g em bhm 2016 again

gggggloballoballoballoballobal eeeeeyyyyyesesesesesManitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine

lstQUARTER

February 2016

History:A Focus onBlackExperience

Carrie Best ReporterMarie Angelique accused ofmurder and was hungRosemary Brown, politicianAnderson R. Abbott, MD

Viola Davis, EntrepreneurMary Ann Shadd, PublisherNo. 2 Construction Battalionmembers in 1917.Hon. Alexander Oliver

Portia White - accalimedconcert singerJohn Ware, CowboyElijah McCoy, Inventor

Global Eyes Magazine Black History Month 2016 2

The shortest month of the year,the coldest for us North Americansand the month designated as blackhistory month is fast approaching.Some have argued that it is a disgraceto designate the shortest month forOur History, while others say a monthof any length is not enough,considering all the suffering weendured. Personally, I don’t see this asthe issue. I say that: Instead offocussing on the “Month” our focusshould be on the “History.”

I cannot disagree with theargument that we cannot squeeze ourhistory into a month, but I think thatwe can use the month to “focus” onour rich history. To use a farminganalogy, planting and cultivatingshould start in March, to prepare for abountiful harvest in February. Thisshould be more than adequate to getover the length of the month.

Most people who get, or saythey get, tired of Black Historymonth know very little about BlackHistory. Far too many people thinkof Dr King’s speeches as BlackHistory Month, and say, I have heardthem all. Far too many of us haveleft Malcolm X out of theconversation, and there are way toomany of us who know of no otherfigures in Black History.

I was asked recently, “Why dowe not focus on Canadian Blacks.”This was an interesting question and,after some thought I decided that,because of the movement of theslaves to the west and, being a WestIndian, I have more of an affinitywith American Blacks than CanadianBlacks. In addition to this slavery inAmerica was more colourful andthere is a plethora of informationabout it, shocking though it may be.

I invite everyone who is

interested in Black History, inaddition to Malcolm X and DrKing, please think of folks likeSojourner Truth, abolitionist andwoman’s rights activist; VictorGuerrero a Black MexicanPresident; John Horse a SeminoleIndian who fought the governmentfor 50 years without being caught.There are countless blacks whosefaces will never be seen, whosenames will remain unknown andwhose contribution to the race willnever be known.

By: Victor Vaughan

REFLECTION

Lets focus on “our” History

To all those who have lost lovedone we send our heartfeltsympathies to you and yourfamilies.

To those who are sick, get wellsoon, and

Best wishes to those who celebratebirthdays, anniversaries oradditions to your family.

Keep up the good work with the magazine. As mentioned before, thismagazine is timely, informative and a strategic means of assisting withbringing together all African, Black and Caribbean, and Afro-Canadians.Karon

By the way, just read most of Global Eyes; great and highly informativeedition. That article about ‘John Brown’ is great. We never read thatdetailed report years ago.JuneThanks for sharing the news letter ’GEM’. From my busy schedule, I havebeen finding some time to browse through it. It is well done. Harjeet

Thanks for sharing the news letter ’GEM’. From my busy schedule, I havebeen finding some time to browse through it. It is well done.Wow! Sixteen pages of community news right to my inbox—fantastic!Thanks for getting this to me, and for all the work you do in keepingcommunity members connected!Sandra

Kudos for GEM

We are Thinkingof You

We should emphasize not NegroHistory, but the Negro in history.What we need is not a history ofselected races or nations, but thehistory of the world void ofnational bias, race hate, andreligious prejudice. -CarterWoodson, 1926, historian


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Support Global Eyes Magazine if you think we’re doinga good job.Subscription: $15.00 per year for 4 issues.I Would like to receive upcoming event notices from theCaribbean/Black/larger community - by email or byphone (YES/NO)

IN THIS ISSUE

Global Eyes is an independent quarterly publicationdevoted to promoting cultural awareness of the African andCaribbean communities of Manitoba and highlighting theissues and concerns of these communities. It also aimsat promoting cultural diversity and appreciation.It features articles ranging from the achievements of local, national and international personalities and general informationthat are of interest to the African/CaribbeanDiaspora. It offers editorials with African/Caribbean sensibilities and letters to the editor. TheMagazine is produced under a volunteer editorialcommittee that assists with proof-reading, publicity anddistribution.

Mail cheque/Money Order to: Global Eyes Magazine (GEM)671 Rathgar Avenue,Winnipeg, ManitobaR3L 1G6

Did you know p4 Briefs - p7Reconciliation Video p12Guyanese Celebrate Jubilee p10President of Ivoire Coast p3Creative Expressions p9Conversations between Black men &Black Women p14Working for peace p16 and More

Ivory Coast, former French colony in West Africa,became “independent” in 1960. The country wasproducing cocoa, coffee, gold, oil and other importantmineral resources. Laurent Koudou Gbagbo was born in1945. He grew up in a poor family. He attended schoolbare foot. Laurent earned scholarships to study history atthe University of Abidjan (Ivoirian capital). Hegraduated his Master at the Sorbonne, Paris (France). Hereturned to his country as a teacher. Grieved by thedictatorship of “President” Félix Houphouët-Boigny(imposed by France); Laurent formed an oppositiongroup: the Ivorian Popular Front (IPF). Perceived as anagitator, he was imprisoned several years during 1970’s.Back to France in the 80’s, Gbagbo was one of the firstBlack university professors (PhD). In 1988, he returnedhome to work as a Historian, Writer and Director of theIvorian Historical Institute. In 1990, President Boignypermitted “democratic elections” and “won”. In 1992,Laurent, political activist, organized a student protest. Hewas arrested. In 1993, the dictator Houphouët died inoffice. In 2000, Laurent Gbagbo became the first electedpresident. Unfortunately, western countries tied his hands.The international press portrayed him as a dictator.

In April 2011, Muslim foreign militia and FrenchArmy brutally beat him and expelled him from thepresidency. Gbagbo was incarcerated at La Haye(Holland). Again, France appointed a pawn: “President”Allassane Dramane Ouattara who already disseminatedthe country’s wealth... “In the New World Order therewill be no independence, no governments, royal families,republics, states or provinces. The ruling power behindthe New Order, already manages the global flow ofmoney, the central banks and the biggest multinationals.It determines who will govern the “democratic” countriesthrough its control of the press and the media. Byproviding loans on a large scale it is depended on byalmost all countries. Governments that wish to remainindependent will be brought forcefully to their knees.Their leaders will be brought down, if not with politicalpropaganda, then with economic sanctions ormilitary violence”. Robin de Ruiter and FritzSpringmeier (Worlwide Evil and Misery – TheLegacy of the 13 Satanic Bloodlines.)

By Bénédicte Brou

LAURENT KOUDOU GBAGBO FORMERPRESIDENT OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE


GLOBAL EYES

MAGAZINE

Distributed to local businesses, and inWinnipeg and via email to individualsin Manitoba and former Manitobans invarious parts of the world.

To receive Global Eyes by mail pleasesend a cheque for $15.00 to:Global Eyes Magazine671 Rathgar AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3L 1G6Phone: [email protected]

All contents are (c) 2014 and may notbe reprinted without the express orwritten consent of the author or Editor.

