[VIDEO] Understanding African Nova Scotians as a Distinct People

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI) held our inaugural Justice Symposium on June 18, 2024, at the Halifax Central Library in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

One of two panel discussions that took place was on the topic of Understanding African Nova Scotians as a Distinct People.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, an Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, and Assistant Vice -Provost of Equity and Inclusion at Dalhousie University.

The panelists included Michelle Williams, an Associate Professor of Law and Co-Chair of the African Nova Scotian Strategy at Dalhousie University; Dr. Isaac Saney, an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Black and African Diaspora Studies at Dalhousie

University; and Delvina Bernard, EDIA Advisor at Mount Saint Vincent University.

Follow ANSJI on all social media platforms: https://linktr.ee/ANSJI

The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute's mandate is to address issues of systemic racism in the justice system that negatively impact African Nova Scotians while ensuring fair, legal and constitutional treatment of all African Nova Scotian community members.

The ANSJI will serve as a justice focused organization that is both proactive and reactive in its response to the pervasive institutional racism experienced by people of African descent in their interactions with policing, the courts, prison, and related systems. Taking on legal cases, providing court support and creating unique legal education opportunities for African Nova Scotians are just a few of the initiatives planned for the ANSJI.

ANSJIs vision is to create programs and services that adequately address institutional racism faced by African Nova Scotians and their families when dealing with human rights complaints, the justice system, all forms of law enforcement and incarceration.

The ANSJI will be a place African Nova Scotians can turn to when seeking legal advice, guidance and advocacy that understands African Nova Scotians as a distinct people.

Government, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and community groups will look to the ANSJI as a leader in legal research, advocacy and education on justice issues affecting African Nova Scotian communities.