CBW Honours Unsung Sheroes

gggggloballoballoballoballobal eeeeeyyyyyesesesesesManitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine

ThirdQUARTER

Fall 2017

Lois Pattersonreceives the Council of Aging Award

Hon. Eileen Clarke Minister of Indigenous & Northern Relations, Lois Patterson and Dave Schellenberg, Chairperson Council of Aging

CONTENTS

Health & Wellness p19

Regulars:Global & Local Briefs p5Community Bits & bytesGlobacounsellor p8Letter to my children p8Gaffin wid Buddy p19Healthy Recipes p18

Feature - Story - The Divine Water Project - RoseTilbrook pp12 & 13

Hope for Nova Scotia’s Black Community p3

The Origin of Thanksgiving - Benedicte Brou p8A Baobab Tree has Fallen - Remembering AndreDoumbe p9The Caribee’s Hive - Victor Vaughan p10Sexual Harassment p10Short Story - the olivesI am a Hardcore Feminist p16Creative Expression p17Mindfest in the Peg p21Bold and Beautiful p23Jamaica celebrates 35th Independence Anniversary

Leg-up - Lois Patterson p11

Subscribe TodayName:_________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________

Postal Code_______________

Phone:_______________________

Email address:_______________________

Support Global Eyes Magazine if you think we’re doing a goodjob.

Subscription: $15.00 per year for 4 issues.

Mail cheque/Money Order to: Global EyesMagazine (GEM)

671 Rathgar Avenue,

Winnipeg, MB., R3L 1G6

MAGAZINE EYESGLOBAL

Owning land is a symbol ofcitizenship and a sense of pride inpeople. Land that people can developand passed down to their children andgrandchildren, but many NovaScotia’s Black people were unable todo anything but live on the land withno legal authority to transfer the landfrom parent to child. They lived likesquatters in a refugee camp with notitle to the land they lived on.

As some writers claim, timing iseverything. We are evolving into a

rights-based society, and perhapspossibly the governments tired ofcostly inquiries, and paying outcompensation have decided to righthistorically wrong actions on certainsects of the population. Maybe it is theUN Calling Canada out for its racistbehaviour towards Blacks motivatedthis move, but for whatever Canadahas chosen to do right by itsindigenous Black populations.

After 200 years of denial, Blacksin Nova Scotia got a promise of titlesto the land they lived on for centuries.

This news has evoked optimism andalso anger in many Canadian Blacks.They are happy that their long battlewith the governments is coming to anend and at the same time ask why didit take this long?

In 1780’s American Civil War,slaves in the USA were encouragedby the Crown to fight with the Britishregiments against American forces onthe promise of freedom and land tofarm. Three thousand Black Loyalistsdid just that on the promise.

According to Wikipedia, Preston,East Preston and Cherry Brook in theHalifax Regional Municipality, and inLincolnville and Sunnyville inGuysborough County, in the provinceof Nova Scotia are the historicallyBlack communities that are affected.

The Nova Scotia Provincepromised to spend $2.7 million overtwo years to help residents obtainlegal title to land in the communitiesof North Preston, East Preston andCherry Brook in the Halifax RegionalMunicipality, and in Lincolnville andSunnyville in Guysborough County.

In the 1960’s the Nova Scotia’sBlack community suffered anenormous and collective pain whentheir prized Africville was taken fromthem and turned into a park. Africvillewas the home of Blacks for hundredsof years and they didn’t receive anapology for this injustice until 2010.

Blacks all over Canada arecelebrating this announcement and theBlacks of Nova Scotia who has beenfighting for this outcome since the1800’s are more than jubilant withthis decision announcements.N

Norma Walker, former NDPcandidate for the Maples constituencysaid “It is long overdue. This is amove in the right direction.” WhileLois Patterson said the news made hervery happy. “It’s been a long journeyand I am hopeful maybe one dayBlacks will receive reparation for allthe wrongs committed against themduring slavery.

Hope for Nova Scotia’s Black community?

Editorial -Take OneThere are many folks in our

community who work behind and infront of the scenes for many yearsand who have never nor will everbe recognized in this lifetime butyour work does not go unnoticed bythose you serve. For exampleduring Folklorama months I’ve seenpeople who faithfully make time tovolunteer to help make a difference.This year the Jamaica FolkEnsemble one of the popular staplesat the Caribbean Pavilion wasnoticeably absent because membersare aging and some have developedchronic conditions that made itimpossible for the group to perform.We appreciate the work thesewomen have done over the years

and hopefully they could engage insuccession planning by addingsome younger members to the group.

There are many awards that areup for grabs and it costs nothing tonominate a deserving person. Thisyear Phyllis Reid and othersnominated Lois Patterson for theCouncil of Aging Awards inrecognition of her contributions tothe community. While it is nice tobe recognized by your owncommunity, it’s also nice for ourcommunity members to berecongnized by the generalWinnipeg community because whatwe do contribute to the well beingof the larger community.

The Congress of Black Women

presented the “Sheroes” award to anumber of deserving women whohave contributed to the Congresswork and in the community formany years including Mary AyodeleOyinwola, Vera Obehi Keyede,Norma Walker.

While many people who giveof themselves selflessly do not do itfor recognition it is nice for thecommunity to be aware of whatpeople are contributing and seek toshed light into those dim areas fromthe Phds to the men and women whoclean up after every function. Whovolunteer to do the grunge work.All volunteer work is important andall the parts function to make anorganization or event successful.

THE CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN OF WINNIPEGinvites you

Come and Celebrate Kwanzaa with us the Afrocentric event that celebrates African orBlack cultureWhen: December 10, 2017

Where: JAM Hall – 1494 Winnipeg AvenueTime: 1:00 – p.m. – 5:00 p. m

Cost: Adults $10.00 includes a mealChildren free.

All children 12 and under will be given a gift in they are registered before the deadline.P.S. There will be African dresses and tops for sale.

Unsung Sheroes Recognized

Aminat Amoo, Kenny Daodu,Daniella Archer, KurneWilliams, Omus Omode-not inthe picture, President TatendaBwana

The Congress of Black Womenof Manitoba celebrated UnsungSheroes in our community at its 17thannual scholarship awards andfundraising banquet on October 21at the Canad Inns Polo Park.

Sixteen women and youthswere recognized and with theexception of a couple, all thewinners were on hand to receivetheir award. These were: Mrs.Vera Obehi Keyede, Mrs. Mavis

McLaren, Mrs. Dorothy Barrett,Mrs. Mary Oyinwola, Mrs.Emaline Jackson, Mrs. Ivy Combs,Mrs. Sheila Taylor, Mrs. IkramHaji, Ms Daniella Archer, Mrs.Norma Walker, Ms. Omus Omodeand Ms Kurne William., Ms Tatenda Bwana, President,Congress of Black Women , praisedthe women for the selfless servicethat they give to the betterment of theWinnipeg community.

LOCAL AND GLOBAL BRIEFSThere are many honorary

Consuls in Winnipeg representingvarious countries. Most if not all,are appointed unpaid positions thatreputable individuals volunteer todo. But while the average persondo not understand the role of thesepositions honorary consuls doprovide an important service totheir countries of origin and mayeven have a few perks attached tothe position.

Recently Barbados Minister ofForeign Affairs and Foreign Trade,Senator Maxine McLeanemphasized the importance ofHonorary Consuls within theConsular and Diplomatic corp at aluncheon held in the Southern PalmsHotel. She said the role of theHonorary Consular and theDiplomatic Corps is still relevant,and they have an importantcontribution to make despitesignificant global challenges thathave major implications for howBarbados engages at the bilateraland multilateral levels. Sheexpressed Barbados government’sappreciation for the valuablecontributions of its members of theHonorary Consular corps.

”In your capacity you engageon an ongoing basis with theMinistry of Foreign Affairs andForeign Trade. Those of you whomade Barbados your home are notonly serving your respectivecountries well, but you have alsobeen making significantcontributions to the economic andsocial development of Barbadosand for this I say thank you.”

“No longer do you justfacilitate the issuance of passportsand visas or respond to emergenciesassociated with nationals of thecountries you represent.

