
Samm Splash
Star Award went to East Preston singer
Samm Splash, who also opened the
show with a heartfelt a cappella take
on O Canada and a song known as the
Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice
and Sing.
“It was a pretty big moment, I bawled my
eyes out,” the Nova Scotia Community
College music graduate said backstage
after winning the first award of her
professional music career.
“I’ve put a lot of hard work into music
this year, and it feels good to accept this
from the ANSMA community because
R&B singer Cyndi Cain barely had time
to make her acceptance speech before
taking the stage to knock everyone’s
socks off with I’m With You from her
CD Soul Food. Her gutsy performance
earned a standing ovation, and the
veteran performer let out a sigh of relief
after, once she could finally relax and
enjoy the party.
“This is such a big deal for me,” said
Cain, who spent childhood summers
catching up with family while growing
up in Ontario.
“For the longest time, I was worried I
wasn’t considered one of the homegirls,
but now this stamps it for me.”
continued on page 9
PRESENTS THE...
17TH ANNUAL MARCH, 2015
W
T
C
C
NOVA SCOTIAN
HALIFAX, NS
AFRICAN
MUSIC AWARDS
& SHOW
FOR INFORMATION:
1- 9 0 2 - 4 0 4 - 3 0 3 6
1- 9 0 2 - 4 3 4 - 9 9 0 9
8
...
AU
UNIQUE
TOURISM
TO
EXPERIENCE.
E
Cultural Assets of Nova Scotia: African Nova Scotian Tourism Guide
Come
walk the lands that were settled by people of African descent who
came to the Maritimes—African Americans as enslaved labour for the New
England Planters in the 1760s, Black Loyalists between 1782 and 1784, Black
refugees of the War of 1812, as Jamaican Maroons who were exiled from
their home lands in 1796, and as Caribbean immigrants to Cape Breton in the
1890s. The descendants of these groups are recognized as the indigenous
African Nova Scotian population.
Today, some 300 years later, there are festivals and gatherings throughout the
year that acknowledge and celebrate the vibrant, rich African Nova Scotian
culture. The guide provides contact information, directions and details on
community events throughout the province, making the African Nova Scotian
experience a tourism destination to remember and revisit.
For copies of the guide please contact:
Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs 902.424.5555 [email protected]
Black Business Initiative 902.426.8683 [email protected]
https://www.novascotia.com/en/home/planyourtrip/travel_guides/default.aspx
Cyndi Cain continued from page 8
The gala also took time out to recognize
music scene pioneers such as North
Preston spiritual group the Gospel
Heirs, still going strong after 38 years,
Beechville bassist Vernon Brown, who
played alongside Bucky Adams and
Ronnie Prophet, and North Preston
guitar hero Victor Martin Smith.
“Am I nervous? Yes!” said Smith, who
played in bands such as the Rogues and
the Hands of Tyme before trading music
for private entrepreneurial interests in
the 1970s.
“Talent comes from God, but it’s the
people who give you faith in yourself.”
The association also showed faith in
young entrepreneurs, presenting the
Black Business Initiative’s Industry
Development Award to Lindell Smith,
founder of north-end Halifax’s Centre
9
...
Line Studio after graduating from the
community college’s recording arts
program in 2009.
“When we sing, we can bring liberation
to our communities,” Jones said with a
musical cadence.
“I want to make sure the youth always
have a voice,” said Smith. “They deserve
to have everything in this world, and
I want to keep pushing to help them
achieve that.”
And there was definitely singing
Saturday night. The Word in Action
Praise Team sang gospel with current
rap and R&B energy, and 2013 artist of
the year J-Bru presented the human side
of hip hop in What’s Pain from his latest
release, Stranger in My Hometown.
In keeping with the theme of African
Heritage Month, the evening included
a tribute to the legacy of South African
leader Nelson Mandela, with a stirring
spoken word piece by Halifax’s poet
laureate, El Jones.
Her impassioned words made note
of the importance of music in the
struggle against apartheid, recalling
“those songs that shook the walls of
Robben Island,” where Mandela was
imprisoned.
Putting the final bow on the evening,
Juno Award-nominated R&B star Dru
brought a mix of modern and ’90s jams
to the stage, paving the way for the rest
of the night’s dance party with DJ R$
$mooth.
Now that the association’s old enough
to drive, it will be interesting to see
what direction its members go in over
the next year.
BBI’s On the Move
2014 year to date
E-Marketing
The BBI’s training department
engaged Ross Simmonds, Simmonds
Consulting, to deliver a client centric
E-Marketing training program to nine
businesses who wanted to create a
consumer focused presence in the
digital space.
in Nova Scotia to be certified to
build with SIPs. The Construction
Estimating training involved eight
companies (February 24 – 27).
BBI/Dalhousie Corporate
Residency MBA Scholarship
Leadership Development
On May 21st four BBI senior managers
and 6 companies started a customized
training program, offered by
Dalhousie's Faculty of Management
– Building Enhanced Capacity to Lead
into our Future.
Business Growth
We are pleased to announce that
Marissa Walter is the first recipient of
this award. This scholarship reinforces
BBI's commitment to facilitating the
development of leading business skills
to further advance competitiveness
within the Black business community.
The program, developed in partnership
with Department of Labor and
Advanced Education and the WIPSI
program, was an opportunity to
define and execute a digital strategy,
based on digital and social media best
practice, business opportunities and
competitive advantages. Participants
were equipped with enhanced skills,
competencies and strategies to
establish a stronger digital and social
presence in their specific sectors.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
1. Foundations for Success 3. E-Marketing for Small Business
2. Leadership for Women 4. Construction Math
Construction Training
BBI’s Renovation 101 Training
During the winter months the BBI
offered two construction courses.
The Structural Insulated Panels
(SIP) training was attended by six
participants (January 15th). To our
knowledge, this group is the first
In May, six firms were accepted into
executive business growth training
offered by Progress Magazine. All
reports confirm that this resultsfocused engagement is a high-value,
"must attend", learning process.
In partnership with
the NS Home Builders
Association, a 12-week
home
renovation
course was offered to
three Constructing the
Future (CTF) graduates
and one non-CTF youth
from East Preston. The
graduation ceremony
was held on March 7
and attended by employers, family members and Communities, Culture and
Heritage Minister, Tony Ince. Three out of the four participants, on or before
graduation, secured employment.
10
...
by: Emily Rendell-Watson
AFK Reef
Supplies
The Heart of Business
Blair Crawford, Owner
11
...
Paul Adams
A
business grows from
the heart of another
business.
This is how co-owner Blair Crawford
describes the birth of AFK Reef
Supplies, the aquarium enthusiast
store he owns with his family partners,
David Ryan and Henry Moore.
AFK Reef Supplies opened in 2012,
after realizing that the computer
business they were running at that
time didn’t have the market appeal
they had hoped for.
Ryan began studying and reading
about fresh and salt water aquariums
as a hobby. He found he was spending
a lot of money buying fish, corals
and tanks from different suppliers in
Canada because there was no one
local business from which to buy
aquarium supplies.
“We set up test tanks in the back of
the computer store that was located
above a garage on Young Street,”
says Ryan. “It was a great place to
start, but to get bigger we had to
move.”
After a period of rapid growth, the
owners made the decision to move to
Bayer’s Lake. This proved challenging,
as they faced the task of moving two
large aquarium tanks from downtown
Halifax to their new location. Having
overcome that challenge, the
company now boasts 12 aquariums
and two coral beds, with a plan to add
another six.
AFK Reef Supplies often sees
customers who have been on vacation
and are looking to replicate what they
have seen.
One of the company’s most popular
sellers is seascapes - rock formations,
coral and fish that are arranged so
that they can start living together
harmoniously. The store offers all the
pieces required to build a seascape.
Selling to customers as far away
as Newfoundland and Winnipeg,
Crawford says they also get the odd
request for sharks and piranhas.
“Our typical customer would start out
with a 30 gallon aquarium. For the true
enthusiast, we supply aquariums that
hold 175 gallon of fresh or salt water,”
says Crawford.
He says they hope to branch out further
across the Atlantic provinces with
additional locations.
“We didn’t anticipate it would be this
big, so we take each day as it comes to
grow it bigger while holding the ground
[we have],” says Crawford.
