Black to Business #27 - Black Business Initiative

The Periodical of the Black Business Initiative
Minister
Percy Paris
Also in this Issue
• BBI AGM Recap
• E.C. Glass Ltd.
•Cultural Expressions
Symposium
Summer 2009 u Number 43
“A dynamic and vibrant Black presence within
the Nova Scotia Business Community.”
Black to Business
Message from the Board of Directors
Message from the Board
1
Message from the
Chief Executive Officer
2
3
FEATURE STORY
E.C. Glass Limited
4
Artmomma Creations
Kim Cain
5
TRAILBLAZERS
New Religious Leaders
7
CULTURE BEAT
African United Baptist
Association of Nova Scotia
9
J.M.S. Driving Academy
Steve Lawrence
11
BBI 13th Annual AGM
12
Music in the City
13
Break Into Business
Summer Camps
17
Horace Construction
James Dowmey
18
BBI Honours
Senator Donald Oliver 19
ACOA Renews Core Funding
Support to the BBI
20
Cultural Expressions 2009
21
BBI 2009 Training Schedule
22
People & Business
on the Move
23
Business & Community Events
25
Regional Reports
Central
6
Business Development
10
Northern
17
Southern
20
22
Training Report
Cassandra Dorrington, Chair, Black Business Initiative
Paul Adams
In this Issue
COVER STORY
Hon. Percy Paris
The Cost of Progress
A
s the months pass by in 2009,
I look back at what has been
accomplished and I am
very pleased to say that the Black
Business Initiative (BBI) team (inclusive of board and staff) has been
hard at work and we are delighted
to announce a number of key
accomplishments that will facilitate
BBI, the organization, in moving
forward. This year has been very
busy to date and I anticipate it will
continue to be busy as we round the
corner towards 2010.
It is important to note
that while BBI’s future
will not look exactly
like the past, one
thing is certain – that
we will continue to
build on our strengths
and our successes as
we move forward.
The year began with the undertaking
of our second organizational
evaluation report. In 2000, we
completed our first evaluation based
on the initial mandate of the Black
Business Initiative. With almost
10 years of operations under our
belt since that time, we undertook
a second evaluation to assess our
progress since the initial report.
While we knew we had made
considerable accomplishments, it is
always rewarding to hear from our
stakeholders that they too see the
positive growth as a result of BBI
efforts. In the words of the consultant
undertaking the evaluation report, the
conclusion was as follows:
While we note substantial progress against many of the
issues identified by the Task Force, it would be remiss to
suggest that the work of the
BBI is done or that it will
be completed in the near
term. The steps taken by
the BBI to both better serve the
Black business community and
to ensure its ongoing presence
are well-founded. We believe
the past progress made by the
BBI in addressing the problems
and obstacles faced by the
Black business community
warrant continued support
from the public sector and its
ongoing work toward the
vision of “A dynamic and
vibrant Black presence
within the Nova Scotia business
community”.
continued on page 6>
within the Nova Scotia Business Community.
The Black Business Initiative
Centennial Building
Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7
Phone: 902-426-2224 Fax: 902-426-8699
Toll Free: 1-888-664-8698
E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.bbi.ca
For Advertising Information, Rates, Submitting
Stories, Notices or Community Events,
or for More Information,
call: 902-426-2224
Published by: the Black Business Initiative
Editor in Chief: Rustum Southwell
Design & Layout: Design North
Production by: Mirabliss Media Productions
Cover Photograph: Province of Nova Scotia
Black to Business is the official periodical of
The Black Business Initiative and is published quarterly spring, summer, fall, and winter. Its goal is to support the
BBI as it fosters a dynamic and vibrant Black presence
Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail
Sales Agreement no. 0040026687
Summer 2009
1
Black to Business
2
Summer 2009
Message From the Chief Executive Officer
Peter Marsman
S. I. Rustum Southwell
D
uring the recent annual general meeting
and one day event,
which included the Bizshow
luncheon workshop and
evening Gala, we used the
theme The Art of Excellence,
because we believe that excellence is a process and not
merely a destination. Like
any other form of art it takes
time, patience and practice
to become effective and admirable.
And if you believe we are not making gains and excelling, all you
needed to do was look around the
room of some 300 guests to see the
successful business owners who
are artists in their own right. For if
excellence is an art form then the
innovative entrepreneur is an artist par excellence. Let’s take five
of the top companies at the event,
in combination they represent in
the region of 330 jobs and between
$50-to-$60 million in sales. These
five companies headed by seasoned
and tested entrepreneurs are models and mentors for the rest of us:
Larry Gibson, President and CEO
of DANTRA Specialty Products;
Barbara Manning, President and
CEO of IT Interactive Services Inc.;
Dr. Abbey Kirumira, President and
CEO of Biomedica Diagnostics;
Glen Carvery, President Carvery’s
Construction Limited; and Robert
Loppie, CEO Sales & Marketing The
Bin Doctor Ltd.
There is no doubt that there is currently a better class of Black business owners now operating in Nova
Scotia. This is a fact, reported in
the last issue of Black to Business,
confirmed by the 2006 Statistics
Canada census data which states
that, “Black Businesses with
employees grew 57.7 percent, significantly more than the 1.1 percent growth for businesses with
employees in the province as a
whole.” This significant growth in
Black-owned businesses that are
creating jobs indicates encouraging movement in the community
toward more growth oriented business development, confirming that
our plan is indeed working.
Many of these companies are
operating in traditional and nontraditional sectors. Juice Eh!, owned
by Donna Gaskin and Jeannie
Jones, a juice bar offering freshly
squeezed juice and smoothies and
Just Right Child Care owned and
operated by Glynis Simms are two
businesses operating in the more
traditional sectors. Paul Adams
owner of Adams Photography
Services, Cassandra Dorrington
President of Vale and Associates
Human Resource Management
and Consulting, and Bruce Johnson
Partner Manager of City Drug Store
are some of the Black enterprises
highlighting the inroads we are
making into “non-traditional” sectors. Although there are others,
these are the types of companies
who are quickly becoming employers in the Nova Scotian economy.
At the Gala Cassandra Dorrington
in her role as Chair of the Black
Business Initiative (BBI) recognized several noteworthy individuals who have participated in
the progress and successes of the
BBI and the Black business com-
munity as a whole. The board of
directors of the BBI presented the
first ever Special Board Award of
Excellence to Senator Donald Oliver,
who has continued to advocate for
human rights and equality for Black
Canadians which is reflected both in
his community and public speaking
engagements and his overall commitment to the economic prosperity
of all Canadians in particular the
Black business sector. At the time of
this recognition he had served the
people of Canada for 6,868 days or
18 years, 21 months and 9 days. Her
Honour Mayann Francis presented
the award to Senator Oliver who
was very touched by the gesture.
The 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year
award went to Bruce Johnson of
City Drug Store a Yarmouth business in operation for more than 20
years. Four others were recognized
for 10 years of service: Brian Watson
(Nova Scotia Economic and Rural
Development), Mike Hayes (Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency –
ACOA) are resource board members
and Dan O’Brien (Design North)
and Carol Dobson are part of the
longstanding and original team
responsible for publishing the Black
to Business magazine.
When Debbie Windsor, Vice
President ACOA Nova Scotia,
announced the federal government’s
renewed funding commitment of
$3.25 million over five years that
confirmed to us the path we are on
is one that is recognized as creating
a positive shift in the Black business
community towards a dynamic presence in the Nova Scotian economy.
Our board and staff promises to our
partners at ACOA to never betray
their trust.
Since we realized early on that powerlessness corrupts and empowerment is vital to high performance
and excellence, and how a culture of
pride differs from a culture of mediocrity in encouraging innovation
continued on page 10 >
Black to Business
Summer 2009
Honourable Percy Paris
Prov. of N.S.
First African Nova Scotian Minister of
the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs
seconds, but it
seemed like five
minutes, before
I told him that
I would be honoured to accept
the invitation.”
Hon. Percy Paris, Swearing in Ceremony June 19, 2009.
W
hen the newly elected
premier of the province, Darrell Dexter,
called his newly re-elected
member for Waverley-Fall
River-Beaver Bank, time appeared to stand still.
“He called me one morning and
said he would like to invite me to
the Executive Council table,” the
Hon. Percy Paris recalls. “I was sitting at the other end of the line and
not saying a word. Finally, I heard
... ‘Percy, are you still there?’ Then
he started inviting me to accept
the portfolios of African Nova
Scotian Affairs, Economic and Rural
Development, and Tourism, Culture,
and Heritage. It took me a couple of
Paris and the
other 31 New
Democratic
Members of
the Legislative
Assembly made
history on the
night of June
9 when they
became the first
ever NDP provincial government elected
east of Ontario.
Not only that,
but Paris is also
the first African
Nova Scotian to
hold the ministry of African
Nova Scotian
Affairs.
“The people in this province have
long recognized how unfairly African
Nova Scotians have been treated,” he
says. “Now there is the opportunity
to be able to explain things in the
House and to be able to respond to
those concerns. It’s not a slight to
those who have held this portfolio
before but I’ve lived the experience,
I’ve walked in those shoes and will
for the rest of my days. I say that
with pride.”
