This episode is about time you can’t get back.The silence of a prison cell when you know you don’t belong there.A life put on pause—sometimes forever.It’s about wrongful convictions. Men like Raymond Flanks, who spent nearly 40 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit.Men like Leighton Hay, just 19 when he was locked up for 12 years—because of…

Today at the Down Home Podcast, we ask: What if the promise was kept? What if, after emancipation, Black Americans truly received 40 acres and a mule? What if the Black Loyalists — those who fought for freedom in exchange for loyalty — were actually granted the 100 acres they were promised? How would land, ownership, and economic freedom have trans…

From Juneteenth in the U.S., to Emancipation Day in Canada, to the rhythm and colour of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival — these celebrations go beyond the festivities. They mark freedom, honour the past, and bring people together. Whether you’re part of the crowd or just getting to know what these days stand for, we’re here to share what makes them me…

Have you ever noticed how modern media often boxes Black people into narrow, repetitive roles? The angry or sassy Black woman. The criminal. The loyal sidekick. The athlete. The entertainer. These tropes have dominated screens for decades — and the portrayal of Black people as ordinary, multi-dimensional human beings is still rare. But these images…

In this episode, Derek and Jay explore predominantly Black towns that were deliberately wiped off the map #TruthInHistory #ForgottenCommunities #BlackTownsMatter #ErasedHistory #blackhistory #canadianblackhistory #blackhistorymonth #podcast #oklahoma #rosewoodBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

In the late 1950s, the NHL was a sport played entirely by white athletes. But on January 18, 1958, Willie O’Ree became the first Black player to skate in an NHL game. It takes a special kind of person to be the first—someone with courage, determination, and a belief that no barrier is too high to break. O’Ree’s debut wasn’t just about making histor…

From the basketball court to the boxing ring, the soccer field to the tennis court, Black athletes have not only revolutionized their sports but also shaped global culture. These athletes didn't just play—they inspired, challenged societal norms, and redefined what it means to be a global icon. Join us as we reflect on the powerful impact of Black …

In this episode, we’re honoured to speak with Cheryl Henhoeffer, the founder and director of Building Brilliance—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering BIPOC children through literacy programs, STEM education, and cultural enrichment. Cheryl and her team are working tirelessly to ensure that young people in underserved communities have access to the t…

Join us as we take a deep dive into the story of hip hop in Canada from our perspective. From the powerful influence of American rap to the Canadian pioneers who helped shape the culture. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! #HipHopCanada #CanadianRap #HipHopHistory #RapCulture #TrueNorthBeats #OldSchoolHipHop #90sHipHop #CanadianMusic #Hi…

In this episode we’re diving into a word that carries with it a very heavy meaning: ghetto. In modern times, ghettos are often associated with poverty, crime, and neglect—areas of cities where municipalities have failed to invest in the people that live there. marginalized communities that are left to live under difficult conditions. But where did …

In this episode we’re talking about Sundown Towns—places where, for decades, people of colour were not welcomed after dark. But this isn’t just a relic of the past. The legacy of these towns still lingers. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #canadianblackhistory #history #sundowntown #greenbook #segregation #canadianblackhistory #jimcrow #bhm #today …

We’ve all heard the term “Uncle Tom” used as an insult—a label for a Black person seen as a traitor to their own people. It’s a phrase deeply embedded in pop culture, shaped by books, films, and everyday language. But where did it come from? Who was the real Uncle Tom? #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #canadianblackhistory #history #podcast #unclet…

While most of us are familiar with the forced labor and dehumanization of enslaved people, there's a much more insidious aspect of the Transatlantic Slave Trade that speaks to the systematic buying and selling of biracial enslaved women—not for their labor, but for the brutal purpose of prostitution and concubinage. The Fancy Trade #blackhistory #b…

Toronto is celebrated as one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world—a reputation that owes much to one of its original neighbourhoods: The Ward. Listen in as Derek Wyse and Jay Jones take a closer look at this historic Neighbourhood #toronto #torontohistory #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #canadianblackhistory…