“[We] sell people a piece of the ocean.”
When asked what message he would
send to young business owners, Blair
said, "Treat people honestly".
AFK Reef Supplies
Blair Crawford, co-owner
8 Oland Cres., Unit 1, Halifax, NS
446-7800
[email protected]
All three owners would like to see
the fresh water aquarium business
grow since this market is significantly
bigger. Salt water aquariums tend
to be a more niche product. AFK
has begun to sell more fresh water
supplies both online and in store, in
addition to regular items like heaters,
lighting, water treatments and wave
devices.
Crawford credits the Black Business
Initiative with helping him learn the skills
necessary to start this business. “The
BBI has helped us develop a business
plan and organize our ideas. They also
helped me get into the courses I needed,
like accounting, tax and business
planning. Everything they had available,
I took advantage of,” says Crawford.
12
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Spiritual Leaders
Trailblazers
Driving Community Development
13
...
These days, our neighbourhood churches are
more than just places to go once-a-week for
spiritual renewal; they have become places
to frequent for community building and have
even become rallying points around issues of
importance to the community.
Reverend Rhonda Britton
from
Cornwallis
Street Baptist Church
in Halifax believes the
role of churches has
changed, especially
for youth “because
society has simply
changed.”
She understands that
part of the difficulty
is the current societal
structure
where
stores and banks are
open and community
events are alternate
options for Sunday
activities.
Rev. Britton says
both the spiritual and
social aspects of a
child’s development
are in jeopardy.
by: Sindi Skenderi
Photos: Peter Marsman
She tries to make the service a
dedication to God through Christ, and
the assembly afterwards a dedication
to the community.
Rev. Britton sees her role as pastor as
being a leader in healthy community
development, tackling difficult issues
within and for her community.
One example of this is in being one
voice from one community partnering
with other local community groups in
an effort to purchase and develop the
old St. Patrick Alexandra’s school. If the
group succeeds they hope to transform
the school into a community centre
aimed towards youths and seniors.
The proposed North Central Community
Centre (NCCC) will provide a place
for community gathering and offer
art, music, personal development and
cultural programs.
“[A place] where our children could
gather, [and have] after-hours
opportunities to keep them off the
streets,” says Rev. Britton.
“You’re taking away a great cornerstone of a child’s life when
you’re driving them away from church.”
She also envisions the Centre could
offer programs for self-improvement
like job interviewing and educational
upgrading.
She says going to church is not simply walking through the
doors, singing the hymnals, making the sign of the cross and
leaving. It is also thanking the pastor after the service, stepping
outside to talk to your neighbors and friends and attending the
church-sponsored events.
“We want to put some emphasis on the
development of people, so people can
realize their full potential,” she says.
“You might have one or two conversations about the service,”
says Rev. Britton, “but it's mostly about the news of the day, or
if this person’s getting married, if this person’s having a child,
or a new grandbaby.”
13
...
Rev. Britton says they are also
researching the possibility of an
affordable housing option at the old
school.
Reverend Kirby Spivey
and bars to simply explore church. She
attended and sang in the choir. One
Sunday, in the middle of a song, “She
just stopped,” he recalls, “and started
crying and thanked New Beginnings
and shared how her life had been
affected since she’s come and been a
part of the church.”
And while he knows youth now might
be harder to reach than before, thanks
to all the new distractions, Rev. Spivey
believes that “there is no aspect of
life that couldn’t be touched (through
church).”
He says churches must remain current
and relevant to the times.
from New Beginnings Ministries in
Dartmouth is another example of
a pastor who really cares about his
community.
Deacon Churchill Smith
He too believes Canadian churches are
becoming more and more secularized
but says they are still an important
meeting place for families in the African
Nova Scotian community.
In December he launched a new debt
management program to help not
only churchgoers but people in the
community get out of debt.
He is also developing programs that deal
with crime prevention for youth.
Recently he extended an open invitation
to a young woman who sang in nightclubs
At the Victoria Road Baptist Church
they offer a variety of programs.
There’s Bible study classes and premarital counseling along with a weekly
food bank drive that is part of Feed
Nova Scotia.
The goal to bring in more young people
continues. He says the best way to
attract more youth is “asking them what
their needs are, or if there are certain
programs they need leaders for”.
At St. Philips African Orthodox
Church, in Sydney, Archbishop Vincent
Watermen believes education is the key
to addressing poverty.
He says churches in the African Nova
Scotian communities need to do
whatever they can to help develop
the community. In Sydney, with the
unemployment rate extremely high,
young people move out west to find jobs
and the ones who stay are challenged
to lead very good lives.
But Archbishop Waterman says that
education may change that. St. Philips is
involved with an organization called the
Health Association of African Canadians
(HAAC), which provides healthy home
systems, cancer resources and hospital
care for people in the community. It
is a group of the community, for the
community. Archbishop Waterman
says it allows people the opportunity to
help each other and themselves.
“A person in the African Nova Scotian
community that doesn’t go to church is
not the norm,” he says.
“So they have positive opportunities in
life, and not just go by what they see and
what they know that might not always
be a positive influence,” he explains.
“There will always be a need for the
church,” he says. He believes the new
task of churches these days is providing
more than sermons.
from Victoria Road United Baptist
Church in Dartmouth says that just
because the role of the church may
be changing doesn’t mean he won’t
continue to find ways to attract
members and meet his current
parishioner’s needs.
Along with HAAC Waterman says there
are many existing resources but they
are not highly publicized. He says it’s
the duty of community churches to
help to share these programs. “What
my church is trying to do is work with
everyone and to open the eyes of the
blind,” he says.
continued on page 15
14
...
Spiritual Leaders
continued from page 14
Reverend Wallace Smith
of Saint Thomas Baptist Church in North
Preston believes it is the programs that
keep his community coming back time
and again.
With youth he says he tries to offer
programs of interest year round. The
recent annual Easter skit is organized
by the young people in the congregation
and he reserves Monday nights for youth
discussions. A recent meeting’s focus
was the upcoming annual youth field trip
called Spring Forth.
But Pastor Smith says it’s not always just
activities that address needs, “if they
need finances, or just support they know
they can come to us,” he says.
There are also programs and clubs that
seniors get involved in to remain active
and part of the community. Two examples
are frequent shopping or spiritual bus trips
and the ladies auxiliary program.
A recent event organized and hosted by
the church and held at the local community
recreation centre was a health fair that
featured health care practitioners giving
advice and information to attending
community members.
15
...
“Seniors had blood pressure checked and
other things, which provided them with
tons of information,” says Pastor Smith.
Each pastor may have different ways of
building their congregation and thereby
developing community but they all agree
that it’s important to continue to challenge
themselves to find ways to continue to be
a source for inspiration and information
for area residents.
Interaction is key to human existence,
and because of that, churches in the
African Nova Scotian community will
keep offering ways to talk about issues
and voice individual opinions.
This is part one of a two part series on African
Nova Scotian community development. In the
next issue of Black to Business organizations
and individuals will be featured.
Atlantic Canada’s economy is on the rise.
Are you prepared to get your unfair share?
When top-line revenue
and profit matter, Atlantic
Canada’s business leaders
turn to Sandler.
The Sandler system
provided a proven
selling system that
they helped us adapt
to our business,
our style, and our
customer base.
The relationship
with Sandler was
successful because
of the on-going
reinforcement of
the training plus the
personal one-on-one
coaching.
WWW.ATLANTIC.SANDLER.COM
NOVA SCOTIA & PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
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Malcolm Fraser,
President, ISL Web
Development
Message from the Chair and CEO
continued from page 1
We are indeed committed to driving
economic prosperity throughout the
Black business community. As such,
we are proud to announce that ADEPA
Construction Management is the first
company that we are aware of in Nova
Scotia to become certified builders for
structural insulated panels, which are
highly eco-efficient. We are helping
to position Black-owned firms and
contractors to be leaders in this highgrowth sector.
BBI, in collaboration with Ross Simmons
as the trainer, just completed the first
e-marketing program ever offered by
BBI’s training department. If firms
are to compete, we need to adopt and
effectively utilize leading technologies.