His other two portfolios have their
challenges as well. Tourism is a
major economic generator in this
province, yet it is feeling the effects of
the recession. On the plus side, there
are activities this summer which will
contribute to the industry’s bottom
line, such as rock concerts, the Tall
Prov. of N.S.
3
Nova Scotia’s New Cabinet
Back row, from left: Graham Steele, Marilyn More,
Sterling Belliveau, Percy Paris, Denise Peterson-Rafuse,
Ramona Jennex and Ross Landy.
Front row, from left: John MacDonell, Frank Corbett,
Premier Darrell Dexter, Maureen MacDonald, Bill Estabrooks.
Ships Challenge, local festivals and
events. In the next two years, the
100th anniversary of the founding of
the Canadian Naval Service and the
2011 Canada Games should prove
to be strong anchors for the industry.
In terms of his Economic and Rural
Development portfolio, he freely
admits the worldwide economic situation is having an impact. However,
his community economic development background tells him that
“There are certainly lots of opportunities for Economic and Rural
Development – in some cases we
will have to seize the opportunity,
in others we will have to make it.”
“People who get involved in politics
get involved because they want to
be at the table,” he says. “Because
I’ve been on the opposite side of the
House, I’m fully aware of the challenges that are faced by ministers.
In that role, I’ve been happy to offer
advice, and in some cases it’s been
taken. Now that I’m on this side
of the House, I’m willing to accept
advice from the other side. Often
two heads are better than one and
three is even better.”
Even though he’s a political veteran,
he admits being amazed at being
part of political history.
“It was such a convincing win, and
it surprised a lot of people. However,
I had confidence in an NDP win and
I didn’t think it was going to be so
decisive, so the whole thing was a
little bit surreal. Sometimes I think
there’s going to be a loud bang and
I’m going to wake up.”
Black to Business
Summer 2009
4
Passion for his work
Paul Adams
E.C. Glass Limited
Carol Dobson
the curtain walls
of the building –
one of the most
challenging projects he’s worked
on.
E.C .Glass was
started 23 years
ago in 1986.
Prior to opening
his own business,
he worked for
another company but it closed.
E.C. Glass carries
all types of glass
for residential
and commercial
applications and
can repair or
custom cut glass
to suit its customers’ needs.
“I thought I’d
try something
on my own, so I
went out, found
some customers
and went from
there,” he says.
Edward Crawley, E.C. Glass Ltd.
Y
ou can hear the passion for his
work when Edward Crawley, of
E.C. Glass Ltd. talks about some
of the projects he’s worked on.
“There’s the fire station in Fall River
and then there’s a condominium
building on Russell Street,” he says.
“I did the windows and doors for
them. Those two jobs turned out
really great. I also did the windows
for the strip mall on Barrington
Street, where the Metro newspaper is,
across from the shipyard.”
He says the Fall River fire station was
extra special because the windows
were all custom designed to fit into
Today, he has
four people
working for him
and a customer base that extends
around the province, including Truro,
the Musquodoboit Valley, and Metro
Halifax-Dartmouth. The company
supplies and installs windows for both
commercial and residential customers.
As a small business owner, he admits
that there are times when “being
your own boss isn’t always what it’s
cracked up to be. There are long
hours involved in growing your company and when everyone else has
gone home, you’re still there. But, it’s
all I know how to do.”
“One of the biggest problems is getting
good men to work for me, people who
“There are long hours
involved in growing
your company and
when everyone else
has gone home, you’re
still there. But, it’s all
I know how to do.”
want to do a nice job so I don’t have
to go back and do it all over again,”
he says.
He adds that he’s often thought of
expansion – adding new machinery
that would enable him to tackle larger and more diverse projects.
Crawley is very soft spoken, almost
reticent, when he talks about himself,
but, when he does talk about the
work he and his employees do for
their clients, the pride he takes in his
work shines through strong and clear.
“All I want to do is a good job for my
customers,” he says.
Edward Crawley
Dartmouth, N.S.
Phone:
463-5944
456-5484
Black to Business
Summer 2009
5
Artmomma Creations
Shauntay Grant
Paul Adams
“My art became the canvas of my strife,
“I think I was born an artist,” she says.
political views, historical reference, and
“My quest for learning is the fuel that
keeps my craft fluid and ever-changing. meditative discoveries.”
I need to be fed constantly – through
Cain’s views are quite varied, however
literature, conversation... Then I make
there are themes that keep recurring in
art!”
her work.
From her first memories of making
“One is the fight of the Black students in
art in kindergarten, Cain’s obsession
education,” she says. “I am living the
grew throughout her life and in 1999
reality that our children need a place
she graduated from the Nova Scotia
where
the alternatives that are created
College of Art & Design with a Bachelor
have
them
specifically in mind. So the
of Fine Arts degree. She would later
last
painting
I did – “Eyes of a segreearn a Bachelor of Education degree
gated
school
marm”
– is based on the
and a Master in Education degree from
black
student
past,
present
and future.
Mount Saint Vincent University.
Historically I’m a sucker for things that
are old – old meaning the 1920s-1960s;
Artmommma Creations is her greeting
I
love those eras. The clothing, furnicard, art commissions, and personal
ture,
cars, hats, etc. I love to paint in
projects business. Cain founded the
terms
of the time capsule – going back
company in 2007 after completing her
into
time
with my 2009 sensibilities.”
master’s degree.
Kim Cain, Artmomma Creations
I
t’s inspiring to watch visual artist
Kim Cain work with students. She
is energetic, encouraging, patient,
and has an easy rapport with the
youth. Moreover, she approaches
her work as an arts educator with
such openness and enthusiasm that
the students are eager to create new
works, no matter their level of experience.
“I love working with the youth,” says
the junior high school art teacher
and owner of Artmomma Creations.
“[They] just give you raw emotion – no
fluffy stuff. I really appreciate that
kind of honesty. Sometimes I think
I’m still in high school,” adds Cain. “I
think that’s why I’m effective at the
junior high level.
Considering the demands of a fulltime teaching position, it’s hard to see
where Cain can find time to work at
her craft while balancing family and
work responsibilities. But for Cain, it’s
not really a matter of choice.
“I used my last elective credits to do an
independent study in paint,” she says.
“The study became a solo art exhibition
entitled “Artmomma Resurrected”.
No matter how hectic life gets with
teaching, family and other responsibilities, Cain is wholeheartedly committed
to exploring new ways to create art.
Cain’s work has been featured in several exhibits including Home: The Art
Of Preston (2000).
“I feel I am an artist through and
through,” she says. “I find the ‘trial
and error’ method of art creation is a
process I adopt in all aspects of my life.
I’m constantly thinking about how I
can do something better.”
“My work is hanging in the Office of
African Nova Scotian affairs. I also
did a mural with the HRM located on
Dresden Row in Halifax. I’ve sold work
to David Woods and I sold a painting
to the Art-bank of Nova Scotia in 2008.”
Cain is a self-professed “materials
manipulator”.
“I think in some ways my work is a nonrepresentational portrait of myself,” she
says. “It seems I can be painting the
Queen of England and she will end up
having brown skin and curly hair.”
Cain uses her art as a canvas to
explore her experiences as a black
woman, single mother, and her struggles to be understood, respected and
celebrated.
wedding portraits,
art, logos

Kim Cain

902 444 4110
Black to Business
REGIONAL
REPORT
Central
Njabulo
Nkala
Spring is historically a quiet business
season as people prepare for summer
vacation. This year was no different.
However, there were a few activities to
note.
The Building for Growth Regional
Information Session organized by the
Department of Labour and Workforce
Development was held at the NSCC
Truro Campus in April. The wellorganized and attended event attracted
different businesses and organizations
big and small, showcasing what they
do. This became a good opportunity
not only for networking and meeting
potential business partners and clients
but also for small businesses to sell
themselves.
The Business is Jammin’ Summer
Camps are also being held once
again this year. The one-week, funfilled, interactive business camps take
young people through the stages of
starting and running a business. The
participants also learn about their
personal entrepreneurial traits. This
year’s BIJ summer coordinator in the
Central region is Tyrone Chase who has
lined up a series of fun-filled business
activities and events. Tyrone is based in
Truro at the Community Enhancement
Association Office on 105B Walker Street
and can be reached at (902) 893-1911.
This summer I will be making several
trips to the region. I’m looking
forward to meeting with current and
potential clients as well as other blackowned business people and various
stakeholders.
For any inquiries, additional
information, suggestions and
comments please contact me at
(902) 426-4281 or by e-mail at:
[email protected].
Summer 2009
6
Message from the Board of Directors
continued from page 1
Since last quarter, BBI has taken the
opportunity to revisit our strategic
direction with a focus on capacity,
partnerships and sustainability.
Having listened to our stakeholders,
it was necessary for us to document
our strategic direction to address
and facilitate the organization’s
future planning. It is important to
note that while BBI’s future will not
look exactly like the past, one thing
is certain – that we will continue
to build on our strengths and our
successes as we move forward.
This year has seen the organization
undertake and complete a number of
other successful initiatives, such as:
• The design and roll-out of an enhanced BBI website.
• The successful introduction of
the “Constructing the Future”
project. BBI staff has worked
extensively with key
stakeholders to select and train
approximately 20 persons for
work in the trades. This
initiative has been designed
to address the adepa strategy to
facilitate and support the
growth and emergence of Black
businesses in the construction
sector.