” The complex and competitivenature of the global environment; thealmost universal adherence tointernational instruments, especiallyin the areas of human rights; and anexpanded definition of security, allserve to make the work of theHonorary Consuls more importantand diverse,” Senator Maxine noted

“I am of the view that thediaspora could potentially unlockone of Barbados’ richest reservoirsof investment and promote sustainedeconomic growth in the future. Asmembers of the Corps, you have thecapacity to promote and influencedialogue, stimulate trade andinvestment and of course, yourextensive network connects you tosome of the world’s most vibrantand emerging markets…”

She reminded the group ofhonorary consular and diplomaticcorp that as a small island state,migration had been a part ofBarbados’ history, almost from itsvery beginnings. She said it wascommon to find our nationals insome of the remotest parts of theworld living, working or sometimesmerely visiting.

“We have come to recognisetheir role in shaping the image andreputation of our country. TheBarbadian diaspora has long beenrecognised as an important elementof our relationship to the rest of theworld.WHISTLEBLOWER ACT Have you heard of the PublicInterest Dislosure (WhistleblowerProtection Act (PIDA). This is theAct that protects employees fromnegative action should they discloseserious wrong doing within govern-ment service. According to thre Deputy Ministerof Justice, Dave Wright, ̀ The Public

Interest Disclosure Act gives em-ployees a process for disclosingconcerns about significant wrongdoing in the Manitoba Public ser-vice. It provides employees withprotection from any negativeemplooyment reprisal related to:seeking advice about making adisclosure, making a disclosure orcooperating in an investigationunder the Act. An employee canmake a disclosure to theri supervi-sor, their department designatedofficer or to the Manitoba Ombuds-man. This Act goes a long way insupporting the integr4ty ofgoovernment and the pub lic serviceand to suppoir accountability andfairness. Contact the Ombudsman Office ifyou require more information and asfor the Whisleblower Officer.

Laurelle Harris, partner withLevene Tadman was one of theSpeakers at the Manitoba Women’sAdvisory Council’s Women’s(MWAC)History Month Paneldiscussion on Pay Equity at theLegislative building last October.

Speakers included LaurelleHarris, partner at Levene TadmanGolub Law Corporation and past-chair of the Women’s Health Clinicboard of directors, and ShylyteBloodworth, Red Seal-endorsedinstructor at Red River College, andminister of the Status of Women,Hon. Rachelle Squires, Dr.Jeannette Montufar, chair of theManitoba Women’s AdvisoryCouncil moderated the panel. The

MWAC Address PayEquity for Women’s

History Month

cont’d on p6

Community Bits & Bytes

Research on black women’s inWinnipeg just got easier thanks to LisaHackett and her team, Norma WalkerDickens, Cynthia Manswell andAntoinette Zloty, founding membersand past Presidents of the Congress ofBlack (COBW) of Winnipeg theCongress. These women collaboratedwith the University of Winnipeg‘sArchivist and Digital curator to arrange,compile and describe historicaldocuments and photographs thatbelong to the Congress. Today thehistorical collection is preserved forposterity in the University of Winnipeglibrary.

A finding aid has been created forthe entire collection and it is availablehere: https://main.lib.umanitoba.ca/congress-of-black-women-manitoba-chapter-fonds. For the box and folderlisting of the collection click on the bluelink near the top of the page.

Congress of Black Women ofWinnipeg‘s current president, TatendaBwana, thanked the Team and Boardmembers for their contribution to theproject. “I feel very satisfied that thisproject which spanned over two yearscame to a successful conclusion andthat now people will be able to accessthis information digitally from almostany part of the work. It is quite anachievement for the Congress ‘saidLisa Hackett

The University of WinnipegArchivist said they were indebted toLisa Hackett and her team for theirlabour of love on the project,identifying many of the individuals inthe photographs.

COBW DonatesArchival Collection to

U of W

Chimwemwe Undi a poet andlinguist based on Treaty One terri-tory in Winnipeg, Manitoba was afeatured artist at the 2017 Commu-nity Economic Development Gath-ering held on.. at St. John‘s Highschool. Chimwemwe read twopowerful poems one about herhomeland South African and theother about Canadian issue.

Chimwemwe‘s work has beenfeatured on the stages of theCanadian Festival of Spoken Wordand the Edinburgh InternationalBook Festival, and in the pages ofRoom, ARC and Prairie Fire,among others. Her debut chapbook,The Habitual Be, is out fromUniversity of Nebraska Press. Sheholds a Master of Arts in linguistics,with a concentration in criticaldiscourse analysis, from YorkUniversity.

Guyana Association ofManitoba

Invites you to2017 Domino TournamentOn November 25, 2017 at 6:00p.m. at the Maples Community Ctr4345 Adsum Drive$25 per player or $150 per Teamand $5.00 for non playersSupper included

Children‘s Xmas PartyOn December 2, 2017 from 12:30to 3:30 p.m. at the MaplesCommunity Centre, 434 AdsumDrive,It is a free event. Parents are askedto bring each child a wrapped giftminimum value $15.00

Seniors Christmas PartyOn December 9, 2017 at theClifton Community Ctr1430 Strathacona Avenuefrom Noon to 6:00 p.m.Donations gratefully acceptedPlease bring a potluck item toshare.For more information contactKamta Roy Singh – 204-227-4193Sorace Mulchand - 204-930-1373Rajesh Singh – 204-794-1090Charles James – 204-488-2622Zaila Khan – 204-298 -3901

Please note the Guyaese CulturalOrganization is having their Christ-mas Party sometime in DecemberPleae contact Shondell Babb atguyaneseculturalorg@gmail.com.

GCO XMAS PARTY

conclusion is that there is still workto be done in pay equity and theneed for women to have strongmentors in the workplace. Mentorsdo not have to be women, Laurellesaid that most of her mentors weremen. However she mentors femalelawyers. The women all admittedthere are many barriers and primeamong them is child carechallenges. Many workplaces arenot as accommodating to women’sneed as they should but there hasbeen progress over the years

Hon. Rochelle Squires, Laurelle Harrisand Shylyte Bloodworth

Pay Equity cont’d from p5

ViewpointWhat is thanksgiving’s

origin?As an African-European, I have

never celebrated Thanksgiving.North Americans have a nationalholiday to be grateful and to spendtime with family and friends. That issomewhat cool. However, I hadsome questions. What isThanksgiving’s origin? Does thisfeast have a specific meaning? Is themeaning the same for Canadians andAmerican?

Some historians say that in1620, the British settlers—Protestant-Separatists— arrived inNorth America. The extremeweather and diseases killed many.Squanto, a Native American fromthe Wampanoag’s tribe, came totheir rescue. He taught survivalskills like fishing and avoidingpoisonous plants to the Plymouthcolonists. Squanto spoke Englishbecause he was a slave in England.Anyhow, he managed to escapeslavery. Later, he returned to NorthAmerica as an explorer. Squantosaved the lives of the Pilgrims.

In autumn 1621, the British

colonists reaped their first harvest.The Plymouth settlers and theGovernor William Bradfordcelebrated an autumn feast for thefirst time. They invited theWampanoag Indians. That was thefirst thanksgiving fêted in NorthAmerica.

Other researchers believed thatthe Puritans arrived in NorthAmerica shortly after theSeparatists. Puritans had a traditionof providential holidays where theyfast during hard times. Moreover,they organized a feast celebration tothank God for the harvest.

Some scholars went furtherabout thanksgiving’s origin.According to History’s website inancient times, the Egyptians,Greeks and Romans feasted andpaid tribute to their gods after thefall harvest. They also noticed thatThanksgiving looks like the ancientJewish harvest festival of Sukkot.Finally, Native Americans had arich tradition of commemoratingthe fall harvest with feasting andmerrymaking long beforeEuropeans set foot on their shores.

Perhaps who createdThanksgiving does not matter.Giving grace to God for food,shelter, clothing may be the onlyattitude that matters. There arepoverty and hardship in Winnipeg.People have lost their job. Othersare working but do not make enoughto pay the bills or the groceries.Winnipeggers show their generosityby sending money and food to a non-profit organization to help the poor.That is a spirit of Thanksgiving thatlast all year round.

Bénédicte Brou

Condolences go out to the family ofSalome Williams who recentlypassed on. Salome attended manycommunity functions and was knownfor her sharp wit. May her soul restin peace.

To Carmen Nembhard who recentlylost her mother. Carmen usuallytakes her mother to banquets andsuppers put on by Caribbeanorganizations. What a sweet personshe was. She will be missed. Mayshe rest in peace.

