The Loyalist Connections Podcast

Episode 3 - Dr. Clement Ligoure and the Living Legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion

In the final episode, which grounds Dr. Clement Ligoure’s history in community memory, Shawn speaks with Hal Davidson of Amherst, Nova Scotia, a town councilor, former deputy mayor, and community historian. Hal shares knowledge of the African Nova Scotian community's history, particularly the Number Two Construction Battalion and its legacy. He discusses his personal connection to this history through his great uncle, who served in the battalion and later became a pastor. The conversation considers the structural racism faced by Black people in the military and the significance of recognizing and preserving this history.
Key Topics
Hal’s personal connection to the No.2 Construction Battalion.
The role of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the recruitment of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
Institutional racism faced by Black soldiers during World War 1 and the significance of recognizing and protecting this history.
Community memory and recognition of the No.2 Construction Battalion.
Building solidarity among African Nova Scotians is essential to protecting history.
Credits
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Hal Davidson
Connect With Us
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
Resources
https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index
View the video podcast here: Episode three (feat. Hal Davidson): https://youtu.be/M_uCBGrqDAU
For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

Episode 2 - Dr. Clement Ligoure, the Press, and the Fight to Recruit the No. 2 Construction Battalion

This second episode revisits Dr. Clement Ligoure in Nova Scotia. It examines why, despite being qualified and recommended, he was denied appointment as Medical Officer for the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War. Shawn interviews Mary Beth Sutherland, community advocate and granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland, the battalion’s commanding officer, who pushed for Black officers, including a chaplain (Rev. Andrew White) and Dr. Ligoure.
Key Topics
Clement Ligoure’s journey: recruitment, qualifications and racial discrimination encountered within the military.
The leadership and advocacy efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland.
The significance of the No.2 Construction Battalion.
The role of print media and Black publications during World War 1.
The role of the No.2 Construction band during World War 1.
Credits
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Mary Beth Sutherland
Connect With Us
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
Learning Resources:
https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index
View the video podcast here: Episode two (feat. Mary Beth Sutherland): https://youtu.be/wYCn6tL9vOs
For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca
 

Episode 1 - The Journey of Dr. Clement Ligoure: From Trinidad to Nova Scotia's First Registered Black Physician

Host Shawn Smith launches a three-part series on Dr. Clement Courtney Ligoure, tracing his path from Trinidad to the United States, medical training in Ontario, and his 1916 arrival in Halifax. With historian Graham Nickerson, the episode situates Ligoure's story inside broader Black migration, Caribbean economic change after emancipation, and the racism and policies which shaped opportunity, including Canada’s early 1900s restrictions on Black immigration.
Key Topics
Clement Ligoure's early life in Trinidad
Migration movements of Black communities from the Caribbean to North America
The role of community networks and institutions in Black history
The impact of systematic racism and legislation on Black medical professionals
The significance of the Halifax explosion and Black community resilience
Launch of the Atlantic Advocate and recruitment for the No.2 Construction Battalion
Credits
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Graham Nickerson
Connect With Us
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms.
Learning Resources:
https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index
View the video podcast here: Episode one (feat. Graham Nickerson): https://youtu.be/AwkX-7541zc 
For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

Land as a Tool for Racial Justice (Part 2): Rewriting Histories and Building Power

Picking up the conversation, episode two continues studying the intersections of land, history, and racial justice. Lyndsey discusses how historic sites and land can serve as meaningful tools for education and activism, addressing white supremacy, colonialism, and the centrality of land in Black history and liberation movements. The conversation emphasizes mapping Black presence beyond single museums, solidarity with Indigenous peoples, and how Canadian multiculturalism may obscure ongoing racism, reconciliation, and reparations.
 
Key topics
Land and historical sites as tools for education and activism
The role of museums and land in shaping racial narratives
White supremacy, colonialism, and land inheritance
The importance of land in Black history and liberation movements
Strategies for using land and history to build political consciousness
Credits
Hosted by Shawn Smith and Graham Nickerson
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Lyndsey Beutin
Connect With Us
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms
Resources
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justice
 
 

How Media Shapes Anti-Blackness (Part 1): A Conversation on History, Power, and Liberation

Summary
Recorded after the inaugural 2023 BLACK conference, Shawn and Graham reconnect with Lyndsey Beutin as part of this two-part series reflecting on how to build spaces to discuss the legacy of anti-Black racism, media, and liberation. Lyndsey, a scholar of media studies and African diaspora studies, explains her research on the racial politics of communication and anti-trafficking campaigns. The conversation shifts through historical examples of anti-black racism in the media, and addresses Canada’s branding, missionary/humanitarian harms, marketing tropes and DEI backlash.
Key Topics
Trafficking in Anti-Blackness Framework
Historical Context & Data
Visual Culture & Media Representation
White Fragility & Solidarity
Allyship vs. Accompliceship
Credits
Hosted by Shawn Smith and Graham Nickerson
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Lyndsey Beutin
Connect With Us
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms
Resources
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justise