• The successful completion of
Black Business Consulting’s
(BBC) first international project.
Given the success of the first
phase, BBC is in discussion to
undertake Phase Two.
• The co-location of the BBI offices
to facilitate a strong effective
and integrated organization
recognizing the synergies of the
entirety of the staff together in
one location.
•
•
Implementation of enhanced
board governance procedures
to ensure the effective
functioning of the board.
In June of 2009, BBI held its
annual Summit/ AGM/Gala
evening event.
While the organization continues to
make progress, there is much more
to do. The mandate of the Black
Business Initiative is neither simple
nor short-term. In order to achieve its
vision, there is a requirement that on a
regular basis, the organization must sit
back and regroup, revise its strategic
priorities, if required, and continue
to realign the ongoing activities to
ensure they facilitate the goals of the
organization.
Each step BBI takes unearths another
issue. The organization is in the throes
of change and we ask that you, our
stakeholders, join with us on our
journey as we go forward.
A special thanks to all board and
staff members. You have made a
considerable contribution both to
our current achievements and to our
foundation for our future. Remember
that while we made progress, the road
is not easy.
In the words of Martin Luther
King Jr.: “All progress is precarious,
and the solution of one problem
brings us face to face with another
problem.”
Cassandra Dorrington, Chair
The BBI Board and Staff congratulate the Honourable Percy Paris
on his historic appointment to the Office of African Nova Scotian
Affairs. We look forward to working with you!
We would also like to thank Mr. Barry Barnet, former Minister
of ANSA, for his unwavering support and dedication to the African
Nova Scotian community and our organization during his tenure.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
Black to Business
Summer 2009
7
New Religious Leaders
Rev. Rhonda Britton
Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
“We’ve decided
to be present and
available, to open
doors, and look
beyond the tradition of just being
an African Baptist
church. The face
of our community
is changing and we
want to welcome
everyone, no matter their race or
ethnicity, we want
to embrace everyone.”
T
here is a lot of history surrounding the Cornwallis Street
Baptist Church, dating back to
the day it was founded by the Rev.
Richard Preston, and the present
incumbent, the Rev. Rhonda Britton,
has contributed to its history by
becoming its first female pastor.
“The congregation decided it was
time to embrace a female pastor,”
she says. “My predecessor, Rev.
Lionel Moriah, was the pastor for 10
years. Then, there were two years
when the church had an honest
conversation with itself about what
it would look for in a minister and
it determined that gender wasn’t
a problem. When you look at the
demographics in churches today,
women are making up the majority
of the congregations.”
She says her church has been examining its role in the community.
While it has been a leader, through
programs such as the hot lunch program and after school tutoring, she
says it had not been “as present as
we would have liked it to be.”
In August,
Cornwallis Street
Baptist will be the host of this year’s
African United Baptist convention.
There is a rotation among ministers
as to who will be the keynote preacher and Britton says her turn was supposed to come next year. However,
fate intervened, and this year will be
her year instead.
As the host church, she says,
Cornwallis Street Baptist is planning
some new events for the convention,
including social activities such as a
barbecue and a performance from a
comedian, and moving the Sunday
services to the Rebecca Cohn. During
one of the services, the Rev. Richard
Preston will be honoured by Parks
Canada.
“The theme this year is Reviving
the Vision,” Britton says. “The Rev.
Richard Preston had a vision for this
church of gaining strength through
fellowship. We are asking what we
are doing to build on our strengths,
to stretch ourselves, to go beyond
what we have been in our past. We
have to think out of the box and
bring ourselves into the 21st century.”
Pastor
Sherry Avery
Impact Ministries
Church
L
ike the Biblical Samuel, Pastor
Sherry Avery has learned to listen when the Lord speaks.
The Upper Hammonds Plains
native had worked for the Toronto
Dominion Bank for 30 years when
His voice whispered in her ear.
“I had received Jesus Christ as my
Saviour and Lord in 1991 and was
hungry for the word,” she says. “My
husband passed away and when I
was on bereavement leave, I got the
message that the Lord had a plan for
me.”
That plan took her, in July 2000, to
the Rhema Bible Training Center in
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she
not only received her training as a
pastor but also met her second husband and fellow pastor, Leon.
She felt, in her heart, that she had to
preach at Emanuel Baptist Church in
Black to Business
Summer 2009
8
Carol Dobson
Photographs: Peter Marsman
Hammonds Plains, and that vision
came true.
“When I drove up to the church, I
heard the Lord tell me that I was
going to be living in Nova Scotia
and to sell my house in Toronto.
He told me I wouldn’t be needing it
because I wouldn’t be back there. As
soon as we went in the door, I knew
I was where I was supposed to be.”
After pastoring at Emanuel Church,
the Averys found themselves being
led to plant their own church,
Impact Ministries Church. They
went searching and found a location
on Caledonia Road in Dartmouth
that was perfect for their needs – in
a building that contained a police
office, a doctor’s office, and a laundromat – and moved in to the location in October 2005. A second location, on Gottingen Street in Halifax,
followed through a merger with a
church that had been led by Pastors
Gordon and Connie Thurber.
Sadly, her husband, Leon, passed
away in December 2008.
“The people in my congregation were asking, ‘Is Pastor Sherry
going to stay? Her close family is in
Montreal and Toronto – is she going
to move back to them?’ But, God
had not told me to do that. I’ve
had a challenging six months but I
took time off to heal. I have three
leaders, and the group took care of
things.”
She says women make up the backbone of the congregation, although
men are starting to join and there
is a strong children’s program. This
program is rewarding because she
says she is seeing personal growth in
the young people who attend.
“We’ve started a building fund. I
want to stay on Gottingen Street.
God is much needed here.”
Rev. Wayne Gray
New Beginnings Ministry
200. In 2007, we built a new
building which will hold up
to 550. God has blessed us in
whatever we do.”
The striking building is located
at 26 Cherry Brook Road, directly behind the Black Cultural
Centre for Nova Scotia.
L
ike his Lord and Saviour,
Wayne Gray started his working life as a carpenter. He says
he was in the carpentry business for
15 years as a finish carpenter, when
he was called to lay down his hammers and saws and become a minister of the Gospel.
“When I was 30, I was called to the
Christian ministry. I graduated from
the Acadia Divinity College in 1980
with a Bachelor of Theology degree
and pastored in Digby, and Saint
John, Pennfield, and Pocologan in
New Brunswick, before coming back
to this side and a church in East
Preston, where I ministered for two
years,” he says.
Twelve years ago, he decided to start
his own church, New Beginnings
Ministry, in the basement of his
home.
“We had 25 people for our first service,” he recalls. “Now we’re up to
His wife Kathy helps him with
the ministry, helping with the
music, the Sunday School, and
the choir.
When he started the church, he
saw it as a church for all people,
black, white, from a mixed
racial background, rich or poor,
people who were seeking for a
non-traditional way of worship,
where everyone could feel comfortable.
“I felt the only way I could do that
was start from scratch. I decided to
pray, start small, and build big from
there. I wanted a church where
people could feel at home. So far,
it’s been successful.”
“See, I am sending
you out like sheep
into the midst of
wolves; so be wise
as serpents and
innocent as doves.”
– Matthew 10:16
Black to Business
Summer 2009
9
Peter Marsman
African United Baptist
Association of Nova Scotia
Alma Johnston, moderator of AUBA
I
n conjunction with this issue’s Trailblazers: Religious
leaders in our community,
we bring you a profile of one
organization their respective
churches belong to — the African United Baptist Association.
In 1854, in the small community
of Granville Mountain, history was
made. Under the direction of Rev.
Richard Preston and the Rev. Henry
Jackson, as co-moderators, the
African United Baptist Association
of Nova Scotia (AUBA) was born.
Under its auspices, ministers were
ordained, and ministers, deacons,
and elders were licensed. But, that
was just the beginning of the story.
“It’s the oldest Black organization in
the province and quite possibly in
Canada,” Alma Johnston, the current moderator of AUBA, says. “The
AUBA provides spiritual leadership
for the Black community and is a
unified voice for Black Nova Scotians
in the wider community.”
One of the roles
of AUBA, Mrs.
Johnston says,
has been to
raise the consciousness of
Nova Scotians
towards the
“socioeconomic
and educational plight
of Blacks in
the province.
We’ve always
provided financial assistance
to Black ministries, especially
financial assistance to young
men struggling
to study for the
ministry. We
are still providing scholarships and
bursaries for students.”
The work of AUBA extended into
the community, whether through
lobbying the government on education matters, including the teaching
of “domestic science” to girls and
“manual training” for boys, financing a “Teachery” in North Preston to
provide a home for teachers, opening up nurses’ training for young
Black women, and encouraging
public speaking and leadership skills
through oratorical contests. It’s
also been behind the foundation of
many organizations throughout the
province, including the Nova Scotia
Home for Coloured Children.
The annual meeting of AUBA,
Mrs. Johnston says, has always been
a highlight of the year for many
people.
“It’s a date to look forward to
because you’ll be seeing old friends
and making new ones,” she says.
“On many levels, the AUBA has provided spiritual and moral support to
so many.”
This year’s annual meeting will be
reconnecting with Rev. Preston. It
will be held in Halifax from August
14 to 16, in the church Rev. Preston
began so many years ago, the
Cornwallis Street Baptist Church.