Department of Labour and Advanced
Education. They have been great
supporters of BBI’s efforts to enhance
business competitiveness through
access to training and industry
certifications.
Another first for BBI was collaboration
with the Nova Scotia Homebuilders
Association to develop the first ever
home renovation training course. There
is significant demand for these skills,
and Paul Pettipas demonstrated great
leadership in working with BBI to help
train and connect Black construction
workers to high-growth sectors of the
construction labour market.
Targeting enhanced service offerings,
broadening our reach, and increasing
outcomes
through
strategic
partnerships are producing relevant
opportunities for business starts,
competitiveness and growth. Don’t
just stay tuned, step up because with
your support, 2014 will be a highimpact and exciting year.
The Black Business Community
Investment Fund Ltd. (BBCIFL) had
another successful year of sales by
raising an additional $76,000 to invest in
high-growth potential firms. Investors
will be pleased to see that 2014 will be
an active year of investing for BBCIFL.
These last two programs were made
possible with funding provided by the
16
...
by: Sindi Skerderi
Gwen’s Bridal
Making Wedding Dreams
Come True
Gwen Cain-Shepherd, Owner
17
...
Paul Adams
T
he wedding day is often considered the biggest day of a woman’s life. All attention is on the
bride as her hair is primped, her makeup
applied, her something borrowed, something blue safely in place and she is
buttoned into the pièce de résistance,
her dress - the envy of all who surround
her. Once she takes the walk down the
aisle, she can relax and enjoy the day
that begins her married life.
and points out that most bridal dresses
in her store come in different colours,
in case a girl likes a bridal style for her
big day but does not want it in a white
or ivory.
But, there is much stress for most brides
leading up to the big day. Who’s on the
invitation list, what's on the menu, who are
the bridesmaids, who are the groomsmen,
what colour will the bridesmaids/
groomsmen wear, is there enough money
– so many questions and what feels like so
little time to make all the decisions.
She got the idea to open up a dress
shop after her husband forgot to pack
her suitcase in the car when they were
leaving for a cruise. “His one job was to
take the suitcase and put it in the car!”
she laughs.
Gwen Cain-Shepherd, owner of Gwen’s
Bridal in Dartmouth knows exactly how
stressful a wedding can be for a bride,
because she sees it first hand at her store.
The best part for her is helping to ease the
stress of the bride and the groom, because
as she says, “when there are wedding
parties of 25 it can be a little overwhelming
to manage everyone’s opinion.”
“When I was married, I had a wedding
party of seven and I thought that was big!”
says Gwen.
Today, a wedding isn’t the only thing that’s
considered a big occasion. Girls and
young women are buying dresses for their
graduation, high school dances, and most
importantly, their Prom.
“Prom is taking over the world,” Gwen
says. Originally from Nova Scotia, she
understands how big a deal Prom is here,
Her busiest months are from April to
August, and with the rush of Prom and
Graduation, Gwen reminds herself to
breathe, because she’s doing what she
loves best.
Her sister reminded her that there are
shops on board that sell clothes and
dresses, and after getting over her
hesitation, she decided to go into a little
boutique on the ship. The storeowner
was renting out wedding dresses,
costume dresses and cocktail dresses.
Having that experience brought back
Gwen’s childhood dream of selling
wedding dresses so when she returned
from her cruise, she decided to give it
a try.
She started her business in Montreal,
and after several years she made the
decision to move back to her Nova
Scotia roots. Upon her return, she
noticed there weren’t any Black-owned
bridal boutiques; she wanted to be the
first one.
She felt that it was important to
demonstrate to other aspiring Black
entrepreneurs that to try is the most
important thing.
The Black Business Initiative (BBI)
helped Gwen on her journey. She admits
to starting her business with her heart,
without any knowledge of what it takes
to open and run a business successfully.
That changed once she got involved
with training programs and conferences
offered by the BBI.
Gwen
contacted
other
Black
entrepreneurs and says that she has
benefited tremendously from their
guidance and mentorship. “It’s been
tremendous to deal with things on my
own after taking BBI’s classes.”
In the future, Gwen hopes to expand her
business to other cities across Canada,
so more women and girls can enjoy that
fairytale experience of picking out the
perfect dress. Whether you’re a bride
looking for a wedding dress or a high
school graduate looking for a prom dress,
Gwen says that as soon as you walk
through her boutique doors, you will be
treated like royalty.
After buying her third dress at Gwen’s
Bridal for her daughter’s high school
dance, Denise Lough says she refers
Gwen to everyone. “I feel like she’s an old
friend, she knows my face and voice, it
feels very comfortable,” she says.
Gwen says that her business would not
have survived if it wasn’t for her community,
her sisters, and her husband who nudged
her in that direction when he purposefully
forgot her suitcase at home.
Gwen's Bridal
102 Albro Lake Rd, Dart., NS
(902) 433-0591
www.gwensbridaldartmouth.ca
18
...
Provincial
by: Carol Dobson
Politics
& Economic
Development
“My advice is to find a political party
that fits with your philosophy of life
and join it,” he says. “It’s important
to be part of the political process.”
- Wayne Adams
19
...
W
ayne Adams remem-
bers being exposed to politics
at a very young age in Halifax’s
north end .
“It seemed like there were always
elections happening and people like G.I
Ahern, Harold Connolly, Edmund Morris
were running” he says. “It got into the
blood.”
as Deputy Warden. Then, in 1993, he
became the first member for Preston,
the first Black Member of the House of
Assembly, and the first Black cabinet
minister in the province’s history.
One big difference between the
two levels of government was the
interjection of the party system into
the mix. County council government
did not have any parties so members
relied on building a consensus amongst
the councillors in order to get things
passed by council. Once you enter
the ‘mid-level house’, the Legislature,
party discipline comes into play, as it
does at the federal level, but Adams
didn’t set his sights on Ottawa, despite
urging from some quarters.
“I enjoyed being in the House, it was
a form of theatre,” he says. “It is
important but more work gets done
outside of the House than in it.”
Wayne Adams
While the public sees the debate on
the televised legislature channel or
the evening news, question period and
debates on bills are the end game.
The politicians set the policy direction
for the government, bills are drafted
to reflect that policy and then are
introduced into the House to eventually
become law. Behind the scenes are
committee meetings, public hearings,
meetings with constituents and
interest groups, and day to day work
alongside the province’s civil servants.
Once it’s in the blood, it tends to stay
there. For Adams, he had a couple
of dreams as a young man – one to
get into radio, the other to run for
election. His first election was for
student council and, that, in his mind,
was an easy one to win.
When Adams was defeated in 1998,
history was made again in the riding
of Preston when Yvonne Atwell was
elected as the first Black female MLA,
as a member of the New Democratic
Party. During her little more than a
year as a member, she sat on the
opposition side of the House.
He did become well known as a
broadcaster on CHNS radio but that
political bug was still present. He was
elected to Halifax County Council in
1979 for five terms and served a term
“When I was first elected it was like
closing your eyes jumping off a cliff,”
she recalls. “But then, you land, you
open your eyes and you survey what
you were elected to do.”
Yvonne Atwell
She says that included realizing that
the people of her area had elected her
to represent them in the House, to fight
for changes that would improve the
lives of her constituents, and that it
was her job to do that to the best of her
ability. She also admits that what she
found as an MLA sitting in the historic
legislative chamber was that it was
opposite to what she had expected but
she was able to use her experience
in community development as one of
the lenses she used to evaluate the
information presented to her.
“There are things that you can do
in opposition that you can’t do in
government,” she says. “But you have
to realize that the real behind the scenes
work is done by the bureaucrats. The
ministers have too much on their plates
to be typing out policy papers; their role
is to develop the policy directions for
the civil servants to implement.”
continued on page 17
20
...
She also says she felt she represented
two distinct populations – the African
Nova Scotians of the Prestons and
the residents of the Lake Echo-Porters
Lake area, but at the end of the day,
their concerns were the same. Her
role was to be their advocate – to
work to ensure that new schools were
built, that a crosswalk was installed so
people could cross the road safely, to
bring jobs to the area, and to deal with
human issues, like getting a pothole
at the end of a driveway patched or
making sure a family in need got a
turkey for Christmas.
