march 2010global eyes

global eyesIssue No. 1 May-June 2010

Magazine

Margaret Strachan, President of theCouncil of Caribbean Organizations ofManitoba, Inc. along with members ofthe Caribbean Community fights to keeptheir Community Centre alive.

INSIDE: Regulars - Global counsellor, Letter to myDaughter, Gaffing with Buddy

global eyes

Global Eyes Magazine May-June 2010 2

Global Eyes Magazine aims atpromoting cultural diversity withparticular focus on Black andCaribbean cultural identities tocreate greater understandingbetween these cultures and thelarger cultural communities.

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Contents

We cannot change the past, butwe can change our attitudetoward it. Uproot guilt and plantforgiveness. Tear out arroganceand seed humility. Exchangelove for hate — thereby, makingthe present comfortable and thefuture promising.”— Maya Angelou

Take One Page 3Letter to my daughterGlobal Counsellor page 4 Feature Margaret Strachan page 6Community in Action page 5Strangers in a Strange Land page 8Bright lights page10Gaffing wid Buddy page26Zizi continuing story page27Caribbean Shield’s page29 tribute to a GodmotherBHM pictorial page33Community Awards of Excellence page34Promised Land page 36In your backyard page 37Global BriefsLocal Briefs page 39

“The civil rightsmovement didn’t beginin Montgomery and itdidn’t end in the 1960s.It continues on to thisvery minute.”

— Julian Bond


Take One We experience conflicts inour homes, in churches, and inour communities. We have toembrace conflicts like a goodteacher. We grow backward orblossom in our human fullnessthrough conflicts.Many people have a negativeview of conflicts and try toavoid conflicts at all cost.Some would rather disengage,give up their fight rather thanconfront someone who doesnot see a particular situation inthe same way. The testwhether a conflict is good orbad rests on how it is resolved.How we handle conflicts reflecton our level of maturity.Sometimes we resolve conflictswith a hug and a kiss ashappens in families. At times akiss would not do and we needprofessional intervention.When there are conflicts in acommunity, it is a sign that thecommunity is engaged,growing and evolving to ahigher level of problemsolving. Whenever problemsare resolved the communitymoves to a higher level oforganizational consciousness.Life is not meant to be onelong journey of peaceful bliss.There will be bumps and thesegive us the opportunity to seea problem from perspectivesother than our own.The Caribbean community isexperiencing such a bump inthe road. It is an opportunityto come together and worktowards a solution and movethe community to a higherlevel. Walking away will notdo that and will not modeleffective communityorganizing for our youths. I

believe our community isexperiencing what is known asinterest conflicts. Everyoneagrees that the communityneeds a centre for its membersto congregate and call theirown. The stakeholders all havean interest in building up thecommunity through its centreand desire that it be open to allCaribbean people regardless ofcolour, race, creed or politicalbeliefs. There are somedifferences on who is bestqualified to own and run thecentre. What difference it wouldmake whether the Centre isindependently owned or remainunder CCOM’s umbrella, theorganization that founded thisCentre? What is it that theCentre Committee would wantto be effective that they areprevented from doing under thecurrent ownership? Was theretoo much control, micro-managing that stymied theBuilding Committee’s creativityand initiative? What is the rootof the problem or miscom-munication, misunderstanding?What the various parties/stakeholders need to do is to de-emphasise positions, get egosout of the way, seek and offerinformation about motivations,fears, and goals underlying eachresistance to the community’spreference and to collaborateand compromise toaccommodate differences.The Caribbean community, likemost communities, has its shareof conflicts and the mature thingto do is to bring the differingparties to face each other andresolve these conflicts. In mostcases when conflicts emerge theparties interest may be similarbut their positions become so

entrenched that they stophearing or listening to eachother. It is at this timeprofessional interventionwould be most productive.Someone neutral who canbring clarity to underlyinginterests and positionsof bothparties and help work throughdifferences. The community iscounting on leadership fromits leaders.

Conflicts are part of life

Tears streaming down hischeeks, grief overcame BarackObama at the funeral of thewoman he called the‘Godmother’ of the Americancivil rights movement Dr.Dorothy Height recently. The U.S. president wasweeping openly as he watchedthe service for Ms Height inWashington DC. He delivered the eulogy forDr Height, whose activisimstretched from the New Dealright up until Mr Obama’selection as the first AfricanAmerican president of theUnited States.

President ObamaTears up at funeral

of Civil RightsLeader


Letter to my daughter

Global Counsellor

cont’d on p7

Dear global counselor,I am a 20 years old Nigeriangirl living with my parents. Ihave a job and making a goodliving. I told my parents that Iwould like to rent my ownapartment because I need myindependence and I want tomaintain a good relationshipwith them. We fight all thetime whenever I have to goout. I feel nervous every time Igo out with my friends becauseI worry all the time about whatmy parents are thinking andwhether they are sitting upwaiting for me to come home. Ican’t enjoy myself. Myparents said this is not theirway that back home in Nigeriaa girl leaves home when she ismarried and I am looking todisgrace the family name.

Then they would say why can’tI be like this or that personwho is living at home withtheir parents and I tell themthat I am not that person I amme and I might have a differentopinion. My father would saythat he regrets the day hebrought me to Canada and if hehad his way he would send meback there. I love my parentsbut hate their attitude. I can’tlive with them because I can’tlive as if I am in Nigeria. I amin Canada now and they haveto try and adjust. Do you thinkthat I am ungrateful and a badperson?Frustrated

Dear frustratedFirst of all you are not a badperson and second of all I thinkif you feel that moving out onyour own will create a moreharmonious relationship withyour parents it is worthconsidering. Most newcomer parents wantto keep their children straddledin two worlds because it iscomfortable for them. Oftenthey do not think what theirexpectations might be doing totheir children. They feel theyare doing the right thing. Theright thing for them and not thechildren. All that they aretrying to protect is their pride -what will people say aboutthem. In other words they alsoare also are controlled by the

Letter to my daughter,Sometimes I have to step back and marvel at the wonder I produced in you, my daughter. You are so muchinto your life and living it consciously and with such grace; it is such a pleasure to watch you continue toblossom into yourself. In spite of all you’ve gone through you have been true to yourself. I watch yougrow more confident in your life and taking what life throws at you and see what you can take from it andmove on without bitterness and regret. Life is like a road we journey upon. It is certain that we will encounter potholes, storms, rainy days andnights. How we react to and deal with those setbacks are important. We have to dust ourselves off, side-stepthe potholes or grab an umbrella and keep moving on. It is futile to look for someone to blame for ourproblems because in the final analysis the problems we face are our own doing and they come into our livesto teach us one of life’s lessons. From your actions I know get this. You do not mope around feeling sorryfor yourself. Grudges weigh us down, keep us back and are a blithe to our own lives not to those we directour grudges against. Please remember that another person’s experience can never replace your own. Our purpose in thisworld is not to live a problem free life but to work through the lessons of life. Only when we experiencesomething can be truly say we understand it. Unless you experience the burn of a fire, you can only imaginewhat it is to be burnt but it is not something you can claim to know. I urge you to live with the excitement of new challenges that may come your way because we are hereto learn and become experts in our own lives. When we are experts in our lives, our purpose willbecome clear and with that clarity life will he like a cool summer breeze against your cheek.Love, mom.


The foremost thing on MargaretStrachan’s mind is holding on tothe Caribbean Cultural Centre forthe benefit of the Caribbean andthe community at large. Four-time President of theCouncil for the CaribbeanOrganizations of Manitoba, Inc.(CCOM) Margaret appearsnever to tire when it comes toworking for the Caribbeancommunity, be it at Folklorama,Chairing the Grenadian CulturalOrganization, or chairing theBuilding committee, she goesnight and day working for thebenefit of her community. Recipient of the Long TermService Award from theGrenadian Association, ManitobaVolunteer Award and Award fromthe Organization of EasternCaribbean States, it is surprisingthat the Black History MonthCommunity Service Award hasoverlooked one of the hardestworking members of theCaribbean Community who iswell respected in the largercommunity as well. Margaret Strachan is a woman ofsubstance in the Caribbeancommunity she stands up to thetoughest in our midst and speaks hertruth, sometimes to the chagrin ofthose who might want to silence her. “Someone has to stand up tomake things happen. In my heartI know that what I am doing I canaccount for and that I do not doanything for Awards or my ownbenefit but for the benefit of thecommunity, that’s what is in myheart,” she said in earnest. A wife and a mother of twosuccessful children, Margaret saidthat throughout raising her familyshe has been involved but hasmanaged not to neglect her familybecause they had always been

part of what she is doing. Whenher children were younger, shewas the dance teacher of theGrenadian Association. I amfortunate to have a husband whois always there beside me in mycommunity work. “We spend enjoyable eveningsat Caribbean events such asBanquets, Teas and socials. I feelat home and happy when I amwith the larger Caribbeancommunity,” she said. Margaret and her husbandwere one the earliest Caribbeanimmigrants to Winnipeg. Theyarrived in 1968. Asked why Winnipeg andnot Toronto, Vancouver orMontreal where new immigrantsliked to settle, she said matter-of-factly “Immigration sent ushere. We came as landedimmigrants and they sent uswhere they needed people.” It was relatively easy tomigrate to Canada in those daysbut the issue of foreign credentialaccreditation was an issueimmigrants wrestled with even inthose days, she said. A qualified teacher of nineyears when she arrived inCanada, Margaret’s teachingcertificate was not accepted. She

took course to qualify forAdministrative work and later as aNurse’s Aid before finally able toreturn to University in 1981 to bepursue her first love, teaching. “When I arrived there was noadult education. You needed agrade 12 education to go touniversity and my qualificationwas like a grade 11 education.Margaret recently retired fromteaching at Gordon Bell HighSchool but continues to be aSubstitute teacher. “I believe in education and thisone of the reasons I ampassionate about volunteering mytime to help give our youths thesupport they need to succeed.” A founding member ofFolklorama Committee, Margaretsaid that Folklorama is one of thesuccesses that CCOM couldboast about. The purpose of CCOM was tounite the Caribbean communitiesto work together and supporteach other for the benefit of thelarger community. “In the pastmany of the functions were held atthe same time and that was notgood for fundraising. ThroughCCOM, communities wedeveloped a system to ensure thatevents were reasonablycoordinated so there were not somany clashes.” “Another CCOM’s success isthe ability for us to present aunited front to government andother leaders in the interest of theCaribbean community. Through CCOM, it was easyto mobilize Caribbean-Canadianteachers to meet the teachers whocame up from the Caribbean tomeet them, so yes, I would saywe have had many successes”.