“Our theme is ‘Revive the Vision’ and
our meetings are built around First
Corinthians, Chapter Three, Verse
10 – about the days of Elijah,” Mrs.
Johnston says. “The preacher will be
the Rev. Rhonda Britton, who is the
current minister of the church.”
She says the church services on
Sunday will be held, not at the
church, but at the Rebecca Cohn
Auditorium. One of the highlights
will be the unveiling of a Parks
Canada plaque in honour of Rev.
Richard Preston.
Mrs. Johnston says AUBA still has a
strong role to play in Nova Scotia.
In the years ahead, she’s seeing an
organization with a more multicultural face, to reflect the changes in
Nova Scotia’s society. She’d also like
to see it governed by a committee of
between 10 and 12 members, with
ministers looking after specific issues
– women’s issues, lay issues, evangelism, Christian education, social
action, counselling, to name but a
few, not to mention coming up with
ways to surmount the two major
challenges of this province-wide institution – distance and finances. But
she has faith.
“My father and mother were brought
up in the AUBA. I was brought up
in the AUBA and I lived for those
three days every August where I
could meet people from one end
of the province to the other. I was
involved with the services and I was
involved with the young people.
So, I don’t think it’s a coincidence
that I am now its moderator. God
had ordained it and I followed him
because I love it so much.”
Black to Business
Summer 2009
10
Message from the CEO
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
continued from page 2
we have determined that we will use
well-thought-out strategies in determining our effectiveness when dealing with threats and opportunities.
We remain focused on core strategies
and continue to set annual targets for
strategic projects. In this regard our
track report is consistently good.
Through our Balanced Scorecard, we
established benchmarks in four key
areas, including financial, employee
learning and growth, internal process, and clients. And we’re achieving
success in many of these areas. It has
already begun to change how we do
business and bring discipline into the
organization.
Our one brand composite business model – which includes Black
Business Consulting, Business is
Jammin’ and the Black Business
Community Investment Fund –, is
now in full operation, moving us that
much closer to our strategic direction
of sustainability, partnerships and
capacity. Consequently, we achieved
strong results on the big strategic
project items in the past year by suc-
cessfully completing our funding
proposals to acquire renewed funding from both levels of government,
an independent external evaluation,
a framework for a new strategic
direction, and our office relocation
and reintegration, and began the
Business is Jammin’ fundraising
campaign.
We are pleased with where we are
and confident about where we would
like to go.
The optimist sees the “Dream
Catcher” as a spiritual firewall to
ward off and quarantine evil and
bad thoughts, the pessimist see it as
a chance to continue living a nightmare. At the BBI we remain optimists as we will always wake up in
a brighter day; A lute continua (the
continuing struggle).
S.I. Rustum Southwell, CEO
Deep Panuke
gas project
business and career
opportunities.
For information on business opportunities with
EnCana’s Deep Panuke natural gas development in
Nova Scotia’s offshore, visit the Deep Panuke pages
on the EnCana web site at www.encana.com/
operations/canada/deeppanuke/
businessopportunities/index.htm
For information on employment opportunities
at Deep Panuke, visit the Career Centre on
EnCana’s web site at www.encana.com or
the Career Beacon web site
at www.careerbeacon.com
Gordon Doe
Year End
The Black Business Consulting (BBC)
and the Black Business Community
Investment Fund Limited (BBCIFL) held
their Annual General Meetings at the
Marriot Harbourfront Hotel during the
month of June. BBCIFL held its 6th AGM
on June 18th and BBC held its 3rd the
next day.
Last year the Fund held off selling new
shares due to the market downturn. We
expect to go to market this year, and we
hope you prepare to invest.
Construction
We are currently at the half-way
mark of our 40-weeks construction
training and job readiness program
called “Constructing The Future”. BBI
is running this four-phased program
in partnership with the Nova Scotia
Department of Labour and Workforce
Development with 20 participants.
On Friday May 14th, 2009, 19
participants received certificates of
accomplishment after successfully
completing phases one and two in nine
weeks. Participants were introduced to
the Nova Scotia Community College
where phase three of the program will
be delivered.
We are excited to partner with Floors
Plus to deliver the flooring training. This
will be a significant industry partnership
that will ensure participants get industry
best practice.
At the end of each specific trades training,
students are assessed to determine if
they may progress to the next training.
The final phase of the program will see
students working for at least eight weeks
with employers in the student’s chosen
fields of interest.
As always, please feel free to call
me at 902-426-6985 if you have
any questions.
www.encana.com
ECOR-7124 Deep Panuke_Generic ad_R2.indd 1
REPORT
9/17/08 8:38:18 AM
Black to Business
11
J.M.S. Driving Academy
Creating a Better Generation of Drivers
Summer 2009
Sunjay Mathuria
Paul Adams
The school also offers courses
to remove the “N” from Class 5
licenses.
Whether it’s his music or the driving school, Lawrence says his main
motivation is passion. “You got to
be passionate and believe in what
you do,” he says.
While music is still his first love,
Lawrence says he is happy staying
put at J.M.S. Driving Academy for
now. His dream would be “to have
a successful business that takes care
of itself.”
Steve Lawrence, J.M.S. Driving Academy
J.M.S. Driving Academy
cars have been making appearances
throughout HRM over the past few
years. And it is no surprise why this
driving school has become so popular.
As one of the fastest growing schools
in the city with the cheapest rates,
J.M.S. Driving Academy’s main goal
is to have graduates with the safest
driving records in the HRM.
So for the past two years, J.M.S.
Driving Academy owner, Steve
Lawrence has been “creating a better
generations of drivers” in Halifax.
Apart from his music career as a
singer/pianist, Lawrence has been
busier than ever with his driving
school. “I’m focussing more on the
driving school now, trying to develop
that more,” he says.
With his in-class lessons, Lawrence
hopes to make learning to drive a
more enjoyable experience for new
learners. “My methods are different
from other schools. We try to make
the classroom
more exciting
and flexible
for students.
We try playing
games. We try
to have fun,”
says Lawrence.
It is becoming increasingly difficult
to acquire a driver’s licence in Nova
Scotia, with government regulations
clamping down on conditions for
new drivers. This is why Lawrence
hopes to train his students to be safe,
defensive drivers.
To new business owners, Lawrence
provides some valuable advice.
“Don’t take no for an answer. If the
front door doesn’t work, knock on
the back door.”
“But the main thing is to watch your
own mistakes. Always know what
you’re doing,” he says.
And attending J.M.S. Driving
Academy definitely has its advantages. After completing the in-class
and in-car lessons, students can
obtain their Class 5N Newly Licensed
Driver’s License up to three months
earlier than those who haven’t
attended driving school.
J.M.S. Driving
Academy
Steve and Michelle Lawrence
902 209 8081
www.jmsdriving.com
Black to Business
Summer 2009
12
BBI 13th Annual
General Meeting
Evan Williams
Photography: Paul Adams
T
he BBI’s 13th Annual General Meeting
was held on June
19th at the Harbourfront
Marriott. The AGM was
chaired by BBI Board
Chair Cassandra Dorrington.
Once the business of the AGM
concluded, the luncheon
and “Biz Show” began. The
Show was again hosted by
Robert Upshaw. As always,
Robert had fun interviewing
several panelists including
Cassandra Dorrington, BBI
Board Chair and President
of Vale and Associates; Glen
Carvery, owner of Carvery’s
Construction; Glynis Simms,
owner and operator of Just
Right Child Care; and Pat
Ryan, Vice President and
Chief Operation Officer of
Nova Scotia Business Inc.
Each panelist detailed their
business, how and why they
got into it, and shared a few
of their greatest accomplishments and mistakes. The
common theme was that each
had to work hard and learn
from their mistakes.
Construction and Bruce
Johnston of City Drug Store.
This year’s winner was Bruce
Johnston of City Drug Store in
Yarmouth. Congratulations to
all of the finalists for being part
of such an elite group of businesses.
The Special Board Award of
Business Excellence was awarded to Senator Donald Oliver.
Senator Oliver received the
award because of his commitment to promoting diversity in
the Canada’s public service. In
his tenure, Senator Oliver has
not been afraid to speak candidly about racism in the work
place. We thank him for his
hard work and endless fight for
respect and equality for visible
minorities.
The 2009 “Biz Show” panel
Cassandra presents Entrepreneur of the Year
award to Winner Bruce Johnson
The night concluded with the
dance. Asia and Nu Gruv performed with their usual polished
and smooth R & B and DJ “Mo
Bounce” kept the crowd engaged
with music selections from today
and yesterday.
With the support of BBI’s staff,
board and event planner Tracey
Thomas, they event was a success.
Her Honour Mayann Francis arrives on the
red carpet.
During the evening Gala,
BBI’s Entrepreneur of the Year
award was presented and
for the first time the Special
Board Award of Business
Excellence.
The finalists for the
Entrepreneur award were
Jeannie Jones and Donna
Gaskin of Juice Eh!, Glen
Carvery of Carvery’s
The 2009 BBI Annual General Meeting at the
Harbourfront Marriot
Dancing to the Asia & Nugruv Band at the AGM
Dinner & Gala
Shauntay Grant
Music in
the City
contributed
The highly acclaimed group is the brainchild
of Colonel Frank Lumsden. He is the elected chief of the Maroon settlement of Charles
Town, which is one of four major Maroon
settlements in Jamaica.