Today, her predecessor, Keith Colwell
is continuing this work – working on
business development, improving
infrastructure, and bringing jobs to the
Prestons and working towards building
a performing arts theatre.
When she lost the election in 1999,
she says she thought she’d take a
few months off, work in her garden,
and clean out the ‘junk’ that had
accumulated in her house, but after
a while, the work she’s doing now
in restorative justice came along and
she’s still there today. She continues
to use her political acumen, community
development and advocacy skills, nine
years later.
There were no African Nova Scotians
in the House after her defeat in 1999
until Percy Paris was elected in the
June 2006 election and served his
constituents in Waverley Fall River until
October 2013.
His advice to anyone interested in
getting involved in the political process
is straightforward. “It’s important to be
aware of the issues,” Paris says. “If
you’re not at the table, you’re not making
decisions, and the lack of diversity at
that table these days is very obvious,
yet there is strength in numbers. We
need more members of our community
at the table so we can effect change.”
21
...
he says. Then I went door to door with
Gloria McCluskey and discovered that I
really enjoyed doing that, and it wasn’t
what I expected. Then Mike Savage
took me under his wing and I liked how
he handled dealing with people. Then,
one of his workers suggested that I run
for the nomination.”
Percy Paris
“I’m so happy to have this learning
opportunity to be educated about how
our political process works– I had no
expectations when I came into this job.
I came in with an open mind, and I’m
truly grateful. I’m surrounded by people
who are bursting with knowledge and
who can help me when I need it. I’m
the second African Nova Scotian
to wear the two hats I’m wearing –
Communities, Culture and Heritage and
African Nova Scotian Affairs.”
While Paris was defeated in October,
there are two new African Nova
Scotians in the House – Tony Ince,
the Minister of Communities, Culture
and Heritage and African Nova Scotian
Affairs, from Cole Harbour-Portland
Valley and Rev. Stephen Gough from
Sackville-Beaverbank.
While some have called Ince a
kingmaker because he defeated a
sitting premier, he doesn’t like looking
at things that way. Instead, he uses
the traditional Nova Scotian saying that
governments in this province aren’t
elected, but they are defeated.
He comes from an education and
community development background
and credits people like his mother,
Thelma Coward-Ince (the first African
Nova Scotian woman to join the Naval
Reserves) and his neighbours in
Halifax’s North End – Gus Wedderburn,
Bucky Adams, Buddy Paris, Walter
Sparks, and Hughie Grant for sparking
his interest in politics.
“I thought of running for the African
Nova Scotian seat on the school board,”
Minister Tony Ince
He isn’t the only one who is looking at
the new government as an opportunity
to learn and fight for change. Rev.
Stephen Gough was also elected as a
member of the Liberal government in
October.
“It was an exciting position to be in at
the age of 55 - midlife,” he says. “I have
a lot of life experience I can apply to
the things I’m doing and there’s a lot of
information I can share to bring value to
my constituents.”
He says the sense of history in the
Legislative Chamber is overwhelming
especially when he thinks of the people,
like Joe Howe, who have sat in that
chamber over the past century and
more.
But he’s also pleased to be part of a
government that is working towards a
brighter future for the province and is
enjoying the challenge.
He would like to see more involvement
from the community in the political
system, especially from youth.
“They have a role to play in the future
of this province and their voices need
to be heard, if change is to be made
in terms of diversity. Unless there are
more members of the Black community
sitting at the table in all sectors of
the province’s economy, as well as
in the political system at all levels,
from school boards to the House of
Commons, that change won’t come.”
“I try to talk to my son so he has a better
understanding of the political process.
Things are getting better; we are seeing
more women in the House, for example,
but members of the Black community
need to put themselves forward into
the political arena. If you’re not at the
table, you can’t criticize the decisions
being made.”
Wayne Adams agrees. He thinks back
to being the only African Nova Scotian
member of his local young Liberal
association and feeling lonely. But
that organization, and others like it are
wonderful training grounds for young
people who want to be involved in
the political process and who want
to make a difference. It’s also a way
MLA Stephen Gough
to make contacts and the networking
opportunities often pay off down the
road.
“My advice is to find a political party
that fits with your philosophy of life and
join it,” he says. “It’s important to be
part of the political process.”
“I try to talk to
my son so he
has a better
understanding
of the political
process. Things
are getting better;
we are seeing
more women in the
House, for example,
but members of the
Black community
need to put
themselves forward
into the political
arena. If you’re not
at the table, you
can’t criticize the
decisions being
made.”
- Rev. Stephen Gough
MLA for
Sackville-Beaverbank
22
...
People & Business
on the Move
A long held dream is coming to fruition
as site preparation is underway for the
newest addition to the Nova Scotia
Museum complex — the $4.3-million
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre. The
municipal, provincial and federal
governments are contributing toward
the building. There are also a multitude
of fundraising events and private
donors.
Congratulations to Dalhousie’s Dr.
Kevin Hewitt, recipient of this year’s
Harry Jerome Award for Professional
Excellence!
The Citadel High School women’s
basketball team, coached by Nadeem
Marson, has achieved a phenomenal
milestone by winning 100 games in a
row – congratulations!
CBDC Blue Water
Students in Business
Program (SIB)
This program assists students
between the ages of 15 and 34
who wish to explore the world of
entrepreneurship. This program
offers interest free loans up to
$5,000, training, as well as on-going
support from a strong business
development team.
Viola Desmond was one of nine Nova
Scotian trailblazing women honoured at
Government House on March 7 with the
launch the Nova Scotia Nine portrait
series that also inspired a book. The
Nova Scotia Nine is a collection of largescale, contemporary paintings of women
who lived extraordinary lives and made
a difference here in Nova Scotia. Ms.
Desmond was also the subject of a
presentation by Dr. Afua Cooper to the
Zonta Club of Halifax on March 11.
The 20th annual W.P. Oliver Wall of
Honour dinner was held on March 14.
Special guest speakers this year were
members of the Oliver family (Les &
Steve Oliver) who spoke about the life
of their father, the late Dr. W.P. Oliver,
and the impact his life made in Nova
Scotia. The 2014 Award Recipients
are: Mr. Bryan Darrell (Halifax), Ms.
Audrey Hesson (Dartmouth), Ms. Joan
Jones (Halifax), and Mr. Henderson
Paris (New Glasgow). The featured
entertainment at the event was the
Boyd Family Singers.
Justine Colley continues to amaze
the basketball world. She has been
named as the greatest scorer in the
history of Canadian university women’s
23
...
With training and mentorship from
Business Is Jammin' and a CBDC
Students in Business Loan, 16 year
old Isaiah Skeete, a student at Prince
Andrew High School in Dartmouth,
started his own business, “Ayo Zai’s
Accessories”. You can reach Isaiah
at (902) 579-5903.
To learn how you can start and grow a
business with BIJ and CBDC contact:
[email protected]
902-426-8683
@BusinessIsJammin
basketball with 2,376 points over five
years in the CIS and is the only Atlantic
conference player to have that honour.
The Saint Mary’s Huskies repeated as
the AUS champs at the championship
held in Charlottetown on March 9 and
Colley was named tournament MVP.
On March 13, the fifth-year guard for
the Saint Mary’s Huskies — the first
Atlantic university player ever to win
the CIS MVP award - won it again
this year and received her prize at an
awards dinner in Windsor, Ont.
Candace Thomas was the keynote
speaker at an International Women’s
Day event at the Westin in Halifax. The
event was organized by Ann Divine and
Louise Adongo to showcase Black and
immigrant female entrepreneurs.
The late Dr. Rocky Jones was honoured
at a special tribute evening at the
Dalhousie Art Gallery, featuring two
films in which he played a prominent
role – Sylvia Hamilton’s “Against the
Tide” and Rex Tasker’s “Encounter
at Kwatcha House”. He has also
become one of the inaugural recipients
of a human rights accolade recently
renamed in his honour. The Nova Scotia
Human Rights Commission renamed its
individual award the Dr. Burnley Allan
“Rocky” Jones Human Rights Award
in recognition of this celebrated lawyer
and political activist.
Juanita Peter’s play “The Mother Club”,
starring Rita Deverell, Arlene Duncan,
Micha Cromwell, and Kirsten Olivia,
played to rave reviews at Alderney
Landing in early March.