To all those who have lost lovedones, we send you our heartfeltsympathies. Keep the faith.

****

Those who celebrated birthdays orsignificant anniversaries we sendyour our good wishes for continuedhappiness.

Birthday wishes to Pat Hervo andJane McBee. We wish you all thevery best in life and health.

Get well wishes go out to Joan,Francesca Cotroneo, Lola Hibbertand all those who are strugglingwith health issues, we keep you inour thoughts and prayers..

THINKING OF YOU

There are two ways of spreadinglight: to be the candle or themirror that reflects it.Edith Wharton

Quotable Quote

Death comes in the quiet of afall evening and grief overtakes theheart that makes you want to weepand rage at the same time ; thehelpless, powerless feelingsoverwhelms and there’s nothing to dobut surrender and feel the burningpain until it burns itself out. Deaththough familiar is yet so strange,although expected is never expectedand always a surprise. The finality ofdeath is like when a child leaves thewomb from which it can neverreturn, it’s a passage and so is death.

Anthropologists say humansmake up the story of life after deathor of a heaven in order to deal withthe final cut of death from this life. Ifwe did not make up such stories, wecould not go on with equanimity. Butscientists do not know what themystics know, do not experiencewhat mystics experience. Gradually

the veil of death is being liftedthrough science. We glimpse thebeyond without being in that space.Science – quantum physics - is theinstrument nature uses to give usinsights into what has been knownand preached from time immemorial.

Max Planck, the theoreticalphysicist credited with originatingquantum theory — a feat that wonhim the Physics Nobel Prize in 1918— offers perhaps the bestexplanation for why understandingconsciousness is so essential: “Iregard consciousness as fundamental.I regard matter as derivative fromconsciousness. We cannot get behindconsciousness. Everything that wetalk about, everything that we regardas existing, postulatesconsciousness.”

While your friend Teto has shedhis physical reality, his essence

(consciousness) what some refers toas the soul still remains. As energywe occupy this same space vibratingat different frequencies and we meetagain and again. As Planck says“Anybody who has been seriouslyengaged in scientific work of anykind realizes that over the entrance tothe gates of the temple of science arewritten the words: ‘Ye must havefaith.’ Max Planck. Have faith.

Maybe there will come a timewhen as our understanding of life anddeath deepen we will see death as amessenger of joy and a teacher onhow to live fully in this physicalform.

May Teto’s soul soar in thevarious dimensions of life. I sendlove to your friend Azza who sweetand loving big brother has wingedhis flight.

Love, mom

My dearest children:

Letter to my Children

Global CounsellorDear Global Counsellor,

I am 25 years old female from Afro-Canadian background. I’ve beendating my boyfriend for three years.We do everything together and he istrying to get me to move in with him.I told him that I was not going tomove in without a ring on my finger.I clearly expressed that I would liketo be married and to raise a familywhile I am in my 20’s. He says Iam rushing things and it is not anattractive quality to him. He says Iam too pushy and what really got mepissed is when he said, this is theproblem with you black girls, youalways pushing. Why can’t youguys just chill and not have anagenda for once. I responded angrily

“well if you think black girls are toomuch trouble go get yourself awoman who will wait forever tohell and back. That is not this girl”and I walked out of the restaurantwe were at and left him sitting there.I wanted to go back and apologisebut my pride held me back. I lovethis guy and I could see us togetherin the future but he got me reallymad when he started dissing blackwomen. It hits a raw nerve everytime.

Sorry

Dear Sorry,

I’d say three years is enough timefor a person to make up his mind if

this is a relationship he wants to bein for the long haul. It looks likeyour boyfriend is coming up withexcuses for his ambivalence. Hewants you to move in with him tosee how things work. To whom is hecomparing black women? What thisgentleman is saying I want to havemy cake and eat it too. Sometimesthe wisest thing to do is to cut yourlosses and walk away. Maybe ifyou’re not available he wouldappreciate what he had. Findsomeone who could meet yourneeds and not to add to your stress.You know your worth and if hedoesn’t that’s his problem. Stand upfor your values

The Baobab tree in Africancosmology is sacred. It is believedto be inhabited by spirits. And it is asacrilege to— and a curse upon—anyone who cuts down a Baobabtree. The Baobab representswisdom. And it is the tree underwhich villagers would sit to resolveconflicts. It is a very important anddependable tree.

And if you were at André’sfuneral you would have heard therefrain “A Baobab has fallen”; “ABaobab has fallen” meaning a veryimportant, wise and caring leader,an incarnation of the famous baobabtree, has gone. The Baobab not onlyprovides comforting shade but alsofruits, and its edible leaves forhealing.

A large turn out of mournersfrom the African, and the widercommunity, came to say their finalgoodbye to the man who, for manyyears, held the President’s positionof the African CommunityOrganizations of Manitoba Inc. Hewas an uncle, grandpa, uncle-grandpa, father, brother and acommunity champion especially forthe African youths and refugees. Hewas passionate to involve youths inmeaningful activities. He once saidto me “why would be bring ouryouths from all the way in Africa,from refugee camps to come here toend up in jail”. He lamented overtoo many of our young Africanyouths in jail. That broke his heart.“We’re failing our youths” he said.

André Doumbe passed awayat age 68 from cancer. A native ofEbolowa, a Southern Camerooniancity, he moved to Montreal Canadain 1980. Then, Mother Tucker— thecompany he worked for—transferred him to Winnipeg. He

marriedEmmanuelleAbele in 1986and they haddaughterEyala-Dipita.Andre‘ssurvivorsinclude, hismother, a son,an olderdaughter,grandchildren,brothers andsisters andmany extendedfamily.

Andréwas acollaboratorwho aspired tohave the Africans and AfroCaribbean peoples workingtogether on projects of mutualinterests. A committed communitychampion Andre was the Presidentof the African Communities ofManitoba Inc., founding memberof Sous le Baobab, Afro Fonds,the African Centre, The Africaninvestment Club, the YouthInvestment Club, Folklorama,Manitoba Interfaith ImmigrationCouncil, Manitoba Human RightsCommission‘s Board ofCommissioner, United Way,Winnipeg Cancer and la Coalitiondes parents francophones duManitoba.

He was known for his biglaugh and wide smile that coveredhis face, you could not helpsmiling with him. He was alsoknown for his humility and senseof fairness and justice. You couldnot help loving this guy ; that wasthe kind of energy he brought into

a gathering .Two days before his passing,

we had a great conversation and hemade me laugh. He faced his deathfearlessly but there were tears whenhe said there is so much left undoneand wishing he had done more. Itold him I understood how much hecared for the things he worked forand how much more he wanted togive.

Andre left a legacy and achallenge to the community tocontinue what he started. Even onhis death bed his thoughts were withthe youth.

We will miss Andre and wewill remember him in Manitoba‘sAfrican Community history. Thankyou my brother for all your efforts.You have left Winnipeg a betterplace that you found it through yourvarious community work and thework will go on. Rest in eternalpeace and power.

A Baobab Tree Has Fallen

There was once a group ofbees, The Caribees, who had nohive. They were a together group,though they came from differentcolonies and organized themselves ina new region. Because they had nohive, they rented facilities for alltheir activities and many lamentedthat they should have their own hive.

A group of bees within thecolony got together and came up witha plan. With the help of an ‘elder’they heard of a hive they couldacquire as their home. For his help,they agreed on an amount of honeythey would give to him. The groupconsisted of a wise old bee, ayounger the dealmaker and a motleycollection of other bees. The queenof the hive and the dealmakertogether headed the managementstructure of the hive.

The plans they had were boldand detailed. Everyone figured thatthere was enough pollen around, butsome workers decided to wait to seehow the collecting would progressbefore they would commit to collect.This created a huge shortfall in

The ‘Caribees’ Hive

pollen collection, putting pressure onthe other workers. Amidst some in-fighting, the older bees kept detailedrecords of who collected pollen andhow much they collected. There wasanother group looking for a new hiveand, they liked The Caribees’ hive somuch, they offered the Caribeesenough honey to cover all their honeyrequirements. Many in the hive andeven managers at the honey factorythought it was the best solution toThe Caribees’ difficulties. The queendisapproved and made an alliancewith some renegade workers tohandle matters.

