About New Roots
The North End Halifax “New Roots” Community Land Trust is an African Nova Scotian-Led Non-profit Organization.
Mission
Our mission is to secure the economic and cultural legacy of the North End African Nova Scotian Community.
Vision
Our vision is to own and steward strategically selected parcels and real estate assets within the North End of Halifax and beyond for the North End African Nova Scotian Community.
Board Composition
Our Board is majority-led by African Nova Scotian community members.
With additional support provided by technical experts comprising our Advisory Board.
Board of Directors
Treno Morton
Founder & President
Treno Morton is a distinguished graduate of Queen's University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree with honors in Geography and Planning.
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His academic achievements also include a certificate in Urban Planning Studies and a minor in Global Development Studies. Growing up in Uniacke Square, a predominately Black residential public housing community in North end Halifax, he’s no stranger to gentrification.
Treno's always been guided by his personal experiences and extensive education, Treno is deeply committed to fostering inclusive communities while tackling the persistent challenges presented by gentrification. Currently, Treno holds the esteemed position of Community Engagement Specialist at Inspiring Communities, a highly regarded nonprofit organization.
Drawing upon his expertise, he collaborates closely with various local community groups, nonprofit organizations, and municipal government entities, providing invaluable guidance and strategic advice. With a profound understanding of the intricacies inherent in these relationships, Treno skillfully navigates complex community dynamics and contributes to the successful implementation of sustainable development initiatives.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Treno actively serves on the Africville Heritage Trust Board (AHTB), CBC’s African Nova Scotian community advisory board and the African Descendants Advisory Committee for the City of Halifax. These roles exemplify his deep commitment to preserving the heritage of the Africville community and advocating for the advancement of the African descendant community within the region.
Furthermore, Treno assumes the role of Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Fumes Rolling Papers Inc., an innovative Black-owned enterprise that proudly represents a local product sold in the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). Established in 2020 by Treno and his two brothers, this venture reestablishes Black ownership within the cannabis industry, symbolizing their unwavering dedication to promoting equitable participation and economic empowerment.
Driven by a combination of academic acumen, practical experience, and an unwavering commitment to social progress, Treno Morton is poised to make a lasting impact on the fields of urban planning and community development. His unwavering dedication to cultivating inclusive communities, as demonstrated by his work at Inspiring Communities, his involvement with the AHTB, and his entrepreneurial pursuits, showcases a multifaceted approach to effecting positive change.
Through his recent appointment to the African Descendants Advisory Committee, Treno actively contributes to the pursuit of equity and representation within his community. Moreover, as Treno pursues his Master's degree in Planning at Dalhousie University, he continues to expand his knowledge and expertise, further solidifying his position as a dynamic leader in his field.
Melinda Daye
Vice-Chair
Melinda Daye is a lifelong North End Halifax resident and former Chair of the Halifax Regional School Board, with over 30 years of leadership in education and founding roles in multiple African Nova Scotian advocacy organizations.
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Elected at age 26 as Regional Councillor for District 8 Halifax Peninsula North in 2016, Lindell became the youngest councillor in HRM history. During his tenure (2016-2024), he chaired the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, chaired Halifax and West Community Council, and served on the Community Planning & Economic Development Standing Committee.
A lifelong North End resident with roots in Preston Township and proud father, Lindell co-founded Centreline Studio, a non-profit recording studio and community space for North End youth. He serves on the Council on African Canadian Education (CACE), advising the Minister of Education on African Nova Scotian learners, and sits on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, where he chaired the Anti-Racism and Equity Standing Committee.
His leadership has earned recognition including the Big Brothers Big Sisters Inspire Public Service Award and the Abby Bryant Humanitarian Award. Lindell brings collaborative governance expertise, municipal relationship networks, and deep commitment to equity.
Johnathan Goldson
Treasurer
Jonathan Goldson is the Placemaking Manager with the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, bringing proven expertise in financial stewardship, program management, and public-private partnerships to enhance community spaces.
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Jonathan manages the planning, delivery, and financial oversight of initiatives that enhance Downtown Halifax as a vibrant, inclusive destination. His role requires day-to-day management of grant funding, sponsorships, and operational budgets with accountability to funders, stakeholders, and transparent reporting standards.
He has successfully managed public art initiatives, seasonal streetscape installations, and the Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grant program, consistently balancing creativity with fiscal responsibility. His work has expanded equitable access to funding for BIPOC artists and ensured resources create lasting community benefit.
Jonathan leads cross-functional teams, coordinates logistics for public-facing initiatives, and works closely with community partners, businesses, contractors, and municipal staff. He is detail-oriented, organized, and committed to governance practices that build trust and sustainability. Jonathan is motivated by creating shared spaces where people connect and thrive.
Lindell Smith
Secretary
Lindell Smith made history in 2016 as the first African Nova Scotian elected to Halifax Regional Council in 20 years, serving eight years including as Chair of the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners.
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A lifelong resident of North End Halifax, Melinda served as Chair of the Halifax Regional School Board (2013-2015) and as President of the Black Educators Association. She was elected as the African Nova Scotian School Board member in 2012, appointed Chair by Minister Karen Casey in 2013, and elected Chair by her peers in 2015. During her tenure, she provided leadership on student appeal hearings and appeared before the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Assembly.
Melinda is a founding member of the Black Learners Advisory Committee (BLAC), the Council on African Canadian Education (CACE), and Concerned Citizens Against Drugs (CCAD), established in 1989 with offices on Gottingen Street. She currently serves on the Halifax Community Investment Fund, assisting inner-city students with bursaries and seniors with estate planning, and the North Central Community Council.