Margaret Strachan - Fearless Community Leader

cont’d on p6


Community in ActionThe Council of CaribbeanOrganizations of Manitoba(CCOM), the umbrellaorganization of the CaribbeanIslands’ cultural organizations,held meeting during BlackHistory Month to discuss thefuture of their Cultural Centreon 1100 Fife Street which theyacquired in 2008. The Centre has faced some

financial setbacks due to current economic setbacks amongother reason, no funding forthcoming from the governmentamong other reasons. The Centre was up for sale and hadreceived an offer of purchase from a local business. Thisrequired CCOM to find another space for its memberswhich it did. However the offer of purchase was suddentlywithdrawn leaving the organization in the predicament ofhaving to put out dollars to rent another space whilehaving to deal with the mortgage on the current building. In true community spirit the Caribbean people andorganizations came to the rescue of CCOM and helped tobail it out of that mess. The organization managed tosublet the rented space and is now focused on finding waysto keep the current Centre functional and solvent. An interim management committee headed by MargaretStrachan, CCOM’s Chair, has been struck to deal with theemergency situation. An election will be held at a later dateto put a permanent Committee in place. The community members present praised the efforts ofMargaret Strachan, to keep the Centre open.The meeting resolved to develop an aggressive plan to keepthe Centre as the pride of the Caribbean organizations. The organization has made an open call for more volunteersto get involved, especially young people who are the future ofthe community. The organization plans to hold monthlysocials and is open to ideas from community members oninnovative fundraising ideas. To date two socials, a concertand a Fish-fry Friday were held. Margaret provided ahistorical timeline of CCOM and answered questions fromcommunity members who invested in the building.Historical time-line CCOM-1981 - A liaison group was formed to represent theCaribbean Community Organizations-20 years ago CCOM joined Folklorama - it establishedFolklorama Management Committee to run the Pavilion-2008 CCOM bought the building at 1100 Fife Street

-The stakeholders are the memberorganizations and owners of thebuilding.-A Building Committee was struck tomanage the building-As a fund raising strategy CCOMcreated a separate charitableorganization Caribbean CommunityCultural Centre Inc.-Centre Inc. could provide charitablereceipts to encourage individualdonation.-This organization later believed itwas independent of CCOM and wasthe owner of the Centre-The Centre fell behind in itspayments and saw no way to goforward-The Management Committee put thebuilding up for sale withoutconsulting CCOM-This was later found to beunconstitutional as the building didnot belong to the Community Centre.-At a meeting of the stakeholders, thedecision was made to sell. An offerwas made, CCOM accepted, theyprepared to move, got a place andthen the offer of sale was rescinded.CCOM was left holding the bag. Theynow had two buildings to pay for.Luckily, they found an organization tosublet the new place.The Community appears to recommitto keeping the building. They needyour help and support. Without thefull support of the Caribbeancommunity the centre will be injeopardy.

Participants at the meeting


The one thing that CCOM hasnot been able to do is toconvince the cultural organizationsto hold one banquet instead ofeach community holding its own.Not only would this be a greatfundraising event for CCOM butit would bring the communitycloser together Margaret saidadding “I hope that one day thecommunities would see thewisdom of this recommendationand make it happen for the goodof the Caribbean community.” Asked how she felt about thefuture of CCOM and whethershe becomes discouraged attimes, “I feel very optimisticabout the future of ourcommunity because I have thesupport of the community in whatwe are trying to accomplish. Not

Margaret.. cont’d from p/5community. You can surpriseyour parents by being aresponsible person should youmove out. Conduct yourselfin a manner that would makethem respect your choice. Ithink that being responsibleenough to hold down a job at20 and willing to support yourindependence should beapplauded. Although I mustwarn you not to burn anybridges because jobs comeand go but parents room andboard services are alwaysopen and generally offeredfreely. So show your parentsthe respect they deserve andtry to put yourself in theirshoes.

global counselor cont’d from p4all are on board but I hope intime we will be able to work outour differences” Margaret said. A few of the communitieshave been noticeably absentfrom the community fora thatwere called to discuss the futureof the Centre. However sincewe live in a democratic country,the people have spoken and thevotes are in favour of letting theorganization remain under theCCOM’s umbrella where it startedrather than being owned by annewly formed independentorganization. The future is still tobe written.

Larry Strachan encouragesappreciation for classical music

Mr. Oliver and Evelyn Gardner, Mavis McLaren performing folksong (l) and Joy Bissoon reading a folk tale (far l)

Participants at Black History Month event

Petty Officer Andre Sheppardand his display (l)


What doeshome mean toyou? Does itmean aparticularplace, space, akind of feeling,spiritual wellbeing or

psychological comfort? Thesewere some of the big questionsthe conference ‘Strangers in astrange land” organized underthe chairmanship of Dr. MichaelBaffoe prof.at the University ofManitoba‘s Social Work faculty,tried to address on FridayNovember 13, 2009 at theUniversity of Manitoba. One participant said she wasconcerned that her childrenmight not be rooted to anyparticular place they could callher because their family movedaround often. She said she askedher children where they felt mostat home and the responsestunned and thrilled her at thesame time. They said “momwhere ever you and dad are ishome for us”. Guest speaker, Ms OliviaChow, MP and wife of leader ofthe NDP Party Jack Laytonengaged the mixed audience ofsome 200 participants includingacademics, students andcommunity service providers ina 30 minute presentation inwhich she shared her personalexperience as an immigrant whocame to this country with herparents at around 13 years old.Chow took a political approachto the concept of home.Chow touched on some issuesthat concerned many of theimmigrants present. She talkedabout the age old ongoing

problems of accreditation offoreign credentials whichcaused her parents who wereteachers in Hong Kong toaccept manual labouring jobs inCanada to put food on the table.She criticized the government’sforeign temporary workerprogram which she saidexploits immigrant workerswho are brought here to labourwithout the benefit of landedimmigrant status. Chow saidthat last year the number offoreign temporary workers faroutnumbered landedimmigrants. She suggestedthat the reason for the need ofso many foreign workers isbecause of the government’simmigration policy whichnarrowed what family classmeans. In the past there was abroader interpretation of familyclass to include brothers andsisters which is not the casetoday.“Being home means havingyour family around you; sothat when there are importantevents and holidays you haveyour large extended familyaround you for support.”Chow also touched on thecallous manner in whichimmigrants, in particularimmigrants from visibleminority backgrounds whosefamily members are routinelydenied visas to visit Canadawithout given any reason forthe denial and no opportunityto appeal. She said that theNDP are trying to put forwarda bill that would change this. The full day conference hadseveral workshops that centredon settlement and integration

of newcomers and whatmakes strangers in a new landfeel at home in Canada. One workshop dealt withAfrican culture and why manynewcomer Africans hold on totraditions ofthe homelandand sometimesmake more ofit than peopledo in thehomeland.

Strangers in a strange land

Lt. Governor hosts25th Anniversary

of LEAF andSection 15

The Honourable Philip Lee,Lieutenant Governor ofManitoba and Her HonourAnita K. Lee hosted LEAF atGovernment House in April tomark the anniversaries ofLEAF and Equality Section 15of the Charter of Rights andFreedoms. The evening was delightfuland there were lots of sharing,networking and eating as isalways the case.

Her Honour Anita Lee, Buchi Nnadiand Dr. Jon Gerrard, Sharon Taylor,Dina Juras and Marceline Ndyumvireand Gemma Gay invitees.

Prof. Michael Baffoe


Olive Senior was in Winnipeg during February to promote her latestbook of short stories Arrival of the SnakeWoman first published in England byTSAR publisher in 1989 and which hasjust been reissued. She had readings atMcNally Robinson’s Bookstores inSaskatchewan and in Winnipeg. SoniaDechausay and the Black History MonthCommittee piggy-backed on her Winnipegvisit to sponsor a reading at the JamaicaHall. A prominent writer who was born inJamaica, Senior has several books to hercredit including an encyclopaedia of

Jamaican culture. Talking of Trees (1985), Gardening in theTropics (1994), and Over the Roofs of the World (2005). Her shortstory collection Summer Lightning (1986) won theCommonwealth Writers Prize; it was followed by Arrival of theSnake Woman (1989, 2009) and Discerner of Hearts (1995). Although she has not lived in Jamaica for many years, most ofher writings are set in her homeland. A self-taught writer, Senior said she always knew she had to writeand she says she writes for ordinary folks. Her characters speak ofordinary things. There is a lyrical cadence to her writing that comesthrough beautifully when you hear her read her words. Oliver explains she writes with a Jamaican and Canadian sensibility.“We have two languages in Jamaica English and dialect,” she saidadding she was not allowed to speak dialect when she was in high

school without the risk of beingpunished for speaking badEnglish. She also is consciousthat she writes for a worldcommunity and not onlyJamaicans and therefore has towrite in an understandablelanguage. “Ï just try to capture theeveryday human conditions in mywriting and let the charactersspeak for themselves,” she said. When not writing Olive teacheswriting at a college in Toronto.

Nia and Friends PoetryGroup performed at variousevents and venues during theyear to enthusiastic audiences.All their events are well at-tended. The group performedduring Black History Month atthe Caribbean Cultural Centre.They also had an poetry event“Paradise in Winter” at theWayne Arthur Gallery onProvencher Blvd in St.Boniface. In addition to theirannual Valentine poetic rendi-tions suited for the month oflove, members of the group

were the opening act for OliveSenior, renowed Jamaicanauthor at the Jamaican CulturalCentre during her recent booktour. Nia Dechausay, authorand poet founded the group ayear ago. The group is dedi-cated to entertainingWinnippeggers with a varietyof poetry styles. Their audienceincludes people from all walksof life. The members of Niaand Friends are: JoanneMcdonald, Beatrice Watson,Shirley Alleyne, Effie Aqui, NiaDechausay and Harnet Araya.