In parts one and two of our three-part series on The Business of Slavery, we explored the intricate web of money and power that fuelled this inhumane institution. Today, we turn our focus to the mindset that enabled such brutality. Join us in this episode as we delve into the pervasive mindset that sustained the system of slavery and examine how ec…

In our first episode of this series, we explored the immense profits generated by the Trans Atlantic Slave trade. Today, in part two, we focus on how European powers wielded their influence to enslave Africans. If you haven’t listened to the first part of The Business of slavery, you can find it in the episode list. I Am a Man Who Will Fight for Yo…

This is the first of three episodes where Jay and D take a deep dive into the business of slavery. In this episode they take a look at the wealth generated on the backs of African slaves and how slavery became a cornerstone of European economic systems. Sources: - "Capitalism and Slavery" by Eric Williams: Investigates the relationship between the …

In today’s episode Jay and D delve into the history of women-led slave revolts, true stories shrouded in the shadows of the past. Historians like Dr. Rebecca Hall have meticulously unearthed evidence revealing that women were not just passive victims of oppression. They provided fierce resistance, leading rebellions against their oppressors in a bi…

Amidst the turmoil of the War of 1812, there exist stories often left untold. Enslaved African Americans seized a chance for freedom amidst the chaos of conflict, their narratives a powerful yet often overlooked aspect during this time. Join Jay and D as they take a look at what this event meant for African Americans and their struggle for freedom.…

Jay and D talk about aspects of the remarkable life and legacy of Bayard Rustin as seen in the Movie Rustin. #blackhistory #bayard #rustin #civilrightsmovement #civilrightsactivist #civilrights #americanhistory #marchonwashingtonBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

In this episode, Jay and D talk about the truth behind the Black Panthers - a group whose legacy extends far beyond the headlines. More than just a militant organization, but a beacon of empowerment and resistance for Black communities across the United States and Canada #blackpanthers #blackhistory #canadianhistory #blackhistorymonth #downhome #ka…

Jay and D talk about anti black or so called Race Riots that have happened in Canada and The U.S. #tulsa #vancouver #blackhistory #canadianhistory #antiblackracism #wattsriots #chicagoraceriots #downhome #racialinjustice #antiblackBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

In this episode Jay and D spotlight the vibrant communities of North and East Preston and the challenges of writing the historic wrong of land titles. #northpreston #eastpreston #blackhistory #novascotia #canadianhistory #systemicchange #canadianblackhistory #downhomeBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D discuss the remarkable legacy of Canadian Black sleeping car porters. #blackhistory #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blackhistorymonth #canadianhistory #systemicchange #Blackporters #everymonthisbhm #365blackhistory #12monthsofblackhistoryBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

In this episode, Jay and D delve into The New York Times article titled "A Journey Through Black Nova Scotia," penned by Shayla Martin and initially released on September 12, 2022. Shayla Martin's website https://www.shaylamartin.com/about/ #blackhistory #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blackhistorymonth #canadianhistory #novascotia #northpreston #e…

Jay and D revisit the question of whether systemic racism is an issue in Canada #antiblackracism #systemicchange #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackhistoryisamericanhistoryBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D look at one of the most important aspects of North American Black history. The Underground Railroad. #blackhistory #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blackhistorymonth #canadianhistory #novascotia #harriettubman #undergroundrailroad #undergroundBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D dispel the notion that Canadian history is unmarked by the stain of slavery. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #canadianblackhistory #novascotia #canadianhistoryBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

The Canadian experience from two Black men.By Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Four things you don't know about Jay Jones, D Wyse and the Down Home Podcast #foryoupage #fyp #foryou #viral #funny #fun #music #followme #bestvideo #instagram #tbt #follow4follow #youtube #subscribe #like #youtubecommunity #blackexperience #novascotiastrong #blackhistoryiseverydayBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D have a conversation with local Toronto historian, Joanne Doucette, about the forgotten Black history of Leslieville #blackexperience #blackhistoryiseveryday #canadianhistory #novascotiastrong #indigenousBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