Her community work includes Waves of Compassion, the African Nova Scotian Health Issues and Assistance program, and decades of church leadership as Deacon serving alongside Rev. Dr. Rhonda Britton. In June 2016, she was honored on the Dr. W.P. Oliver Wall of Fame at the Black Cultural Center in Dartmouth.
Recipient of numerous national and international awards, Melinda is a sought-after speaker and advocate whose passion centers on children, women, and underserved communities.
Suzy Hansen
Board Member
Suzy Hansen serves as the Official Opposition Housing Critic in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, representing Halifax Needham with deep family ties to Africville and a lifelong commitment to housing justice.
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Elected to represent Halifax Needham in 2021 and re-elected in 2024, Suzy serves as NDP critic for Housing, African Nova Scotian Affairs, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, and the Human Rights Commission. Born and raised in Halifax's North End with deep Africville roots, she is a mother of seven and passionate advocate for housing equity.
Before entering provincial politics, Suzy served on the Halifax Regional School Board for District 5 (Peninsula North/Fairview) from 2016 and worked with Phoenix Youth Programs for nine years, building trusted relationships between youth, community, and service providers.
Her board experience includes the Provincial Advisory Council on Education, Housing Nova Scotia, Veith House, and HRM's Community Mobilization Team. Suzy is a grassroots organizer who raises her voice in celebration, protest, and song for North End Halifax and African Nova Scotian communities.
Tia Upshaw
Board Member
Tia Upshaw is an award-winning serial entrepreneur recognized as Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, RBC Woman of Influence, and recipient of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Rocky Jones Award.
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A mother of three and serial entrepreneur, Tia has built and scaled multiple successful businesses including Top Notch Cleaners (nearly a decade), a thriving Airbnb portfolio, and Lips N Lashes cosmetics. In 2023, she founded Femme Noir, a consultancy run by Black professional women providing business planning, financial projections, and growth strategy to clients across Canada.
As founder and CEO of Black Women in Excellence (BWIE), Tia has created platforms that elevate Black women entrepreneurs nationally. She serves as Board Director with Hope Blooms, supporting youth empowerment in North End Halifax, and has coached youth entrepreneurs through Common Good Solutions' ANSEP initiative in underrepresented communities.
Tia brings financial acumen, entrepreneurial vision, and a proven track record of building sustainable, community-centered enterprises.
Tray Clayton
Board Member
Tray graduated from Saint Mary's University with a major in Criminology and a minor in Social Justice, He is also a founding member of GameChangers902, which continues to have a positive impact on youth in the African Nova Scotian community.
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Born and raised in Uniacke Square, Trayvone brings lived experience and professional expertise to advancing equity for African Nova Scotian communities. He currently serves as Project Coordinator & Researcher at the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs, where he conducts research and coordinates projects that advance policy and programming for ANS communities across Nova Scotia.
He is co-founder of RVII (Rich Seven), an entrepreneurial venture demonstrating his commitment to Black economic empowerment. His advocacy work has earned prestigious recognition including the inaugural Edna and Velma Thomas Kane Writers Award ($30,000) in 2023, the Dr. Burnley Allan "Rocky" Jones Award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 2019 for organizing and advocating for marginalized communities, and the 2019 YMCA Peace Medal.
Trayvone gained national attention in 2019 when he organized a private meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss systemic racism and racial profiling after being racially profiled on Parliament Hill during the National Canadian Black Summit. His Facebook post about the incident prompted Senate intervention and a formal investigation.
Previously, as Community Engagement Specialist at Halifax Partnership (July 2023-2025), Trayvone developed and implemented community engagement strategies ensuring African Nova Scotian community needs were brought forward in community action plans for Halifax Regional Municipality.
A former Saint Mary's Huskies basketball player, Trayvone continues to mentor youth through basketball coaching, serving as a role model for young people in his community. He was nominated as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Halifax Needham in the 2024 provincial election, demonstrating his commitment to political engagement and community representation. Trayvone brings youth perspective, lived experience with systemic barriers, professional research and community engagement expertise, and passionate advocacy for the communities New Roots CLT serves.
Jeffrey Lowe
Board Member
Dr. Jeffrey S. Lowe is an internationally recognized community land trust expert and Associate Professor at Texas Southern University, whose activist scholarship helped establish the New York City Community Land Initiative and Houston Community Land Trust.
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Dr. Lowe serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Center of Excellence for Housing and Community Development Policy Research at Texas Southern University's Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Policy Development from Rutgers University, with degrees from Morgan State University and Howard University.
His scholarship on community land trusts has appeared in Cities: The International Journal of Urban Policy and Planning, Journal of Race, Ethnicity and the City, Planning Theory & Practice, and Urban Geography. He is the author of Rebuilding Communities the Public Trust Way: Community Foundation Assistance to CDCs, 1980-2000 (Lexington Press 2006).
Dr. Lowe serves as associate editor for the Journal of the American Planning Association and on editorial boards of the Journal of Planning Education and Research and Journal of Urban Affairs. He founded the Planners of Color Interest Group (POCIG) within the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), where he served as co-chair (2009-2013), chaired the Committee on Diversity (2016-2018), and led the Presidential Task Force on Anti-Racism (2021-2023). He received the 2024 Jay Chatterjee Award for Distinguished Service to ACSP.
As an activist scholar and board member of Great Plains Restoration Council, Dr. Lowe advances social justice, racial equity, and community-controlled land ownership.