Latest news with #DeanLucas
CBC
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
'Something very unique': Halifax kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian heritage, culture
Social Sharing A new shop and food kiosk celebrating African Nova Scotian heritage and culture opened last week on the Halifax waterfront. Freedom Culinary Culture offers classic comfort dishes and a selection of goods by local African Nova Scotian artists. "I think that we have something very unique here that we don't have anywhere else," said Dean Lucas, founder of Freedom Culinary Culture. "With our communities, we have so many stories." He said the kiosk aims to make African Nova Scotian culture accessible to tourists. Lucas said he noticed a lot of Black tourists on the boardwalk last summer. While speaking to them, he realized they knew very little about the history of African Nova Scotians. "There was nothing provided by the cruise ships to let them know," he said. "I thought, how can we ... let them know that we exist and that we're here?" Books by local authors, quilts and jewelry line the kiosks' shelves. The menu is made up of local classics like blueberry grunt, fried pepperoni and maple molasses cornbread. Lucas said the menu was inspired by his father and grandmothers' cooking. "Just the things that I enjoyed eating and other people told me they liked," he said. "This is good food that we shared with Nova Scotians and Maritimers, but it's also part of our culture too." Lucas grew up in Lucasville, a prominent African Nova Scotian community established by Black settlers who had fled slavery in the United States after the War of 1812. He said his family has been there since its beginning. "So lots of friends, lots of memory. And I think where I'm at now, I need to get back. And I think this is my way." One of the chefs, Darius Fader, said he has learned to make cornbread and blueberry grunt during his time at Freedom. At 15, he's one of several young people employed at the kiosk for the season. "I feel like it's a good opportunity to explore my own culture more and just expand on my knowledge in terms of what I know about my history," said Fader, who has family in Africville and North Preston. Lucas said he hopes working at Freedom will encourage young employees to be proud of their heritage and help preserve African Nova Scotian culture. "My idea was to get them in here so they can represent their communities, talk about their heritage, as well as get them to learn and get involved with our history," said Lucas. Lucas said he thinks a focus on African Nova Scotian culture could be an opportunity for growth in tourism, and he hopes to see more businesses like his in the future. "We could probably turn this into one of the biggest Black travel destinations within the world once we get things going and build economies within our communities."
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Halifax waterfront kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian food and facts
A brand-new food spot on the Halifax Waterfront gives customers a taste of African Nova Scotian culture, with a side of its history. Dean Lucas, the owner of Freedom, says the concept of his business started after he noticed African Nova Scotian culture wasn't being represented through the waterfront's current cuisine options. He also observed that some residents and tourists had a lack of knowledge about its history. 'I sort of started to talk with them to find out if they knew anything about African Nova Scotian history and like where we come from and the importance of that point I thought, I need to kind of do something, maybe create a business,' says Lucas. Since his kiosk debuted on Canada Day, Lucas says its garnered positive feedback. 'It's been awesome. People that come in, they love the food. They love the whole concept. I had a lady come from South Africa the other day, and she said her friend told her to stop in here,' he says. The business hopes their dusted lemon pepper wings and East Coast deep fried pepperoni, will tempt nostalgic taste buds and promote African Nova Scotian products. 'You're teaching people about your culture, your history and just giving them a good time…you're not selling food- you're selling the experience and the history. It's all genuine pieces from African Nova Scotian artists,' says employee, Braedyn Provo. Lucas says the name of the business was inspired by both his family, and his high hopes for the community. 'I'd love to see our communities be free, where they can build their own economies and have gas stations, stores, restaurants, have tours coming through Kevin's bus, so they don't need to rely anymore,' he says. The business will continue serving up food and facts until October. Freedom Freedom, African Nova Scotian cuisine on the Halifax waterfront. (CTV Atlantic/ Vanessa Wright) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