Nia and Friends Poetry

Renowned Jamaican-Canadian Author visits Winnipeg to promote latest book


Bright Lights

Dr. ShaunaCarlisleUniversity ofWashingtonShauna Carlisle is the daughterof Gary and Brenda Elbers,who hail from Guyana, SouthAmerica. Shauna is one of theshining lights in the Caribbeancommunity who has leftWinnipeg and gone to biggerand better things far afield.She has a BA, Psychology,University of Manitoba, MSW,Social Work, University ofWashingtonPhD, Social Welfare,University of WashingtonShauna Carlisle is a 2009-2010Initiative for CommunityBased Learning andScholarship fellow and a pastProject for InterdisciplinaryPedagogy teaching fellow atthe University of Washington,Bothell. While teaching at theUW Bothell, Ms. Carlisle iscompleting her doctorate inSocial Welfare in the School ofSocial Work at the University

of Washington, Seattle.Ms. Carlisle teaches a range ofgraduate and undergraduatecourses in the CommunityPsychology, Masters in PolicyStudies, and Society, Ethics,and Human Behavior programsat the UW Bothell. Herpedagogical interests includefinding new and innovativeways of teaching researchmethods that help studentsdraw linkages between coursecontent and real worldapplication. It is her goal thatstudents leave her classroomsocially conscious and sociallyresponsible citizens who usetheir methodological skills tomake a difference in theircommunity and nation.Ms. Carlisle’s dissertationresearch examines race andethnicity, immigration andhealth outcomes. Sheinvestigates the social contextsand linkages that explain howand why race, ethnicity, andnativity are associated withchronic cardiovascular,respiratory, and painconditions. Ms. Carlisle hasheld a fully funded 2-yearfellowship from the Center forStudies in Demography andEcology and has presented herwork at a number ofconferences including theFederation of CanadianDemographers, PopulationAssociation of America, andthe Society for EpidemiologicResearch.

Oluwatomilayo Daodu

It was all smiles in the Nigerianand the Black community ingeneral to see another of theiryouth (Buchi Nnadi also receivedthis award a few years ago)recently received the YM-YWCA Young Woman ofDistinction Award. Tito whose name means “joyfuland excellence” was recognizedfor her outstanding academicrecord of “A” average and herequally outstanding communityservice. Born in Nigeria, Tito came toCanada with her parents,Kenny and Jacob, 20 years ago.Her volunteering began withschool patrols and it neverstopped there. She was the firststudent from her elementaryschool to be admitted to St.Mary’s Academy, where shemaintained an A average touniversity level. Daodu workswith several communityorganizations, tutors childrenaged 12 to 18 and works as ayouth facilitator at the SpenceNeighbourhood Association.Today she leads the Childrenand Youth ministry atImmanuel Fellowship Church.

A youngWoman of

Distinction

Guyanese Pride


Congratulationsto Said Ali, formerrefugee from Ethio-pia was the winnerof 2009 HumanRights Award.This prestigiousaward recognizesthe work that Saidhas done in hiscommunity topromote the princi-ples of human rights.

In accepting theaward, Said thanked his wife’s enduring love and sup-port without whom he would not have been alive today.He said she deserved the award for she kept him going,and gave him hope during the dark days in confined as arefugee prisoner.

Said’s family, friends and supporters from Welcomeplace were there to share the celebration with him.

Said was nominated by Louse Simbanduwe, atireless promoter of human rights herself.

Human Rights Activists Win

Jerry Woods, MB Human RightsCommission Chair & Said Ali

ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Nahanni Fontaine, Justice Director of SouthernChiefs Organization of Manitoba made animpassioned presentation to participants ofUniversity of Winnipeg Social Justice fair on behalfof the Aboriginal people she represents on the topicAccess to Justice.Fontanne said that justice is still illusive to herpeople. She said that society still treats Aboriginalpeople differently and less than people in thedominant culture. Nahanni recited a litany ofinjustices Aboriginal face on a daily basis because ofsystemic racism. Denials of justice to Aboriginalpeople have implications to other areas of their livesand this works to keep Aboriginal people in povertyand on the margins of society. She talked about themore than 500 murdered and missing Aboriginalwomen who until recently were not given a thoughtand constructed by the press and the police asprostitutes, drug addicts and sex-workers whichmeant they deserved what they got.Fontaine shared that her own mother was also amissing woman and a person addicted to drugs. “Iam tired of attending funerals.”Racism and colonialism still operate againstAboriginal people accessing equitable justice inCanada and Manitoba. And that needs to change.


Volunteer make the difference at ACAM’s Job Fair Each YearTravis Hodges was one of thevolunteers helping to keepthings going at the 11th Job Fair,started by Mr. Jim Ogunnoiki,President of the African-Caribbean Association ofManitoba, Inc. (ACAM)because he believed thatfinding jobs for people wasforemost in any successfulsettlement. Travis, 21, has been aroundACAM since he was a child,his mother Blue Hodges isactive in the organization andhas held several Boardpositions. Travis said hismother had travelled to Jamaicato celebrate his grandmother’s100th birthday. Travis,University of Manitoba third-year psychology honoursstudent, said he will be joiningthem in Jamaica soon and wasvery excited about it.Travis said he thinksvolunteering is importantespecially when it comes tohelping people find jobs. Hebelieves that what ACAM doesevery year is great because it ishelping connect those seekingjobs with those willing to hireand he does not mind giving upa Saturday. Since his mothercould not be there, Travis felthe had to represent his family atthe event and do his part.

Emaline Jackson was also avolunteer and has been avolunteer at ACAM’s event formany years. She is mother ofthree children. She lost herhusband many years ago andraised her three children as asingle mother. She said her latehusband would be proud of theway his children turned out oneis a Financial Analyst, anotherElectrical engineer and the othera physiotherapist. Emaline saidshe understands how importantvolunteer work is becausewithout those who showed upthe event could not have beensuccessful. She said Mr. Oggunoiki,President of ACAM does mostof the work and it is importantthat members support thisparticular initiative because it isworking, people are finding outabout jobs because of it This year the event was held atRiddel Hall University ofWinnipeg because it hasoutgrown the previous venue. Members of the three politicalparties and the representativefrom the City of Winnipegbrought greetings. There wereincreases in the numbers ofemployers represented andpeople seeking jobs.

Winnipeg Police

The Navy Civil Service Commission

ACAM’sfaithfulvolunteerSandraHousen

Mr. Jim Oggunoiki, President

Emaline Jackson and Travis Hodges


ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDSRECIPIENTS SPONSORSLaura Ogunsola - Dr and Mrs Yinka BammekeRhoda Adetunji - Pastor and Mrs Anda Baiye Jessica Onyinye - Eng. and Mrs IstifanaousMagajiOluwaseyi Akinbobola - Dr and Rev (Dr) SundayOlukojuChidinma Anyanwu - Dr & Mrs Wole AkinremiCOMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDSRECIPIENTS SPONSORSOluwatobi Ogunsola - Eng. and Mrs Jacob DaoduToluwalope Dare - Pastor and Mrs Andrew BawaDupe Daodu - Mr and Mrs Paul Sinclair

Black youths delivered aninspiring Gospel concert withsome top notch performanceson February 13 at the Truthand Worship Centre in St.Vital.Planned and organized by agroup of youths who appearsto be following a Christianlifestyle, the youths broughttogether a cross-section ofperformers from thecommunity coupled with avideo presentation of somehistorical figures andmoments in Black Historythat helped to make the eventone of the most successfulevents of the Month.The audience participation ofthe mostly young crowd wasenergetic and at times they

stood up, clapped and danced tosongs that praised the Lord.Among the performers wereSonya Williams, RhondaThompson (Fenom), TiffanyConnor, Deneita McLeod,Chandelle Pinnock, KeishaBooker Andre Warmington, Flo,and with a grand finale by alocal hip hop group called FreeAgency.

The Nigerian Canadian Community organization (NICCOM) held its second annualawards celebration at the University of Manitoba Campus where eight deserving studentsreceived financial scholarship awards for academic excellence and communityservice. President of NICCOM, Dr. Sunday Olukoju welcomed all the studentspresents and representatives from various community organizations including, theImmigrant Women’s Association, Congress of Black Women, Nigerian StudentsAssociation.

Award recipients, donors and special guests of honour

A Black Youth Inspired Gospel Concert

NICCOM honours its youths with Scholarship Awards


Spinach with Garlic andPine Nuts Makes 2 (3/4-cup) servingsIngredients1/2 pound spinach leaves, toughstems removed (3 1/2 to 4 cupsloosely packed)1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 tablespoon pine nuts1 garlic clove, slicedSalt and freshly ground blackpepperMethodWash spinach and spin dry, leavingsome droplets of water on leaves.Heat oil in a large skillet overmedium heat. Add pine nuts andcook, stirring frequently, untillightly golden, about 3 minutes.Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.Add spinach to the pan, in batchesif necessary, and sauté until startingto wilt, 30 seconds. Cook, stirringand tossing frequently, until allspinach is wilted and liquid is

Jicama and Bean Salad

Jicama, is a crunchy Mexican root vegetable, is often eaten raw insalads and slaws. Tossed with a zesty lime dressing and mixed withbeans and juicy tomatoes, it makes an easy, irresistible salad that’sperfect with anything from the grill.Ingredients1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1/2 garlic clove, minced1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1/2 can (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained1/2 small jicama, peeled and chopped1 plum tomato, chopped1 1/2 tablespoons diced red onion1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantroSalt and freshly ground black pepperInstructionsWhisk together lime juice, garlic, and cumin in a large mixing bowl;slowly whisk in oil. Add beans, jicama, tomato, onion, and cilantro.Toss to combine, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Spicy Orange Pork Kebabs,made with boneless pork andseasoned with brown sugar,vinegar, pepper flakes, orangerind, Worcestershire sauce, rum,honey, orange juice and butter.Yummy!Ingredients:2 Ib (1 kg) boneless pork, cutinto ½ “(3 ½ cm) cubes¼ cup dark brown sugar¼ cup red wine vinegar¼ tsp dried hot pepper flakes½tbsp freshly grated orange rind1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 tbsp rum;2 tbsp honey¼ cup fresh orange juice;¼ cup

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, pepperflakes, orange rind, Worcestershire sauce, rum, honey, orange juiceand butter. Heat the mixture until the butter melts, stirringoccasionally. Thread skewers with the pork, the pepper, the onionand the orange wedges. Season lightly with salt and pepper.Grease a Swiss roll pan, put the skewers on it and grill, 43 (10 cm)from the heat, for 10-12 minutes each side or until the kebabs arecooked thoroughly. Alternatively, place kebabs over hot coals on thebarbecueand cook for 12-14 minutes per side, basting and turning all the time.Serves 4-6

Recipe by: Laurel-Ann Morley author of Cooking withCaribbean Rum.