Also, at Neptune Theatre, “Oil and
Water” proved to be one of this
season’s major hits. It has now moved
on to St. John’s Newfoundland. Sid
Collymore and Brandon Gero, with
Investors Group, hosted a reception for
community members on opening night.
On Saturday March 1, the Cumberland
African Nova Scotian Association
presented a musical concert
celebrating youth at the Springhill
Community Centre with performances
by Connor Silvea, the Imani African
Children’s Choir, Dan Calder’s Youth
Choir, and the Ruddick Family and
Friends, with special guest, Summer
Joy Upshaw.
A Ghana Independence Day Banquet
was held on March 8 at Saint Michael's
RC Parish in Spryfield to celebrate
Ghanian heritage and culture.
The Congress of Black Women held
a forum in East Preston for youth
on the topic of “defining ourselves,
dispelling the myth, and discovering
our successes” on February 28. The
guest speakers were Jessica Bowden,
Shaylyn Williams, Cory Beals, and
Matthew E. Thomas.
The “Inspire African Nova Scotian
Youth Art Exhibition” was held from
Feb. 6-27.
It featured drawings,
paintings and installations by 12 African
Nova Scotian youth artists from across
the province at the Public Archives.
In conjunction with this exhibition,
the Black Artists Network (BANNS)
held a celebration of literary readings,
dramatic performance and visual art
exhibition by a new generation of
African Nova Scotian young artists,
writers and performers 15-25 yrs. The
afternoon featured a performance of
Black Journey by Voices Black Theatre
Ensemble and as the guest speaker, Dr.
Afua Cooper, James R. Johnston Chair,
Dalhousie University.
Pier 21 celebrated African Heritage
Month with special programming
including a screening of “Fields of
Endless Day”, which explores the "roots"
of Canada's diverse Black populations,
tracing the history of individual and
collective struggles and triumphs
over a period of almost 375 years. The
museum also presented “Africentric
Learning and Teaching 101 Workshop:
“A Balance of Stories", which was
facilitated by Susie Brigham and Késa
Munroe-Anderson on February 28.
Congratulations Jake Borden, Freeman
Maxwell and the Apex Golf Association
– all were honoured at the Truro Sports
Heritage Dinner in early March.
Congratulations to Cyndi Cain, the
Artist of the Year at the ANSMA
Awards. The awards were presented
at the African History Month Gala at the
World Trade and Convention Centre.
This year’s winners included Rising
Star Samm Splash, The Gospel Heirs,
bassist Vernon Brown, and guitar hero
Victor Martin Smith. The evening also
included a tribute to the legacy of South
African leader Nelson Mandela, with
a spoken word piece by Halifax’s poet
laureate, El Jones.
continued on page 36
24
...
by: Tobie Hainstock
Lincoln
Construction
A Reputation for Excellence
Stewart Williams, Owner
25
...
Bruce Jollimore
K
nown in the area
as the "Stone Wall
Specialists", Lincoln
Construction has been providing excellent quality stone work and landscaping services for more than 40 years.
As a youngster, Stewart Williams grew
up on a farm and was no shirker when
it came to hard work. Farm labour
often involves building fences, digging
trenches, solving drainage issues and
building stone foundations for the barns
and out buildings. Williams enjoyed the
work and decided that was what he
wanted to do. “I realized how much I
like working with my hands and thought
that it would be worthwhile going to
work for someone else to learn more
about it,” he recalls.
For the next few years, Williams
worked hard and learned as much as he
could about concrete and landscaping.
Eventually the young man knew it was
time to step out in faith and open
his own business. When he opened
Lincoln Construction, Williams’ mind
was set on providing the highest quality
of product and service possible.
Over the decades that followed, the
name Lincoln Construction became
synonymous
with
high-quality
workmanship and integrity. “Our motto
has always been, ‘get it right the first
time’,” comments Williams. We hardly
ever get a call back unless it's for repeat
business. Williams tells of businesses
that have wanted to hire him from
Toronto, Quebec and the United States,
but home is where the heart is for him
and his talented crew.
As a testament of the high standard
that Lincoln Construction offers to their
customers, Williams tells of building the
retaining walls along Dunbrack Street
in Halifax. “We built those retaining
walls in 1977 and its structural integrity
is still intact,” he says.
Whether looking to pave a driveway,
install an outdoor fireplace or plant
new trees and shrubs, Lincoln
Construction offers a wide variety of
services from sidewalks, foundations
and mulching, to drainage systems,
fire pits and grading. Williams and his
crew will apply their years of expertise
to any project they are hired to do.
“The customer will bring us their plans
and we will work with them to make
them happen,” he says, “We will
create the backyard of their dreams.”
He explains that whenever possible,
Lincoln Construction looks to support
the local businesses first for flowers,
trees and shrubbery. “We also provide
excavating and trucking services
along with lot clearing, grubbing and
stumping,” he adds. Other services
Lincoln Construction provides include
fixing water problems, drainage
problems, and creating and enlarging
backyards.
to someday be handing his business
over to his daughter Yolande Williams
and grandchildren Courtney, Corez,
Breanna, Nevall and Mackeegan. For
Williams, leaving a business with an
unsurpassable reputation for quality
work and impeccable customer service
is like a dream come true.
As he reflects back over the past
decades, Williams speaks freely of
the valuable lessons he learned in the
industry. “Don’t be afraid to dream big
and follow it through,” he advises, “and
once you get started living your dream,
be consistent with your service and
always listen to your customers."
Lincoln Construction
Services Ltd.
610 Wright Avenue, Suite 343
Dartmouth, NS Canada
Phone: 902.462.5561
Originally published in the April/May 2014
issue of Fine Lifestyles HRM Magazine.
Reprinted with permission.
As a true family man, Williams has
worked very hard over the years to
create a solid business to pass along as
a legacy to his family. He is very pleased
26
...
27
...
Eligibility
the labour market for the first time,
To be eligible, you must have a good idea
a recognized under-represented group
and be an unemployed Nova Scotian
(Woman,
who is not eligible for Employment
Aboriginal Nova Scotians, Persons with
Insurance benefits, particularly but not
Disabilities, those being hired by an
limited to the following groups:
employer in a rural area). ONLY new
who require work experience
Aboriginal people; recent graduates
employer/apprentice
and/or
(within the last 3 years), persons
will be approved for the pilot year of
with disabilities; recent immigrants
the program unless approved by the
(within the last 3 years); African Nova
Director of Apprenticeship Training.
Scotians; Acadian and Francophone
For a list of eligible rural areas and
small population centers, please
see the Apprenticeship Section of
the document.
THE START PROGRAM
The START program encourages
employers to hire Nova Scotians
would
benefit
from
apprenticeship support, resulting in
good jobs for Nova Scotians while
providing employers with valuable
Nova Scotians; workers over 55 years of
employees. The START program is
age; youth; women; income assistance
run by Employment Nova Scotia and
recipients; people who were formerly
directed through the Labour Market
Support System (LaMPSS)
self-employed; people who have been
out of the labour market for a length of
time, recent graduates or are entering
or potential apprentices who are from
African
Nova
Scotians,
registrations
For more information on the START
program, to make general inquiries
and for eligibility criteria:
http://www.novascotia.ca/
28
...
Ask an Expert
Entrepreneur’s Tool Kit
Communications and Your Business.
PR Doesn’t Stand for Press Release.
Yes, the press release is an important tool as it serves to keep
media stakeholders informed about what’s happening in a
company. But it should only ever serve as one component of
larger PR efforts.
What is PR? Is it managing image; blasting news releases;
spinning messages? There is no shortage of definitions.
Wiki says: PR is the practice of managing the flow of information between an individual or an organization and the public.
The aim of public relations by a company often is to persuade
the public, investors, partners, employees, and other stakeholders to maintain a certain point of view about it, its leadership, products, or corporate decisions.
Practically speaking, it’s all that and then some.
There’s a great quote that says: “When you do awesome
things, it makes people want to share the awesome.” This is so
true across all lines of business and across all industries.
