Advocacy and Activism ft. Irvine Carvey and Isaac Saney.

by Itai Kawodza

Join us for a powerful and passionate episode on advocacy and activism with Isaac Saney and Irvine Carvey! Irvine's journey with advocacy and activism began in earnest in the mid to late 1900s, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to standing up for the rights and history of African Nova Scotian communities. His presidency at the Africville Genealogy Society propelled him into the forefront of a relentless struggle for justice for Africville. A community that symbolized the historical discrimination and disenfranchisement faced by African Nova Scotians. Despite the historical apology from the city in 2010, Irvine emphasizes that the battle for full justice continues, highlighting the establishment of the Replica Church and museum in Africville as steps toward preserving its legacy.

Isaac adds a complimentary layer to this enlightening conversation as he offers a profound connection between Black Nova Scotian and Caribbean heritage. He shares with us familial roots that followed from the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia to the vibrant cultures of Trinidad and Tobago, painting a picture of a rich, multifaceted Black heritage. His narrative knits together the histories of the AME Church's influence on his family, and the intriguing stories of his grandfather in rural Nova Scotia. His personal journey together with Irvine's experiences show the complexities and depth of the Black experience in Nova Scotia, highlighting the significance of understanding slavery's enduring impact on communities today.

In this episode we learn of the interconnectedness of personal history with broader historical narratives, enriching the discourse on cultural preservation and capacity building in Black communities. Key pieces from this interview to get you excited include a poignant discussion of the challenges of systemic biases in education. In addition, Irvine and Isaac acknowledge the contributions of African labor to the socio-economic environment of Nova Scotia where they revere Rocky Jones as a pivotal figure in Black Canadian history.