Spicy Orange Pork KebabsRecipe butter

1 large sweet pepper, cut into large cubes8 small onions, parboiled1 large orange, cut into eighthsSalt and pepper to taste

Summer is Barbecue time and hereis a good one for you

RECIPESFROM

AROUNDTHE WORLDbon apettit


Congress of Black Women Promotes Artsand Culture

The Congress of BlackWomen, Manitoba Chapter’scontribution to Black History2010 was a Cultural AwarenessWorkshop that providedinformation on African andCaribbean culture includingtheir literature, folklore, historyand health issues. The aim of the workshop wasto provide a learningopportunity for individuals whowant to improve theirinteraction and appreciation ofBlack history and culture. Theworkshop covered informationabout the contributions ofBlack people to the widercommunity in Manitoba, issuesaffecting and statisticsregarding Black people in theprovince along with recent

research regarding culturalawareness and sensitivity training. Presenters at the conferenceincluded Mavis McLaren,Beatrice Watson, and VeronicaJoseph who presented on differentaspect of Black culture. This wasfollowed by an panel discussionand film presentation on Blackculture. The panellists were JacquelineSt. Hill, Darryl Stevenson,Barthel Palatino, a refugee fromSudan. The presentations wereall excellent and generatedspirited discussions amongparticipants. The presenters sharepeprsonal stories about growingup in Winnipeg and Palatinoshared stories about his journeyto Winnipeg and what it was likegrowing up in a war-torn country. The Congress hopes to makethis an annual event during BlackHistory months.

*****The Congress of Black Women isalso presently conducting a surveyof seniors and youth to do a coupleof things. First is an attempt tobring youths and seniors together.Research shows that these twogroups are the most compatible.Secondly the survey hopes todiscover what the social needs ofseniors are ad then try and meetthose needs. If you have been askedto comple the survey, please take amoment to do so. It is for the goodof the Community, said Ms LisaHackett, President.

Photos: L to r Veronica Joseph andPalatino, Antoinette Zlotey and LisaHackett, Conference Chair, andCongress President, Panelists:Barthel Palatino, Jacqueline St. Hill,Darryl Stevenson.

Barthel Palatino and VeronicaJoseph

Lisa HacketPresidentCOBW andPetty OfficerAndreSheppard

During the Break membrs took time tovisit Grand’N’More booth and boughtsome lovely purses tht raise funds fororphans in Africa . Bernadette Fereriaposes with one of the purses


Workers of Colour Support Network deliversthe history in Black History Month

Professor Sefa Dei, theGhanaian born educatorand anti-racist educationactivist came toWinnipeg last BlackHistory Month thanks tothe collaborative effortsof the Workers of ColourSupport Network,University of Winnipeg,Neighbourhoods Aliveand the EthnoculturalCommunity SupportProgram with support ofBlack PortersCommemorationCommittee of Manitoba. Professor Dei presented on thetopic “Pre-Contact Facts aboutWest Africa” to an interested groupat the West Broadway CommunityCentre. Professor Dei said he stronglybelieves that it is important forAfricans to get back to their rootsand to ensure black youths knowthat they came from very strongcultures that functioned well beforeEuropeans came on the scene.There were huge kingdoms inAfrica, he said. For example therewere the Yoruba kingdom thatestablished government underreligious leaders, the BerberDynasty from the Sahara thatspread over a wide area of north-western African. e were kingdoms

The Yoruba and Songhaikingdoms controlled largepopulations, he said. There wasTimbuktu situated in the WestAfrica nation of Mali and wasthe home of Sankore University.Timbuktu was the intellectualand spiritual capital and centrefor the propagation of Islam inthe 11thcentury. The 15th centurywas like the golden age. One of the participants saidher daughter had to quit one ofher university courses because ofthe negative information it waspushing about Africa. Accordingto some of the professors ofAnthropology and sociology,Sub-Saharan Africansaccomplished nothing she said.

Professor Dei said that it is upto African parents to introducetheir children to African history.When Black youths becomeaware of their ancestors andtheir values and culturalheritage they would be betterable to understand themselves. Professor Dei also feels thatwhere Western education mightbe failing some Black youths isthe diminished role ofspirituality in education.Africans are spiritually attunedpeople and religion orspirituality has been a sustaininggrace pre and post European

contact, he said. “It is what gotthe slaves through their worstdays of slavery; the belief issomething larger than themexists.” “Spiritual education embraceshumility, respect, compassion andgentleness that strengthen the selfand the collective human spirit ofthe learner. The self is a complex,integrated being with multiplelayers of meaning. The individualas a learner has psychological,emotional, spiritual, and culturaldimensions not often taken up intraditional/conventionalProcesses of schooling”. Prof. Dei is one of the peoplewho strongly supported theestablishment of an Afro-centricschool in Toronto.

Professor Sefa Dei (4th from left)

Members of Pilgrim Baptist Church Members of WOCSN and Professor Afua Cooper


LETTER TO MY NEPHEW

Dear Sirs; I am a regular viewer of CNN and offer my complimentson both Mr. Martin’s your seemless, unbiasedreporting on world news. During 9/11, I wascontracted to perform in Doja, Qatar during theWorld Trade Conference: And through meeting awonderful American family, the church on acompound, weekly communication from formerPrime Minister Martin’s office and exercise I wasable to hold on to my sanity for my family’s sake.Secondly, as a Black woman, I’ve never forgottenthe place of my origin, nor my family history (my

heroic cousins) and the Chicago RACE To have the ignorant, hatefulVirginia and Mississippi politicians glorify the Confederate soldiersappalling attempts to destroy the US government because due to thebirth of the industrial revolution, trade with the South (which dependedprimarily on slave labor of cotton and farming) was no longernecessary. Families and tribes were separated to preventcommunication between them. Rape, torture and murder wassanctioned. Families separated and sold like cattle. There is one goodbit of news for the greedy white politicians: Within the next 25, 30years the whole world will be 2/3 ‘colored’ and by then they’ll be tooold to care. Sorry about this tirade, but last night I had to respond tothe negative postering of politicians, including the fanatical “Tea Party”and it’s political advocate‘, Sarah (Barbie Doll) Palin. Youbetcha’Dear Mr. Cooper,cc; Roland Martin(June Harris is a born activist and she uses the teachablemoments that pop up in her life to make good use of them)

If you are aBlack personlooking for ablack rolemodel you donot have to lookvery far thereare thousands ofBlacks who are

superachievers but may not bevisible to the world. For theBlack child, the climate isperfect for a good harvest, allthey need are good gardenersto tend to the garden, to makesure it is watered and cared forwith love. The harvest will bebountiful. Here is one suchsuccess story: Ursula Burns joined Xerox in1980 as a mechanicalengineering summer intern andlater assumed roles in productdevelopment and planning.From 1992 through 2000,Burns led several businessteams including the officecolor and fax business andoffice network printingbusiness. In 2000, she wasnamed senior vice president,Corporate Strategic Services,heading up manufacturing andsupply chain operations. Shethen took on the broader roleof leading Xerox’s globalresearch as well as productdevelopment, marketing anddelivery. In April 2007, Burnswas named president of Xerox,expanding her leadership toalso include the company’s ITorganization, corporatestrategy, human resources,corporate marketing andglobal accounts. At that time,she was also elected a memberof the company’s Board ofDirectors. Burns was namedCEO in July 2009.

The man who started the idea of aBlack History Month was, CarterG. Woodson. He was a historian,and as such understood theimportance of history to a people.He believed that in order forAfrican Americans to besuccessful in their future, theyneeded to know that it was alsotheir contributions that helped tobuild this nation. They needed toknow their history. In 1915, hejoined the Association for theStudy of African-American Lifeand History, and in 1926 he

began Black History Week. Theweek wasintended for theobservation ofthe birthday ofFrederickDouglass and tohonor the greatcontributions of AfricanAmericans to the United States.The week was so well receivedthat it was eventually extended toa month. Will the month beextended to two months?

History of Black History Month

A Role Model

(Thanks to Norma Walker forthe tip off)


Professor Kirby and some of theUniversity of Manitoba Jazzstudents performed for the thirdconsecutive year for the HoracePatterson Foundation fundraisingevent at Centro Caboto Centre inApril 2010 to an appreciativecrowd. Each year the eventattracts a larger number ofpeople. The Foundation raisesfunds to award annualscholarships to students in need. Kirby’s has generously lent histalent to this organizationbecause of his belief in the valueof a good education. Before each performanceKirby gives the audience asnapshot history of Jazz musicwhich has deep roots in theBlack community. He said alltypes of music on the planet havemusic have some connection toJazz.

He said Jazz was first musicinvented that was a reaction tosegregation during the latter partof the 1800s. In North America segregationwas a way of life. That’s just theway things were. “Andsongs were a way of life.” As he explained theprogression of the history of Jazzand how it evolved over theyears, he demonstrated thesephases with examples from themusic from dance bands tomarching bands to soldier bands. This year he introduced ElijahEaston, a first year Jazz studentfrom Washington DC who hasfollowed Professor Kirby toWinnipeg to be under histutelage. Easton is one to watch.Quiet and unassuming, he hasalready performed at the WhiteHouse for President Obama.Check out his facebook for theproof.

Horace Patterson Foundation has a friend in Steve Kirby Jazz Professor


by Sam Dixon, Winnipeg Writer

There are many reasons people decide to run foroffice: a problem to be fixed, an opportunity beingmissed, those being overlooked or left out. The listcould go on but the reason is essentially the same-knowing that things can be better...and the feelingthat they can’t wait any longer for “somebody elseto do something!” Once they know that it can be better, they decidethat they are “somebody” and maybe they’re the onewho will actually “do something” if they get thechance. Politics is hope in action – not just “wanting it tobe better” but really believing that it will be better.Back when Obama was elected I heard many peoplesay where is Our Obama? I don’t know, but I doknow that before there was an Obama there were awhole lot of School Trustees, City Councillors, andMayors; then there were senators & congressman.Before we have a Black Prime Minister there willneed to be more black people running at lowerlevels of government paving the way.So where is our Obama? Maybe in the mirror. Haveyou ever thought about running for office? Youcould be what your community needs so moreyoung people finish high school and go to college orUniversity. Maybe you are the “somebody” whowill make sure that crime is understood to be anaction not a person. If you know the problems and then you probablyalready have some ideas about the solutions – areyou ready? Well, here is a short checklist to startwith: Are you active locally? Are you part ofcommunity groups? Do you volunteer at yourschool or your church? Are you known by yourneighbours? Are you part of the local events andfestivals? Then you have profile!Have you volunteered on political campaigns? Doyou know about the political process? Are youwilling to learn about it? If you met a politicianwhat would you ask her/him? Then you have somepolitical interest! Have you tried to tell somebody about yourconcerns and had nothing done about them? Thenyou have a good reason to run!