This musical tradition is noted world-wide
for its uniqueness, which is the ability to
communicate through the rhythmic use of
the Gumbay drum and the abeng (horn).
Community Activist Lumsden says it is a form of communication that has
withstood centuries of slavery and attests to the dedication and respect
Maroon’s have for their culture.
The group is made up of residents from the small settlement and recently
the group has reached out to areas with a historical connection to the
Jamaican Maroons like Nova Scotia.
contributed
Atlantic Jazz
Festival
The group will be in Halifax for a
concert performance in August and
while here they will participate
in several summer events including the return of the Freedom
Schooner Amistad and the Africville
Homecoming Reunion Weekend. They
will also deliver workshops in drumming and dancing.
www.gov.ns.ca/ansa
Edo King Matwawana
& Afro-Musica
This year
the Atlantic
Jazz Festival
will welcome
the African
Harvey Millar
Connexion
party for a third time, celebrating
the rich tradition of African music on
Canada’s east coast.
contributed
The Charles Town Maroon Drummers
and Dancers were formed to preserve,
showcase and celebrate the Jamaican
Maroon centuries-old musical heritage
and culture to the world.
contributed
The Charles Town
Maroon Drummers and Dancers
Afro-Musica will once again lead the
lineup of seasoned performers, featuring Kodia Mpat, Shelley Hamilton, and
Harvey Millar.
Afro Musica’s bandleader Edo King
Matwawana is happy to be coordinating
the event. He says the event is key to
celebrating and promoting artists from
Nova Scotia’s black community.
“I always thought that the black community in Nova Scotia was a musical goldmine,” he says. “It’s just a question of
being able to give (artists) opportunities.
Nova Scotia summers do not tend to be long but what we
get we make the best of and this summer is no exception.
Below you will find a short sampling of what the season had
and still has to offer.
contributed
“(JazzEast) always had a latin night, so I
proposed that they introduce something
that would not only have my band headline the night,
but also have
people of African
descent join me
onstage, promoting the community and groups
that don’t really
get the prime
Shelley Hamilton
spots (at the
festival). So it’s a sign of respect on the
part of JazzEast because I think we’ve
worked hard for what we do”
Matwawana hopes the African Connexion
series will educate people about African
culture and inspire the community with
music.
“Music is a universal language,” he says.
“And so if we can use music to strengthen the community, why not?”
atlanticjazzfestival.ca
Asia & Nu Gruv
Paul Adams
African
Connexion III
Asia & Nu Gruv could
easily be dubbed
“the band that never
sleeps.”
“We’re gonna be
performing in pretty
much every festival
in the city this summer,” says bandleader and bassist Nathan
Symonds.
Apart from appearances at the
Multicultural Festival,
the Atlantic Jazz Festival, Natal Day and Canada Day celebrations, the band also
has a string of performances lined up at Casino Nova Scotia (August 7-9, Halifax
Marriott Harbourfront hotel) and Big Leagues Dining Room and Lounge (July 25).
“It’s just been busy,” says Symonds. “You get a little time to yourself and the
next thing you know you look at the calendar and you’re playing for the next
three weekends. And we’re trying to do some recording but what do you do
when the phones keep ringing? We don’t want to turn down any gigs.”
The band’s blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz and blues is in heavy demand. While
they’re known for creating a party atmosphere by covering well-known songs,
the band has been in studio working on a string of original tunes.
“We’re a dance/party band so we have to keep learning the covers, but we
gotta keep working on our own stuff too, cause before it’s all over and done
we’d like to have a CD at the end of the day.”
That is, if the phones ever stop ringing. But even still, Symonds isn’t
complaining.
“It’s been good and we’re just gonna keep (performing) as long as there’s a market for it and there’re requests.”
myspace.com/nugruvband
continued >
Black to Business
Summer 2009
15
Cindi Cain
The Rebirth of…
Cyndi Cain created Heracain
Entertainment with
one goal in mind.
Paul Adams
Paul Adams
Cindi Cain
Heracain Entertainment
“I wanted to work
on my CD,” says
the songwriter and
singer.
Cain finally realized that dream
when in May 2009
she released her
first solo offering,
“Essentially Cyndi”
– a set of R&B/neo-soul inspired songs produced by James McQuaid (of MCJ and
Cool G fame) and based on personal experiences.
“What I’ve gone through and (things I’ve learned from) talking with girlfriends,
even the kids I’ve met,” says Cain of the album’s themes. “It’s not just about
me. I’ve got some songs on there about girls and prostitution. I’ve got songs
about boys that think that they’re men. I work in a school and there’s a couple
kids that I’ve worked with and they’ve gone astray. And I just see young girls
acting a little bit too old – just growing up before their time – and I would rather see them enjoy their childhood.”
Cain balances the difficult themes with other tracks like Let’s Make Love.
Completing this project has been a lifelong dream for her.
“It feels like I got my PhD,” says Cain. “It definitely feels good.”
Look out for a follow-up CD launch event in August. And after that, Cain says
her next project will likely be a gospel album. “That’s where it started from –
that’s where I owe everything to.”
myspace.com/cyndicain
Gary Beals
In June Gary Beals performed for
an enthusiastic standing-room-only
crowd at Halifax’s Coconut Grove
Nightclub, inspiring endless shouts
of praise for songs from his new
release, called The Rebirth Of…
“For me it’s a rebirth of a lot of different things,” says Beals. “But really
it’s a rebirth of a passion for music.
Before I was just really treading the
road – it was just me doing it because
people wanted me to do it. And so I
took a break because I didn’t want to
Black to Business
do music at all. I was really frustrated
with the team of people I had. The
industry is so cut-throat and I didn’t
want it to be like that.”
The African Nova Scotian
Music Association (ANSMA)
is settled into its new
home.
So Beals took charge of his own destiny. “I really did lose the passion (for
music). But watching other artists
perform, slowly that inspiration came
back.”
Beals teamed up with Aisha Wickham
Thomas (former executive director
of the Urban Music Association of
Canada) who helped him fulfill his
dream.
“I’ve been involved in every aspect
of the project, and it’s mine,” says
Beals.
This is Beals’ first project on his own
new and independent label, Liberated
Entertainment. “An independent label
just stepping out on faith, and believing and persevering.”
Beals says the new label and the new
recording project has fully restored
his passion for music.
“This is a gift that God has blessed
me with. So every opportunity I get to
sing, I’m looking forward to it, just to
be able to do it right.”
www.garybeals.com
Summer 2009
Music Association
gets new digs
Paul Adams
Gary Beals
16
Lou Gannon
“We’re in our new home
at the Black Cultural
Centre for Nova Scotia,”
says ANSMA President Lou
Gannon, one year after
the big move. “We’ve
helped them with their
Annual General Meeting
with entertainment, and
we helped them to put
together a few events.”
Gannon says the Cherry Brook location – which neighbours the communities of
North Preston and East Preston – is perfect for ANSMA.
“A lot of our members are from the Prestons,” he says. “And here we’re
involved in an organization that has space that we can put events on. And when
you think about it, there’s so many things that we can do together because
we’re also a cultural organization.”
ANSMA has a small recording studio, which it hopes artists will take advantage of
for the purposes of recording demos, with special focus on creating opportunities for young and emerging artists in the community.
Apart from the new space, ANSMA is helping to coordinate several high profile
events this summer. July will see two concerts at the Black Cultural Centre
highlighting local urban and gospel music artists. And August will see a string of
events happening on the Halifax waterfront as part of Natal Day celebrations,
and also Black Freedom 175, an event marking the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, which will culminate in a visit from the Charles Town Maroon
Drummers from Jamaica.
www.ansma.com
Black to Business
17
Break Into Business
Summer Camps
A
s one of BBI’s composite group of companies, Business Is
Jammin’ (BIJ) is a provincewide charitable initiative that
focuses on motivating Black
youth by developing and offering programs that stress
the importance of education,
entrepreneurial and personal
development at the grassroots
level.
Photos below are from: ‘Break into
Busines Camps’ - March 2009
Cheyanne Gorman-
Tolliver
I am pleased to say I have had
my busiest regional activity in the
past months and have labelled this
latest round of activities as a sort
of “refresher course” for all, on the
BBI’s services.
In May, I participated in interviews
for our BIJ summer youth
coordinators. You can read more
about the successful candidates
and their activities in the BIJ youth
camp report in this issue.
These business camps are facilitated
by youth coordinators from across
the province. Six coordinators were
hired in partnership with Service
Canada‘s Summer Job Program to
run BIJ programs in Sydney, Truro,
Halifax, Dartmouth, Kentville,
and Yarmouth. Each coordinator
works out of the Black Employment
Resource Centres in their respective
areas.
The camps are free and each coordinator is mandated to hold a
minimum of four camps so there is
plenty of opportunities to register
your child. Many of the camps are
underway now.
REGIONAL
REPORT
Northern
My continued involvement in
the
Antigonish/Guysborough
Regional Education Work Group
(REWG) has led to giving Business
is Jammin’ (BIJ) entrepreneurship
presentations in the region. In
Guysborough I visited the Afrikan
Canadian Heritage & Friendship
Centre within the Chedabucto
Education Centre and in Antigonish,
I presented to students at Dr. John
Hugh Gillis Regional High School.
