Podcast
Feature Friday
Hosted by ANS Lab | BNV Media · EN
ANS Lab's Feature Friday is now a podcast!
The goal of our long-standing Feature Friday initiative has always been to give you a platform to share your experiences, expertise, and passions.
This platform hosts holistic conversations promoting stellar ANS community members and true allies, placing a focus on the fantastic work being done in the community to help close the employment gap for Blacks and ANS between the ages of 18-35. We inspire our audience by exploring your personal stories, what drives you, and your accomplishments.
This year's 12 podcast episodes, which come out the last Friday of every month, are hosted by Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver.
You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms as well as YouTube!
Follow ANS Lab on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anslab/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ansyouthlab/featured
Follow One North End on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one_north_end/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneNorthEnd
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2E7: The Future of Black Land Ownership Starts Here | Shekara Grant & Curtis Whiley
Jul 25, 202501:38:34Tap to summarizeOur guests for this month's double feature is Shekara Grant and Curtis Whiley! Shekara Grant has ancestral ties to both Cherry Brook and Weymouth Falls, two of over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities in this province. She graduated from Dalhousie University with combined honours in Sociology and French and a Certificate in Intercultural Communications in 2019. In 2023, Shekara founded the Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a platform for a vibrant community voice that stewards the land of Weymouth Falls by intersecting opportunities for growth and development with historical preservation of its cultural identity and assets. In addition to her work with the land trust, Shekara is pursuing a Masters in Sociology where she has been able to read and write primarily about African Nova Scotian and Indigenous relationships to property, land and justice. Her thesis will take a Black sociological approach to understanding and describing African Nova Scotian cultural identity beyond race and locality. Curtis Whiley is a sixth-generation African Nova Scotian from Upper Hammonds Plains. With over 13 years in public service, he currently serves as Director of the Land Titles Initiative. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA in Social Enterprise Leadership. As the founder of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, Curtis leads efforts in land stewardship, affordable housing, and economic empowerment. He sits on the boards of the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts and the Ecology Action Centre. A passionate advocate, Curtis is committed to building equitable and innovative solutions that facilitate community-led transformation. It was a pleasure to host this month's Feature Friday episode with two incredible community trailblazers, Shekara and Curtis! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Shekara Grant and Curtis Whiley 9:55 - Land titles in community 18:45 - Curtis on starting a community land trust (CLT) 27:10 - Navigating communication centred around the community land trusts with community members 31:55 - The ins and outs of a community land trust 40:10 - Determining membership in a community land trust 47:15 - Looking at other CLTs in North America for inspiration 54:00 - The colonial nature of land titles 57:00 - Shekara and Curtis' goals for their CLTs 1:16:20 - Where does funding come from? 1:26:55 - The future of CLTs 1:32:35 - One word checkout
Transcribe →S2E1: The Shift: Growth, Gratitude, and Fresh Perspectives
Jan 31, 202500:57:12Tap to summarizeSeason 2 of Feature Friday is brought to you by the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative administered by the Black Business Initiative. In this episode, hosts Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver dive into the vision and mission of Feature Friday, share what’s in store for the new season, and let you know how to get involved. They’ll also update you on what they’ve personally been up to this year! For years, Feature Friday has been a platform dedicated to amplifying voices, sharing experiences, and celebrating the achievements of ANS (African Nova Scotian) community members and allies. Through meaningful conversations, we highlight the incredible work being done to close the employment gap for Black and ANS individuals aged 18-35. We explore personal journeys, passions, and successes to inspire and uplift our audience. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe/follow to stay connected!