At the highest level, PR is about:
•Engagement
•Conversations
• Honesty; and
•Trust
And… it’s about doing awesome things, whenever and wherever we can. PR at its best seizes opportunities that relate
directly to what matters most to customers and communities
where a business operates. That can be accomplished by:
•
•
•
Staying close to community stakeholders who help keep you connected to what’s important locally.
Consuming and tracking local media platforms
(traditional and social) to learn more about what’s trending and what matters in any given community.
Reacting quickly and thoughtfully to sudden or unplanned
events both in your business and your community.
Of course, there’s the reactive side to PR that can’t be ignored
or denied and how that is handled, often determines the outcome. Helpful, timely, honest responses to what happens at
your business can reduce the level of negativity that can be
attributed to your business.
29
...
by: John Wedderburn
John Wedderburn
is a principal at
CM Communications in
Halifax with more than
15 years in the PR industry. He can be reached
at: [email protected]
Is there a magic formula to good PR?
No, but there are fundamental practices that contribute to excellence in
public relations:
1.Tell the truth: Let the public
know what's happening and provide
an accurate picture of the company's
character, commitments and practices.
2.Prove it with action: Public
perception of a company is determined
mostly by what it does and rarely by
what it says.
3.
Listen to and understand
what the public wants and
needs. It’s important to stay informed
about public reaction to products, decisions and practices.
4.
Understand that a company's true character is
expressed by its people – all
of its people. The strongest opinions
-- good or bad -- about a company
are shaped by the words and actions
of its employees, which means every
employee is involved with public relations. Corporate communications
should support each employee's ability to be an honest, knowledgeable
ambassador.
5.Remain calm, patient and
positive – this speaks for itself.
Dare to Dream
by: Mike Randall
You have a bright idea—now what?
How do you plan to turn it into a reality?
We’ve all had them. They come in
a variety of ways: the “aha!” moment,
through trial and error or team brainstorming, maybe even in a dream. How
many big ideas started with the phrase,
“Wouldn’t it be cool if…?”
Big ideas are important. They’re how
society progresses—how we change
the way we live, the way we work,
and the way we grow our businesses.
Big ideas emerge from start-up innovators, business forums, and established
sector leaders across the region. And
they’ll keep coming. Leaders, visionaries, and backyard inventors will continue to dream about the way things
could be.
The key, however, is figuring out how to
turn those ideas into something tangible
that others will embrace. For Colette
O’Hara and Laura Whitman, the owners of Dartmouth-based leadership
and ideation firm Red Balloon, the
concept of big ideas is what brought
them together. “Red Balloon exists to
launch ideas that leave legacies,” says
O’Hara.
What became apparent in recent conversations with them and a number
of other business leaders is that the
concept of big ideas requires both
structure and vision to turn ideas into
reality. Let me break down the process for you.
Create. This is the vision component. Ideas come by brainstorming and allowing yourself to dream.
Sometimes it will take sifting through
NOVA SCOTIA'S ECONOMY.STRONG.DIVERSE.HEALTHY.
Originally published in Progress Magazine.
Reprinted with permission.
Mike Randall is a communications and marketing specialist, entrepreneur, and dreamer. He can
be reached at :
[email protected].
hundreds of ideas to find the one that
succeeds.
Liberate. An idea in your head may
seem amazing, but the reality of putting
it into motion can be scary. Putting all
of those fears down on paper is the
first step to getting past them. “Letting
go of fear is a skill you can build,” says
O’Hara. “We have to allow ourselves to
be OK with being scared and learn to
work through that.”
continued on page 32
The Black Business Community Investment Fund
Black Business
Community
Investment Fund
Limited (BBCIFL)
BBCIFL was born out of the need to provide capital to Nova Scotia Black-owned businesses possessing the potential to grow,
show profitability and can create jobs for Nova Scotians.
In the past 10 years, over a hundred Nova Scotians have invested in excess of $745,000 in BBCIFL, thereby contributing in the
creation of more jobs for Nova Scotians as well as the sustainable prosperity of our great province. 14 investments worth about
$1.5 million have been made to date..
At no other time in Nova Scotia’s recent history has there been such optimism and potential for real economic growth and
prosperity.
On behalf of our investors, we at the BBCIFL are seizing this momentum by financing local Black-owned businesses demonstrating
high performance potential, helping them to compete on the world stage.
We believe in the enterprising nature of Nova Scotians and their ability to create wealth for themselves and their stakeholders.
Call (902) 426-4281 to find out more about the success stories the BBCIFL has invested in.
30
...
by: Carol Dobson
Corey Katz
Photography
Corey Katz, Owner
31
...
Dare to Dream
continued from page 30
"Field Panorama" by Corey Katz
Contributed
C
orey Katz is a young
entrepreneur on the
move. His business,
Corey Katz Photography, is only three
years old but his client list would make
more seasoned photographers green
with envy. A recognized talent by his
peers and clients, Corey has shot pho-
programs like the Self Employment
Benefit (SEB) Program, which
gave me training in accounting and
other areas that I needed to run my
business. I have a young daughter,
so the financial support I received
while I was in the SEB program was
a really big help.”
Corey's already gaining recognition
for his work.
tography for the Fortress of Louisbourg,
“I love living on Cape
Celtic Colours (official photographer),
Breton Island but it
Sobeys, and the Royal Canadian Mint,
can be a challenging
among other distinguished clients.
“I’m 27, have been a photographer for
the past eight years and in business
for three,” the New Waterford
native says. “I’m self-taught and do
wedding, music, commercial, and
advertising photography. Growing up,
I was more interested in video but
as I got older I made the decision
to shift into photography because I
really enjoyed playing around with
my camera exploring landscapes and
scenic shots.”
He gives a great deal of credit to the
Black Business Initiative for getting his
business off the ground.
“I wouldn’t be here without them,”
he says. “They gave me a loan so I
could buy equipment, and access to
place for a small
business,” K atz says. “I
didn't want to have
to move away and
thanks to the SEB
Program and the BBI,
I can stay here”
In 2010, he was one of only 24 visual
artists from across the province to
have work purchased for the Nova
Scotia Art Bank. He is a founding
member of the Coastal Arts Initiative,
an award-winning group of young
and emerging artists from Cape
Breton.
continued on page 34
Analyze. Every idea, in order to stay in
the process, has to be critiqued and criticized significantly. This ensures that you
don’t spend too much time on something
that ultimately won’t work. Don’t take the
criticism personally—what’s important
is finding a way of making something a
reality.
Adjust. How can the idea be optimized,
built upon, and improved? Most of the
time the original idea will turn into something that looks totally different. “It’s like
baking a cake without a recipe,” says
O’Hara. “You’ll try this combination with
that combination until you find the one
that works best. It’s trial and error to find
the best- tasting cake. It may not be the
one you first envisioned, but it’s the one
that will work.”
Validate. It’s time to look at the financial and operational impact. Does it make
sense from a business perspective? What
needs to change to make it happen, and is
it a worthwhile investment to get there?
Execute. In the end, it comes down to
getting things done. It will take hard work,
time, energy, and leadership. But if the
idea is valuable, then it’s worth the effort
to make sure it comes to fruition.
Finally, perhaps the most important
component in bringing an idea to life is
leadership. You need leaders who know
when to lead and when to get out of the
way. So many ideas fail because the
person or group that came up with the
idea can’t relinquish control to allow
those with the right skills to move the
project forward. Sometimes moving
forward requires letting go. We need
big ideas, we need the leadership to
make them a reality, and we need to do
it by working together. That’s how this
region will move forward, how our businesses will grow and prosper, and how
our young entrepreneurs will become
engaged enough to stay home and see
their dreams become reality. So dare to
dream—we’ll all be better off for it.
32
...
Out with
&theAbout
BBI
BBI CHRISTMAS SOCIAL & DIRECTORY LAUNCH
December 2013
33
...
ANSMA 2014 AWARDS SHOW
March 2014
Black Business Community
Investment Fund Limited (BBCIFL)
Business Is Jammin' (BIJ)
March Break Camp 2014
33
...
Corey Katz
continued from page 31
Corey has participated in many exhibits
and has held two solo shows – one at the
Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
entitled “Through a Katz Eye” in 2012 and
another at the Credit Union Main Street
Gallery, entitled “Collection of Work by
Corey Katz” in 2011.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Grandview Golf & Country Club
431 Crane Hill Road, Dartmouth, NS
t
r
o
p
p
u uth !