Do you know many people? Write up a list–you probably know more people than yourealize. Are you willing to get other peopleto help you? Are there other people whoshare your concerns? Then you have a baseof support! If you have some community profile, aninterest in politics, a good reason to run anda base of support you have a lot of what youneed – you still need money and you stillneed political expertise but you can get thoseby connecting with political parties and thepeople who support them. You are not the only one wondering wherethe next Obama is coming from. Politicalparties are looking too. Each wants to be theone with “Canada’s Obama” so now is agreat time to get involved. This year is anelection year – yes, I know “aren’t they all”,but this year it’s the municipal elections withmany chances to get in at the school boardlevel where you don’t necessarily need a lotof money to win. You have to startsomewhere and at the school board level youcan build you base to move to the next level. For example, the Manitoba Liberal Partyconnects with community leaders inorientation sessions titled “Are you ready forelected office?” The session helps peoplewho are thinking about “running someday”get the basic understanding of what toexpect. Even people who aren’t thinkingabout running for a specific party can benefitfrom this kind of knowledge. So you can getthe political basics and meet people withexperience running campaigns. Maybe you’re not the next Obama butmaybe we don’t need another Obama;maybe we just need more people like you toget involved.

How about you?


Canon Father Henry Falconerdelivered a lively and passionateGospel of Black folks to anengaged audience as the guestspeaker at the opening of BlackHistory Month Event. “African Canadians need tofeel affirmed and to be awareof the contributions made by ourblack ancestors.” He added thatsocial forces have shapedBlacks identities negatively. “The first black person toCanada came here in 1603 andtoday we form the 3rd largestminority group in this country.Yes we are strong.” Black History Month which isthe coldest and shortest month ofthe year, honours the legacy ofBlack people past and present,he noted. “Our ancestors fought toliberate us and justice for allpeople. Slavery existed inCanada. The Loyalist blackswho settled in Manitoba havebeen here for hundreds ofyears.” He named some of the Blackpeople who have madeoutstanding contributions toCanada in various fields. “Oscar

Immanuel Peterson Jazz Pianistwho died in 2007 made 200recordings and was the winner ofseven Grammy awards;Josiah Henderson was a Ministerof the Gospel was born intoslavery in 1830 and developed aschool for fugitive slaves;Michaela Jean came as a refugeeto Canada and today she isstanding high as the GovernorGeneral of Canada.” “Some people think that we areworshipping the God of theWhiteman but Christianity was inthe heart of Africa long before itcame to the Americas or the newworld. He said that Ethiopia has beenmentioned in the scripture as wellas Queen of Sheba and Solomon.“‘I am black and I’m proud. Holdyour head high’ Solomon wrotein the Songs of Solomon.” Canon Falconer said that theChristian faith has carriedBlack ancestors through therough times. They cried out“bakara, backara - my back israw when the pain of the whipwas too much to bear.” Many of us are still carryingthe shackles of slavery, we needto take it off put them behind usand march forward.” he urged. Canon Falconer ministers atthe Holy Trinity Church.

The Errol Bryan production of“Big Bus” was performed to apacked house at the DeafCentre on February 20, 2010.The event was organized bythe Medical Assistance forJamaica (MAJ) in association

with the Afro-CaribbeanDrama Group as a fundraisingevent for MAJ, an organizationthat ships medical equipmentfrom Canada to Jamaica. The show opened with apowerful presentation of thetitle poem “Big Bus” by DaleLewis. The poem set the stagefor what was to follow. There were lots of laughter inthe house as this comedybrought back memories of lifein Jamaica and the Caribbeanin general. It included typicalCaribbean characters like thesweet-talking man, the lazyman and women who would usetheir assets to get their way. The play was written anddirected by Errol Bryan, thecommunity playwright. It had acast which included CarmenBryan, Monica Rhiney, VioletClacken, Shereen Murral,Laurel Wright, Dorothy Dueck,Charmane Daley, RobertMcKenzie, Louise Davy andMcdonald Nurse. Bryan was surrounded byadmirers after the show.

Want a seat on theBig Bus?

Errol Bryan (centre)

Father Canon Falconer:Blacks Need to be

Affirmed


The Council for CaribbeanOrganizations of Manitoba(CCOM) sponsored a forum tobring old and new blacks to sharestories and learn from each other. The session was informativeand was accompanied by culturalperformances. Among those whoshared stories were: Mrs.Evelyn Gardner who wasamong the first Black registerednurses in Manitoba. She workedfor Health Sciences Centre andSt. Boniface Hospital. Shetalked about the days whenPilgrim Baptist Church was themeeting place for Blacks andnewcomers mostly from theCaribbean. “They provided theservice for the Black communityfor free that settlement servicesare now being paid to provide fornew immigrants.” She said themen gathered at the church toplay pools and dominoes.” “West Indians started coming inaround the 1940’s by which timethings had improved for Blacks.”She said even then blacks werenot welcomed in white churches.“You were allowed to attend theWhite church,” she said but aftera while the White memberswould ask ,“don’t you have yourown church?” Evelyn said through hard workand determination she became aRegistered Nurse and laterworked as an operating roomtechnician. Her cousin EuburnGreenidge became the first Blackdoctor in Manitoba. She marriedJohn Oliver and they have beenmarried for most of her life.

Dr. Sunday Olujuko, a recentimmigrant to Winnipeg, said he

started out life in Winnipeg in arough way. He said he didseveral jobs trying to find hisniche before doing what he lovesdoing teaching and working tohelp people. He said the first jobhe had was as a recyclinglabourer. He spent three hourssorting plastic bottles, then heworked at a cleaning job atMcDonalds, delivered flyers onseven streets even during thewinter. Not understanding howvicious the cold could he saidhe went out without the propershoes and his toes were so frost-bitten that his nails fell off. He was eager to get ahead in hisnew country that he tried manyjobs including truck driver, taxidriver, he owned a taxi andacknowledged that that was not abad job but it was not what hewanted to do with his life. Two of the good things thatWinnipeg did for him was helphim to discover his spiritualityandmeet his beautiful wife Deborahthrough whom God gave him thedirection he needed. Father of two handsome sons,Sunday earned his PhD andtaught at Providence College.Presently he is helping newimmigrants at the WinnipegTechnical College. “I am happywith my life now” he said.

Wade Kojo Williams told thestory of one prominent Blackin Canada. Mr. Lincoln M.Alexander who was the firstBlack Member of Parliament andMinister of Labour. He was

UnderstandingOppression, From to

Theory to Action:Journey to Anti-racist

Practices

Enid Leeanti-racisteducatorand activistwas thekeynotespeaker at a

one day conference sponsored bythe Centre of Anti-OppressionCentre on January 29, 2010. Lee, who came to prominencein anti-racism work after herbook Letters to Marcia waspublished about 25 years ago,delivered a stimulating, engagingand informative presentation withenthusiasm that spilled over tothe audience. She said that anti-racistorganizational work is theongoing work of confrontingand dismantling those systemsand structures withinorganizations that limit theopportunities, the rights to theresources for a good educationand the joys of categories ofpeople, she said. Organizations need to dismantleand change oppressive structuresand systems and the

continued on p23

Connecting the Generations Black History 2010appointed 24th LieutenantGovernor of Ontario.Williams said he would like tosee streets named afterprominent Black people duringfuture Black History Month.


Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama’s Other Ancestors

Dr. Vincent HardyDistinguished Civil RightsActivists, historian of theAfrican-American Experience,speech writer and confidant ofMartin Luther King Jr. wasinvited to Winnipeg by theUniversity of Winnipeg on theApril 2, 2009 to deliver a talktitled:.Martin Luther King Jrand Barack Obama’s OtherAncestors at the University ofWinnipeg’s Eckhardt-GramatteHall. It was like being at a rockconcert waiting expectantly forthe star to come out, the energyin the room was palpable. Thelarge theatre was jam-packedwith a cross section of peopleand age groups. Excited chatterprovided a delightful backdrop.Then a charming diminutive, 77year old retired professoremerged smiling jubilantly; at thetime (he’s a couple years oldernow I suppose) expectations werehigh. Like a true professor, heinvited questions from theaudience even before he began hispresentation. “Ï do not want toscratch where you are not itching”.

“What did you think you came tohear or to tell? What did youcome wanting to know moreabout? Dr. Hardy said we neededmore conversations to get toknow each other and he wouldprepare for people to see him asa person coming to engagevis-à-vis a lecture. “Unless that conversation isnurtured in all places,democracy will not be

achieved anywhere. One of thepeople who have been a realinspiration to me is the feministGerman woman author, HannahArendt.”“The conversation has begun. Itis when we are in dialogue thatwe are most human,” he said. Many of the questions centreon Obama’s winning theDemocratic nomination and thepossibility of the first BlackPresident of the United Statesof America. Is Obama theDream that was the question? Professor Hardy claimed thatthe Democratic Convention in2008 that elected BarackObama could not have takenplace without the freedomriders, and the sit-ins. To claim King as ancestor,Hardy said one would have tostart remembering that Kingdid not stop speaking afterAlabama’s three evils that hiscountry must overcome:racism, militarism andmaterialism. He added thatsome Canadians and expatAmericans in the audience hadbeen part of the Freedom

Riders which brought theevents leading up to MLK’sassassination real to theaudience and something notthat far away in history. Dr. Hardy said that King’sdream of 1963 must not satisfyus because after that speechfour young girls were blown up. In 1961 during the height ofthe cold war there was a changein the leadership of the freeworld. Young black people wereasked to fight in wars for otherpeople’s freedom when theirown people could not vote. “Ella Baker used to encourageyoung people to take the lead, shedid not keep her hands aroundthem; she just sat by them andhelped out with voter registration. “Crazy young people justmessed things up. They saidlet’s start on voter registrationin Mississippi, the place wherehundreds of black peopledisappeared in the river” If we do it in Mississippi, wecan do it anywhere. There theyfound supporters such as M.Z.Moore, Victoria Gray, a smallbusiness who sold hair preparations,E.D. King, a white Chaplain, FannyLou Hamer, the 20th child bornin a share-cropping family, hermagnificent voice.” Dr. Hardytold the story to a captivatedcrowd. During the summer of 1964,Freedom people came inMississippi, in buses, cars andon foot, he recalled. He talked about Eyes on thePrize: an powerful award-winning documentary series of


the African American Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1965that was inspired by the song Keep your eyes on the prize. “Weare called to speak for the voices that are silenced. Silence is abetrayal”. Dr. Hardy said that his obsession with the future of democracyin America has been long and out of that there is a continuingsense that democracy cannot grow without engagement anddialogue. As a result of that he has dedicated himself to try toconsciously to fight the academic of love of lectures. “That’s notwhat we need more of now.” Dr. Hardy relived some of the sad times in his own life. He saidhe trained hundreds of young people many of whom were killed –people like James Kenny, Andrew Goodman, and MichaelSchamer who he classified as ancestors. “When I think ofancestors I think of three women in particular, Martin LutherKing’s maternal grandmother who lived in the house with him ashe was growing up who loved him and inspired him to live up toher best expectations. Loretta, who was a little older than Martinwas a powerful partner to him and Rosa Parks who was present inMontgomery when Martin arrived, who moved before Martinmoved. She was an inspiration to King.”Dr. Hardy concluded that civil rights was too narrow to describethe movement. “It was a movement for the expansion ofdemocracy in the USA,” he said. Hardy said Fanny Lou Hamer attended the DemocraticConvention but blacks were segregated. He said Hamer spokeand sang. She said she questioned the Democratic Party. At thatconvention The Democratic Party said there can be no moresegregation at Democratic conventions. Fast forward to Democratic Convention 2008, without peoplelike Fanny Lou Hammer that could not have happened, Hardysaid. Martin Luther King wanted Americans to give up racism, todeal with the poverty in the midst of riches and for Americans tostop defining themselves by what they have and what can be seenand for the United States to stop being the creator and purveyor ofviolence in the world. Dr. Hardy was asked the question what is his dream. Hisresponse was “Ï am deeply influenced by the yearlong campaign.If you allow yourself to hunger for righteousness, you will befilled”. He advised young people to keep themselves inreadiness for what is right – hunger and thirst for what is rightand as this goes on they will find new ways of transforming theplanet. “There is a job for the youths if they are ready for it. We haveto be getting ready to create new possibilities,” he said.