Transcribe →Bonus Episode: Experience is the Key to Knowledge
Dec 31, 202400:39:37Tap to summarizeJoin us for this bonus episode brought to you by the Youth Climate Action Fund, where the ONE team of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Ambassadors—Josh Paris, Sarah Yehayes, and Leah Khisa—share their experiences in raising awareness about climate change within African Nova Scotian communities in Nova Scotia. Their goal is to engage you in a dialogue around 'green jobs', a crucial step to help close the employment gap for Black individuals and African Nova Scotians aged 18 to 35 in our province. In this episode, Rodney Small, Josh Paris, Sarah Yehayes, Leah Khisa, and co-hosts Aaliyah Aarb Smith and Trevor Silver come together to discuss their experiences and insights with the broader community. Tune in to discover the many opportunities within the green economy that often go unnoticed due to a lack of awareness regarding climate change and the importance of climate justice. Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to the team 0:55 - One North End and the green economy 4:30 - How ONE team members have been working with the community to encourage the green economy 9:30 - The biggest learning experiences the team has had with these green economy initiatives 11:40 - A closer look at the Next Ride tours 14:30 - Breaking down the joint regional transportation agency 20:45 - Analyzing the low-carbon community survey responses 26:05 - Discussion on the Green Schools 30:10 - The unique perspective of working on projects with the youth Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 12: "Not everyone approaches Black students with love" with Ashley Hill
Dec 27, 202400:14:00Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Ashley Hill! Ashley Hill is an African Nova Scotian woman, creator and social entrepreneur. With over 10 years of combined experience working in corporate and non-profit industries, she has led strategy, fundraising, donor engagement, community outreach, student engagement, program evaluation and program development. She's inspired to serve Black students as they shape their way forward to being young trailblazers, and to be a guide to changemakers who want to launch non-profit organizations. As the Founder of The PREP Academy, a community based non-profit organization, she wanted to create a service designed to give African Nova Scotian students access to knowledge and culturally relevant relationship based supports that help ease and inspire their journey into and completion of higher education. She's a CBC Black Changemaker and YMCA Peace Medal Recipient. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Preston, and the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth. She is passionate about student advancement, education and the development of African Nova Scotian communities. It was a pleasure hosting the dynamic and inspiring Ashley Hill for our podcast episode this month! Find PREP Academy on: Website: https://www.instagram.com/theprepacademy.ca/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.theprepacademy.ca/ Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 11: "It Takes Two to Tango" with Chaz Samuel
Nov 29, 202401:09:32Tap to summarizeThis episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Chaz Samuel! Chaz Samuel was born and raised on the island of Antigua. He moved to Halifax in 2018 to pursue a Bachelor’s of Commerce at Saint Mary’s University. From a very young age he fell in love with basketball. He played collegiate basketball at Tyler Junior College in Texas, USA and proudly represented the national basketball team for Antigua. His love for the sport has grown into a passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential. In 2019, he co-founded No Days Off Apparel Inc., a clothing company created to motivate and inspire people to stay committed to their goals. In 2024, he expanded this vision to No Days Off Fitness Inc., the first and only private basketball facility in Nova Scotia. NDOFitness Inc. consists of a team of dedicated coaches who are passionate about providing a high-quality basketball experience that fosters teamwork, discipline, and dedication. It offers customized training programs, clinics, camps and birthday parties with the overall goal of creating a safe and inclusive space for every athlete to reach their full potential, on and off the court. Additionally, NDOFitness Inc. strives to showcase the basketball talent in Nova Scotia through social media. Chaz has grown his Instagram account @ndo.fitnesss to over 200,000 followers with the intention to put Nova Scotian athletes on the basketball map. He is constantly finding innovative ways to contribute and giveback to the basketball culture. It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Chaz Samuel, Shayna Court-Samuel, and their daughter for our podcast episode this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Chaz and Shayna 6:35 - The origins of No Days Off Fitness 13:30 - How Chaz and Shayna share their entrepreneurial journey together 15:50 - How Shayna’s journey has led her to medical school and beyond 21:15 - Chaz and Shayna on parenthood 27:05 - No Days Off Mentality 32:55 - Advice from Chaz on how to build a business successfully 36:40 - NDO’s business structure 41:40 - Three things an athlete needs to be successful 43:15 - What do Chaz and Shayna think is the biggest takeaway from their entrepreneurial journey so far 1:00:40 - One word checkout! Find No Days Off Fitness on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ndo.fitnesss/?hl=en Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 10: “You’re Not Doing Anything Until They Can See It” with Lindell Smith
Oct 25, 202401:13:04Tap to summarizeLindell Smith is a lifelong resident of the North End Halifax, and a proud father. Co-founder of Center Line Studio, a non-profit recording studio for youth who want to express themselves through art and music. In 2016, Lindell was elected as City Councillor for District 8 Halifax Peninsula North. Lindell has been a member at large on The Council on African Canadian Education (CACE), which is a provincial advisory council that provides advice and guidance to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on educational programs, services and funding for African Nova Scotian learners. He also sits on the Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality”. Lindell has been awarded various awards and honours including the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax Inspire Public service award, and The Coast Halifax “Best of Halifax” Gold – Best Councillor (2017-2019)(2021-2023). It was a pleasure hosting the incredible Lindell Smith for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Lindell Smith 5:20 - Lindell’s journey growing up to becoming an elected politician 11:20 - How Lindell prepared himself before getting into politics 23:40 - Lindell’s different experiences growing up that contributed to his leadership qualities 34:40 - What motivates Lindell? 37:00 - What sort of impact can a councilor make for their community? 48:00 - How Lindell would handle negative situations with his constituents 54:00 - Lindell’s next chapter 58:00 - The inspiration behind Lindell’s music studio 1:06:25 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 9: "It's Not an Easy Road" with Chika Chiekwe
Sep 27, 202401:20:16Tap to summarizeThis episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Chika Chiekwe! Chika Chiekwe is a partner at Cox & Palmer in Halifax. Chika was born and raised in Nova Scotia, growing up in Cole Harbour. Her family is originally from Nigeria. She was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 2018 and holds an accounting degree from Acadia University and earned her law degree at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University. Chika has a broad-based legal practice in corporate and commercial law and wills and estates. Chika values giving back to the community and volunteers her time when she can. Chika currently serves on the boards of YWCA Halifax, Hope Blooms, Nova Scotia Career Development Association and the Halifax International Airport Authority. It was a pleasure hosting the ambitious Chika Chiekwe for our Feature Friday this month!