A period of greateruncertainty developed. The queenand renegade squad manipulated thecolony, forcing older bees to desert.Eventually the managers at the honeyfactory got upset with the way thingswere going, and cut ties with thecolony. The queen left the colony andthe renegades proceeded queenless,scrambling to find ways to keep thehive operating, while dealing withthe ‘high council’ to whom the long-suffering elder had appealed, afterthe blunt and cruel refusal of thecolony to furnish his promised honey.

The renegades have movedto allowing groups to use portions ofthe Caribees hive, in an effort collectenough honey to stay afloat. Thiswill, they hope, aid them incollecting enough honey to supportthe alternative factory to whom theyturned. The colony has just aboutdisbanded and what the future holds,no one knows.

Submitted by: VictorVaughan.

The current flood of sexualassault charges started with Mr. BillCosby against whom a litany ofwomen came forward claiming thatMr. Cosby either drugged them orattempted to drug them for the purposeof having sex with them. Since thenseveral prominent Hollywood starshave had their privileged rug pulledout from under them as women arecoming forward and laying sexualharassment or assault charges, somestemming from more than 25 years ago

In Winnipeg‘s African Caribbeancommunity two very importantpersonages were charged with sexualharassment. Celebrity chef RobThomas was cleared of anywrongdoing. His case is somewhat

odd since the woman claimed sheonly remembered this offence duringcounselling. Session. I believe to takea case to court without evidence is aninjustice to the person whose name isnow associated with sexual assault.

However the beloved andhighly respected Dr. Steve Kirby isthe second person charged withsexual harassment by some of hisfemale students at the University ofManitoba. The jury is still out on hisfate. The news came as a shock tomany in the community, some couldnot speak about it.

Sexual harassment againstanyone, especially against someoneover whom you have the power tomake or break as in a Hollywood

producer or a university professor isan egregious act and should never betolerated in our society. This cancause lifetime trauma and years ofcounselling to rectify if ever.

Women‘s harassment in theworkplace especially is acommentary on our society and theprivilege and power men still haveover women. It is a sign that there isnot equality between men and womenin our society. This is dishearteninggiven feminist work in women‘smovements throughout the decades.

Until the equality of men andwomen is firmly established in theworld, women will continue to besexually harassed and demeaned. Wehave work to do.

Sexual Harassment is a Serious Criminal and Human Rights Issue

Leg Up

Lois Patterson is one ofseveral Manitobans who wasrecognized with the 2017Council of Aging Award for heroutstanding communityvolunteer work. Sponsored bythe Manitoba Council ofAging, an advisory body to theMinister of Senior andHealthy Living, the awardsevent took place on October 20at the Legislative building.

Anyone who knows LoisPatterson, knows that she ispassionate about education andespecially children`s education. Sheshared this passion with her latehusband Horace, after whom theFoundation is named.

Lois Patterson is a foundingmember and current president of theHorace Patterson Foundation, anorganization established in 1992 toencourage leadership and communityinvolvement among youth. Thefoundation’s scholarship programhelps youth achieve their career goalsand further their education at post-secondary institutions.

Originally aimed at Afro-Caribbean youth, the programexpanded to support promisingstudents in the University ofManitoba’s Jazz Education program.To date, more than 100 scholarshipshave been awarded to deserving youthin Manitoba. Some of the studentshelped by the foundation have gone on

to win regional and national awards,as well as scholarship opportunitiesat major arts institutions, includingThe Julliard School in New York. Lois was also instrumental inassisting her daughter ChiomaPatterson to create DumisaniProductions, a theatre arts initia-tive that provides space for youthto express their artistic talentswhile learning about their cultureand giving back. They performedplays by Toronto based HistorianDr. Sheldon Taylor and learned tobuild sets and everything thatneeded to be done to prepare for ashow. Some of their plays werepresented as keynote events duringWinnipeg’s Black History monthcelebrations.

The Dumisani Productions hasbeen a launching pad for careers indrama and communication. One suchyouth is Ismaila Alfa, host of CBC’sUp to Speed.

Congratulationsto Lois Patterson and the 2017 ManitobaCouncil of Aging Award Winners

A proud Jamaican and Winnipeger,Lois has been a member of the Afro-

CaribbeanAssociation ofManitoba(ACAM) since itsinception 49 yearsago, serving onseveral of itscommittees. She isalso an activemember of theJamaican CulturalCentre.

No MoreMembership Fees

Jamaica Association of Manitobahonored five of its members with life timawardswhich means they will never payanother membership fee for the rest oftheir lives. These are members who havecontributed to organization in variousways over and above the call of dutiesfor many years. Lithese are: MavisMcLaren, Norma Walker, Lola Hibbertand Pauline Morris. Also PaulineNembhard who share her excellentstorytelling talent and was an originalmember of the Jamaica Folk Ensembleand overall a proud JamaicanAssociation volunteer was honouredposthumously for her contribution. Herhusband received the award on herbehalf. Unfortunately Lola Hibbert andPauline Morris were not present toreceive their awards.

Award Winners

Being the first or the onlymember of your family toleave the refugee campor to get a visa to workand live in a moredeveloped country canbe a bust or a boon.There is a lot ofresponsibility that is puton that person. One suchresponsibility is not toforget those who are leftbehind and to help themfinancially so they toocan benefit from yourblessing.

If they canafford it manyimmigrants takepleasure in helpingfamily members backhome but for somestruggling to meet theirown needs, theresponsibility can bedepressing.

Rose Tilbrook,former headmistress in Uganda andLibrarian at Winnipeg CentennialLibrary for many years, marriedwith no biological children and ahealthy disposable income was oneof the fortunate ones who couldafford to reach back and help andshe did so with gratitude. In herearly years she sent many of hernieces and nephews to school to getan education. When one of hersisters died she took on theresponsibility for her children andhelped as much as she could,willingly and happily she said. Hernieces and nephews are like herchildren and as she said it is theAfrican way‘. She has alsosponsored some family members toCanada. It takes a village to raise achild is Rose‘s motto.

Having ensured her family hadproper housing and education, Roseembarked on a project that would notonly benefit her family but manyvillagers close to her family. Sheembarked on a Divine Water Project– God is in charge to drill wells forpeople to draw cleaner artesianwater closer to their homes.

The sole financier of theDivine Water Project, Rose said thatbefore she erected a well, the peoplegot their water from swampssometimes two miles away andbecause old people can‘t move fastthey sometimes slept overnight by theswamp to ensure they will be amongthe first to get water. ‘This pushedme think of people who are suffering.My niece used to close her door andleave her small children alone and

go for water. This motivated meto help my family.

Located atKidongole-KalekwonBukedea District, thewell provides waterto people within a sixmile radius andbeyond.

This projectstarted in April 2017and completed inAugust 2017, underthe directorship andmanagement of Rose‘sniece Stella AloikinWilson and herhusband DavidOkalebo. The DivineWater Project)benefits not only herfamily but the Muzeiand Amojong Okabelo(elderly people), allsurrounding villages,many towns peoplewho drive from as far

as Kampala, the capital ofUganda to get drinking waterfrom this well because it tastesdifferently from regular tap waterand is mineral loaded andexcellent for humanconsumptions and is also usedfor crop irrigation. Highpressured equipment werebrought in to blast rocks untilwater gushed out. It is a solarsystem that requires no heavymaintenance.

Having completed one wellRose‘s Divine Water Project isembarking on the 2nd phase andthis time she will drill a well inher ancestral hometown, MukuraVillage where her clan Inomuresides. The cost of the firstwell is $18,000.00 and Rose felt

Rose Tillbrook

Rose Tillbrook’s Divine Water Project

that was reasonable and islooking forward to providingwater to more villages.

Each well is connected tofive taps that serves many ofthe neighbouring villages. “Ifeel that I have empowered thepeople and have given themfreedom. Not a small thing‘,Rose said adding that as aresult of her project all thepeople are now asking thegovernment for water and thegovernment has agreed to drill12 wells throughout the countryside using the same contractorsthat worked on The DivineWater Project. All the workerson The Divine project arelocal Ugandans.

Rose came to Canada in1974 on a Canadianscholarship to complete herMasters of Education degree atUniversity of Manitoba havingobtained a Bachelor ofEducation from Uganda’sMakerere University. BeforeRose came to Canada she wasHeadmistress of a RomanCatholic Girls Boarding schoolwith some 600 pupils and 58staff. After she finished herMasters degree she taught at aschool in North ThicketPortage. Then she switchedfields and did a Master inLibrary Science at theUniversity of Western Ontario.With that degree she secured alibrarian job at the City ofWinnipeg Public LibrarySystem from where she retired.