continued from p22 The death of MLK threw offthe civil rights movement for along time what is our worknow? Dr. Hardy asked. “Writing the Vietnam speech Ibelieve was what got Martinkilled. The personal is politicaland there is no separation. Ifour political work is notpersonal but a work that willhelp us all become morehuman, it is not surprising thatin the midst of a gathering likethis someone would want tosay or tell us about his sisterwho died. This is so important.What could we do togetherabout this?” Dr. Hardy saidresponding to a young manwho got up and shared hisincredible pain and loss he wasfeeling at the recent death of asister he loved so much.His wife of 43 years, RosemaryHarding died 5 years before

language that perpetuate thenegative aspects of people mustchange within systems such as amedia, police and education”. Lee said that the book“Letters to Marcia” Ateacher’s guide to anti-racisteducation will be reprintedlater in the year with someupdated information.

Lee cont’d from p21

Some of the participants at theconference


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HAPPY 6OTH BIRTHDAY TO BOSE AGABAYEWAand still looking like 40

She has been described as theMother Teresa of the Nigeriancommunity, the woman who isefficient, effective and dispensestough love to those she loves.She is not one who loves togossips but is a patient listener tothose who need her attention.She sets the example of healthyliving by going for her morningpower–walks and maintaining asteady weight and she is afaithful customer of localbusinesses. These were some ofthe ways in which the Nigeriancommunity as well as some ofher colleagues described Bose

Agabayewa at her 60th

Anniversary party held at theCanad Inn at Polo Park in April. They showered her with loveand dollar bills too! And whenthey took the floor Bose showedthem how to do it too. Mother of three children whomshe raised for most of their yearsas a single parent, Bose received

loving, touching messagesfrom her two sons who couldnot be present at this specialoccasion. One of her sons, thefilm maker was presentinghis film at a Universitygathering. Her daughter gaveher mother a beautifullythoughtful toast. When it comes toleadership, both Nigerianmen and women tipped theirhats off to Bose for what shedid for the community. Shetook on the leadership at its

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George HickesMLA for Point Douglas

Gaffingwid Buddy

Man I had a great time dis pastBlack History. There was variety ofactivities from which to pick andchoose. There were history lesson,gospel concerts, forums, culturalawareness workshop and manyopportunities for the community toget together . We had two greatspeakers thru de workers of coloursupport network that were like abreath of fresh air. Drs. AfuaCooper and Sefa Dei brought theCanadian and African historieswithin the context of black history,that were informative andenlightening. Dr. Afua Cooper just happened todeliver her comprehensive talk at thePilgrim Baptist Church which is animportant piece of black history.Back in de days, it was the hub of theblack community. Everywan wentdere to chill and lime man. It was dedays when Blacks were natwelcomed as dey do now an datchurch was de place to getinfamation about tings dat mattered.It felt good being in dat church again.Dese days it is a shadow of it formaself since every community is doingits own ting. Life evalve I suppose. Dr. Afua’s talk was riveting. Shetook us fram the beginning to whehwe are today. I couldda listen to thestories the whole night. It was sweetjus getting a good picture of the delandscape in dem old days Blackpeople smart yuh know and have alatta guts. Dey try anyting fromgoing up Narth in the frigid cold toriding de rodeo no wanda demJamaicans left hat hat Jamaica tocome and tek part in the tobogganrace in de freezing Hartic Canada. Dr. Dei connected the audience tode past and de ways dat sustainedour people and which we need torevisit if we are to give de youngwans de tools to succeedspiritually, emotionally andintellectually.


Zizi the continuing storyZizi and Leyroy arrived at hercousin’s Patsy’s home fordinner around six o’clock. Ziziwas starving. She thought theexciting news had made hernervously hungry and couldeasily devour a cow. Sensingher hyperactive energy Leyroykept telling her to calm down.“It’d be alright. I‘ll bewatching your back like ahawk” Leyroy said as theywalked in to the house afterparking his car a little distancefrom the house.“I’m calm,” Zizi saiddefensively, “this is all soquick. I hope I don’t screw itup.”“You won’t because you’d bedoing something that’s right upyour alley. You’d have areason to find out otherpeople’s business, eh.”“So what you saying?” I am anosey parker, like getting intopeople’s business?”“Something like that. “Youhaven’t changed much youknow. Remember how you’djump over barbed wire fence tohear what your neighbour wasquarrelling about?”Zizi pushed him playfully“That’s not nice to say to yourpartner with a gun?”“Whoa, I’m shaking in myboots with a cop who doesn’teven have a gun.... Yet?“Gosh, I’m more scared aboutthe gun than anything else.What if I kill somebody? I amnot prepared for all thisdrama.” “Try not to worry your prettylittle head. Everything will bealright”, Leyroy saidreassuringly. “ I’m hungryman. I hope Brenda got somehot curried chicken cooking upthere. Does she know I’mcoming with you?”

“No, I didn’t know you’d beshowing up when you did.Anyway since we are going tobe partners, I mean workingpartner-partners, she had betterget accustomed to you hangingaround .” “I’m hoping well be roommate kindof partners soon. It’ll save me latenight trips back and forth..” “You must be out of yourrockers Leyroy. You knowliving home with a guy is notin my cards. Call me old-fashioned but mommy raisedme well, alright” “It was just a thought”“Well, keep it that way boy.”

If Brenda was surprised shedid not let on. She welcomedLeyroy with open arms. “How is my cuz?” she saidhugging Zizi and kissing hercheeks. Her two nephewsalmost strangled her with theirhugs. Zizi had not seen themfor about a month which was along time since she saw themregularly on a weekly basis. “Are you going to sleep overtonight aunty Zizi?”... askedquickly adding, “we can playdominoes till late.” “Not tonight sweetheart, but Ipromise soon. You guys cancome and keep me companyand give your mom and dad anevening out okay? We’ll cookand I’ll make some homemadeice-cream and we’ll playdomino and watch movies tillas late as you can stay up. Howdoes that sound?”“Cool.” “Mom, can we go?” “Sure you can but you’llhave to get up early for cricketpractice.” “Oh yeah we have cricketpractice at 10:00 o’clockSaturdays and Sundays.”

“I used to love playingcricket. Do you guys like it?” “Dad likes it” “He likes it a lot” “Okay, we won’t go there.”

Zizi felt fortunate that hernephews liked hanging outwith her. Kids their age likedhanging out with their peers.“

“Okay guys go wash up fordinner and help me set thetable,” Brenda said to the boys “Can I help with anything?”Zizi asked “Yeah let’s go in the kitchenand leave these guys to getcaught up with their sports.”“How about bringing two coldones?” Morgan called out“Don’t push it.” “I’m famished “Leyroy said“There’s a lot of food man, we’re inCanada,” said Brenda.The aroma of bunjay chickenwafted through the house andawakened Leyroy’s ethnic senses.It reminded him of his mother’skitchen in Guyana, it was a timehe wished he could recapture inreal life. Brenda had cooked up a storm.There was chicken, roast beef,mauby and coconut biscuits,sweet potatoes - the works all onthe table. “Looks like you’ve beencooking since last week man”Leyroy said teasingly “This is nothing,” Brendabragged “I don’t take long to cookany of this stuff.” “This is delicious Brenda. Youare getting better at this in yourold age girl,”said Zizi. “Aunty Zi when you’re gettingyour gun?” “Soon, my love, soon. Don’tyou worry, never fear any morebecause your Aunty Zi willalways be near, alright?” She saidand winked at him.


Books Worthy of Note

Watering the Beloved DesertNew and Selected Poems byMvuula Ya NangoloPublisher: Brown Turtle PressForeword: Dr. Frank ChipasulaThe author is a Namibian. Ifyou are interested in readingabout SWAPO struggles forfreedom under the Apartheidregime in the former SouthAfrica, this volume will be atreat for you.“Very few regional poets haveprojected police brutality underApartheid with such deadlyaccuracy as Nangolo does in“Policeman” a poem thatexudes the defiant thought of aperson arrested.... The volumethemes with defiant voices ofpeople in the struggle” wroteDr. Chipasula.68ppPrice $14.95

Two Hands Approach to theEnglish language Volume IIA Symphonic AssemblageThe Father Tongue, MotherTongue, The ClosingPublisher: Dowling and Watson$21.00 through Amazon.com

An innovative way to teachEnglish language andespecially to teach English as anAdditional Language. The twohands represents the twohemispheres of how the brainsperceive, process and respond toreality and the importance ofmodelling sentence forms foreffective writing as well reading

out loud and the writer’s voiceand creative interpretation ofreading. One of the best guides to theEnglish language presented in anintegral, fresh, andcomprehensive way, with a newmethod for reading, and morethan 800 pages of fun exercises,instructions to learning English.Note: Authors Watson andDowling is scheduled to be inWinnipeg to deliver a seminaron how to use this book toteach English. Another tool forEAL teachers toolkit worthchecking out. Stay tuned formore information on theworkshop.