The Down Home podcast welcomes Joshua “Scribe” Watkis to talk about how he uses his craft of written words to navigate Anti Blackness in his book “Black Blossom, Harsh North”. A collection of 14 poems to his daughter and 7 poems to Canada #blackexperience #blackexcellence #community #equity #novascotiastrong…

In this episode Jay and D have a conversation with public speaker and cultural anthropologist Kurtis Brooks-Lnug about what he considers a few of the misconceptions of the Atlantic Slave trade. #novascotiastrong #slavery #blackhistoryiseveryday #transatlanticslavetrade #canadianhistory #anthropologyBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D talk about the historic link between Nova Scotia and Freetown Sierra Leone #blackhistoryiseveryday #canadianhistory #sierraleone #novascotiastrong #blackexperience #blackexperienceBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

In this wide ranging discussion with D-NO we talk about his move to Canada as a teenager, his musical influences and the different challenges Black people face in Canada vs Nigeria. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F3D2AY688ehd5TRhtxqGD #blackexcellence #blackexperience #podcast #novascotiastrong #blackhistoryiseveryday #equity…

In this episode Jay and D have a round table discussion about equity and inclusion in education with Tess Porter, Retired Professor at Algonquin College and former Graduation Coach for Black Students with the OCDSB, and DR. Venus Olla who organizes counselling and wellness programs at the University of Windor #novascotiastrong #education #equity #c…

Humble backgrounds are one of the reasons that Derek Wyse, Jay Jones and Chad Burns are close friends. They all grew up with family that worked hard to make sure that they had a roof over their heads, and that they never went without food or clothing. They may not have been brought up with a lot of material wealth, but they were rich with family an…

In this episode Jay and D talk with one of the mentors that played a big part in their early years. Community advocate, and life long educator Melinda Daye. In this conversation they talk about her life in the church and the effects of gentrification in the North End of Halifax Nova Scotia. #community #blackhistoryiseveryday #novascotiastrong #blac…

In this Episode Jay and D talk about the unique aspects of Scotian Food with Nigel Finley, who has worked many years as an Executive Chef, and Wendie Wilson, prominent Black educator, author, artist and community activist. #blackhistorymonth #canadianhistory #novascotiastrong #foodBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D have a conversation with Joshua "Scribe" Watkis, renowned spoken word poet. In this wide ranging conversation we discuss community, family and inspiration.By Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D discuss the Jamaican Maroons and their brief history in Nova Scotia #blackhistorymonth #blackhistoryiscanadianhistory #blackhistoryBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D talk about the impact The Book of Negroes has on Black History #blackhistorymonth #novascotia #canadianhistoryBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D are joined by personal trainer and actor, Garfield Watson, to talk about Legendary boxer Sam Langford.By Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Award winning poet, author, and University of Toronto professor, Dr. George Elliott Clarke, joins the Down Home podcast to talk about his poetic inspiration. He also talks to Jay and D about the role that white supremacy plays in our Canadian culture and global political events. This is part two of a two part conversation, the first part can be fou…

Award winning poet, author and University of Toronto professor, Dr. George Elliott Clarke, joins the Down Home podcast to share his Scotian story. This is part one of a two part conversation, tune in next week to listen to part two. #GEC #poet #socialjustice # #poetlaureate #UofT #orderofcanadaBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D have a conversation with educator Rachael Myette about her successful integration of social advocacy in her classroomBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Jay and D review the life of legendary boxer George Dixon #scotianlegend #boxinglegend #boxinghistory #boxingBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Homegrown hip hop artists J-Bru and his son Levon take us through their Scotian journey. #LevonThePrinceBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

Nicole Johnson, host of the community radio show A Seat At The Table, shares her Scotian story with Jay and DBy Jason Jones and Derek Wyse

The Down Home Podcasts explores the life of one of Canada's civil rights icons, Viola Desmond. Also in this episode Jay talks with his Aunt Jean Clayton about her memories of Viola. Sources: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/viola-desmond-bio-1.3886923 https://www.historicacanada.ca/content/heritage-minutes/viola-desmond https://origins.osu.edu/milest…