Editor: Beatrice WatsonEscrava Anastacia was an African

Queen who was captured and taken toBrazil where she lived as an enslavedAfrican woman. She was elegant andbeautiful and when she refused toallow the slave owner to violate her hepunished her by forcing her to wear aniron mask. She wore it until she died.She is well known in the Blackcommunities of Brazil as a heroineand is considered a saint. Slavery wasonly abolished in Brazil in the 1880s.Some argue that it continues today.There are many stories like this ofBlack women and Black men duringthe days of slavery, bondage andoppression. She lived in Salvador doBahia. And when the Black peoplerecognized her, all slaves would bowand stop working. Her owner, who hadover 5000 slaves, strapped that overher mouth. Because of the power shehad over the other slaves. There are

reports that claim she possessed healinghands and performed miracles.

In 1990, a mini-series entitled“Escrava Anastacia” was produced forBrazilian television. Directed byHenrique Martins, written by PauloCésar Coutinho and starring AngelaCorrea, it portrayed Anastacia as aNigerian princess captured by slavers.Anastacia is sold to a cruel master whofalls in love with her and eventually triesto rape her. For refusing her master,Anastacia is punished by being forced towear a face mask. The image ofAnastacia healing the son of heroppressors is an innovation developedfor this program.

DIDDIDDIDDIDDID YYYYYOUOUOUOUOU KNOKNOKNOKNOKNOWWWWW?????

Painting byJacquesEtienne VictorArago 1839

Do not Miss your Chance to see Nelson Mandela’s grandaughter, MsTukwini Mandela at the:Cultural Awareness Workshop Human Relations: A Pathway to Understanding Diverse Races Tues Feb 16 20168:30am to 4:30pm Viscount Gort Hotel1670 Portage Ave. Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204775-4378Email: cobw@mymts .netSponsored by the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba Inc.

Mark your Calendar


BriefsWinnipeg Social Workers

Educated on Forced MarriagesDeepa Mattoo is a staff lawyer and the

acting Executive Director of the South AsianLegal Clinic of Ontario delivered a half dayworkshop organized through the

Winnipeg Child and Family Services. Forced marriage is one that is forced

upon one or both of the people involved,without their consent. This can happen topeople across age, race, gender, religion andsex and it is a form of violence said Mattoo.

Mattoo has been raising awareness ofthis issue for over 15 years, through publiceducation, training and services to victims ofviolence. She has spoken extensively aboutgender based violence and how immigrationpolicies, such as sponsorship rules, affectimmigrant women.

She is a vocal critic of the proposedZero Tolerance for Barbaric CulturalPractices Act.

“I know from my work that there is gapin services that exists in our systems atmultiple levels when it comes to services toFM survivors. Therefore when this Bill wasannounces with premise that it will protectwomen from violence. As a legal worker whohas assisted and advocated for many victims;I was not convinced that the changessuggested will protect women and hence Ifelt the need to criticize the bill. Additionally,I also thought that this bill was diverting realissues of violence against women and need ofa inclusive strategy to address FM and allothers forms of violence that impacts womenfrom all diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Mattoo provided tips on how torecognized forced marriages situations andwhat would be helpful.

The 13 Fires conversation ishappening on a monthly basis atdifferent locations.

In January there was aconversation on Poverty andRacism which was held at theUnited Apostle Church. Theattendance was great and thissessions highly interactive.

Winnipeg’s youths areleading the way with thesesessions and they are bringing

home the point about the ways inwhich systemic racism are linkedto poverty in this city. Free foodwas loving cooked and served bythe group “Food not Bombs”. Thesession was filled with a crosssection of people from differentage groups to different ethnicgroups. The next conversationwill be on Health and Racism.Keep your ears to the ground fordate and venue.

13 Fires Burning Bright

AdesuwaEro, auniversitystudent wasone of thespeakers anda member of13 Fires.

Each Group reported on theirparticular discussions.

ElderMaeLouiseCampbell

13 Fires Organizers


Can’t find a salon to dojustice to your hair?

Look no more!

Les Touche Salonwill send you satisfied everytime

4-555 Balmoral AveHours: Mon. - Sat.9 a.m - 7:00 p.m.Phone: 947-5830

Editorial - Take OneBlack History

MonthThe question

always comes up at this time thatBlack folks must wrestle with. WhyBlack History? Isn’t Black HistoryCanadian History? Why isn’t BlackHistory taught in schools as part ofCanadian History, why must we beresponsible for educating peopleabout our history and why theshortest month of the Year? The lastquestion is meant to humour us.

Wouldn’t it be nice if this wereso, but it is not and it is the hopethat one day we will be able tocelebrate ethnic history monthwhere all ethnic groups would begiven the opportunity to shareknowledge about their people andhow they got here. The only peoplewho would not be part of this are theAboriginal people since they werealways here.

Black History in the West is alittle different from African History,however within African History isthe story of enslavement of theirpeople. Africans were part of theslave trade. Some kidnapped theirfellow Africans and sold them to thehighest bidder. Black Historybegins with our journey from Africato the western world in chains andforced to work under inhumanconditions for hundreds of years.

Black history for Africansoutside of African - those is France,Caribbean, South American Canada,USA Brazil etc. share a particularexperience of slavery and thediscrimination and racism thatfollowed that period unto the presenttime. Blacks outside of Africa are adirect result of slavery; they weretaken out of Africa and hybridized in

the Western environment. Theyhad no one to speak their languageso they spoke the master’slanguage; they had no reference totheir tribe, clan or village. Theywere given the names of theirmasters. This is Black history, thisis Canadian history. Family life forslaves was tenuous. A husband, awife or a child could easily be soldon the market without regard fortheir familial connection. Blackswho worked the cotton fields, thecane fields and other fieldscontributed tremendously to theriches of western countries withtheir blood sweat, and tears. Thatneeds to be known andacknowledged. Blacks havecontributed to the development of

civil rights and human rights, science,arts and literature which every one nowenjoys. In spite of the lynching theycontinually reached for the light offreedom. We have seen the results ofwhat a little equality of opportunity canaccomplish. Blacks are found in everyprofession in the world. Today there is aBlack man in the White Houserepresenting the world’s most powerfulnation. Yes, there is a time and place fortooting horns and a time to finish the job.We have to keep chipping away at theracism iceberg and continue the work ofmaking the world a better place foreveryone. Black History Month is stillneeded. While we celebrate ourachievements, tell our stories, we have tocontinue reaching for the shores of totalinclusion and total freedom.

Do we need Black History Month?