Rose is a woman of faith,attends Church regularly andparticipate in spiritualactivities. She has contributedhundreds of hours incommunity work in the past inthe Ugandan community,

The community elders being helped byDivine Water Project- Water Gushing , Project Directors,StellaAloikin Wilson and David Okalebo

folklorama, vice President of theCongress of Black Women, MEAC,and many other organizations.

She plans to go to Uganda inthe near future for the officialopening of the two wells she builtand to see what other projects mightbe useful for her community backhome.

The Olives that’s really yourname, not Olive but The Olives

“Yes”“You’re not kidding” Ben

sniffled amusingly“What’s so hard to believe…

it’s a name like Jon Paul or MaryJo or Ho Hum whatever”.

“Who gave you that name?How did you survive school withthat name?”

“My granny gave me thisname. I was a tough kid who couldpin a guy down in a wrestle.People did not mess with me infact I had more people wanting tome my friend than I cared for. Ihad a good time at school. A fewbullies tried it on for size pullingthis teasing stuff but soon found outit was not a good idea especiallywhen my Uncle Sammy showed upone day to take me home fromschool and his muscles wereripping out of his shirt and helooked like a bad dude with tattoosand stuff, bandana and all.”

“Tell me about your name.Named after your great great greatgrandmother or something”

Okay you wanna know, let’sgrab a cup of coffee and someroasted almond, it’ll take a while.Just so you know you cannot leavein the middle of my story, alright.”

“Okay, okay, coffee andalmond sounds fantastic.”

The Olives went and brewed afresh batch of coffee in the FrenchPress and got some almonds andPersian dates to go with that andthey settled in on the back porchwhere the bright orange eveningsky patterned through the leaves ofthe elm tree on the other street,provided a nice backdrop for thestorytelling that was about to

happen.The Olives was an orphan whe

lost both her parents in a caraccident when she was a baby. Shegrew up with her grandmother on afarm near Tuscany.

It was around 9:00 p.m. and itwas a warm June evening. TheOlives had just finished some yardwork and was ready for a tall drink.She could understand why she optedfor coffee even though a cool drinkseemed more appropriate on secondthought but she wentalong and thought shemight offer Ben a glassof wine later if hebehaved himself andwas a good listener

“I should haveoffered you a glass ofwine but maybe laterhuh”

“That would benice but I do love coffee too, toomuch I believe”

First of all I grew up in Italyand we had the biggest olive tree inour back yard and we always had abountiful harvest from that oneparticular tree.

During the olive season thistree would bear the biggest juiciestolives and I used to go under thetree and lie down and try to countall the olives and then one day, theolives seem to smile at me andbegan talking to me and there wereabout three that were always thereplaying with me. I used to lookforward every day to going underthe tree and meet my three specialfriends - round face, long face andbroad face was how I identifiedthem for myself but called them theOlives collectively.

Whenever I went inside to eat Iwould ask my granny if we could

invite the olives for dinner one dayand she’d say yes and brush thematter aside, she thought they weremy imaginary friends you se”.

“And they were,” Ben chimedin

“Yes and no. I was about 4 orfive years old and we weren’t assmart as five year olds today”

“Okay, okay go on”“The olives were very kind and

very nice to me, they would tell mea lot of secrets, they would show me

how to fly to the topof the Olive branchand I’d sit there withthem. They told menot to tell my momor granny that Icould fly becausegrownups don’tunderstand thesethings and they maynot want us to be

together again.Some days I would take some

of my porridge under the tree toshare with the olives and they’dtaste a little and say they did not likeit because that is not the food theyeat. We’re olives and we’re tart orsour and we love sour things – souris sweet to us as they’d giggle theother olives would watch and saynothing

One day they showed me someof the bugs that sometimes try to eatthe Olives before they are ready andthey told me what a good remedy forit is. They said I should mix salt andto put a bit of clay in the water andspray the olives.

I told this to my granny and shesaid how did I know that because itworked and I told her the olives toldme and she laughed and laughed andlooked at me smiling - the olivestold you. These olives? These

Short Story - the olives

olives talk to you?Yes I saidMy granny looked at me as if

she did not know what to think.“You need a playmate, you

spend too much time by yourself”“No granny, I don’t need a play

mate I love the olives they are myfriends, my best friends”

“Okay then you have tointroduce me to the olives one dayokay.”

“Okay I said”A few days later, while under

the Olive tree, my granny came byand I told the olives to say hello tomy granny.

“This is my granny and grannythese are my friends, the olives”

“Very nice” my granny said.Soon they’ll be ready to harvest andall your olives will become juicypickles”.

The Olives looked horrified.“Granny you are making the

olives sad. That is mean. They aresad.”

“Oh well, too bad but Olivesare for eating not for talking andmaking friends with” my gran saidmatter of factly

“See, look gran” the Olives saythat’s okay.

“Well I am so glad they’realright with me picking them whenthey are ready to be harvested.That’s why I planted this tree here inthe first place. It helped to feed yourmom and it’s feeding you too.”

“So what would happen to myfriends, I would have no friends leftand I’d be lonely?”

“No you won’t. You’ll begoing to kindergarten and you’vehave lots of friends at school, realfriends”

“The Olives are my real friendsand they are nice and they make me

happy”“Don’t you like Carmen and

David? You go to Sunday schoolwith them?”

“Yes I like them butsometimes they are mean to me.The olives are never mean. Theyare always fun to be with”

“Baby you’re getting tooold with your imaginary friends.They are not real”

“Yes they are”“Well how come you cannot

show me one of them?”“I show you but you just

cannot see them. You have badeyes.”

“Maybe I have to take you tosee a shrink, straighten your headout a bit, eh. Ahh what am Isaying, you’ll grow out of thisnonsense.”

Why are you being so meangranny” I asked and I balled myeyes out and my granny felt badand hugged and kissed me, okay,okay I love The Olives and shesaid it but you’re The Olives that Ilove the best and likegrandmothers do, she picked meup and snuggled her head undermy neck and I started to laugh. Iam not the olives. You are my theolives from now on she said.

When my grandmother put medown, I ran back to say goodbyeto the Olives. They told me thatthey had to return to the land of theOlives, it’s called Mount Olivesbut they will miss me and willreturn when I am older in adifferent form. I did not get it andI asked them if it was because ofmy granny and they said no,

“It’s for the best. We’ll bearound to protect you but youwon’t see us. We’ll be likeangels, your secret friends who

you cannot but who can see you.Sometimes we’ll let you knowwe’re around, we’ll tickle you, kissyour cheeks or something like thatbut you’ll know. And you’ll say “Ifelt something strange” and thenyou’ll remember right away andsmile. Well off to Mount Olives. Wehave not been back home for awhile. It so beautiful there and whenyou’re older we’ll take you there.Then they kissed my cheeks andwiped away my tears.”

That was the last time I sawthe Olives.

“Wow, that’s far out!” Ben saidclearly mesmerized by my story.“So have you had any othervisitation from The Olives, now thatyou’re older 18 and counting?”

“You know what children havevivid imagination and I always hada good one. Let’s chalk that downto being an only child and I had tomake up playmates”

“Yes, I suppose. Good talethough”

The Olives laughed out loud asif tickled “I felt something strange.”

Ben and her eyes locked.“How about that glass of wine I

promised. You earned it since youwere a good listener”

“Yes, if I should say somyself.”

The Olives did not speak abouther childhood for the rest of theevening but she learned somethingvery important that night. Things aresometimes just the way they seem asso were the olives.

Alice Walker defines Womanist,which comes from the word“womanish – (a common parlancein Caribbean vernacular) as ablack woman/woman of colourfeminist ; a woman who lovesother women sexually and/ornonsexual; appreciates and preferswomen’s culture, women’semotional flexibility (values tearsas natural counterbalance oflaughter), and women’s strength.