S
p
l
e
H Our Yo
In 2012, Katz was nominated for Nova
Scotia Entrepreneur of the Year by
the Black Business Initiative. And the
following year he won the Sydney and
Area Chamber of Commerce Young
Entrepreneur of the Year award.
His work follows a rhythm, with
commercial photography happening
year round and wedding season falling
between June and October.
His portfolio of work can be viewed
at his company website (see below),
which illustrates this young artist's eye
and how he so artfully captures the
events and scenery around him.
“I love living on Cape Breton Island but
it can be a challenging place for a small
business,” Katz says. “I didn't want to
have to move away and thanks to the
SEB Program and the BBI, I can stay
here.”
Corey's studio is located in a classroom
in the New Dawn Centre for Social
Innovation, which is located in the
iconic former Holy Angels High School
in downtown Sydney.
For more information contact us:
[email protected]
902-426-8683
Corey Katz Photography
Studio/Office: 37 Nepean St
Sydney, NS, Canada
Phone: 902-537-0451
Email: [email protected]
Web: coreykatzphotography.com
34
...
Candace L. Thomas,
Partner,
Corporate Group,
Stewart McKelvey,
Barristers, Solicitors
& Trademark Agents
Leasing Basics: Ten Things to consider before entering into a
Commercial Lease (Part 2 of 2)
I will start with a few reminders from Part 1 of Leasing Basics. A commercial lease is a contract made by or on behalf
of the owner of real property (“landlord”) and an individual or legal entity (“tenant) for the use of the landlord’s real
property for a business purpose. Importantly, a commercial lease creates legal obligations that can impact the
success of a business.
The
Law
& Your Business
In my last column, I addressed the offer to lease, leased premises, term, rent, and due diligence aspects of commercial
leasing. The following round out my list of 10 things to consider before entering into a commercial lease:
35
...
6.Use: Commercial leases typically contain a
provision stipulating how the tenant can utilize
the leased premises. If drafted too precisely,
the lease terms may not permit the tenant to
carry on certain activities related to its core
business. A narrowly drafted “use” clause
could also impede future plans for growth or
diversification, and may lead to issues if other
tenants carry on similar business activities.
Particularly if located in a mall or other multiunit building, it is advisable to include an
exclusivity clause in the lease prohibiting the
landlord from allowing another tenant to offer
the same product(s) or service(s).
7. Common Areas: When leasing space in a
building that is shared with the landlord and/
or other tenants, common areas may include
all areas other than rentable space. Under a
commercial lease, tenants are usually required
to pay the landlord’s expenses associated with
the common areas. These are most commonly
characterized as part of the landlord’s operating
expenses and shared by the tenants pursuant
to a formula contained in the lease. To the
extent changes can be negotiated, the tenant
should try to eliminate any fees and charges
that should rightfully be borne by the landlord,
such as capital and income tax, structural
repairs, and expenses the landlord would
recover through insurance proceeds.
8. Assignment and Subletting: Most modern
leases permit the tenant to assign the lease
with the landlord’s consent. It may seem
insignificant at the beginning of the lease;
however, the tenant’s right to assign will
become important should the tenant wish to
sell all or part of its business. A commercial
lease, among other things, may provide that
the landlord’s consent to an assignment may
be unreasonably withheld, may require the
tenant to pay an administrative fee and/or all
of the landlord’s legal fees associated with
the assignment, and may trigger the landlord’s right to take
back the premises and terminate the lease. These provisions
may pose serious problems for a tenant and could effectively
prevent the tenant from selling its business. Depending
upon the tenant’s bargaining position, such language should
be removed or modified to reflect terms acceptable to both
parties.
9. Financing and Security: The landlord will generally conduct
its own due diligence inquiries against the tenant to ensure the
tenant has the financial capacity to meet its obligations under
the lease. To protect its interests in the event of default by the
tenant, the landlord will require security which may include,
for example, a security deposit or personal guarantees and
indemnities from the individual shareholders or the parent
company of a corporate tenant. Notably, the requirement to
give personal guarantees and/or indemnities, particularly if
unlimited, effectively remove the protection of limited liability
- one of the key benefits of choosing a corporate vehicle
through which to carry on business.
10.Indemnification and Insurance: It is common for a
commercial lease to require the tenant to indemnify the
landlord for all losses, damages and expenses resulting in the
event of certain circumstances under the lease. The tenant
will want to exclude indemnification for losses resulting from
the landlord’s negligence.
The lease may stipulate the types of insurance coverage the
tenant is required to maintain, and may require the tenant to
name the landlord as an additional insured covered under the
lease. In addition to protecting the tenant against its own
losses, the insurance requirements ensure the tenant will be
able to comply with potential liability that may arise pursuant
to the indemnification clause. Carrying the appropriate
insurance coverage will enable the tenant to mitigate risk
under the lease and in its business generally.
I have given a very brief, high level overview of 10 common
elements of a commercial lease. The list is not exhaustive.
Review the financial and legal implications with your
accounting and legal advisors prior to executing a commercial
lease agreement, or an offer to lease. Finally, as the tenant,
negotiate with the landlord to get the best terms and conditions
for you and your business.
Disclaimer:
The information presented above is for informative purposes only. All information provided is of a
general nature and is not intended as legal advice and does not address the circumstances of any
particular person or business.
People and Business
on the Move continued from page 24
F2F
2
YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR LIFE. SQUARE IT.
This is your invitation to join an exclusive community of business owners and leaders. The most
well informed, well connected, and influential network in the region. People just like you.
Learn. Grow. Be inspired. Get motivated. And be constantly energized.
Become a member of Face to Face2
For more information contact Carole Bell at [email protected] or 1.902.494.5818
Hindsight Infrared
Services Inc.
Charles Adams, President/Owner
Certified Energy Advisor
Certified Thermographer
Certified Building Official
T: (902) 869-0203
C: (902) 237-0908
[email protected]
www.hindsightinfraredservicesinc.com
Energy Efficiency Through Infrared
The film based on Lawrence Hill’s
“The Book of Negroes” had a number
of scenes shot here in Nova Scotia.
Shooting began Feb. 3rd in South
Africa and continued to March 28th.
Preproduction began in Nova Scotia on
March 17, with filming in the province
happening from April 21 to May 20,
in and around Halifax, Shelburne,
Lunenburg and Louisbourg. Stars of
the film include Aunjanue Ellis, Cuba
Gooding Jr., Lou Gossett Jr., Lyriq Bent,
Allan Hawco, Greg Bryk, Ben Chaplin,
and Jane Alexander.
Congratulations to Mikya Francis,
a student from Digby Regional High
School, who was among 68 students in
the province who received a Lieutenant
Governor's Respectful Citizenship
Award at a Feb. 26 reception at
Government House. The award that
she and other students from across
the province received recognizes
students who demonstrate leadership
and a commitment to creating safe
and inclusive spaces, where bullying
behaviour is not accepted, and
respectful and responsible relationships
are promoted.
Lindsay Ruck, the granddaughter of the
late Senator Calvin Ruck has written a
biography of her grandfather, entitled
“Winds of Change: The Life and Legacy
of Calvin Ruck”, which will be released
by Pottersfield Press this spring.
A building group is lending a hand to
Nova Scotia’s young Dragons Den
stars. Build Right Nova Scotia, a newly
formed partnership between unionized
contractors and the building trades, will
be constructing a new, state-of-the-art
greenhouse for the kids of Hope Blooms.
Canada Post unveiled a stamp honouring
Africville at a ceremony at Halifax City
Hall in February.
continued on page 37
36
...
People and Business on the Move
continued from page 36
The Canadian Cancer Society’s
provincial chapter held a Valentine’s
Day concert in memory of the late
Bucky Adams. Performers for the
“Night of Love” included singer Nadia
Moore, bass guitarist Danny Parker,
drummer Scott Ferguson, pianist Silvio
Pupo, and Bucky’s son, Charles Adams,
on lead vocals.
Premier Stephen McNeil, Lt.-Gov. J.J.