Opus Café and Catering: A Hub of Community and Culture

Our final episode brings us to Cherrybrook, Nova Scotia, where I sit down with Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins, owner of Opus Café and Catering. Debbie shares the significance of Opus Café, her family's deep ties to the African Nova Scotian community, and how those roots continue to guide her entrepreneurial journey. Together, we unlock generational wisdom and explore how food, love, and storytelling can transform a dining experience into a true community hub—a place to gather, reflect, and heal.
Key Topics:
Inspiration behind Opus Café & Catering
Community Connections and Roots
Transforming a Historic Space
Emotional Stories and Healing
Family Influence and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Credits:
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Chef Debbie Vaillancourt-Higgins
Connect with Us:
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
For more information on Opus Café and Catering:
https://www.theopuscafe.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Opus-Cafe-Catering-100088422846944/
https://www.instagram.com/theopuscafe/?hl=en
 

Portlander Jamaican Restaurant: Food, Family, and a Labour of Love

This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series highlights the story of Chef Donna Gogan, owner of Portlander Jamaican Restaurant in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Donna shares her journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, bringing the bold flavours of her heritage to the Maritimes, and discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the labour of love involved in preparing delicious food. The episode offers insights into how Donna's creative twists on traditional dishes have won over locals. It explores the significance of entrepreneurship and cultural cuisine in fostering community connections.
Key Topics:
Donna Gogan's Jamaican Roots
The Beauty of Port Antonio
Journey to Nova Scotia
Challenges and Ingredients
Community Support in Amherst
Future plans and advice for aspiring restaurateurs
Credits:
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Chef Donna Gogan and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson
Connect with Us:
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
For more information on Portlander Jamaican Restaurant:
https://www.facebook.com/Portlanderjamaicanrestaurantnovascotia/
https://portlanderjamaicanrestaurantns.com/
https://www.instagram.com/portlander.jamaican_resturant/

A Taste of Tradition: Chef Leon Hamilton's Culinary Journey

Chef Leon Hamilton joins Shawn Smith to discuss his journey in the culinary arts, rooted in African Nova Scotian traditions and innovation. Chef Leon shares stories about his inspirations, including mentors in his community, and his approach to comfort food, emphasizing complete, satisfying, and accessible meals. The conversation covers his experiences teaching youth through programs like the Fruits of Our Labour, his journey to becoming a Red Seal certified cook, and the impact of culinary arts on preserving cultural heritage.
Key Topics:
Chef Leon's culinary journey
Community and Culinary Arts
Becoming a Red Seal Chef
Comfort food vs. fine dining
Empowering youth through culinary skills
Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs
Credits:
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Chef Leon Hamilton and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson 
Key Topics:
Chef Leon's culinary journey
Community and Culinary Arts
Becoming a Red Seal Chef
Comfort food vs. fine dining
Empowering youth through culinary skills
Future plans and advice for aspiring chefs
Connect with Us:
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
For more information on Chef Leon Hamilton:
https://www.instagram.com/cheffleon/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXrNSjDcjYQ

Honey Bees Restaurant: Come Back to Give Back

This episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, host Shawn Smith visits 'Honey Bees' in Yarmouth, a transformative cultural food hub transformed by Chef Sonia Park and Troy Lawrence. The episode explores the unique fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai flavours that define Honey Bees' offerings, as well as the couple's journey from Toronto back to their small-town roots. Troy discusses the importance of community involvement, respect for diverse cultures in the kitchen, and practical strategies for maintaining a successful multicultural team. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about mentorship, community loyalty, and entrepreneurial advice.
Key Topics:
The Journey Back to Yarmouth
Building a Multicultural Team
Navigating Challenges and COVID-19
Future Plans and Expansion
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Credits:
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Chef Sonia Park and Troy Lawerence, and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson
Connect with Us:
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
For more information on Honey Bees:
https://www.honeybeesorders.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/honeybeesyarmouth/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/honeybeesyarmouth/

Café Caye Mange - Healing Through Food with Chef Pamela

In the opening episode of the African Nova Scotian Culinary series, Shawn Smith sits down with Chef Pamela Alexander Leonforde, the passionate founder of Café Caye Mange in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Chef Pamela shares her inspiring journey from St. Lucia to Nova Scotia, the cultural significance behind her restaurant's name, and her commitment to intertwining her heritage into every dish. She reflects on the community support that helped her establish Café Caye Mange, her dedication to plant-based healing foods, and the importance of holistic health. This conversation unfolds Chef Pamela's global culinary experiences and her mission to educate and inspire through food.
Key Topics:
The inspiration and motivation behind the Café Caye Mange
Global culinary experiences and influences
Community Support and Overcoming Challenges
Changing Perceptions of Plant-Based Food
Healthy Eating and Cultural Shifts
Credits:
Hosted by Shawn Smith
Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
Special thanks to Chef Pamela and Executive Producer Matthew Johnson
Connect with Us:
Follow the Loyalist Connections Podcast on Instagram @LoyalistConnectionPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Listen, like, follow, and share on your favourite platforms!
For more information on Café Caye Mange:
https://www.instagram.com/cafecayemange/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/p/Caf%C3%A9-Caye-Mang%C3%A9-61550916578395/