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

This second episode revisits Dr. Clement Ligoure in Nova Scotia. It examines why, despite being qualified and recommended, he was denied appointment as Medical Officer for the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War. Shawn interviews Mary Beth Sutherland, community advocate and granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland, the battalion’s commanding officer, who pushed for Black officers, including a chaplain (Rev. Andrew White) and Dr. Ligoure.

Key Topics

• Clement Ligoure’s journey: recruitment, qualifications and racial discrimination encountered within the military.
• The leadership and advocacy efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hugh Sutherland.
• The significance of the No.2 Construction Battalion.
• The role of print media and Black publications during World War 1.
• The role of the No.2 Construction band during World War 1.

Credits

• Hosted by Shawn Smith
• Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
• Special thanks to Mary Beth Sutherland

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!

Learning Resources:

• https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index
• View the video podcast here: Episode two (feat. Mary Beth Sutherland): https://youtu.be/wYCn6tL9vOs

For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca

Host Shawn Smith launches a three-part series on Dr. Clement Courtney Ligoure, tracing his path from Trinidad to the United States, medical training in Ontario, and his 1916 arrival in Halifax. With historian Graham Nickerson, the episode situates Ligoure's story inside broader Black migration, Caribbean economic change after emancipation, and the racism and policies which shaped opportunity, including Canada’s early 1900s restrictions on Black immigration.

Key Topics

• Clement Ligoure's early life in Trinidad
• Migration movements of Black communities from the Caribbean to North America
• The role of community networks and institutions in Black history
• The impact of systematic racism and legislation on Black medical professionals
• The significance of the Halifax explosion and Black community resilience
• Launch of the Atlantic Advocate and recruitment for the No.2 Construction Battalion

Credits

• Hosted by Shawn Smith
• Produced by Loyalist Connections Creative Society (LCCS)
• Special thanks to Graham Nickerson

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.

Learning Resources:

• https://novamuse.ca/EducationalResources/Index
• View the video podcast here: Episode one (feat. Graham Nickerson): https://youtu.be/AwkX-7541zc

For reference information, check out the Dr. Ligoure story on NovaMuse.ca