One of the more popular BIJ programs is the “Break Into Business”
camps. The camps start during
March break in the HRM area. The
other sessions run during the summer months (July-August) throughout the province.
Each camp is five days of fun-filled
interactive activities that takes the
youth through the stages of starting
and running a business. They learn
through hands-on activities, field
trips, and guest speakers, leading
to the final “Business For A Day”,
where the youth sell their products
and/or services to the public.
Summer 2009
I participated in community forum
sessions in Whitney Pier and Glace
Bay as part of the African Nova
Scotian Service Providers for the
Sydney/Glace Bay area.
The
evening sessions were informal and
included an exchange of ideas, lots
of questions and discussion on the
services offered.
For information on camps and
Finally I would like to congratulate
my Metro clients Lyndon Hibbert &
Mark Johnson on opening Caribbean
Twist Restaurant (209-7942) and
Brent Symonds of Friday’s Concrete
Ltd. (209-3544) who continues to
grow his business.
coordinators, contact Dorothy
Fletcher 902 426 8688.
We encourage you to join our
‘Business Is Jammin’ group on
Facebook; www.facebook.com .
For more information or to
arrange a meeting please
contact me at 426-8685,
toll free at 1-888-664-9333
or by email: gorman-tolliver.
[email protected]
Black to Business
18
Summer 2009
James Downey
stock
Making Nova Scotia winters more bearable
removal,” Downey lists
off just a few of the services offered by Horace
Construction, which
is located in Middle
Sackville.
According to their website (www.horaceconstruction.com), Horace
Construction is committed to quality and
service within Nova
Scotia. Providing services in Metro Halifax and
Valley areas, Horace
Constructions gets the
job done “correctly” and
“efficiently”. They also
provide driveway tips
and free estimates and
customers can browse
through pictures of projects Downey and his
crew have worked on in
the past.
T
hanks to Horace Construction, Halifax winters have become a bit
more bearable. Snow and ice
are no problem for Horace
Construction owner, James
Downey. “Our snow removal
service is the one I’m most
proud of,” says Downey.
Sunjay Mathuria
“It’s all about money management.
It’s all about the dollar, good decisions and patience” he says.
“Be patient, do good work, honour
your work and trust others.”
“I enjoy the luxury of
coming and going as I
please. But also working
through all the different
challenges that come.
It’s interesting,”
Along with his work at
Horace Construction,
Downey also lends a hand at other
paving companies. Although the
business leaves him with very little
free time, Downey finds the work
rewarding. “I enjoy the luxury of
coming and going as I please. But
also working through all the different challenges that come. It’s interesting,” he says.
But no matter what the season,
Downey and his crew are always
out making Halifax a more liveable
and beautiful city.
If he wasn’t in the contracting business, Downey says his dream job
would be to become a pro-basketball
player. But even as a kid, Downey
always knew he would end up in
the business. “Fixing, building, playing outside in the gravel. That was
me,” he says, with a laugh.
With over 10 years of experience,
Downey has been keeping busy
with the variety of services his
company offers. “Paving, excavating, trenching, landscaping, snow
With his knack for the business,
it is not surprising that Horace
Construction has been so successful
over the past 10 years. Downey’s
secret?
James Downey
Middle Sackville, NS
(902) 864-5071
(902)449-8341
[email protected]
www.horaceconstruction.com
Black to Business
19
BBI Honours
Summer 2009
FAST FACTS
Paul Adams
Senator Donald Oliver
Hon. Dr. Donald H. Oliver,
Q.C., B.A. Hons. (History), LLB, LLD Hons.

Qualifications:
Acadia University B.A. (Honours)
Dalhousie University Law School, LL.B
Her Honour Mayann Francis presenting the Special Board Award
to Senator Oliver
T
he Black Business Initiative announced today the
recipient of the inaugural special Board of Directors
Award of Business Excellence Senator Donald H. Oliver.
“Senator Oliver couldn’t be more
deserving of this recognition,” said
Cassandra Dorrington, Chair of the
Board of Directors. “He is a tireless
advocate for human rights and equality for African Canadians, reflected in
his community and public speaking
engagements and his overall commitment to the prosperity of all Canadians,
in particular the black business sector.”
As a barrister, teacher, entrepreneur,
advocate and statesman, Senator Oliver
has served the people of Nova Scotia
and Canada with honour, distinction
and achievement for more than 40
years.
“I am deeply honoured to accept this
singular distinction,” commented
Senator Oliver. “To be honoured by the
Black Business Initiative means
a great deal to me.”
Senator Oliver established and
leads two companies, is considered
an expert on corporate governance
and is a director of or consultant to
several Canadian corporations. He
also continues to volunteer his time
and expertise to community and
cultural organizations throughout
Canada and has earned three honorary doctorates and other prestigious awards in recognition of his
service.
“Senator Oliver has been and
continues to be a true leader
who will leave a lasting impact
on Nova Scotians and indeed all
Canadians,” continued
Ms. Dorrington.
The Black Business Initiative is a
province-wide business development initiative committed to fostering the growth of businesses owned
by members of the Nova Scotia
Black Community. It mission is to
positively influence the Nova Scotia
business culture by promoting
and assisting in the development
of Nova Scotia Black-owned businesses.

Place of Birth:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia Canada

Occupations:
Farmer, Lawyer, Author, Developer,
Professor, Senator

Awards:
1996
Harry Jerome
2003
Honorary Doctor of Laws
(honoris causa) Dalhousie University
2004
African Canadian Achievement Award for
Outstanding Achievement in Politics
2006
Nova Scotian Human Rights
Commission Human Rights Award
2006
Honorary Doctor of Laws
(honoris causa) University of Guelph
2007
Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws
(honoris causa) Acadia University
2009
BBI Special Board Award
of Business Excellence

Hobbies:
Author of a gourmet cookbook
Black to Business
20
ACOA Renews Core Funding
Support to the Black Business
Initiative
Paul Adams
T
The Government of Canada has supported BBI from the start, and now
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency (ACOA) has furthered that
commitment with a total of $3.25
million in funding over the next five
years. The funding announcement
was made today in conjunction with
the BBI’s Annual General Meeting
by the Honourable Keith Ashfield,
Minister of State for ACOA.
“We are proud to support BBI’s work
in areas such as Entrepreneurship
and Business Skills Development,
Innovation, Community Economic
Development, and Access to Capital
and Information,” said Minister
Ashfield. “Furthermore, BBI shares our
agency’s mandate to increase entrepreneurial opportunity in rural areas.”
REGIONAL
REPORT
Southern
Greg
Nazaire
“From its
inception
in 1996,
the Black
Business
Initiative
(BBI) developed and
worked
around a
cluster of
strategic
objectives.
These objectives were
Debbie Windsor, V.P., ACOA Nova Scotia, makes the
informed by
announcement at the BBI AGM.
our vision
to foster
an enduring presence within the
he Black Business IniNova Scotia business community
of a dynamic and vibrant Black
tiative (BBI) has so far
presence,” said Rustum Southwell,
assisted more than 2,000
BBI CEO. “By developing business
and job opportunities for African
individuals and organizations
Nova Scotians, we are helping
since 1996 in helping foster
ACOA to fulfill its mandate as
well as our own.”
a dynamic and vibrant Black
presence in the Nova Scotia
business community.
Summer 2009
Among the tools BBI uses to create
an entrepreneurial environment
are: financing, training, mentoring, business counselling, and
community economic development projects.
All evidence points to the success
of BBI’s strategy. Statistics Canada
data outlines that between
2001-2006, the number of Blackowned businesses with employees grew 57.7 %, compared with
1.1% growth for businesses with
employees in the province as a
whole. As well, BBI investments
have helped create approximately
570 full-and-part-time jobs.
We are getting ready to launch
another series of workshops
and information sessions with
CBDC-Yarmouth and ACOA and
this time we will involve more
business professionals such as
accountants, business consultants,
and lawyers instead of strictly
financial institution representatives.
Another initiative under way is
the celebration of the 300th
anniversary of the renaming of the
Town of Annapolis Royal in 2010.
One of the projects we are working
on is choosing a logo for this
anniversary, which will represent
our African Nova Scotian heritage.
In this past quarter, I have visited
several businesses in the southern
region to assess their progress
during the recession and I am
happy to say many are doing
well since most are small scale
service providers. However, some
communities have been affected,
especially in the valley where
African Nova Scotian youth have
been affected the most. To address
this, some community leaders in
Windsor Plains have organized to
assist the youth in overcoming
economic and social hardships.
Finally, I would like to congratulate
Mr. James Downey, General
Manager of Horace Construction on
his company’s expansion. We hope
his success will lead to a strong
African Nova Scotian presence
within the construction industry.
Should you require further
information or to book a regional
visit please contact me at:
(902) 426-1625 or toll free
number at 1(800) 668-1010.
Black to Business
Summer 2009
21
Cultural Expressions 2009
Tourism and Heritage Symposium
T
he Black Business Initiative and the Office of
African Nova Scotian
Affairs partnered in organizing
and hosting a spring tourism
symposium entitled ‘Cultural
Expressions 2009’.