Black History Month (BHM)2010 may go down as one of themost exciting in years because ofthe variety of interesting activities. There were activities from dayone to the last day that had folkshopping from one event to thenext. The activities includedconcerts, comedy showcase, jobfair, gospel concert, communityluncheon, drama, history lesson,cultural awareness workshop,musical theatre and communityawards. We can say we had ourcollective exercise for the year.Now we will clean our runningshoes and tuck them away untilnext year. It does not have to be this way.We can keep the momentumgoing and pick up speed comenext Black History Month. Wecould continue to learn aboutBlack history, share our culturewith the larger community andcontinue to meet as a communityto discuss our future in Winnipegand our youth involvement. The Black History Committeehas been given notice by theyouths. They are ready andwilling to step into the shoes oftheir predecessors and plan andexecute the Black History Monthevents. Judging by the events thatwere planned and executed byyouths, I will say the communityhas nothing to worry about. Ouryouths are ready and capable.They have been watching theirelders and have learned how toorganize. I think it is time thecommunity give the youths achance to take the lead in thisarea. We say they are our future.The future is here. The organizers of Black HistoryMonth 2010 must be congratulatedfor their hard, dedicated work. Ittook many volunteer hours toaccomplish what they did. Thank you.

BHM A Great Success


’Do you know who I am’,were the first words NoraWelch said to me – Wedidn’t, really, being new toWinnipeg in so many ways,and I wasn’t quite too surewe were ready to find out.Forthright, neat, trendy,proud, honourable andstrong-willed were just a fewof the things we observed ofher during our rather lengthyintroduction one autumnmorning in 2007. A smallnumber of seasons wouldpass since that day, and shehad eventually become oneof the most welcomed facesin the shop. Every week ortwo Leia, the kids, andmyself were treated to somenew fancy; sponge cake,rum cake, banana bread,sorrel; sometimes just hercompany - following adoctors appointment,sharing our collectiveexperiences over a cup ofPeppermint tea, sometimesGinger Honey, dependingon her mood - was enoughto get us through some ofthe darker periods of ourinaugural year in business.She loved our kids verymuch, especially Annie, andshe understood howimportant and complicatedour dynamic is as a youngfamily; her empathy has

Do You Know Who I Ambeen of benefit to us moretimes than we can relate,she herself having been in asimilar situation yearsbefore. I do not believe everyonewill remember her shop withthe same generosity, butwho can deny that she wasthe first - the ‘Godmother’of ethnic-Black-West Indianstores in Winnipeg - thereare so many she hashelped, many who stillremain indebted to her. Shealways spoke militantly ofCaribbean Shield, and hadbeen most loyal to usparticularly at times whenproducts were sparse andcompany morale was low.Though she used to tell memany times to keep goingwith the shop, and don’t letmyself get down - I do notimagine those few lines ofencouragement may haveever fallen as gracefullyfrom her lips as the last timeI would hear them, in herown voice – two days beforeshe left for Jamaica inDecember 2009. Like many I too have yetto fully realize she will notbe returning to Winnipeg -although as a community wecan talk about it and resolvethat she is safer now,probably beyond the

mathematical measure ofthis world, be it media ormedium, beyond the usualassociated philosophy,beyond our judgement andold grudges - and I can see,too, that even when readingback this letter to myself, myreflections somehow lackthe depth of sadness I reallyfeel; feelings that can not begathered up so easily as tobe squeezed without effortfrom the chamber of a penand conveyed in their truecomplexity on something assimple as a spread oflooseleaf. Our final words toyou, Auntie Nora, are thatwe will never forget you, andwe pray that you have leftus all a kind word at thegate before you begin thelong walk home - that it mayremind us in prayer you arenever as far in spirit as youwere in body at the time ofbeckoning. And, to finallyanswer your question - ‘Do Iknow who you are’ – yes,with a heavy heart, I do. Ionly wish there had beentime to know you more.

We Love You AlwaysNeil, Leia, Christian,Anileia & Leio Tanman-PitamberCaribbean Shield, Inc.

Caribbean Shield *** 634 Notre Dame Avenue,


Black History Month

BEST WISHES FOR

PREMIER GREG SELINGER & THE NDP CAUCUS OF MANITOBA


Showcase of young talent - Black History 2010


Through My father’s eyes - Connecting the historical dots

Through my Father’s Eyes is a variety show/theatrical productioncomprised of dance, spoken words, music and songs that was

sponsored by CommunityVibes Inc. and Anansi Schoolfor the Performing Arts. Thenarrator of the journey of aboy’s discovery of his historyand culture through the eyes ofhis father, was by 10 year oldAndrew Oyeleru whoseparents are from Nigeria andthe Caribbean.

The production involved a cross section oftalents from singing, dancing, drumming todramatic reading by Chipalo Simuyola, TroyOsiname one of the movers and shakers ofthis production, baton twirling by award-winning and judge for the sport, LeishaStrachan, steelband music by thePanhandlers and professional dancer TamaraShurland. The event drew a sold-out crowd at theEllice Street Theatre and was highlyentertaining and full of surprises. Through my Father’s Eyes was written by

Cultural Dancers Anansi Dance Group

Laurice Bennett,Gospel Singer

Ghanian Dancer

Troy Osiname

Troy Osiname, Heulwen Jones andDr. Leisha Strachan, produced byTroy Osiname and directed RayStrachan. The dramaturge andvideographer was Thembani Mduli. Community Vibes Inc. is a non-profit group working to engagemulticultural youth in the arts,sports, education and outreach/service activities. Anansi School forthe Performing Arts aims toexpose youth to Caribbean andAfrican cultures. The leaders of these groupspromised the community manymore such shows in the future.

We have to talk about liberatingminds as well as liberatingsociety.” — Angela Davis


Some of the Folks who participated in Black History 2010 Petty Officer Andre Sheppard whois currently a recruiter for HMCSChippeway was the popular guy thisyear for the impressive display hecarried around at most of the BlackHistory events which depictedphotographs of Blacks who served inthe military. Patricia Clements aWinipeg resident said she recognizedsome of her relatives in the display. Originally from Nova Scotia, PettyOfficer Sheppard was a speaker atBHM Opening ceremony. He spokebriefly about what life was when hewas growing up living in Africvillewhich is now a historic park. Africvillewas on prime land near to the sea, toogood for poor Black folks. Therelocation took place between 1964and 1967. Officer Sheppard said blacks are stilltreated like second class citizens inNova Scotia. He said they learn littleabout Black History in Canada. Almost all of the inhabitants ofAfricville were blacks he said. Thisslum dwelling created by the BlackLoyalists in 1815 was perched on theedge in North Preston on the shores ofthe Bedford basis on the outskirts ofHalifax. At the time of relocation therewere about 400 blacks who lived there. In 2005 the NDP MLA MaureenMcDonald introduced a bill in thehouse to issue a formal apology to thepeople of Africville for the disservicethe state did in the way they wereremoved from their home and land. Petty Officer has been with the Navyfor 32 years and with the Military 28years and said he is proud to serve hiscountry and proud to be able to sharepart of Black History with thecommunity.

Participant viewing the display


While most people wait until thedemise of their loved ones orrespected individuals to honourthem with memorial scholarships,not so for Audrey Gordon. At the Black History Monthcommunity awards banquet,Gordon unveiled a scholarship“Honour our Youth, LeonardSimms, Health and RecreationScholarship” to honour herfather, who migrated to Canadaon February 17, 1971. He ownedand operated the L. SimmsConstruction company from 1975-1989. He is very much alive inToronto. Gordon said her father firmlybelieves in the value of educationand that education is the key tothe future and the gateway tobuilding equal opportunity for all.He also believes in healthy living. This scholarship of $500 cashwill be given to a youth within theBlack community who hasdemonstrated outstandingcommunity leadership qualitiesand serves as a positive rolemodel for others. The Annual deadline is October31st and recipients will be notifiedin January. The first scholarshipaward went to Deanne CatherineSimms who is a PhD ClinicalPsychology candidate and Mr.Simms’ grand daughter. For moreinformation about the Scholarshipcall 786-5496

New ScholarshipUnveiled

Photo of Mavis McLaren andAudrey Gordon (above)

Community Awards of Excellence

Congratulations to all the Community Award WinnersEach year the Black History Month committee select deserving individualswho have contributed to community service and have achieved in business andeducation to honour with awards of recognition.This year the winners are:Christine Lyons (business),Petty Officer Andre Sheppard (community service)Mrs. Lystra Kauldher (Education) Ellen Olagunju (community service), CraigSharp (sports) Canon Father Henry Falconer, (religion), Deanne Simms(Health and Recreation) (not in picture)

Fitzroy Smith,President ofJamaicanAssociation ofManitoba Inc - r

Brian Archer andTaye Zegege - l

Lola Hibbert, Emcee -What a beautiful outfit! William Bancroft, Poet

Mavis McLaren receivesbouquet from Ms Lyons


Leaders who brought greetings at some Black History Events

Above: Margaret Strachan, Councilof Caribbean Organizations of ManitobaPresident,

Hon. Flor Marcelino, Minister ofCulture,

Carmen Nembhard, Representative ofJamaica Government in Manitoba

Hon. Shelly Glover, MP St. Boniface,His Worship Mayor Sam Katz, City ofWinnipeg

Trudy Turner, represented,Conservative Party of ManitobaSharon Blady, MLA Kirkfield Park

brought greetings at the COBWJamaican Folk Ensemble performed

for Black History Opening.

Below participants at the City of Winnipeg, Equity and Diversity meet and greet event,December 2009 at the City Hall.

When you control a man’sthinking you do not have to worryabout his actions.Carter G. Woodson


Dr. Afua Cooper, universityprofessor took her audience ona journey through the history ofCanada’s black folks in anengaging, entertaining andinformative way with the helpof power-point graphics. Hercaptivated audience listenedwith rapt attention like theywere listening to an enchantingfairy tale. Except there was nofairy in this tale. In this storyCanada was seen as ThePromised Land for Blackpeople south of the border whocame over to Canada as thefirst free Blacks known as TheBlack Loyalists. These Blackscreated the first Black Churchand the first Black benevolentsocieties in North America.The Black Loyalists establishedcommunities of former slaves.“They had agency and werearchitects of their own lives.” In 1782 whites attackedBlacks in Birchtown NovaScotia and destroyed many oftheir homes. In 1784, 1500Black settlers sailed on 15 shipsfrom Halifax back to the Africancountry of Sierra Leone. During the war of 1812between Britain and the UnitedStates, British governmentcalled on African Americans tojoin in the war for freedom. TheBrits evacuated 2000 plusrefugee from Chesapeake toNova Scotia. Seventy-fivefamilies decided to go toTrinidad and Tobago instead.The Underground Railway(UGR) era was between 1815-1861 when the American CivilWar began. The UGR was asecret network of helpers ofrunaway slaves who came from

upper south to Northern Statesto Canada. The civil war created twostates, Canada and the UnitedStates and because the slavesfought for the British theybecame refugees in Canada andthat created some enmitybetween Canada and the USA. Slaves in Ontario and Quebecwere protected by the Britishlaws. The slaves createdcommunities such as Buxton,Amherst, St. Catherines separatefrom whites. Segregation was inplace in Canada as it were in theStates. There were segregatedschools, restaurants, churchesand stage coaches. The promised land turned out tobe a hard land for Blacks. Blackfreedom was circumscribedbecause of racism anddiscrimination. The Commodore was the shipon which the first emigrants fromCalifornia came to Victoria in1858 in Salt Spring Island fleeingJim Crow laws in the US. Duringthat time gold was discoveredand thousands of white minersdescended in BC. James Douglass worked for theHudson Bay Company. He wasfrom the then British Guyana. Hemarried Amelia, a Metis woman.

