About us
Amplifying Voices, Inspiring Change
Loyalist Connections Creative Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and public engagement through podcasting. Our focus is on preserving and sharing African Nova Scotian stories and history, while also exploring the connections within the Black Atlantic, namely between past and present challenges. Join us in our mission to celebrate equity and promote social justice.
Our Mission:
The Loyalist Connections Creative Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to education and public engagement through the power of podcasting. Our mission is to capture and share the stories and history of African Nova Scotians, exploring the connections between past and present issues. With a focus on promoting diversity, inclusivity, and social justice, we work to bridge the gap between historical narratives and contemporary challenges. Through our efforts, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the contributions and experiences of African Nova Scotians, and to inspire positive change in our communities. Join us in our journey to educate, empower, and connect.
Our Team
Graham Nickerson, MA, MSc Eng, BSc
As a workforce consultant, I offer a unique blend of expertise in marine science, community engagement, and project management. My role as Community Inclusion Liaison for the City of Fredericton involved coordinating input from community groups and spearheading initiatives like the Hidden History Geotour and the Canadian Atlas of Social Inclusion, showcasing my ability to foster diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, my experience as a Research Assistant for the Universities Studying Slavery Conference and as a Black History Subject Matter Expert for the New Brunswick Department of Education highlights my proficiency in research, curriculum development, and promoting diversity. With a background in hydrographic survey management, software support engineering, and project management, I bring valuable skills in data interpretation, technical writing, and customer support to provide tailored workforce solutions. Passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, I am committed to helping organizations optimize their workforce strategies and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Shawn Smith, CRHM
Shawn Smith is an African Nova Scotia with roots tracing back to the Black Loyalists and the Black Refugees migrations. With his lived experience of anti-black racism, Shawn is known for creating spaces to have difficult conversations about addressing anti-racism in organizations.
After graduating from Saint Mary's University in 2005, Shawn gained a multifaceted business background, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) abroad and working in marketing and human resources roles for the Black Business Initiative (BBI), CPA Atlantic School of Business, and public accounting firm MNP LLP. His experiences have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of how to create inclusive workplaces and how to market and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Currently, Shawn serves as the Co-Founder of Loyalist Connection Creative Society (LCCS), an educational platform designed to promote an understanding of Black and African Nova Scotian history as a way to improve organizational culture, belonging and performance. He is also the Senior Advisor for Black and African Nova Scotian Initiatives at NSCC, where he leads efforts to address anti-black racism, promoting equitable solutions to improve recruitment and retention of students, and employees.
With his deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Shawn believes in the power of knowing and acknowledging one's history to influence future society outcomes. He has extensive experience facilitating workshops and training sessions on anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, and is particularly interested in how different equity-seeking groups intersect and can support each other.