The weekend event was held May
29 to May 31, 2009 at the Park
Place Hotel and Conference Centre
- Ramada Plaza, in Dartmouth, NS.
It consisted of youth workshops and
a roundtable discussion for select
stakeholders.
In 2008, the Black Business Initiative
commissioned a study to assess the
tourism potential and market readiness for Black cultural experiences
in Nova Scotia. One of the report’s
recommendations was to form a
cultural tourism development working group to look at what is currently available, determine what is
missing, and then devise a way to
put together and market an African
Nova Scotian tourism package. The
goal of this symposium was to initiate this objective.
African Nova Scotian stakeholders
across the province whose organizations already had a strong tourism
component were invited to participate in the roundtable. An official
from the Nova Scotia Department of
Tourism, Culture and Heritage presented available programs and best
practice examples to the group.
Angela Johnson / Evan Williams
Photography: Paul Adams
ages of 13 and 17 to work with professional artists in the creation and
interpretation of works celebrating
their cultural heritage.
There were four different cultural
art streams: African Dance, Theatre/
Spoken Word, Visual Arts and
Handcrafts (basket weaving). African
dance was facilitated by instructor
and performer Mufaro Chakabuda,
Theatre/Spoken word was facilitated by Shauntay Grant, Visual
Arts by Kim Cain and Handcrafts
(basket weaving) was taught by
Clara Gough. To be selected for the
workshops the youth wrote essays on
what cultural expression meant to
them.
Chelsie Skeete weaves a basket
The weekend concluded with a very
moving presentation of WE ARE
HERE, a performance showcase,
highlighting the disciplines explored,
and the work created by the youth
involved.
This symposium is the first of hopefully many other similar cultural
expressions events.
Shay Anderson prepares a poem
Roundtable with community groups
Mufaro Chakabuda instructs dance
Shauntay Grant, Coordinator
Kim Cain, instructor
While the roundtable was occurring, 22 African Nova Scotian youth
from across the province participated in Cultural Expressions workshops, coordinated by writer, artist
and Nova Scotia’s poet laureate,
Shauntay Grant. The workshops
were an opportunity for African
Nova Scotian youth between the
Black to Business
Summer 2009
22
Black Business Initiative
2009 Training Schedule for Metro
Courses:
Day
Date
Time
Simply Accounting
Thursday
Sept.
3,10,17,
& 24
6-9 pm
Marketing Your Business
Tuesday
Sept.
8,15, 22,
& 29
6-9 pm
Creating a Winning Business
Plan
Tuesday
Oct.
6, 13,20,
& 27
6-9 pm
Bookkeeping I
Thursday
Oct.
8, 15, 29
& Nov. 5
6-9 pm
Bookkeeping II
Thursday
Nov.
12, 19, 26 6-9 pm
& Dec. 3
Workshops:
Day
Date
Entrepreneurship 101
Wednesday Sept. 9
Time
6-8 pm
Understanding & Keeping Credit Wednesday Sept. 16
6-9 pm
Business Etiquette
Wednesday Oct. 21
6-9 pm
Human Resource Management Wednesday Nov. 18
6-9 pm
Course Fee: Clients - $20.00, Non Clients : $40.00
Workshop Fee: Clients and Non Clients : $5.00
Registration is open to everyone.
To register for any session, please call 426-8683
Note: Course and Workshop delivery times are subject to change.
TRAINING
REPORT
Evan
Williams
The last few months have been fairly
busy for the training centre. We
hired six Business is Jammin’ youth
coordinators in Sydney, Yarmouth,
Truro, Kentville, Halifax and Dartmouth.
The coordinators will offer Business is
Jammin’ workshops, camps and summer
business financing to Black youth in
their selected regions and surrounding
communities.
We were able to offer Bookkeeping
1 and 2 (Bookkeeping 1 is the prerequisite for Bookkeeping 2) to 16
participants. 13 completed the courses.
We also offered “Creating a Winning a
Business Plan” to eight participants who
all completed the course.
We are investigating new strategies for
offering our training. We will be looking
to strengthen relationships with our
partners to leverage more resources
for our clients. We are also developing
programs for existing business owners.
Currently, many of our courses are
designed for people that are new to
business. BBI is now in its thirteenth year
of operations and many of our clients
have grown with the organization. We
have realized that we have to cater
to the needs of the existing business
person as well.
Our Gottingen street Training Centre has
closed and all BBI offices have moved
to 1660 Hollis St., Halifax. Although we
do not have a dedicated training centre,
training is and will continue to be a
focus for the BBI.
If you are interested in any of our
training courses outside of Metro,
please contact me at 902-426-8688 or
toll free at 1-800-668-1010 or speak to
the RBDM for your area.
Black to Business
23
Summer 2009
People & Businesses on the Move
DRUM headlined the national
Canada Day ceremonies on
Parliament Hill for the second
year in a row. Producers Brookes
and Fiona Diamond have also
just released a DVD of the show,
which was filmed last year at the
Bella Rose Theatre. It will also be
featured at this year’s Milwaukee
Irish Festival. This year’s edition
of the show will be at the Rebecca
Cohn in Halifax in late September
and will include two performances
with Symphony Nova Scotia.
Local entrepreneurs have started
the Nova Scotia Black Business
Alliance. Collins Ellison, of Verico
Premiere Mortgage, is the founder.
In an article in the ChronicleHerald, Ellison says he’s meeting
with people across the province,
gathering names for a database,
and developing a strong business
network.
The East Preston Daycare Centre
received the Early Childhood Care
and Education Service Award
from Childcare Nova Scotia to
commemorate its more than
20 years of providing care and
education to children and their
families.
Congratulations to Menderia
Smith, of Saint Patrick’s-Alexandra
School. She recently received
the Junior Female Exemplary
Participation Award from the Nova
Scotia School Athletic Federation.
Faith Baptist Church, in Lower
Sackville, marked the 400th
anniversary of the Baptist Church
with a special service on April 26.
The Windsor Plains United Baptist
Church choir, directed by Darcelle
Cromwell, participated in the
weekend-long event.
Shauntay Grant has added
another title to her already
impressive resume, that of Poet
Laureate for the Halifax Regional
Municipality. Her book, “Up
Home”, received the Best Atlantic
Published award at the 2009
Atlantic Book Awards in May.
The prize includes $5000 from
the Friesens Corporation, which is
shared with Nimbus Publishing.
Susan Tooke, who illustrated the
book, also took home the Lillian
Shepherd Memorial Award for
Excellence in Illustration.
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
celebrated the exhibition “Up
Home” on April 30. It included a
viewing of the original paintings
for the book, an opportunity to
meet the artists and a poetry
presentation by students from
Nelson Whynder Elementary
School. The exhibition of the work
for “Up Home” was on display at
the AGNS until mid June.
The Colchester County Sport
Hall of Fame honoured the Clyke
family at a special reception held
at the Marigold Centre in Truro on
March 20.
The Africville Genealogy Society
now has its own website (www.
africville.ca). The site tells the story
of Africville and includes an events
section highlighting the society’s
activities throughout the year.
The International Day for the
Elimination of Racism was
marked by a special concert at
Emmanuel Baptist Church in
Hammonds Plains. The concert
featured the Nova Scotia Mass
Choir, Marko Simmonds,
Chelsea Nesbitt, Wade Smith,
Kim Bernard, Rose and Stoney
Fraser, James Ogden, and Perry
Williams.
Dr. Anthony Stewart, of
Dalhousie’s Department of
English, recently launched a new
book, “You Must Be a Basketball
Player: Rethinking Integration in
the University”.
Halifax’s Neptune Theatre
joined with Toronto’s Tarragon
Theatre, in association with
Theatrefront, to create UBUNTU
(The Cape Town Project) about
a young South African, haunted
by ghosts, whose search for
his father brings him to this
continent. The play was written
collectively and performed by
artists from Canada and South
Africa. It combined a North
American narrative with South
African myth, legend, and music
to create a unique cultural
experience. It ran on Neptune’s
second stage from March 10-29.
The Citadel High Legacy
Campaign held “An Evening with
George Elliott Clarke” on April 9.
Proceeds from the event will be
directed towards dedicating the
atrium in the new high school in
memory of famed Nova Scotian
Black to Business
24
opera singer Portia White. Earlier
that week, Clarke read from his latest
book “I & I” at the Alumni Hall of
the University of Kings College.
Library, hosted by Pauline’s Beauty
Care and Gwen Caine’s Bridal
Boutique. The proceeds will be
directed towards the 2010 Cotillion.
The Black Educators Association
is proud to announce the
appointment of its new Executive
Director, Mr. Steven R. P.
Carrington. Carrington is a
graduate of the Nova Scotia’s
Teachers College , St. Mary’s
University and Acadia University.
He has worked for 40 years in
various capacities as a childcare
counsellor, teacher, regional
educator, program developer, race
relations policy maker and advisor,
Coordinator of Race Relations,
Cross Cultural Understanding
& Human Rights, and guidance
counsellor.
Second United Baptist Church
celebrated its 106th Anniversary
on Sunday, May 17, 2009. The
celebration included a broadcast
of the 11 a.m. service over Radio
Station ECFM 94.1, special music by
the Community Gospel Choir from
St. Thomas Baptist Church, North
Preston, guest speaker, Licentiate
Lloyd Grant, and the unveiling
and dedication of plaques in
memory of two of the first ministers
of the church, Rev. William A.