Imagine in the middle of our city is aGarden of Compassion fitted with flowingfountains, garden art, a bit of forest wheresacred architecture and convergingteaching paths representing our manycultural/wisdom traditions and beliefsystems, lead through a tieredlandscape…..to a central body of water,four directions teaching grounds and an allseason island glazed green space? SoundsDivine? This is the vision of a small butgrowing group of Winnipeggers will bringto fruition with your support. There is a Board of Directors andadvisors of this project and they organizeda focus group with key stakeholdersrecently as part of a feasibility study forthe Garden of Compassion. PaulaHavixbeck, the project researcherfacilitated the session held at WinnipegHarvest Building while Shawn Tester,Board Chair and Ken Beattie,Horticultural Education Manager for theCanadian Wild Life Federation provided aslide show of the Vision for the Garden ofCompassion. The Garden of Compassion is envisionedas a public space to advance understandingand respect, peace and compassionbetween diverse wisdom traditionsphilosophies and cultures, enduring as aliving and growing testament tocompassion, justice and respect for futuregenerations and to function as a focal pointfor Winnipeg and support its developmentas a centre for human rights education andas a City of Compassion. This is a uniquevision for Winnipeg that is not foundanywhere in the world.To get more information or to find out howyou can become involved in this beautifulproject email [email protected]

GARDEN OF COMPASSION

l to r Shawn Tester, Ken Beattieand Paula Havixbeck

Celebrating International Human Rights Day

The Manitoba Human RightsCommision, Canadian Human RightsCommission and the ManitobaAssociation of Rights & Libertiesmarked the International Human RightsDay, December 10 with a reception andpresentation of awards to those whohave promoted human rights in thecommunity. The Commitment Awardwent to Meet Me at the Bell TowerFamily and the Youth Award toChristie McLeod. Meet me at theBell Tower is a community initiativeto reclaim Selkirk Avenue from drugdealers and pimps and make it a safe placefor families to raise their children.Christie McLeod iChristie is active on boththe local and national human rights scene

working in areas that range from ShoalLake 40 First Nation, to sextrafficking, to women’s rights. She isalso the founder and managing directorof the Human Rights Hub, rightsevents and information.

Three students (2nd from r) from AmnestyInternational pose with Azim Jiwa, Exec.Director, MHRC, Sherrie Helgason andMichelle Falk.

Christie Mcleod (r)receivs award from

Michelle Falk (l), MARL’sEx. Dir.

Michael Champayne (2nd fromL)with the Bell Tower Family showingoff their human rights Award.

Isha Khan, Legal Counsel ManitobaHuman Rights Commission, LilyRosenberg Adminstratin Support & SherriHelgason Director of Aboriginal Initiative,Canadian Human Rights Commission.


Regulars

Global Counsellor

Letter to my childrenMy dear Children:I have so much to be thankful for. Beingthankful is a powerful prayer to theCreator. Even in adversity being thankfulchanges the energy of what is arising inus. The more I think of the humancondition, the more I discover the truth ofwhat is written in Genesis Chapter one.In the beginning was the word and theword was God and God is Love. In thebeginning was love and since quantumphysics tells us that it is always now andthat time and space are humaninventions. Coming to work thismorning I passed a gas station. The gasstation does not move but I am moving.wherever I land is now and there is love.We casually say the refrain love makesthe world go round. I know now that it istrue. The more we cultivate love in our

hearts, minds, souls whatever,wherever, the more good thingshappen to us, the more we experiencejoy and the more love comes to us.This is not something one can learnfrom someone else you have toexperience it yourself, for some ittakes a lifetime to journey to the heartof love and for others it’s a muchquicker process and I’ve been on thisjourney for more than 20 years andnow there is a concrete awareness ofwhat love in your heart can do. Thisdoes not mean I feel no anger,disappointment, frustration and so on,these are always there but I alwayshave the choice to return to that stateof being love, the state of our Creator,the state of God. It is a great place in

the face of the rain of tragedy that isdepressing and could easily steal ourpeace of mind. However, with theawareness of love I do not have to livein other people’s misery or drama. Weeach have our own drama in which CarlJung said we are both the lead actor andthe extra at the same time and we arecalled to choose all the time. What isthe most productive thing you can do ifyou hear a gun man guns down eightinnocent people? Would becomingdepressed or obsessed about that helpanything or just sinking you into deeperdespair? But what if you sit quietly andmeditate on love and send that energyinto the world, how do you think youwould feel. It’s all in the choices youmake.

Dear Global Counsellor,I am a 20 year African Caribbeanman. My girlfriend is a 20 year oldCaucasian. We both attendUniversity and love each other a lotbut I feel my girlfriend is a racist andthe more I think about it, the more Ibecome disappointed and aware thatthis might not work out or may taketoo much work to get her tounderstand that she is a beneficiaryof the white privilege. She argueswith me that she is not privileged andcame from a poor family and takeexception to me saying she isprivileged. She talks about reverseracism and Black folks doing exactlyto white folks what were done tothem and it does not make it right.She said we‘re trying to guilt trippeople into buying into this whiteprivilege BS. She calls it allpropaganda. How can I educate thiswoman to get her to understand that

white privilege is real? I am fed upwith her and am ready to call it aday because of cultural or socialimpasse. She is wonderful and Idon‘t think she is consciously aracist but her refusal to acceptwhite privilege is like an alcoholicrefusal to admit he or she is analcoholic. Am I being judgementalhere should I leave her in ignoranceand continue our relationship?Frustrated.

Dear Frustrated:Maybe this is something you haveto leave for someone else to do.Your girlfriend appears to have amind of her own and that’s okay.It sometimes takes an alcoholicyears to admit that their drinking isa problem.

Understanding white privilege isnot an easy concept for white folksto get because the privilege blackssee in society white folks take forgranted and their right. To them itappears neutral. It took PeggyMcIntosh serious self-reflection torealize that her world was a lotdifferent from that of the Blacksaround her. It was a white womanwho put a name and a frameworkaround white privilege throughexamination of her own lives. If youand this woman should havechildren and through theirexperience she might come tounderstand that society favourswhite skin. Hopefully by then,things would have changed.


CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

GAFFIN WID BUDDYHabit of SurvivingThe Black woman feelfeel deeplyPretend she doesn’t careAbout what people sayAbout societyAbout Black menwho enslave her with his lovewith weightless wordsand unfulfilled promises Black woman feelfeel deeplykeep a tight lid on painit’s her secretno body’s businessshe knowsno one caresa Black woman is a horsemade for heavy loadsshe doesn’t feelshe acts the fool for them. Black woman feelfeel deeplydesires lovetendernesskindnesshard to findin their own kindthey hang onhope for tomorrowThat offers little. How can she raise her headproud and tallbetrayed by her heartwhose blinding honestyallowed her to fallinto the trap of Black armscoated with black over white facadechoke the life spirit out of herMoves onwatch her struggle for balancehoping she learned her lesson The black womanstands on the last rung on the totempolesocial, political, economicaltheoreticalBlack woman’s life is toughBut she has chiseledthe habit of survivinginto a fine art. (BAW 2013)

POCKETFUL OF MUMBAITaxi men are spry for fifteen dollar tripsYeah, when I’m in psychaDelhi I float(play with the tip)…My brain works just fineI don’t need anybody forming opinionsFor me to adopt‘There are more contractual provisionsThan actually provided for who andwhat’(?What?)Uses two exclamation marksTo accentuate our confusion (veryclever)Only here until I’ve no veins left tosever…Horny or highThe Devil gets me at a bargainFull on emptinessBut weak because I’m starvingSynestheatre of the mindIn the (bac)k of a (k)cabAnd someone betting me‘English women really aren’t halfbad’…MONOGAMOUS So you love my aloe extractGrungy rock vanilla comebacks?And you like when I’m on top?I like when you’re standing back!You are way much too much to the pointDid you have icicles of for lunch?While your mouth is minty-cleanYour silver words are full of rust!You say you want a piece of me?To be the better part of me?Ninety percent pathetic underdogBut have a heart in me...And it’s not for the takingAnd so it won’t be takenAnd it’s not for the breakingAnd so it won’t be brokenSo put on a new face(and try get in some‘genuine’)And if you love myelephant pearlGothic roxy gammainsultsDon’t look inside thecar!(Sister, I’m working thevault...Alone!)