Grant, and African Nova Scotian Affairs
Minister Tony Ince were on hand to
launch the 30th African Heritage
Month with the theme Rising Stars:
Celebrating Our Youth. Six young
people were recognized as leaders in
their communities who inspire others
to be successful: Tatyana Headley
of Glace Bay, Natasha Silver of
Antigonish, Summer-Joy Upshaw of
Amherst, Lindell Smith of Halifax, Erica
Porter of Newport, Hants County, and
Kayla Fells of Yarmouth.
The Rev. Donald Skeir was honoured
during this year’s “The Dream
Continues: A Musical Tribute to Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., at the Rebecca
Cohn Auditorium in Halifax. Marko
Simmonds conducted the tribute,
which included performances by the
Nova Scotia Mass Choir, Reeny Smith,
Gary Beals, Jeff Goodspeed and the
Preston Primos. Moh Hashem hosted
the tribute, which also featured spoken
word artist Verena Rizg.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient
of the Irving and Ruth Pink Award for
Youth Development and Social Justice,
Henderson Paris. For 20 years, Paris
volunteered his time to help the youth
of New Glasgow by building their selfesteem and confidence through track
and field. He has also been building
positive relationships between youth
and bringing awareness of the issues or
racism and discrimination to the young
people with whom he interacts.
37
...
This year marks the town of Amherst’s
125th anniversary. Artist Darlene Strong
has launched a new exhibit to mark
the occasion. The 10 original paintings
chronicle the contributions of the African
Nova Scotian community to Amherst over
the decades, from the early settlements
of the late 18th century, to today’s
generation. The travelling exhibition –
“Our History – Their Heritage” – was
launched on Feb. 1 at Cumberland County
Museum and Archives, and will travel to
schools and other public venues. The BBI
is pleased to be one of the supporters of
this initiative.
A group of local musicians got together in
mid February to present “For the Love of
God”, a fundraising concert to support the
Cornwallis Street Baptist Church at the
Spatz Theatre. They included Conquerors
For Christ, United For Christ, Nadia Moore,
Lela Coles, Cyndi Cain, Corey Adams,
Chosen Generation, CSBC Revival Choir,
Jacques Tynes, Kwesi Firempong and
Robert Leek, Nia Porter, ONE8TEA and
The Bernard and Miller Family. Rev. Dr.
Lennett J. Anderson, of Emmanuel Baptist
Church in Hammonds Plains served as the
host.
Bring Your
Business to a
New Audience
issue
57
FALL 201
3
Also in thi
s Issue :
African Nov
a Scotian
“A dynami
c
and vibrant
Black pres
ence
Realtors
issue
58
within the
Nova Sco
tia Busines
s Commun
ity.”
The Busi
ness
of Mus
ic
The Africa
Music Ass n Nova Scotian
ociation (AN
SMA)
Also in thi
s issue :
The National Football League has named
Quentin (Snoopy) Tynes the 2013 NFL
Youth Coach of the Year. He attended
Acadia University, where he captured
Canadian University Rookie of the Year
honours and led the underdog Axemen to
a Vanier Cup victory in 1981.
During the week of February 17th to
February 24th four African Canadian
poets, Afua Cooper, El Jones, Jacob
Sampson and Valerie Mason-John were
Poets in Residence at the Maritime
Museum of the Atlantic. The weeklong residency for students included
workshops with school classes,
interactive, live exhibits, and culminated
in a public presentation by the Artists on
Saturday, February 22nd.
 Spiritual
Leaders
 Provincia
l Politics
 Succes
sful Entrep
ren
“A dynami
c
eurs
and vibrant
Black pres
ence
within the
Nova Sco
tia Busines
s Commun
ity.”
ADVERTISE
in the next
Issue of B2B
For Advertising Information & Rates
call: 902-426-2224
e-mail: [email protected]
Imhotep
getting young African Nova Scotians
excited about Science and Math
As an innovative universitycommunity partnership, the Imhotep
Legacy Academy (ILA) engages
university/college students, faculty
and community leaders to encourage
African Nova Scotian students in grades
7-12 and beyond in the areas of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM).
Using a blend of after school
programming,
summer
student
research, a virtual school project and
the First Lego League, ILA provides
its participants with an enriching
blend of real world learning projects,
skill building, leadership development
activities, and tutoring support. And
they have fun at the same time.
ILA enjoys a strong partnership with TD Bank, which has enabled the creation of
an annual four-year renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year for ILA program
graduates entering Dalhousie University. Its purpose is to reduce the financial
barrier for African Nova Scotian students pursuing studies in STEM related fields.
To date, 9 scholarships have been awarded.
Through programs in regional school boards across Nova Scotia, the ILA connects
role models in the STEM disciplines with students in hands-on learning projects
that prepare the students to do well in school, continue with post secondary
education and become leaders in their careers and communities.
A non-profit organization administered
by a volunteer steering committee
comprised of Dalhousie University
professors and staff, community
partners and other members of the
African Nova Scotian community, ILA
trains and supports university/college
students to play powerful roles in the lives
of its participants through the building
of self-confidence, self-discipline and
the mastery of concepts related to
scientific, technical, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) fields.
The program serves two distinct groups
of Nova Scotian learners of African
descent: students in grades 7-12
enrolled in the public education system;
and post-secondary students enrolled in
STEM degree programs.
“Those of us involved in Imhotep
are passionately connected to this
program,” says Dr. Kevin Hewitt, ILA
cofounder. “It is so gratifying to see
young African Nova Scotians get excited
about science and math. It opens up so
many doors for their futures.”
38
...
June 13
Halifax Chamber Golf Tournament
Glen Arbour Golf Course
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Info: (902) 481-1226 / [email protected]
Community &
Business Events
June 16
Community Sector Council of
NS Conference
NSCC Waterfront Campus
Info: www.csc-ns.ca.
July 1
July 25 - 27
Africa Festival of Arts and Culture
(AFRICFEST) 2014
Sackville Landing, Lower Water St., Halifax
Info: www.destinationhalifax.com/
July 30 - Aug 4
28th Annual Halifax International
Busker Festival
1751 Lower Water Street
Info: www.buskers.ca
July 31st – August 4th
Canada Day
www.hrmcanadaday.ca
Halifax- Dartmouth Natal Day Festival
July 4-12
A total of 30 individual events include; family
activities, live concerts, one of the oldest
parades in Atlantic Canada and a spectacular
fireworks show launched from the span of the
Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. Catch this show
before the bridge goes off line for construction
in 2015 and 2016.
TD Halifax Jazz Festival
August 7-9
July 1-8
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
Halifax Metro Centre
Info: (902) 420-1114
Various locations Downtown Halifax
Info: (902) 229-7897
halifaxjazzfestival.ca/about-festival
July 19
Black Educators Association
Annual Golf Tournament
Ashburn Golf Club, Old Course
Registration 11:00 am • Shotgun Start: 12:30 pm
Silent Auction: 6:00 pm / Dinner: 6:30 pm
www.beaopen.theblackeducators.ca
Woman’s Empowerment Conference
for the Everyday Woman
St. Mary’s University • Info: 902-405-6872
August 7-9th
Fatherhood Empowerment Conference
St. Mary’s University
Info: 902-405-6872
BBI’s 2014 Annual General Meeting
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Black Business Initiative,
you are cordially invited to the 2014 BBI Annual General Meeting.
June 12, 2014 • World Trade & Convention Centre, Halifax
Annual General Meeting - 3:00-5:00 p.m. - Room 304
Networking Reception - 5:00-7:00 p.m. - Level 3 Atrium
Please RSVP to Sharifa Upshaw, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist,
by phone at: 902-426-8683 or via email at: [email protected]
A dynamic & vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community
39
...
To submit items for Community and Business events, please contact:
Sharifa Upshaw (902) 426-8683; Fax: 426-8699 or email bbi@ bbi.ns.ca
INTRODUCING
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The BBI wishes to thank Labatt Breweries of Canada
for your sponsorship of our 2012-13 Directory Launches.
"It is a pleasure to support the BBI in its efforts to drive
business growth, innovation, productivity and competitiveness."
~ Wade Keller, Labatt
If undeliverable return to:
The Black Business Initiative
Centennial Building
Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7
Agreement No.
0040026687
numéro de convention
0040026687