The Loyalist Connections Podcast

Vanessa Fells, a distinguished community voice, guides us through the multifaceted layers of systemic racism, from its roots in the transatlantic slave trade to its present-day manifestations.  Shawn and Laurice, join Vanessa in a journey that uncovers uncomfortable truths and powerful stories that resonate deeply within the Black community.  Dive into a profound exploration of anti-Black racism i...

Experience the essence of the Loyalist Connections in this heartwarming episode where community, ancestry, and connection come alive. Join Shawn and Laurice along with guests Beatrice and Bernice, as they weave an intricate tapestry of stories that define the spirit of Black communities.  In this episode, we delve into how storytelling is not just a pastime but a lifeline in these communities, ser...

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

In this captivating episode, we venture beyond the surface of connections to explore the rich African Nova Scotian history in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia. Join Shawn and Laurice, and our special guest Juanita Peters, as they illuminate the stories woven into this small yet significant community.  Weymouth Falls is not just a place of picturesque landscapes and fertile farmland; it's a symbol of th...

Join our hosts Shawn and Laurice as they welcome Curtis Whiley, who guides us through the life and soul of Upper Hammonds Plains. This episode is not just a history lesson; it's a celebration of the struggles and triumphs of African Nova Scotian residents and communities in securing their land rights, protecting their heritage, and creating a vibrant, unified community.  Discover the local history...

In this special episode of the Loyalist Connections Podcast, hosts Shawn and Laurice sit down with artist Duane Jones.  Duane shares his journey of coming to Nova Scotia, the founding of his business, Art Pays Me, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in the art industry. 

Join us as we explore the contrasting realities of Greenville, Nova Scotia, through the eyes of Troy Lawrence. This episode highlights the lived experience of moving to a predominantly white community, unraveling the layers of both subconscious and conscious racial segregation. Troy explains how subconscious segregation manifests as an automatic, often unnoticed division along racial lines, while...

In this episode, our hosts Shawn and Laurice, alongside historian Graham Nickerson, continue their journey and uncover the often-overlooked history of Saint John, New Brunswick and deep ties to the Black Loyalist migration.    From skilled tradespeople to labourers and entrepreneurs, their work fuelled the growth of Saint John's economy, leaving an indelible mark on its history. This episode aims...

North Preston is one of the oldest and largest Indigenous Black populations whose residents are the ancestors of Black Loyalists (1783), The Jamaican Maroons (1796) and the Black Refugees from the War of 1812 who all settled in Atlantic British North America at different times. The conversation with Nevell Provo weaves the legacy of the regions past to the present as we discuss a better projection...

Join us and our special guest Bruce Johnson who is a current resident of Yarmouth, one of the 300 African Nova Scotians residing in the County. Bruce and our hosts dive into the historic racial environment of Yarmouth where the status of Black people started as slaves, who arrived in 1760 with the New England Planters. The status of Black people in the region further shifted with the introduction...

Come learn about Whitney Pier with us and our special guest Bradley Sheppard. Whitney Pier was the home to several black Caribbean immigrants who came to Cape Breton in search of work for the Dominion Iron and Steel Company. This episode starts important conversations about the transportation and then planting of Black bodies to perform as surrogates in the building of communities. Additionally, i...

Join us and our special guest Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch as we discuss the Black settlement of Beechville. The community settled about 2000 Black refugees from the War of 1812, who arrived from Chesapeake Virginia, Bermuda, Georgia and more settled in until 1816. This episode we dive into the theft of historically Black land, given to Black communities as the scraps of their agreements with the Briti...

Loyalist Connections is a journey of rediscovery, led by hosts Shawn Smith and Laurice Downey. These two old friends want to better understand their Black Loyalist ancestors and what happened to the communities they settled. In this episode, you will get to know our hosts a little better, why they are doing this podcast, and what they hope to achieve.