Fifty years bye Guyanacome a lang way but notlang enough from de pettyethnic strife. I tink by nowwe wouldda been tight as a nationbut sometimes it seems as if we goingbackward dan forward. People are stillvoting race dan ideology. What iswrang wid we people man. How lange go tek us fuh get our act togetherman. I’m tired of de stupidness of ourpeople. It’s like Cheddi and Burnhamghost gon be wid us fuh die kingdomcome. Even young people who wasn’teven alive when dese two men ruledare on did racialism band wagon. We need young, fresh people at dehelm. People who understandmulticulturalism, people who believein human rights an dem ting, peoplewho are broad minded and fair andmek sure dat people are not using racecard or party card to get ahead. Desefifty years was painful. I am oleenough to rememba when I was alittle bouy, me bes friend wasRamesh. Ramesh and me used gofishing an hunting togeda. If we ketcha guana we gon curry am like notomarra. We used to drink together.De man was me bes friend. WenBurnham win our friendship changed.We used to get into big argumentsespecially when he becamesupercritical and call Burham a racist.We got into a big fight wen he crassedde line and called Burnham a slaveand tings deteriorated from den. Prettysad stuff but dis is still going on andwe need to talk about dis openly all detime like the Aboriginal people talkabout the Residential school systemtill it stick and change coming roundfast. We need to understand dehistory of the original people fuh disland and not discriminated againstdem. Some ethnic groups still see weas slave and less than if not overtlycovertly and we need to talk bout datin wukshops and so on.


Guyanese all over the world will becelebrating Guyana`s Golden JubileeAnniversary with much fanfare andpride. It is a unifying event regardlessof one`s political or ethnic affiliations.When it comes to country prideGuyanese are right up there. Guyana is sometimes mistaken for aCaribbean Island because culturallyand historically it is linked more to theCaribbean than to the mainland ofSouth America because the commontongue. Guyana was first settled by theDutch in the late 16th century. At the1815 Congress of Vienna, all ofBritain’s holdings in the region wereconsolidated and the nation becameknown as British Guiana. The Britishcolonial authorities imported slavesfrom West Africa in large numbers towork the sugarcane and cottonplantations. When the African slavetrade was abolished in 1834, theBritish sought out new sources ofagricultural labor from India, China,Portugal, Germany, and Malta. In1966, Guyana was grantedindependence, and a government wasformed with proportionalrepresentation given to all of thecountry’s ethnic groups. Today, theethnic breakdown of Guyana’spopulation of 750,000 is 50% EastIndian, 36% Afro-Guyanese, 7%Amerindian, and 7% white, Chinese,and multi-racial. The only English speaking countryin South ASmerica,Guyana is borderedby Portuguese speaking Brazil to theSouth Spanish speaking Venezuela tothe West and Dutch speaking Surinameto the East. \British Guiana became a Crowncolony in 1928, and in 1953 it was

granted home rule. In 1950, Cheddi Jagan,who was Indian-Guyanese, and ForbesBurnham, who was Afro-Guyanese, createdthe colony’s first political party, theProgressive People’s Party (PPP), which wasdedicated to gaining the colony’sindependence. In the 1953 elections, CheddiJagan was elected chief minister. TheBritish, however, alarmed by Jagan’sMarxist views, suspended the constitutionand government within months and installedan interim government. In 1955, the PPPsplit, with Burnham breaking off to createthe People’s National Congress. (PNC).The leftist Jagan of the PPP and the moremoderate Burnham of the PNC were todominate Guyana politics for decades tocome. In 1961, Britain granted the colonyautonomy, and Jagan became prime minister(1961–1964). Strikes and rioting weakenedJagan’s rule, much of it believed to be theresult of covert CIA operations. In 1964,Burnham succeeded Jagan as prime minister,a position he retained after the countrygained full independence on May 26, 1966.With independence, the country returned toits traditional name, Guyana - Land of manywaters. Guyana has had its share of ups and downbut hopefully things would get better andbetter as young people with vision begin toemerge as leraders and the country maybecome a model multicultural state inCaribbean. Here is Winnipeg the Indo Guyanese andthe Afro Guyanese are collaborating tocelebrate the country`s Jubilee anniversary..The first event was an interfaith ceremony atwhich all the major religious organizations -Hindus, Muslims and Christians - were wellrepresented. Other events are being jointlyplanned throughout the year. Minister ofLiteracy and Multiculturalism FlorMarcelino was in attenance as well as Dr.Sandra Sukhan, Honorary Counsul ofGuyana to Manitoba. (more photos on p

Guyanese Celebrate Golden Jubilee

One People, One Nation One DestinyGuyana`s 50th Anniversary Independence Committee invites you to Culture DayPotluck on Sunday February 28, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. at Maples Community Centre 434Adsum Drive, Winnipeg. Bring your favourite dish, your family and friends and prepareto have a good time. Fun Food Frolic. For more info call Stacy Felix: 204-510-1973;Sorace Mulchand: 204-930-1373. Catch you there.

Mark your Calendar

Stacey Felix, Sorace Mulchand & Dr.Sandra Sukhan, Hon. Consul.

Bibi Haniff,rendition

GCO pop-up Choir

Audience

Audience

Mr. Meer Ali, Mr. Deo SinghDr. Brian Archer


Get in the MIXThe noises were loud with the

atmosphere of beginning holidays. Agroup of little children were huddledtogether for warmth as the adultsgripped their cherry flavoured hotchocolates. Smily volunteers in neonyellow handed out the hot beveragesto those shivering under theWinnipegian winds.

Ignoring the chill of the eveningthe setup of downtown could bedelighted upon. It was bright. Itgripped the whole city by the arms,buzzing it with the excitement of theparade that drew nearer.

The skywalks were painted anarray of colours in homage to thediversifying and multicultural scopeof the area. Cultural garbs and sweetsmelling pastries filled the air aspeople rejoiced in the celebration ofthe coming holidays. It was a sweetsight to behold so early on in thecelebrations.

As if the children were attuned tothe joviality their toque covered headspopped up from their circle as thesounds blared announcing thebeginnings of the festival.

A plethora of colours andpeoples marched against the frictionof the snow, it was a nod ofacknowledgement to the indigenouspeoples lands that we now callhome.Different performers wentthrough the streets and laughterfollowed, contagious, as a childjumped over the figures throwing outcandy to the crowd.

The snow began to fall a perfectcrescendo to the heighteningatmosphere. The festivity continuedand invited the intrigue of the newarrivals. Shock could be seen on theirfaces as other children look calmly onas the white powder blankets the cityin artistic delight.

A tiny adorable girl withobsidian skin came running from herparents side gleaming with excitementfor the parade that was gaining speed.