Douglass moved through theranks of the Hudson BayCompany and became theMayor of Victoria. Prior to thathe was governor of PortlandOregon but had to leave so hewas equipped for the mayoraljob. Meanwhile California hadbecome a free state and manyblacks migrated there searchingfor freedom in America butCalifornia was segregated just thesame. The business peoplecontrolled all areas of government. Peter Lest and Mifflin Gibbsowned a clothing shop inCalifornia and a white man camein and beat them up badly andnothing happened to the man. Following that incident manyBlacks left California in drove.Many moved to places likeMexico and Panama. JamesDouglas sent a message to thepeople of Zion Baptist churchinviting them to come to BC.Many of them decided to go toVictoria instead of Mexicobecause of the language. Arthur Kennedy, becamegovernor of BC in 1854 andthings changed for blacks.Kennedy did not like BlacksMifflin Gibbs opened the firstGeneral Store in BC thatcompeted with the Hudson Baycompany. He became citycouncillor and is credited withbuilding the first railroad andturning Victorafrom a shantytown into a realcity.

The Promised Land

cont’d on p

Debbie Mason,WOCSN memberwas the emcee


Canadian MunicipalitiesAgainst Racial Discrimination(CMARD) held a successfulone-day event at the ClarionHotel in Winnipeg. Thesession was interactive andfeatured guest speaker from theRace Relations Committee andmajor stakeholders were allrepresented includinggovernment, Non-governmental Organizations,Police and the Mayor ofWinnipeg. A cross section ofthe community including old,young, multicultural, FirstNations, Jewish, Muslims andRefugee populationsvigorously participated in thedialogue. Participants weredivided into groups and eachgroup discussed a series ofquestion and reported asummary of the discussion atthe plenary. Leslie Spillett, ExecutiveDirector of KaNiKaNichichgave an impassionedpresentation on the impact ofcolonialism and systemicdiscrimination on hercommunity. “If change is to happen, thereneeds to be a sharing ofpower,” she said and addedthat Aboriginal peopleexperience hate crimes andgave examples of some of thecrimes she is talking aboutincluding the increasingnumber of missing andmurdere Aboriginal women. There were break-out groupsbrainstorming on differenttopics the results of which areto be produced in report whichwill be available to the public.Check with the City’s CitizenEquity Committee.

In Your Backyard

Former Premier ofManitoba, Hon. GaryDoer and BettyHopkins are among adozen Manitobansnamed to receive theOrder of Manitoba -

the highest honour a resident canreceive from the Province. Theinvestiture will takeplace on July 14 atthe Legislativebuilding. A former socialworker, andcommittedprofessional volunteer of manyyears, Betty Hopkins hasvolunteered in severalorganizations for many years butin recent years she has workeddoggedly for the equality ofwomen through LEAF Manitoba.She is the current chair of LEAF(Legal Education Action Fund)Manitoba Chapter, Inc.

Congratulations to FormerPremier of Manitoba, Hon. GaryDoer and Betty Hopkins

New Funeral Codeof Ethics protectsgrieving families

Unless you are one of thosepeople who prearrange yourfuneral, much of thisarrangement falls on theshoulder of loved ones. Theyare called to make criticalfinancial decisions at a timewhen they are most vulnerable.Minister Mackintosh, hasbrought in legislation that willmake it easier for families tocope with all the decisions theyhave to make when they are inthe midst of grief. The Code ofEthics now in force requiresthat:. price lists in plain languageare provided;· remains cannot be withheld ifpayment is late;· family confidentiality ismaintained;· family directions arefollowed;· advertising is truthful and notmisleading;· a mandatory, 24-hour contractcancellation period is in place;and· a family or independentadviser is present when apurchaser is a vulnerableperson.The Code of Ethics andregulations are backed up witha direction that funeraldirectors inform purchasers oftheir rights and the complaintprocess at an initial meeting. For more information pleasecontact 204-947-1098 or 254Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MBR3C 0B6. Maxine McCrae, LEAF

Secretary at Equality Dayreception at Government House

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The Promised LandGibbs a father of 5, returned tothe USA where he studied lawand became a judge in LittleRock Arkansas. He died in 1915and his daughters Harriet and Idacarried on his work. Gibb’s wifeMaria was among the mosteducated woman in the colony.She attended Oberlin College.Ida Gibbs attended the firstWomen’s conference in Paris Sylvia Stark was bornenslaved, in Clay County,Missouri, USA in 1839. Sheand her family moved toCalifornia to BC and put downroots in Salt Springs Island. Shewas one of the first trainedteachers. Stark lived throughtwo small pox and herdecendants still live there. In 1864 Victoria joined themainland and became BritishColumbia. In 1961 Rosemary Brown whocame to Canada as a socialworker rose to become the firstblack woman to enter the BCLegislature. In 1974 she made abid for the federal NDPleadership but lost to EdBroadbent. A commemorativestamp was published inBrown’s honour. Around 1974 Gregory Barnesplayed ball with BC lion andentered BC Parliament. By the end of the 19th centuryAfrican American trickled in fromCaribbean to Central Canada.Most came as domestic workers. From 1867-1967 Canada hadexclusionary immigration policies.Canada was reconceptualized asa white man’s country. Blacks

Decendants of the Stark family JudySims and her mother Nadine Sims.Below is Sylvia Stark.

were allowedin only asdomestics,students,nurses andfarm workers.Blacks had togo to the USto pursue higher education. Afua said in those days blackshad a civilization that took care ofits own from the womb to thetomb. Because Canada was part ofthe British Empire, letters ofprotest were written from thethen British Guiana and otherparts of the Empire denouncingtthe exclusionary immigrationpolicies. In 1962 while former CanadianPrime Minister John JohnDiefenbaker travelled on the trainfrom Saskatchewan he wasserved by Black porters and theytalked to him about theirproblems with discrimination. Hetold them to write a letter to himwhich they did. In that same yearDiefenbaker took a stand againstSouth Africa Apartheid. He wasthe only white leader to do so.He also introduced the pointsystem which was considered anequitable alternative but thatresulted in a massive brain drain

from poorer to richer countries.Migrants from poorer countrieshad to have a grade 12 Englisheducation and Europeans had tohave a grade three to qualify.Nineteen-sixty-seven was awatershed year for immigrationfrom the Caribbean, Asia andAfrica. The 1980’s and 90’s sawincreases in refugees to Canada.(to be concluded in the nextissue - Dr. Afua takes outWest including Winnipeg)

Ms. Anna Tynes welcomedand hosted participants to theSpeaker event as a member of thePilgrim Baptist Church and gavesome background informationabout the Church. Mrs. Tynes isone of the old Black families inWinnipeg.


GLOBAL BRIEFS Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada announced that theYoung Newcomers InternshipProgram would become apermanent program, after a 1-year pilot project proved to besuccessful. Last week, CanadianImmigration Minister JasonKenney announced that theprogram would be expandedbecause of the success of thepilot program. During the four-month paid internship 12government-sponsored refugeesfrom Sudan, Burma, Somalia,Burundi, Ethiopia, and Afghanistanparticipated of which seven werehired full time. “When newcomers succeed,we all succeed.” Kenney said.

Peterborough wants moreimmigrants

Mr. Paul Ayotte, Mayor ofPeterborough, a medium sizedtown in Southern Ontariowants to attract more immigrantsto his town. The town has set upan online portal that can betranslated in 16 languages tomake it easier for immigrants tofind it and to learn what the citycould offer. Peterborough isprepared with resources to helpnewcomers settle and integrate.”Our community values newCanadians, as well as the skills,experience and the knowledgethey bring with them... So ourdoor is open,” said Ayotte.

Saskatchewan has become apopular destination forimmigrants to Canada becauseof its growing economy andavailability of jobs. Largelydue to the SaskatchewanImmigrant Nominee Program(SINP), the province has beenwelcoming a high level of

newcomers, and has created anonline portal for these newcomersto find the services they need. “This new website will serve asan important gateway fornewcomers arriving inSaskatchewan and will helpconnect them with theinformation, people, resourcesand services they need to stayand succeed in Saskatchewan,”said Rob Norris, Saskatchewanminister in charge of immigrationto the province.

Canadian Immigration MinisterJason Kenney announcedproposed changes to Canada’srefugee system that he sayswill provide more protection tothose who need it and willdeter those who do not needCanada’s protection fromtaking advantage of the system.The changes Kenney isproposing were announcedrecently amidst protest bysome immigrant serviceproviders: Here are some of thechanges:

Shorter wait times for eligibleclaimants to have their casesheard;

The development of a list ofSafe Countries of Origin;

Faster removal for failedrefugee claimants;

An increase of 2,500 refugeesaccepted under the Canada’sresettlement program ofrefugees selected by the UnitedNations and other referralorganizations;

An increase in funding forsocial assistance for newlyarrived refugees by $9-millionannually.

Congratulations to Ms WandaYamamoto, who has recentlybeen elected the new Chair of theCanadian Council for Refugees. Wanda is currently also theVolunteer Manager at WelcomePlace, Manitoba InterfaithImmigration Council (MIIC) andhas been a passionate advocatefor refugee rights for many years.Global Eyes Magazine memberswish her well and a successfulterm. There is a lot of work to bedone.

LOCAL BRIEFSNew Canadian

Council for RefugeeChair

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Attorney General Hon. AndrewSwan recently appointed DaleSchille to the provincial court. Schille grew up in Winnipeg andKenya, where his father was partof a foreign aid project. Hereceived his law degree from theUniversity of Windsor in 1988. Hebegan his career serving as aCrown attorney in Toronto. Hejoined the Manitoba ProsecutionService in 1995. Most recently, heserved as general counsel, dealingalmost exclusively with complexand serious cases.

New Judge for Manitoba

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