Transcribe →Episode 8: "It’s Okay to Admit That You Are Still Not Okay" with Dr. Cinera Cartwright
Aug 30, 202401:23:25Tap to summarizeThis episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Dr. Cinera Cartwright! Dr. Cartwright obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at Dalhousie University with a double major in biology and psychology. She attended Dalhousie Medical School and obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2017. She completed her psychiatry residency training at Dalhousie University in 2023. She is currently the Clinical Academic Leader for the Transcultural Psychiatry Program at Dalhousie University, Department of Psychiatry. In this role, Dr. Cartwright is working to provide culturally competent psychiatric services to multiple underserved and equity deserving groups including Black/African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, Newcomers, and people experiencing homelessness. It was a pleasure hosting the inspiring Dr. Cinera Cartwright for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction to Cinera 6:15 - The people in Cinera’s life that have inspired her 10:05 - How Cinera decided to choose a career path in Medicine 18:50 - Cinera’s experience in post secondary education 26:25 - The legacy of racism in Nova Scotia and how it has affected Black Nova Scotians in the education system 34:34 - Cinera and the passing of her Mom and how she still plays a role in her life 56:25 - Cinera on the importance of culture competency 1:04:00 - Cinera’s current work 1:10:40 - Resources for psychiatric support 1:16:05 - Navigating the mental health stigma that still exists 1:18:10 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 7: "Perfectly Me" with Keonté Beals
Jul 26, 202401:22:21Tap to summarizeThis episode is brought to you by Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP, a group of common sense lawyers whose clients appreciate our approachable style, practical advice and broad range of expertise. To learn more about what they do, head to their website: www.bwbllp.ca/ or call them at (902) 423-6361. Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Keonté Beals! Keonté Beals is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, performer, author, and entrepreneur from North Preston, Nova Scotia. In 2021, Keonté self-published his first children's book 'I Am Perfectly Me' alongside his younger brother, Antonio Beals. The book sold thousands of copies and led to Keonté's company, KBeals Entertainment, launching its publishing arm in 2022 following a launch of 'Je suis parfaitement moi' - an Acadian French translation of the famous English release. Keonté and KBeals Entertainment headlined 'The I Am Experience Tour,' a Canadian school tour produced by the company and presented to thousands of kids all across Canada in provinces such as Ontario and Nova Scotia. Keonté illustrates all the "I Am" books as a multidisciplinary artist. We were honoured to host the talented Keonté Beals for our Feature Friday this month! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →Episode 6: “How I Found Myself” with Aquakultre
Jun 28, 202402:00:33Tap to summarizeOur guest for this month's Feature Friday is Aquakultre! Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson — an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, NS. Since winning the 2018 CBC Searchlight competition, Aquakultre has released two Polaris-nominated albums and a multitude of genre-diverse, multi-media collaborations, establishing him as a significant musical and cultural presence. The live show is a warm-hearted party where all are welcomed by Aquakultre’s big voice and bigger stage presence. Through all his works, via poetic lyrics and straight-up jams, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the culture. It was a pleasure hosting the influential Aquakultre for our Feature Friday this month! Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 11:45 - “You are what you eat” 35:12 - New show GeneratioNS 40:10 - Finding your identity 54:15 - Becoming Aquakultre 1:01:00 - Being the change you want to see 1:09:00 - Family and friends life 1:35:00 - Bringing different communities together 1:40:40 - Advice from Lance 1:45:00 - Upcoming news 1:53:00 - One word checkout! Follow ANS Lab on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/anslab/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ansyouthlab/?fref=tag Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/ Follow One North End on: Instagram: www.instagram.com/one_north_end/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/OneNorthEnd Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/
Transcribe →