She dug into the thick cut of her coat andpulled out himbasha, an offering ofcelebration, and gave it to the group ofchildren with an unmistakable happinessto her gait. Little hands picked at thesweet as murmurs of appreciation lefttheir cool lips.

The city continued to buzz with thewarmth of the festival as more and morearrived to witness the coming together ofthe peoples.

Ruth Mesgna is a guestspeaker and a workshopfacilitator involved inhumanitarian work, thearts, short story writing,theatre, and community/national development.She is the founder ofACFORAC, anorganization dedicated

to creating a more unifiedAfro-Caribbean community by supporting andnurturing its youth through the multipleprograms they offer.

Dark AgesRacism still burning in people souls,We all bleed same colour,All same inside,Human race one race2015 we still haven’t learn,Treat women as maidsWomen more power as one,Without us been no humansDifferent colour, different faith,We all still believe in one God,If we love with our hearts,Not hate with our thoughts.Samantha Duncan

A Moment Within WinnipegKWANZAA PICTORIAL 2016

For Africa to me... is more than aglamorous fact. It is a historical truth.No man can know where he is goingunless he knows exactly where he hasbeen and exactly how he arrived at hispresent place. -Dr. Maya Angelou, author and poet


Zoning In - Bits And BytesZoning In - Bits And BytesZoning In - Bits And BytesZoning In - Bits And BytesZoning In - Bits And Bytes

Muriel Smith, Minister of the Sttus ofWomen, Kerri Irvin Ross, Amanda Lathlin,MLA for the Pas and Nadia Kidwa Chairof the Manitoba Women’s Advisory council

Congratulations to MurielSmith, O.C., the first woman DeputyPremier in Canada, and AmandaLathlin, MLA for The Pas the firstFirst Nations woman MLA inManitoba who were celebrated atManitoba Women’s AdvisoryCouncil Women’s History Monthevent at the Legislature for theirhistory-making records and of theirdedicated advocacy for genderequality and social change, as wellas being outstanding role models foryoung women.

Women’s History Month iscelebrated each October to honorthe advances and contributions ofwomen in all facets of Canadian life.Minister Irvin-Ross said the annualcelebration provides an opportunityto recognize the many achievementsby Manitoba women and to reflecton the progress that continues to bemade in ensuring equal rights andopportunities for all citizens.

The event was well attendedand a light lunch was served.

Women’s Hisory MonthCelebration

Global Eyes Publisher,Beatrice Watson is theproud winner of one ofthe six Nelly Awardspresented by the NellieMclung Foundation tomark the 100thanniversary of Manitoba women gettingthe vote. Thanks to Randi Gage and theCongress of Black Women of Manitobawho nominated Beatrice. “Thanks tothose who took the time to nominateme and for the Foundation who saw meas a worthy recipient. I am veryhumbled by it,” Beatrice said. (GEMVolunteers)

CongratulationsBeatrice WatsonNelly Awardee

The National Spiritual Assembly ofthe Baha’is of Canada`s responded to theTruth and Reconciliation Commission`sreport with a documentary videoentitled `The Path Home`` which dealswith the impacts of the ResidentialSchool Systems not only on thosedirectly affected but also the children ofResidential School survivors.

Produced by Jordan Bighorn of theMohawk Nation who hails from Ontariobut followed his wife Meleyna Bighornto Winnipeg and Esther Maloney ofOntario, the video was shown at theThunderbird house to about 150Winnipeggers and was well received.

Two Aboriginal Elders were inattendance including Elder May LouiseCampbell and they both had nothing butpraise for the Baha`i contribution to theReconciliation dialogue.

First premiered in Ottawa, DeloriaBighorn, Chair of the National SpiritualAssembly and a Residential SchoolSurvivor said of the video, “We are hereto honour the work of the Truth andReconciliation Commission which isseeking justice on behalf of all of us,”

“Seeking justice and truth for aresidential school survivor is alsoseeking justice and truth for all ourchildren and grandchildren.”

“Unity among the Aboriginalpeoples, unity with the rest of Canadiansociety and unity with all the peoples ofthe world is vital if justice and socialwell-being are to be assured.”

Ms Bighorn was also in atWinnipeg for the premier on January 30,2016. Bannock and soup were served.

The Path Home

‘The Path Home’ a film commissioned by theNational Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is ofCanada to honour those who have contributedto the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. ©Illumine Media

Deloria Bighorn


Diversity Keeps Communities HealthyDon’t want to shockanyone but time marcheson inexorably and you’llbe dead in its wake so... it’s2016 and what do you wantto do with your life?“Your time is limited, so don’t waste itliving someone else’s life. Don’t betrapped by dogma - which is livingwith the results of other people’sthinking. Don’t let the noise of other’sopinions drown out your own innervoice. And most important, have thecourage to follow your heart andintuition. They somehow alreadyknow what you truly want to become.Everything else is secondary.”- Steve Jobs

If you are pursuing something to pleaseyour parent, your teacher, your mentor,your husband or wife, you are not doingwhat you came here to do, you areallowing someone to rob you of yourlife. However, if what they want you todo is what you want to do at your core,then that is okay. You came here to be a unique andspecial person to do a particular thingthat only you can do well but sometimeswe allow others to distract us from ourpath and at the end of the day you lookback with regret when there is no moretime.When you do not do what you camehere to do you rob the world of yourspecial gifts. Anyone who truly loves you wouldsupport you in fulfilling your dreams.

“It’s your place inthe world; it’s yourlife. Go on and doall you can with it,and make it the lifeyou want to live.”—Mae Jemison

More photosfrom Kwanzaa2015- Readers,storyteller,entertainers andencouragers

Monday, February 15, 2016HISTORY LESSON & WORKSHOP Time: 10:30am - 3:00pm Location: Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098Winnipeg Avenue Cooking, Music, Arts and Crafts…Fun for all ages! Contact: Mavis @ 257-9665 **FREE EVENT** Tuesday, February 16, 2016CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOP Presented by: The Congress of Black Women(MB Chapter Inc.) Time: 10:30am-2:00pm Location: Viscount Gort – 1670 Portage Ave Contact: 775-4378 or [email protected] *Registration fee $60.00 (*students and seniors $30) complimentarypasses available for seniors and students uponrequest Friday, February 19, 2016BHM MOVIE NIGHT Time: 7:00pm

Location: Truth and Life Worship Centre 51 Richfield Avenue, Winnipeg MB **FREE EVENT** JUST BRING A TINFOR WINNIPEG HARVEST Saturday, February 20, 2016GOSPEL CELEBRATION - 35TH ANNUALGOSPEL CONCERT Time: 6:30pm Location: Immanuel Fellowship Church 479 St Mary’s Road, Winnipeg MB Advance Tickets: Adults $10.00 Children$5.00 Door price: $15.00 Contact: Rhonda at 204-509-7726 or Nadia at204-417-8493 or [email protected] Saturday, February 27, 2016BLACK HISTORY MONTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDSBANQUET Time: 6:30pm Location: Ramada Marlborough 1098 Winnipeg Avenue Tickets: $45.00 (adults) $20.00(children)

Mark your Calendar


HEALTHWISE

Let your food bemedicine and yourmedicine be food.Hippocrates

The Conversation

1 small onion, coarsely chopped2 cans undiluted chicken broth1 tsp dried oregano leaves28 oz can diced tomatoes1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basilor parsley

