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