Feature Friday

Lindell 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!

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This 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!

This 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/

This 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!

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Follow One North End on:

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Our 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:

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/

Follow One North End on:

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Guyleigh Johnson! Guyleigh Johnson is an Author, Artist, Advocate, Facilitator and Filmmaker from the vibrant community of Dartmouth North. Carrying the essence of her roots, she stands at the forefront of social change using her art and voice to amplify.

A hard-working, solution-oriented professional with 10+ years of experience and knowledge in community engagement, arts facilitation and project management using a client-centred framework. She has a passion for collaboration and community development implemented through an Afrocentric lens of collective care, responsibility and value. With strong communication and relationship building skills she has been facilitating workshops over the last ten years within organizations, schools and businesses for youth ranging from age ten to thirty.

Partnering with many organizations locally and nationally to develop and design programs, initiatives and workshops. As an artist and advocate many of the workshops/programs are centred around exploring the power of storytelling from a personal perspective geared towards inner healing and creating space for self. She is very intentional in curating spaces where people can feel seen and supported.

We were delighted to host the talented Guyleigh Johnson for our Feature Friday this month!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Guyleigh

1:55 - Guyleigh's passion for community

4:15 - What inspired Guyleigh to become a writer

13:05 - Guyleigh's writing process

20:10 - Guyleigh's advice for facilitating

22:45 - How Guyleigh translates her skills from reading and writing into everyday life

24:15 - Revisiting Guyleigh's books

31:10 - What does Guyleigh define as art?

33:00 - How does Guyleigh build her skillset?

39:50 - Turning failures into successes

43:40 - Who are Guyleigh's mentors?

46:35 - What keeps Guyleigh grounded?

49:55 - How Guyleigh translates her work into film

54:10 - Cultivating your talent when growing up

56:45 - Discovering the power of intention

58:20 - What's new in Guyleigh's life

59:25 - Advice from Guyleigh

1:02:55 - One Word Check-out!

Follow ANS Lab on:

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ans-social-innovation-youth-lab-909b961b3/

Follow One North End on:

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Gary Beals! Gary Beals is a Juno nominated artist celebrated for his soulful voice and captivating performances. Born and raised in Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, Gary's journey in music began at a young age, singing in local church choirs and talent competitions. His breakthrough came on the inaugural season of "Canadian Idol" in 2003, where his magnetic voice propelled him into the spotlight, establishing him as one of the show's standout contestants, securing a notable second place finish. Following that success, he released his self-titled debut album in 2004, solidifying his reputation in R&B and soul music. A career spanning 20+ years, Gary has consistently enchanted audiences with dynamic performances and heartfelt music, releasing four studio albums that reflect his personal and artistic evolution. His commitment to his craft is evident throughout. Recognized for his contributions to Canadian music, he has received numerous awards and honours, including the Premier of his home Province declaring November 22, 2003, as "Gary Beals Day". Gary's journey is a testament to his passion, perseverance, dedication, and his unwavering authenticity. With his soulful voice, timeless music, and undeniable talent, he continues to inspire and empower audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers everywhere. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the empowering Gary Beals for our Feature Friday this month!

00:00 - Introduction

3:00 - Gary's journey into music 6:20 - What inspires Gary's music 12:05 - What was Gary's experience like on Canadian Idol 17:35 - The importance of support 24:50 - Gary's musical creation process 31:55 - Finding strength through perseverance 37:20 - Gary's role models

48:40 - Current projects Gary is working on

39:50 - Gary's journey to embracing his true self

51:40 - 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/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday is Ross Simmonds!

Born and raised in Preston, Ross Simmonds is the founder & CEO of Foundation, a global marketing agency that provides services to organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest-growing startups to global SaaS brands.

Ross was named one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs and one of the top marketers in the world by BuzzSumo and SEMRush. Ross is also a well sought out public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of multiple books.

It was a pleasure hosting the influential Ross Simmonds for our Feature Friday this month!

Show notes:

00:00 - Introducing Ross Simmonds

7:30 - How Ross was able to leverage his knowledge in the marketing world to find success

13:40 - Recognizing potential in yourself

17:45 - Challenges that Ross has faced along his path to success

28:40 - How to network with confidence

31:45 - Create more than you consume | Using social media consciously

38:40 - Finding and being a healthy role model

1:05:00 - The importance of reciprocal relationships

1:30:00 - Managing your time properly

1:45:00 - Harnessing the fear of failure and judgment

Follow ANS Lab on:

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Follow One North End on:

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Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/onenorthend/

Our guest for this month's Feature Friday episode is Nickaya Parris! Born in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in the Community of Uniacke Square, Nickaya Parris is a recognized role model within the African Nova Scotian community, who she pays major homage to as they have crowned her with resiliency and plasticity while showing her the importance of self-discipline and hard work. Nickaya allows her passion for nutrition, healthcare, and underserved communities to lead her daily.

Currently working at the Population Public Health level as a Food Security Policy Analyst for the Provincial Government of NS, Nickaya is also a Registered Dietitian (RD) and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) Degree in Nutrition and Food Science and a Certificate in Food Security from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH) Nutrition & Dietetics with a Clinical Nutrition Specialization from the University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

It is an honor to host Nickaya as this is a full circle moment as Nickaya was the original "hostess with the mostess" for our "Feature Friday."

Show notes:

00:00 - Introducing Nickaya Parris

6:00 - Nickaya's vocalness and how she uses her outgoing personality to her advantage

17:20 - Importance of family structure and support

23:30 - Nickaya's different perspectives of growing up

34:24 - Interpreting culture from an ANS perspective

43:00 - Touching on historic ANS communities

55:20 - Finding self guidance from within

1:02:00 - Being a role model in the community

1:07:00 - What is Nickaya up to currently?

1:20:25 - One word check out!

Follow ANS Lab on:

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Meet Aaliyah Arab-Smith and Trevor Silver, our hosts for the Feature Friday podcast. This episode they take the time to introduce themselves and talk about their journeys. They also discuss what to expect in future episodes, and how to participate in our gift card draws.

Don't forget to like, comment, and share to participate in our giftcard giveaway of two $50 e-gift cards made possible through our ongoing collaboration with ShiftKey Labs! Like and comment (could be your #OneWordCheckOut or tag someone you would like to see in the podcast) for one entry, and share this post to your story for an extra entry.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction

3:55 - Trevor's journey (transitioning from law school to entrepreneurship)

8:00 - Aaliyah's journey (studying in medicine)

10:05 - Colonial elements in medical school and beyond

23:00 - Aaliyah and Trevor's roles at One North End and ANS Lab

33:45 - Listening to your emotions and finding peace from within

40:16 - Getting involved with healthy hobbies

43:20 - The importance of community and family

Follow ANS Lab on:

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Follow One North End on:

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