Brazilian Beef Stew

3 lbs (1.5 kg) cubed stewing beef2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 mL) olive oil6 large tomatoes1 large onion3 large garlic cloves2 tsp (10 mL) finely grated freshginger or 2 tsp (10 mL) bottledchopped ginger400 mL can unsweetened coconutmilk, not light1 tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano leaves2 tsp (10 mL) hot red chili flakes1 tsp (5 mL) salt½ tsp (2 mL) freshlyground black pepper19 oz (540 mL) can black beans2 cups (75 mL) chopped freshcoriander or basil or parsley1. Pat beef dry with paper towel.Heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) oil in alarge wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add about one-third ofbeef. Turn occasionally untilbrowned on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes.Remove pieces as they are done to aplate. Reduce heat to medium if beefstarts to burn. Repeat with remainingbeef in 2 batches, using more oil asneeded. Meanwhile, cut tomatoesinto thick wedges. Coarsely choponion and garlic. Finely grate ginger.2. Return all of meat back to panalong with any accumulated juices tosimmer to your desire.

2 tsp each salt and freshly groundblack pepper (optional)1. Heat oil in a large widesaucepan set over medium heat.Slice each sausage into 3 or 4pieces. Add sausages to pan.Cook, turning often, until lightlybrowned, from 3 to 4 minutes,removing to a large plate as theyare browned. Meanwhile, slicechicken into 1-inch pieces. Addto saucepan. Stir often untilchicken is lightly golden, from 3to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, coreand seed peppers. Slice into thickstrips. Cut unpeeled potatoes intomedium pieces. If mushrooms arelarge, slice in half; otherwise,leave whole. They shouldmeasure about 4 cups2. Once chicken is golden,remove to plate with sausages.Add peppers, garlic and onion topan. Stir often until tender-crisp,3 minutes. Stir in broth andoregano. Scrape up and stir in anybrown bits from pan bottom toadd flavour.Add potatoes, mushrooms andtomatoes. Return meat with anyjuices to pan. Bring to a boil,stirring often. Then reduce heat tomedium-low. Cover and simmer,stirring occasionally, untilpotatoes are tender, 20 to 25minutes. Remove from heat. Stirin basil. Taste. Add salt andpepper, if needed.

Mediterranean SausageStew

THE APOLOGYThey beat me and I called you to save me... but you couldn’t.. so I secretlyresented you.They took our babies and sold them, Ibegged you to save us.. but you couldn’t.. so I secretly blamed you..They raped me, and I cried out for you toprotect me... but you couldn’t.....So Istopped trusting you...You were supposed to be my man.. myprovider.. my protector but when Ineeded you.. you couldn’t be there... so Ihated you...How could I let you tell me what to do.When massa could protect me more thanyou..How could I submit to you when you areforced to submit to massa?So to protect myself I submitted to theone who could protect me and ourchildren.I stopped trusting you..I stopped loving you..I stopped honoring you..I stopped valuing you and in turn Ibecame valueless to you.I didn’t see the frustration in your eyeswhen our children were sold..I didn’t hear your silent cries when I wasbeaten.I didn’t see your anger when I was beingravished..I didn’t understand that you held youremotions to be strong for me..I thought you didn’t care.. but youwanted to be there...you wanted toprotect me.. you wanted to ....but massa made it so you couldn’t so Iwould trust him more than you.I didn’t see the hidden hands shaping ourdestiny..all I saw was my pain.. and the feelingthat you neglected me..For all the times I blamed you, I’m sorryFor the resentment and distrust I’ve heldagainst you for centuries.. I’m sorryFor the times I’ve let you down For allthe times I’ve broken your spirit with mywords and my actions.For the times I openly rejected you.. andtried to control you .. because I thoughtless of you.. I’m sorry..

continued on p16


Leg Up

QuotableQuote

The newly formedCaribbean Canada Heart HealthEducation (CCHHE) Committee held itfirst Gala Fundraising Dinner at thePunjab Cultural Centre on October 21,2015. The mandate of the organization isthe Promotion of CardiovascularMedicine in the Caribbean. Thecommittee is comprised of members ofthe Caribbean community includingGuyana. They came together and workeddiligently to make the evening a hugesuccess with over 300 people inattendance. The Keynote Speaker, wasthe celebrated Dr. Grant N. Pierce,Executive Director of Research at St.Boniface Hospital Research Centre. Hespoke about his ongoing research andfantastic results on the benefits of flax asa part of overall heart health.

The committee is working inassociation with the InternationalAcademy of Cardiovascular Sciences(IACS) headquartered in Winnipeg.According to the IACS website, it

provides the organizational structure for theworld-wide sharing of research and educationinformation in the field of heart heath. TheCCHHE hopes to raise enough funds toestablish a Caribbean section of the IACS whichwould serve the Caribbean community.

A centre such as this would be veryadvantageous to the region as it would be thefirst, but more importantly, the need foreducation about heart health is paramount. Dr.Bram Ramjaiwan, a fellow Guyanese and

Director of Research for the AsperClinical Research Institute notedthat people in the Caribbean havestartlingly high rates ofcardiovascular disease, consideringthe availability of fresh vegetablesand fruits. Education is the bestpath to prevention and as membersof the Caribbean community, wecan help make a difference. Thevalue of supporting the fundraisingactivities is that it benefits each ofus individually as we are beingeducated at the same time. If youhave a heart and it’s still beating,we’d like to count on your support.

Every year the Congress of BlackWomen of Manitoba shares a bit ofBlack culture with the WinnipegCommunity and it gets better each year.

Kwanzaa is celebrated duringDecember 26 and January 1 todistinguish it from Christmas.

This is not a religious celebrationbut cultural and gives the children andadults a sense of cultural heritage, thatwe have forgotten, the rich traditions ofthe ancestors.

The seven principles which arehighlighted during Kwanzaa can beapplied to anyone and not only blacks.

These are time honoured ideals -unity, self-determination, collective workand responsibility, cooperativeeconomics, purpose and creativity.

If our youths would diligently

practice one of these principles itcould lead to dramatic results and alife of purpose.

President, Dr. Lois StewartArcher warmly welcomed guestsand left the proceedings in thehands of our youths who did agreat job insmoothlyorchestrating theentire ceremony.

The eventwas well attended.There was plentyof food and giftsfor each child.

Kurne Williams, Program Chair, lovingprepares the Kwanzaa table with the ceremonialitems - bread, fruits,,vegetables, books,art, kinara,mat, unity cup. Ms Zainab Mansaray (r) givingsmiles.