I feel the term womanist vsfeminist is more appropriate frommy multi-cultural/mix- raced/biracial background. My mother isJamaican and father Russian Jew.I am often perceived as a womanof Latin American, Mediterranean,Asian and/or a combination of all.I identify as a woman of color. Being raised by a woman ofcolor, certain principles and valueswere instilled in me fromchildhood. I see my mother as astrong black woman. Having herinfluence in my life taught me toown my identity and even though Iam of lighter complexion I amnonetheless a woman of color. I amas Walker puts it “a woman wholoves other women”. I have livedaround women my whole life andhaving strong female role modelsamong my family, friends, andteachers cultivated in me a strong

sense of belonging to womanhood(sisterhood) and thus my passion forthe term “womanist.”

When one hears feminismstereotypes pop up: lesbians, manhaters, hairy, ugly, all white, and allracist and an old fashioned politicalmovement. Womanist revamps thepolitical and social narratives onequality of the sexes. In one of her articles “Feminismis for everybody” Bell Hooks, aleading feminists and awardwinning author, stated the feministstereotypes flourish because people

get their information aboutfeminism from third hand sources.Many have never read a book norheard a talk on feminism. AlthoughHooks provides strong argumentfor feminism, I still believe thatWomanist is the term with whichyoung black women can betteridentify.

Jessica Valenti’s assertionin “You’re a hard core feminist”that “Feminism is for old Whiteladies” resonate with woman ofcolour who have a problem withprivileged white women gettingmore publicity from the hard workof women of colour, and whitewomen appear to have morecredence in the media than blackwomen who started the movementaround the time of the Civil RightsMovement. Valenti noted that

young women of diversebackgrounds are more involvedtoday in discussing issues of gender,race and class.As “a hardcore feminist” the termfeminism puts me off because Idon’t think it’s a proper. While BellHooks helped me to develop abroader view of feminism as amovement to end sexism, sexistexploitation and oppression, I amgrateful to Alice Walker who hashelped me both to define myself as awomanist fighting for genderequality.

I’m A Hardcore Womanist

Breaking NewsCongratulations to Alexa Potashnikfor being chosen as one of the 40outstanding young people under 30.

Also Congratulations also go out toanother outstanding community youthPatricia Kumbakakis who wasselected as a youth to watch andwinner of 2017 Young Leaders of

Canada Award recipient/JeunesLeaders D’ICI Both Patricia and Alexa are amongthe youths who are active in thesocial justice arena. There are many other desrvingyouth who are making a difference inthe Winnipeg community. Muchrespect to our youths.

Creative ExpressionsYou don’t seem to understandI’m not the little girl you left behindI’m a grown woman now you seeI can’t help just being me.

‘If I can’t relate to you daddyIt’s because I can’t I’m truly sorryYou had to do what you need to doYou priorized what was importantto you

Thanks for the money you sentIt helped mommy pay the rentAnd buy a few barbie dollsAnd thanks also for your weeklyphone calls

What I want you to know thoughChildren need more than things togrow’They need emotional supportAnd hugs to feel better when they’rehurt

I can’t tell you a liewatching you leave made me cryI wasn’t special anymoreI became like the girl next doorProduct of a broken family and poor.

I’ve overcome the painOf wishing you were home againI’ve grown up and I’ve moved onSad days are long gone

I can look tomorrow in the faceWithout feeling a sense of disgraceI bear you no illBut don’t assume we’re so chillThere a distance still to travel

We can’t turn back the clockNor can you see me in a pinaforefrockWe’re adults nowYou have to get used somehowThat we do our own thingDon’t wait for the fat woman tosing.

Michaele Hero

Since I’m olderMy pen’s colderEyes not so wideHarder to hideMissing my friendsEverything tendsTo gather speedNever be freedFrom my exce3ssThat isUnlessI age with graceAnd wash my faceIn the OceanYour Love potionThis hope of menTo start again.

John Dunn, Winnipeg Poet

Untitled

Another year, another week, anotherday.This is the end of Folklorama foranother phase.Amidst the frenzy atmosphere of thesetting up,the taking down,With some of the helpers’ faces in afrown.Some in smiles all day long,there is the anticipation of what is yetto come.The alluring smell of food from thekitchen,The rhythm of the music from oursteel pan,The many performers and the limbodancers,The beautiful array of colours andcostumes.The enthusiasm of the people whocome year after yearTo take in the shows and partake ofthe Islands’sumptuous famous dishes,Check out the display booths and theirsouvenirs.It’s so beautiful to watch.A mixture of the young and the old.what a Joy to behold.But best of all the end is sweet,As we survived the challenges wehad to meet.Seeing the smiles on the faces of theguests, so dearDeep down in our hearts we just can’twaitTo celebrate yet another Folkloramaday.Shirley A. (2017)

Folkorama 2017 in“The Peg”

Ode to EmmettListen To The leavesI tried to hear their songI thought of Emmett and John DonneOf autmn leaves that fall from treesThat nourish the earth where lovehas gone.

They sleep through winter snows atfall approachesAnd welcome winters coldWinter that clothe the earthSongs so old that touched your soul

And from now onWhen fall approachesAnd leaves on trees have goneI’ll hear your laughterAnd gentle voiceIn songs sung by you my friendWho followed nature’s call.

In songs sung by leaves that fallSongs they sing to you my f riendWho folled nature’s call

Written by June Harris (October 3,2015) (based on a poem for Adam)

HEALTHWISE: Recipes

Cheese Rolls are savory cheesefilled pastries perfect for Lunchbags.Ingredients· 1/2 cup salted butter (1stick)· 1/2 cup crisco (vegetableshortening)· 2 cups flour· 1 tsp salt· 1/4 tsp curry powder· 1/4 cup ice cold water· 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese(shredded)· 1/2 tsp mustard· 1 tsp pepper sauce (more ifdesired)· dash of garlic powder· dash of black pepper· dash of dry parsley flakes· egg whites for brushingedges· egg wash· 1 egg + 1 tbsp waterDirections:1. Mix 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tspcurry powder into two cups all-purpose flour.2. Add 1 stick of salted butterand 1/2 cup Crisco vegetableshortening.3. With a pastry cutter, cutshortening and butter into flour untilsmall pieces are formed throughoutthe dough. Add about 1/4 cup icecold water to the dough and kneadslightly to form a ball.1. This can be donequickly in a food processor byadding dry ingredients, pulsing,adding shortening and butter, pulsinguntil pea sizes form, then addingwater until ball forms.4. Place ball on plastic wrap,flatten and shape into a square.Refrigerate for a couple hours or

overnight. Remove dough fromfridge an hour before use so it canthaw.5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Shred cheese and mix in mustard,pepper sauce, garlic powder, blackpepper, and parsley flakes, toss andset aside.6. Cut dough into 16 squaresfor thinner cheese rolls or 9 squaresfor thicker cheese rolls. Flatten onesquare and roll into a rectangularshape.7. Brush edges of dough withegg whites. Fill a tablespoon or twoon lower half, roll into center thenadd more cheese. Seal edges.8. Place all cheese rolls on abaking sheet and brush the tops withegg wash.9. Bake for 15-18 minutes untilrolls are golden brown.*If you are nervous about the cheeseoozing out of the rolls, you canpierce the tops with a fork to allowthe steam to escape while baking.Recipe by Alica SenhouseP.S. This is high in fact so youmight want to be more creativewith how much fat you use.

Cheese Rolls are a Staple at Family ChristmasParties in Guyana

Electric TacosIngredients1 Cup cooked garbanzo beans2 Avocados1 small onion1 and 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoesSpelt flour for TortillasCilantro to taste\Sea-salt to taste

Method Chop tomatoes and bell pepper andtomatoes

Peel and mash ripe avocados andmix with chopped veggies

Warm garbanzobeans and spelttortillas

Add garbanzo beans to the tortillasthen add guacamole and garnishwith cilantro and lime.

Ingredients:- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes- 3 red bell peppers- 3 sprigs fresh thyme- 1/4 cup homemade vegetablebroth, with Dr. Sebi’s approvedveggies- Pure sea salt, to taste- Sesame oilPutting it together:1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.2) Chop peppers into quarters andremove centers.3) Slice tomatoes and place onto arimmed baking sheet with bellpeppers.4) Drizzle generously with sesameoil and sprinkle with sea salt.5) Scatter thyme over thevegetables.6) Roast in a preheated oven for35-40 minutes.7) Transfer everything to a blenderor food processor.8) Add heated broth and puree untilsmooth, adding more broth asnecessary to reach desiredconsistency.9) Add sea salt to taste. Ladle intobowls and serve warm.