White and Rev. Wellington N.
States.
Lawrence Hill, whose book, “The
Book of Negroes” was the winner
of the CBC’s 2009 Canada Reads
contest, was the guest speaker at
The Canadian Association for the
Prevention of Discrimination and
Harassment in Higher Education
conference in Halifax. The theme
of this year’s conference was
Adjusting the Sails: Navigating
Toward an Inclusive Environment
in Higher Education.
The Black Loyalist Heritage
Society held a sweet celebration
of Mother’s Day. The Society
held a cheesecake bakesale at the
Shelburne Mall on May 7.
The annual Kamp Kujichagulia
was held at Acadia University from
July 5-10 for students of African
Canadian descent ages 14-18
(Grades 9-11).
A fundraising fashion & hair show
for Black Women on the Move was
held at the Halifax Memorial Public
Mrs. Edith Cromwell was awarded
a doctor of civil laws during one of
two spring convocation ceremonies
at Acadia University in May.
“From These Roots - Taking Up
the Basket”, a documentary on
the work of Clara Gough, was
launched at the Black Cultural
Centre for Nova Scotia on May 14.
The Black Cultural Centre held its
26th annual dinner at the Ramada
Hotel in Dartmouth on June 20.
This year’s dinner was themed “The
Night of Heroes” and featured the
music of Pat Watson.
The Maritime Centre for African
Dance held a DVD release party on
May 26. As part of the celebration,
a video of the MCAD’s performance
in Washington in January was
screened.
Gary Beals released his second
album, “The Rebirth of…” in early
June. There were release parties in
both Halifax and Toronto. (More on
the Halifax party in this issue)
Summer 2009
Congratulations to John
Beaton, a Grade 9 student
at New Glasgow Junior High
School, for winning the 2009
Regional Educators’ Spelling
Bee, sponsored by the Black
Educators Association of Nova
Scotia. Jack Andrew, a Grade
8 student at Georges P. Vanier
Junior High School in Fall
River, took home second-place
honours and Moataz (Mizo)
Ibrahim, a Grade 8 student
at Ridgecliff Middle School in
Beechville, came in third place.
Sixty five students from across
the province competed in the
event, which was held at Mount
Saint Vincent and is open to
African-Nova Scotian students
aged eight to 15.
A Taste of East Preston, hosted
by the East Preston United
Baptist Church, was held on
June 27 at the East Preston
Recreation Centre. The event
featured several succulent East
Preston dishes on the menu:
- Oxtail, Pigtails, Peas & Rice,
Curries, Fried & Baked Chicken,
Fishcakes & Baked Beans, and
Macaroni & Cheese Dishes.
Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden,
the Chief of the Maritime
Staff (CMS), held a Town Hall
meeting at the North Preston
Community Centre on on June
29. It was designed to provide
an excellent opportunity for
church and community leaders
to dialogue with a senior
officer of the Canadian Force
and to discuss the role of the
Canadian Forces and how the
men and women in our Black
communities can make a
contribution to Canada through
the Canadian Forces.
Black to Business
Summer 2009
25
Business & Community Events
July & August
August 12 - 15
September 29 - October 4
Summer School
Of The Arts
Amistad Freedom
Celebration 175
DRUM
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Classes for Children
Ages 3 – teen
Contact: (902) 424-7542
Public Tours & Youth Sails
Shelburne, NS
For info: 902-875-1310
July 30 - Aug. 4 2009
26th Annual Africville
Festival Reunion
Thur., July 30
- 6pm Welcome
- 8 pm Documentary screening
Fri., July 3
6pm - Dinner/ Dance, Fleet Club
$35 p/p; $60 p/c
Dance: 9pm $10.
Sat., Aug.1
1 to 6pm Kid’s day, BBQ
8pm Emancipation Day
Celebrations, Maritime Museum of
the Atlantic, Lwr. Water St. Halifax
Sun., Aug 2
2pm Memorial Church service w/
Rev. Rhonda Britton
August 17 - 21
Birchtown
Multicultural Day Camp
Black Loyalist Heritage Society
For children 5-12
9am - noon daily
Price: $35/child
For info: 902-875-1310
www.blackloyalist.com
September 23 - 27
Nova Scotia Association
Of Black Social Workers
International
Conference
Ramada Park Place Hotel
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Theme: “Linking Borders”
Contact: Veronica Marsman @
[email protected]
For info www.africville.ca
July 31st & August 1st
The Halifax Dikita
Women’s Festival 2009
Dance Workshop / Dinner
Maritime Centre for African Dance
Sat: Dinner
Cost: $100
For info/to register:
902.407.3301; 902.225.9267;
[email protected]
No dance experience is necessary
Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
Halifax, NS
902-494-3820 or
toll free at 1-800-874-1669
artscentre.dal.ca/box.html
September 25 - 27
ABF Conference
Atlantic Baptist Fellowship
and First Baptist Church,
Amherst, NS
400th Anniv. of the Baptist
movement / First Baptist
Church’s 200th Anniversary
For info: 902-667-2001
[email protected]
Web: www.amherstfirstbaptist.ca
October 2/3, 2009
INCLUDE Youth!
Fall youth forum on
Ethnic Diversity
Saint Mary’s University
For info: (902) 423-6534;
[email protected]
October 20
EXPO 2009 - Preparing
For The Future
10am – 5pm
WTCC, 1800 Argyle Street,
Halifax, NS
For info: Kristen@
halifaxchamber.com
Are you thinking about buying a home but want to stay in the neighbourhood and can’t find anything affordable?
You should learn more about …..
GOTTINGEN TERRACE
The Creighton/Gerrish Development Association proudly presents Gottingen Terrace - 48 beautiful 1, 2 and 3 bedroom
condominium homes on Gottingen Street across from the Halifax North Memorial Public Library. Now available for pre-sale.
Starting construction in 2010. Available for occupancy in 2011.
Gottingen Terrace is not like other condominiums and the Creighton/Gerrish Development Association is not like other
developers. The Creighton/Gerrish Development Association (C/GDA), is a partnership of four, non-profit, community-based
organizations: the Black Business Initiative (BBI), the Metro Non Profit Housing Association (MNPHA), Harbour City Homes (HCH),
and the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS). We incorporated in 1998 and since then have participated
in the regeneration of the Old North End community through the development of decent and affordable housing for people who
have a long-standing relationship with the neighbourhood. So far we’ve successfully developed a total of 37 new homes in three
distinguished projects. The first building, a 19 unit structure, was completed and turned over to the MNPHA in early 2002. The
second project, 6 semi-detached dwellings offering affordable, freehold ownership to area residents, was completed and sold
in the fall of 2004. The third project, a 12 unit building at the corner of Creighton and Buddy Daye Streets, was completed and
turned over to HCH in the summer of 2008.
The Gottingen Terrace condominium is our fourth project. Its 48 dwellings will form a substantial and varied four storey terrace
along Gottingen Street. The Terrace itself will consist of eight 6 unit buildings, each of which will provide: two 2 bedroom units
at grade, each with its own private entry court; and on top of the two bedroom units, a pair of one bedroom dwellings; and above
them, two three bedroom two storey family dwellings. The one’s and three’s will share a keyed vestibule accessible both from
Gottingen Street and from the garden and parking at the rear.
Not only are the 48 homes of the Gottingen Terrace condominium of the highest quality, because we are a non-profit society,
our homes come direct to you without middlemen, without profit to our association, at prices affordable to households of modest
means. The sixteen 1 bedroom units at Gottingen Terrace range in price from $124,500 to $128,900 per unit, the sixteen
2 bedroom units range from $139,500 to $143,900 per unit, while the sixteen 3 bedroom units cost between $189,500 and
$193,900 per unit. These prices include 5 appliances, in-floor radiant heating, engineered-hard-wood and ceramic flooring, 1
parking space/unit, and much, much more.
We are pleased to invite you to attend the Gottingen Terrace Community Information Meeting, at the Halifax North
Memorial Public Library, 2285 Gottingen Street, Halifax, 6 August 2009 at 6:00 pm.
Grant Wanzel, President, C/GDA
Rustum Southwell, Secretary, C/GDA
Tracey Jones-Grant, Board Member, C/GDA
Visit our website at www.ahans.ca and follow the links to Gottingen Terrace. OR make an appointment to visit the
Gottingen Terrace Showroom at 2020A Gottingen Street by calling the C/GDA at 789-2432.
The Main BBI office at 1575 Brunswick Street,
along with the Training office at 2101 Gottingen Street,
and the ADEPA office at 202 Brownlow Avenue,
have merged and moved.
Our new address is:
Black Business Initiative
Centennial Building, Suite 1201,
1660 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3J 1V7
phone, email, website remain unchanged
… only the Fax and Toll-free phone numbers are new.
Phone: (902) 426-2224 Fax: (902) 426-8699
Email: [email protected] Website: www.bbi.ca
New Toll-free: 1-888-664-9333
If undeliverable return to:
The Black Business Initiative
Centennial Building
Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7
Publications Mail
Agreement No.
Poste-publications
numéro de convention
0040026687 0040026687