KWANZAA A Huge Success

Heart of the Matter Fundraiser


Approximately 50 people joinedIIWR-MB and IIWR Global Collegeon Wednesday, December 2nd, from6 to 8:30 pm. at the University ofWinnipeg. The evening wasinformative and the panelists sharedstories that inspired the audience todo more to work for peace in theworld. Refreshments were availablefrom 6 to 6:30, with the programstarting at 6:30. Many attendeesbrought articles of outdoor clothingfor the Syrian Refugees, and weredonated to the Canadian MuslimWomen’s Association. FinancialDonations were made, as well, andFarouk Chebib facilitated thedonations to the Manitoba MuslimAssociation to help the SyrianRefugees. Marilou McPhedran did anexcellent job moderating the eveningin spite of some technicaldifficulties. Panelists included:Mais Al Saleh, (recent Syrianrefugee from Homs, Syria, a citywhich took the first bombingdestruction from the governmentforces in 2011). Liela Chebibcapably translated Mais‘presentation, which told her story ofleaving her home, which was totallybombed, with 5 children. All thechildren were traumatized, and oneto the point she could no longerspeak. They fled to a refugee campin Lebanon.

Sandy Deng (Women4Women SouthSudan) Gave a presentation using powerpoint, which gave information about theseriousness of Gender Based Violence inConflict – and how misogyny prepares themen for the violence which happens duringconflict and war. Ellen Judd (attended Women Stop WarConference, The Hague, 04/2015) Ellen gavethe background to the Women’s InternationalLeague for Peace and Freedom (WILPF),founded 100 years ago, which was a veryinspiring story. There is a renewedcommitment by many women to work forpeace in many countries, and Ellen stressedhow important this work continues to be. Atthe end of her presentation, everyone signeda piece of paper and wrote a few words ofcommitment, what they would do to make amore peaceful world. Some of the words –respect; education; listening; support. Aphoto was taken of the group holding theirsigns.

By: Mary Scott

Women Working for Peace in a State of WarMANITOBA, INC. PRESENTS:

LOCAL TO GLOBAL 2016“AGE OF RECONCILIATION:

RESTORING THE ROLES WOMENTRADITIONALLY PLAY”

Wednesday April 27th, 2016Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage

Ellen GabrielEmcee: Tina Keeper

Special musical entertainment—Refreshments—Door Prizes — RaffleTickets go on sale at various Winnipeg

locations—McNally Robinson BookSellers, University of Winnipeg &

Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council oron line at (Eventbrite) on Feb. 1

Proceeds of Local to Global 2016MATCH International Women’s Fund

(for projects led by Indigenous women)Mohawk Language CustodianAssociation (working for the

preservation of Indigenous Languages)Global Citizenship Scholarship Fundfor students studying and working for

international women’s rights at theUniversity of Winnipeg, Global College$35.00 ($20.00 for students)Available at McNally Robinson BookSellers, Neechi Niche, and on line atEventbrite (Local to Global)For ticket info, [email protected]

Mark your Calendar

Massa had a plan.. that he said would workfor 400 years.. 400 years is over now.My eyes are wide open... ..I see the king in you...Please forgive my wrongs and see your queenin me.POETRY By KhaYah (Aisha Williams)©Here is a response to her apology fromsomeone Williams do not know.

Response by some identified as (M.A.B.)After slavery we worked to re-establish thetraditional family in eh black communityOur new struggle was not one of fightingfor freedom but a fight for equalityWe fought for the right to vote, the right toeat, to go to school and use publictransportation with whitesDuring the fight for equality we lost sightof our communities It was more importantfor us to be accepted by others than togovern our own affairsI watched you join alongside white womenin the women’s liberation movement in the1960’sA fight which was the white woman’s fightagainst her oppressionI watched them turn you against me Iwatch you come to believe that somehow

The Conversation - continued from p14


Growing up, my parents had always encouraged me to save for a rainy but I in asociety where credit is cheap and easy to access saving, most millennials findthemselves building debt instead of building wealth.

In my early twenties, as I started my career, I started looking for alternativeways to invest my savings. Not being satisfied with the returns from bonds andRRSP I decided to try my hand at real estate investing.

Fast forward 5 years later I have been involved in multiple real estatetransactions (flipping properties and rental properties) and helped launched the realestate club www.trulyinvested.ca which focuses of helping others achieve their goalsof building wealth for their families and retirement future.

I am also a strong believer of helping others and giving back. Recently I hadbeen given the opportunity to help the Council of Caribbean Organizations ofManitoba (CCOM) launch a new website and establish their social media presence.Visit www.ccomanitoba.com to learn about the new initiatives the community has instore for 2016.Submitted by Corey Parsons

Are you building Wealth or Building Debt?Find out What Ben Eko Davis is Building

(I the nigga that was enslaved right alongside you) oppressed youI watched you for the last 60 years tried your best to use artificial enhancements (fakehair, fake nails, fake body parts to look like any and everyone but yourself all the whiledemanding men to be real men.I’ve watched you replace, love, marriage and fidelity with government assistance, singlemotherhood, and overt misandry (hatred for men)I’ve listened to you tell me you don’t need meI’ve listened to you tell me I ain’t shitI’ve listened to you tell me I’m nothing without youAnd now you come to me with this bullshit apology

continued from p16

As much as I would like to accept this IcannotYou’ve made this mess now you clean itupThere is no benefit to marriage when Icannot compete with what yourfavourite socialist have to offer youSubsidized housingChildcare with no obligation on yourpart to care for the children accordinglyRewarding single motherhood which isABSOLUTELY counterproductive toraising children in a traditionalhouseholdCountless women’s empowermentprograms (none of which has no maleequivalents)No fault divorce lawsBias against me in family courtsBias against me in criminal courtsBias against me in workforceenvironmentsThese are gyocentric social conventionsyou have helped to contribute toDECADES after slavery in America andyou’re apologizing to being a b.... to meafter slaveryI do not accept your apology. Nowwoman up and fix this mess you’vemade or continue yourindependence, because rememberI’m not shit and you do not need me.Discussion pointsDo these poems strike a cord in you?Would you care to share your feelings?What is at the heart of these poems, whatdo you think they articulateWhat is true for you?Do we still continue to blame slavery forour problems or should we start lookingat our own contributions to where we areat?Is feminism or women’s liberation awhite woman’s problem or is it aproblem for all women?What do you think about the over all toneof the responseDo you think there is a real disconnectbetween black men and black women? What are some of the disconnectingpoints?


When Zizi’s daughter Sammy camehome one evening and demanded thatshe wanted white skin instead of blackskin Zizi was flabbergasted and didn’tknow how to respond to the child. Didshe do something wrong in raising herwas she remiss in building the child’sesteem and appreciation, she wondered. “Why would you want to change yourbeautiful colour?”

“It’s not beautiful, it’s dirty”“It’s not so, come I’ll show you”

her mother took her to the sink and washedher face and hand “okay, look at the water,is it dirty?

“No, it’s clean”“Good, so your skin is not dirty

and no matter how much you wash it, itwill be the same, you understand that don’tyou?

“But why do the children at schoolthink that it is dirty?