Roasted Tomato andBell Pepper Soup:

Health & Nutrition tips

1.Kale2.Watercress3.Bell peppers4.Strawberries5.Mushrooms ( except Shiitake)6.Tomatoes (Cherry and Plum only)7.Raspberries8.Oranges (Seville / Sour preferred)9.Grapes (Seeded)10.Spring water (8 cups)

All of the foods above appear on theofficial Dr. Sebi’s NutritionalGuide. Consuming them exclusivelywill go a long way towardimproving your overall health andwellness.PS: You can find watercress atLucky supermarket as well asseeded grapes)

1. Drinking water keeps your entirebody in balance. It’s already a lot offluids, but you’re basically 60%water. So top yourself off.

2. Water helps your body to loseweight too. Water can increase yourmetabolism and support the overalldigestive process.

3. Water also lets all of yourmuscles perform better. Try to drinkextra before any kind of physicalexertion and regularly while you’retaking a break.

4. Water is also important for yourskin’s health. Dehydration can makeyour skin look drier and worn outbut simply drinking more water willalso help you to maintain a healthy

level of natural moisture.

5. Water also keeps your kidneysfunctioning. Not enough watermeans your body is always going tobe working a little harder and youcould be at risk of kidney stones.

6. Water also keeps bowelsfunctioning smoothly. Remember,Dr. Sebi taught on many occasionsthat cleansing and irrigating thecolon is one of the most importantfirst steps to healing. The colon canactually draw water from foodwaste and that results inconstipation.

THE SIX MOSTIMPORTANT REASONS

TO DRINK WATER

TOP 10ANTINFLAMMATORY

FOODS

Who does not like to have a healthyhead of hair? Many black womenstruggle with hair growth for onereason or the other. We spend lotsof money and time puttingconcoctions in our hair andneglecting putting the right foodsinto our bodies. One’s hair growthcan sometimes to be linked to theoverall health of the bodies. Dr.Sebi recommends the followingfoods as the best to regenerate andgrow a head of hair. They makeyour body feel good and your hairgrow as well. Boom! Doublewhammy.1. Avocados2. Walnuts3. Soft Jelly Coconut4. Berries (all of them, exceptcranberries)5. Natural Spring WaterAnd here’s a recipe to boost hairgrowth as well.Ingredients:- 1/2 ripe avocado- 1 cup organic strawberries

- 1 cup organic blueberries- 1 cup amaranth greens- 2 tbs. walnuts- 1 cup homemade hemp seed milkBlend together on low in theblender. Serve and enjoy! There’snothing

Gaffin wid BuddyBuoy dis ting wid Dr.Steve Kirby shacked mebad. I look up to deman. He is brilliant atwhat he does, a greatmusician an inspiration to decommunity. We wus so proud a deman and now dis sexual harassmentting dat de hanging ova he head. Alatta gurls fingered de man. Manme question is dis, when de helldid he fuhget he’s black. You knowblack man don’t stan a chance. Ahtink he tink like de Ameican he is –too big to fail. Wrang. In dis day anage how de hell people tink decould get away wid sexualharassment. It’s a differed day.Gon are de days when women inde wukplace was expected to beman’s layting, hm. Rab Davis caseis laughabale. I tink dat is justicehaving a psychotic break widreality. De fact is Rab is black anwhen people see him dat is theydstill see a sexual predator. Blackmen yuh want to succeed in disworld keep yu flipping handsinside yuh packets. And don mekdem stupid jokes wid sexualinnuendos, dat is also sexualharassment. Stick to de weather-talk, fuget about religious politicalconvos. Just say what is necessary– good morning goodafternoon, doyour job. Stick to yuhself. It’ssurvival strategy.

Health Hair

Mindfest in the PegConversation with RobynMaynard Black Space Winnipeg •West End Cultural Centre • 586Ellice Ave • 7:15 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.• Black feminist writer, activist andeducator Robyn Maynard is comingto Winnipeg to discuss her latestbook, Policing Black Lives: StateViolence in Canada from Slavery tothe Present (Fernwood Publishing).• Doors at 7:15, event begins at8:00 and is hosted by UzomaChioma. This event is all ages andfree to everyone. ASL interpretationwill be provided. • Moreinformation:Margo Goodhand, the author of“Runaway Wives and RogueFeminists” Discussion ManitobaAssociation of Women’s Shelters •Canadian Museum for Human Rights• 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg,MB • 5:30 p.m. • Celebrate theInternational Day for theElimination of Violence AgainstWomen • For more information tocome

Elevated Transformational Conver-sations - Theme One Plance OnePeople Please happens everyWednesday from 7 - 9 p.m. andSundays from 10 - Noon at theBaha’i Community Centre 521McMillan Avenue

You want to Talk?

Help Make the World a Better Place

Call for submissions: 2019Multifaith CalendarThe Multifaith Action Societyinvites artists to submit works ofart for publication in their annualMultifaith Calendar. The themefor the upcoming 2019 edition isComing Together: ExploringNew Connections.

This year, we are asking: Whatconnects us? What brings peopletogether in dialogue, action andcreativity? How do we build newbridges across old divides? Let’slook for new paradigms on howto actively engage with eachother that holds the promise ofinclusion and not exclusion. Let’senvision all the wonderful waysto connect.Deadline fJanuary 19, 2018

Itan Ati Asa Ibile Yoruba—TheYoruba Narrative in words andImages is an examination of the oraltraditions of the Yoruba through astudy of idioms, proverbs, andvisual stimuli surrounding andinforming their language and culture. Once upon a time, familiesresided in proximity. People didthings together, and during theirinteractions, stories were told andretold. In traditional Yorùbásettings, families were more likelyto even live within compounds. Today, Yorùbá families arescattered around the world. Theopportunities to learn or retell thestories that were once passed downfrom one generation to another arenot always there any longer.Everyone is busy. With limited timeand the demands of work and familylife, opportunities for storytellingare slowly disappearing. I hope this book of stories and theaccompanying photographs willbring back memories and serve asvisual aids in telling your own story,and passing on your heritage. I am proud to say that thisvisually rich book of 200 pages, andover 475 images and illustrationswill inform and entertain at severallevels. There is something in it foreach person and their interest, fromstorytelling to cooking, medicine,society, leadership, and art. Pleaseenjoy the excerpts below, come andshare the moment with me on the18th!

Pencil in this Date -November 18

Segun Olude BookLaunch

Getting Back Up: ResilientWomen in the Face of ViolenceInstitute for InternationalWomen’s Rights • South SudaneseCultural Centre • 129 Dagmar Street(between William and Bannatyne) •1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. • For moreinformation: http://iiwrmb.ca/events/getting-back-up-resilient-women-in-the-face-of-violence/

Photography by Segun Olude

Sugun Olude

Bold and BeautifulKudos to Rihanna for her

business acumen and sense of socialresponsibility.

Rihanna’s “Fenty BeautyProducts” is giving the mainstreamcosmetic industry a run for theirmoney. Rihanna’s focus is diversityand inclusivity and as she said in aninterview, she didn’t what it took toget the results she wanted.

The product launch newsexploded on social media, blackwomen and women of colour wereshedding tears of joys at finallybeing able to go into a cosmeticstore and find a colour to matchtheir complexion. The Fenty Beautycollection is strongly complexion-focused with an incredible 40shades to choose from. “Thebiggest challenge was making surethat each product covered all skintones, and it was a challenge I wasup for,” she told BAZAAR.com. “Ididn’t care how long it took, I wasgoing to make sure that we coveredmost skin tones. Diversity andinclusivity are important to thebrand. I hope that fans, makeuplovers, and makeup artists feel that.”Rihanna describes the Pro Filt’rSoft Matte Long Wear foundation asbuildable, “but as someone whowears medium-coverage foundationevery single day, I can attest that thisstuff is intense. Its medium-coverageright out of the tube, and withinminutes of applying it, it will notbudge. Go ahead and try. It’s one ofthe most sweat and humidity proof

foundations we’ve ever put to thetest, yet it still looks decidedly skin-like.”