“Because they don’t know anybetter. They are not accustomed. to seeingpeople who are different from them; I’lltell you a little story”

“Okay”“When I was little and growing

up in Leguan Island there were only darkskinned people. There were East Indians,Douglas those are people who are mixedwith East Indian and African. We alwaysheard about white people but never reallysaw them only in books and photographsbut when I did see my first white man withblue eyes I ran and hid under the bed. Ithought he was a ghost and someonewithout his real skin. We had some peoplecalled albino their parents are black but thechild may born with white skin and he orshe couldn’t stand in the sun too long. Wethought those kind of people were funnybut their eyes were dark and we knewsomething was wrong with them so wewere not so scared but many people didnot play with those kind of children”

“That’s prejudice mom”“Yes, even mom was prejudiced

when I was little and it’s because I didn’tknow better now that I am grown up Iunderstand why those children who wereborn white was the way they were. You

see once you understandsomething it’s easier to accept itand not to fear it”

“So you’re saying if theyunderstand that this is my real skinthey won’t think my skin is dirty”

“Yes”“How will I make them

understand mom?”“I’ll tell you what, I’ll go

and see your teacher and I will attendone of your classes and explain tothe children about black people allover the world. I will show thempictures and stuff like that to makethem understand; maybe they’ll benicer to you”

“You think so?”“I know so. Children learn

quickly and they are open minded,spontaneous and basically very goodpeople”

“Thanks mom”“You know, the only way I canchange your skin to white is if I soakyou in boiling hot water” her mothergiggled“Eeew, mom, would you dothat to me, that would hurt. Onsecond thought I think I love mycolour”“And I love it too and I think it suitsyou best. I don’t think you’d be aspretty if your skin was any othercolour. Look at me, am I notbeautiful” “You’re the prettiest and smartestmom in the whole wide world”“Thank you, I’d say so myself”.The next week Zizi appeared in classwith her scrap book of children andtheir families from Africa, India,China and other parts of the worldthat she could find. She tried toexplain to the children thateveryone’s colour was important tohim and that made him or special.

“My daughter is veryspecial to me. I love her very muchand I happen to think she has thefinest colour and skin the wholewide world. I’m sure your mom and

dad would say the same things about you.We all love our children and we wanteveryone to love them too. I feel very sadand disappointed when someone hates mydaughter because of her skin. No one canchange the way we are, it’s the way we areborn. I want to ask a question Zizi said”The children perked up ready for thechallenge.I want you to imagine a room full of whiteflowers, see white flower everywhere on thetable, in the living room, in the dining roomeven outside in the flower garden. Can yousee it?”

“Yes” the children chorus“Now I want you to imagine the same

thing but this time with different kinds offlowers, bright reds, yellows, green, pink,blues, purple, black and so on”

“Can you see it?”“Yes” they chorus again enjoying the

fun.“Now, I want you to tell me which

room you would choose to sit in”“The room with different kinds of

flowers” the entire class agreed on this.“I would choose the same one too”

Zizi said“Why do you like the one with

different colours of flowers?”The room was quiet for a while then

one child put her finger up. She stood up. Ziziasked her what her name was. She repliedTatiana.

“Okay Tatiana why did you like theone with the different colour flowers”

“Because it’s prettier”“Why”“Because the one with the all white

flowers was boring and the one with lots ofdifferent colours looked better.” A boyput up his hand. Zizi again asked him tostate his name.

His name was Ryan.“Okay Ryan let’s hear what you

have to say”“I like the room with the different

flower colours because it’s more interesting,the other room was boring”.

“I am glad you all like the varietyof colours. I want you think about people inthe same way. If your school had childrenwith different colours, different hair texture,

My Child Wants to be White - A Short Story


different colour eyes and hair, don’t youthink it would be beautiful”

The children said yeah.“When you see people who are

different from the way you are think of themas a flower with a different colour and howeach colour helps to make our world a morebeautiful place for all of us. Prejudice hurtseveryone.”

“What is prejudice?” Clara a brighteye red hair girl asked.

“I will give you an example.Suppose when I walked in the room thismorning you said to yourself, she is a badlady, I don’t like her. That’s prejudicebecause you didn’t even know me and yetyou thought I was bad. Now that you knowme a little bit you can now decide whether Iam a good or bad person. You understandwhat I mean?”

“Another kind of prejudice is whenyou don’t like someone just because he orshe is different from you. For example if Isaid I didn’t like the boys or girls in thisclass just because they’re white, I am beingprejudiced. This is not right”.

“How many of you didn’t like mewhen I came into this class this morning?”

One solitary hand went up. It wasBrian.

“Why didn’t you like me Brian?”“I don’t know” he shrugged his

shoulders smiling “maybe because you’reblack and you talk funny”

Zizi smiled “I see.”“Do you still feel that way about

me Brian?”“No. I like you now.”“What made you change your mind

Joey?”“Because you’re nice and you’re

funny and because you’re teaching us goodstuff..”

“Thanks Brian. To hear you saythat makes me feel very happy”.

“You’re welcome” he smiledproudly.

“It’s like that when you get to knowsomeone. Not everyone is nice. Somechildren behave very badly, land can be,mean. It’s hard to like such people but it’salways wise to wait until you knowsomeone before deciding whether that

person is going to be your friend ornot”.

Samantha was very proud ofher mother and it did make a difference.The children no longer made her feelshe should change her skin colour.They began to accept her. Somechildren still teased her and called herBlackie when they get into fight but itdidn’t bother Sammy as much. She sawher colour as one of the many naturalcolours in the world that help to makethe world a beautiful place.

Racism springs from the lie thatcertain human beings are less thanfully human. It’s a self-centeredfalsehood that corrupts our mindsinto believing we are right to treatothers as we would not want to betreated. Alveda King

Shondell Babb (right) did a dramaticreading of a fitting poem by aGuyanese author. Hon. FlorMarcelino, (left) Minister ofMulticulturalism and Literacybrought greetings on behalf of thegovernment of Manitoba.

Guyana Jubilee continue fromp9


There are so many stereotypes about aging that hold us back. One of theworst is that life after 60 is all about slowing down. Rather than following ourpassions, it sometimes feels like society wants us to get out of the way. What abunch of rubbish! The most interesting women that I know are the ones who see life after 60as a second childhood. Rather than preparing to go “quietly into the night,”these women are going back to school, starting new relationships, taking upsports and exploring their passions. I was thinking about these women today, when it occurred to me that theyare all tied together by a single trait. They aren’t afraid to do things that scare

them. Or, rather, they see stagnation asbeing the ultimate enemy and enrichmentand learning as being the ultimate goals. One of my favorite actresses, whorepresents this way of looking at theworld, is Judi Dench. As one of the mostsuccessful performers in history, Judidoesn’t have to work. She could drop offthe map at any point and choose to enjoythe final decades of her life in quietluxury. Instead, she continues to push theenvelope and take on challenging roleafter challenging role. As she once said, “The more I do, themore frightened I get. But that isessential. Otherwise why would I go ondoing it?” I couldn’t agree more!You don’t have to be a famous actress tolive a meaningful life. Each of us isblessed, in our own way, with skills,experiences and unique perspectives.The only thing you have to do is abandonthe idea that comfort will bring youfulfillment. The only way to be trulyhappy in this life is to seek out newexperiences, push ourselves to reach ourpotential and make the world a betterplace. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.Please take a few moments to join theconversation below. Let’s get to knoweach other a little better!What do you think you were put on thisplanet to do? What would you do if youknew that you could not possibly fail?Are you a fan of Judi Dench’s work?What is your favorite Judi Dench film?Please join the conversation and “like”and share this article to keep thediscussion going.(Article from SixtyandMe)

Women and Aging StereotypesDebunked

Aging is not lost youthbut a new stage ofopportunity and strength.Betty Friedan