There is a player instinct inRihanna and she is predicted to besomething to watch as black womenare rushing in droves to get herproducts which is. Thanks todiscrimination welcome innovationand invention. Necessity they say isthe mother of invention and Rihannahas stepped in at the right time whenthere appears to be a renaissance of“black is beautiful” with hercosmetic line. There is acomparison to be made betweenRihanna and Madam CJ Walker whobuilt her fortune from passionatelycatering to black women’s beautyneeds.

Career Moves -Inclusion and YouLet’s face it we’re living in a

part of the world where Caucasianmen rule the roost and they are notgoing to give up that power andprivilege by force but the view isthat they can be encouraged to bechampions for diversity andinclusion. The nuggets that came outof a diversity and inclusion event inthe USA are:

• Biases aren’t bad unlessthey’re acted on. We all have them.It’s what we do with them that canpresent unintentional andundesirable consequences.

• Caucasian men want toengage in diversity initiatives;create space for that to happen.

• Get engaged, starting withemployee resource groups.

• Start a dialogue — listeningto find commonalties to make aconnection, searching for alignment.

• Create an environment whereleaders can engage in courageousconversations and feel safe makingmistakes.

How to b e confidentin the Workplace

Three tips for owning yourconfidence in the workplace as avisible minority person from SharonHarvey Davis a VP of Diversity andInclusion:First be your self.Secondly Feel like you are going tobe liked and act that way and thirdly Thirdly, be well versed It isimportant that you can talk on manytopics. Know you are there becauseyou deserve to be there, you havewhat it takes and rely on that.

Himalayan Pink SaltScrub

Ingredients:- 1 cup Himalayan pink salt -available at better health food andwellness stores- 2/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil- 10 - 15 drops of lavenderessential oilInstructions:1) Pour Himalayan salt andcoconut oil into a small glass bowland stir thoroughly with a fork.2) Add lavender essential oil intothe mixture and continue mixing.You may adjust the amount of eachingredient to reach a consistencyyou prefer. More salt will make itthicker.3) Apply to wet skin and gentlyscrub before rinsing with water.The scrub rich in calcium,magnesium and potassiumcan bestored in a jar with tight-fitting lidand makes an excellent andthoughtful gift..

Jamaica’s First Lady Janice Holness InspectsMiss Lou’s Archival Collection

Janice Holness, First Lady ofJamaica and wife of Prime MinisterEdward Holness and a delegationthat included H.E. V CitizenshipCourt Judge, Pamela Applet, andHoward toured the archives of thelate Louise Coverley Bennet. fonlyknown as Ms Lous. Ms Lou wasJamaica’s beloved storyteller,folklorist and promoter of Jamaicanculture.

While on McMaster campus,Her Excellency attended a luncheonat the University Club.PatrickDeane, McMaster President, greetedthe delegation and deliveredremarks. Vivian Lewis, McMasterUniversity Librarian, welcomed theFirst Lady and thanked her for herinterest in Miss Lou’s archivalcollection. Ms Lewis alsoacknowledged Judge Applet, whoalong with Fabian Coverley,donated the Miss Lou Archives toMcMaster in 2010 and hercontinuing role in fostering anongoing partnership betweenMcMaster University Library andthe National Library of Jamaica.

Part of the William ReadyDivision of Archives and ResearchCollections, the Miss Lou Archivesis a treasure to scholars around theworld.

Opened in 2011, the Archivescontains a robust collection ofphotographs, personal, professional,and legal documents, as well as ndaudio-visual materials about MsLou’s career and writings. In 2015,Neil Armstrong donated the secondcollection of materials.

McMaster University is knownfor its strong interest in West Indiesliterature and history, which includethe archives of award-winningauthor Austin Clark.

Her Excellency, member for St. Andrew East Rural in Jamaica’sHouse of Representatives, was in Canada to attend events markingJamaica’s 55th independence anniversary.

Rachel Alao, shares Yoruba Cooking with the audience

If you missed the opening of theColourful Faith exhibition openedon September 20 at the MennoniteHeritage Centre Gallery, there isstill time to catch some of theawesome artwork by Nigerian-Canadian artists, Segun Olude andGibril Bangura. Sponsored by PromisedlandMinistries, Okin International Club,

Yoruba Language School and Egbe,Omo Yoruba, there are weeklyactivities with teachers, speakers,storytellers, stylists and There werecooking demonstrations and tastingthe foods, head wrapping, and otherexciting aspects of Yoruba culture.The exhibition continues untilNovember 18, 2017.

COLOURFUL FAITH EXHIBITION

In spite of the heavy snowfall andslippery conditions, the JamaicaCultural Centre was packed withsupporters to celebrate Jamaica’s 35thIndependence anniversary. There was awarm atmosphere to welcome HerExcellency Ms Janice. Miller, guestspeaker and Jamaica HighCommissioner of Canada to Winnipegfor her first visit. One of her daughtersaccompanied her.

A lively selection ofentertainment preceded Ms Miller’sspeech which sounded like a roaststarting with the song “Lang time galme na see you come let me hold yourhands” and a hilarious skit with MavisMcLaren resident folklorist andPresident of Jamaica Association ofWinnipeg Dr. Karl Koth. The skitcentred on Ms Miller’s visit.

A predominantly Black populationJamaicans demonostrated diversity andinclusion with current President aCaucasian Jamaican and HerExcellency of East Indian origin.However, the difference was barelyvisible when culture took over it was allthe same.

Rhonda Thompson, JAM’s danceteacher, guided her students in a coupleof entertaining dances for HerExcellency.

Thanks to the resident chef andhis crew dinner service rivalled anyfive-star hotel. The Domino clubmembers decked out in white and blackuniform waited on tables and serveddinner that was a little extra tasty andwell-seasoned.

Her Excellency brought ahopeful message to Jamaicans. Shethanked Carmen Nembhard, who wasnot present due to ill health, theoutgoing Honorary Consul fordedicated Service on behalf of thegovernment of Jamaica. Sheannounced that there is a vacancy for anew Honorary Consul. Her Excellencypraised the Diaspora community fortheir contributions to both expandingJamaica’s economic reach in the worldand for their own personalachievements. She said Jamaicansshow their resilience and excellencewhich makes them good citizens

wherever they are because throughtheir contribution they have madeWinnipeg a better place.

She said Jamaica is open forbusiness and the Government ofJamaica would like to increase andstrengthen their economic connectionswith Canada since at the last count340,000 Jamaicans call Canada home.

Tourism remains its mostsignificant source of foreign exchange.Last year Jamaica welcomed more thantwo million tourists, including 380,000Canadians netting a profit of 1..85billion Canadian dollars. They expectthe winter 2017 tourist season will be agood one for Jamaica. ThroughCanadian connections Jamaica wasinstrumental in delivering disaster,hurricane relief to the people affected.

She spoke briefly on the 2017Diaspora conference, which wasframed around Jamaica’s economicgrowth, education health medicalmarijuana and crime prevention.. Sheextended an invitation to the 2019

Diaspora conference, which will beheld in Jamaicaand will focus ondeveloping leadership of the nextgeneration of Diaspora Jamaicans

Jamaica’s 35th Independence Anniversary Banquet

H.E.Janice. Miller Jamaica High Commissioner of Canada

Mr. Bancroft Williams,poet and Dr. Karl

Koth, JAM President

ParticipantsMr..Ren Dacosta, emcee and Mrs.

Hyacinth Dacosta

Domino Club Members

30 YEARS CELEBRATION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS CODEThe Manitoba Human Rights

Commission celebrated theManitoba Human Rights Code 30th

anniversary with a reception onFriday November 3, 2017 at theLegislature.

A large number of communityand industry folks showed up for theevent . Everyone received a specialcommemorative cookie to taste thesweetness of having The Code toensure people’s human rights areprotected. The Commission released

a short video on a few of theimportant cases that tackled systemicissues and served to broaden theunderstanding and scope of theHuman Rights Code. There werespeeches, recognitions of pastChairs, Board of Commissioners andstaff members.Everyone appeared tohave had a great time networkingand noshing.

The Commission alsointroduced its new ChairpersonBrenlee Carrington Trepel.

Brenlee Carrington-Trepel 9Chair)with past chairs, Janet Baldwin andYvonne Peters

Isha Khan, Ag ExecutiveDirector, MHRC

Left Karen Sharma, Stafffar right Diane Dwarka, Commissionerpose with guests

Participants

Dr. Karl Koth & MavisMcLaren in a skit

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan

JAM Dancers