Melanistic Magazine - Vol 13

melanistic L IF E I N B LA C

TO MY

YOUNG, BLACK E NTRE PRE NE URS

OUR HISTORY IN EDMONTON

TO P 5 BLAC K

SUPERHEROES

VOL.XIII · WINTER 2023

TH E C AR I B B E A N E X PER I E NCE

Lands occupied, travelled, and cared for by many Indigenous peoples.

This place, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.

We thank the creator for providing to us this place upon which to share our experiences, languages, culture, heritage and stories.

-All my relations.

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melanistic TABLE OF CONTENTS

5

E D I T O R'S W ELC OME

6

I N T HE K NOW 2K23

8

T OP 5 BLAC K S U PERHERO ES

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AR TI ST SPO TLI GHT: KAR ELLA CU M M I NGS

ME LAN IST IC M A GA Z I N E VOL.13 Publisher Greg Davis Editor Taneya Rogers Media/Sales Director Nigel Williams Artistic Director JoAnne Pearce Marketing Director NiLo Public Relations Robert Tyndale

C ON TRI BU T O RS

Karima Leslie, Donna CoombsMontrose, NiLo, Kyle Smith, Nigel Williams, Josiah Aaron Cover photo: Tracey Jazmin

C O NT ACT: melanisticmagazine@gmail.com www.melanisticmagazine.com

T H I S I SSU E M A DE PO S S IB LE BY

16-19 T M Y B E 20 23 23

D A TI NG W H I LE BLACK

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HI STO R Y O F THE CAR I BBEAN

F OR U S BY U S: THE AFR I -CA N CON NECT SO CI ETY

TD is proud to March TD BANK Forward.

Black History doesn’t end on February 28th and neither does our support.

We’re committed to driving positive, sustainable change for Black customers, communities, and colleagues in February and March Forward.

Learn more at td.com/marchforward

The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of the Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.

EDIT O R ’S W E LC O ME

Taneya Rogers History is being created every day. Our efforts now build on the progress made by those who have walked before us. That said, I don’t believe that most of our historical Black figures set out to ‘create history.’ Martin Luthor King Jr and Malcom X were driven by a vision for their community. Rosa Parks was driven by a desire for equity and… well, comfort. Harriet Tubman was driven by her love for her people and a burning anger toward slavery. In documenting and retelling their stories momentum builds, attention is drawn to the issue, action (hopefully) is taken, and history is made.

As we reflect on the strides that Black communities have made and the leaders who have disrupted the systems that did not serve us well, I dedicate this issue to the storytellers. As Melanistic celebrates its 3rd year in print, we tip our hats to those who take charge of telling Black stories with integrity and authenticity; to those who are creating spaces for Black voices in the media and publishing world; and to those who recognize that cultural relevance impacts consumption.

I give to my community. With Vancouver Foundation, my giving lasts forever.

Get started at vancouverfoundation.ca/give.

In the Know 2k22

BE IN THE KNOW

As we collectively look and see 2022 blazing in the rear view, 2023 has not wasted a moment and is already coming at us fast! Here’s what you need to know, to be In The Know.

1

Canadian Hip Hop legend, Kardinall Offishall, was appointed head of international A&R at Def Jam Records.

2

Jamaican, Michael Tulloch has become the first Black Chief of Justice for the province of Ontario.

3

Black Beauty Brand, Mielle Cosmetics signs a 100 million dollar development deal with Proctor and Gamble.

4

“Disconnected : the wedding planner” written by local writer Brian Ghettuba premiers on Netflix.

5

Faraoli Adam and Yasmin Samatar started a company called Mawadda which makes disposable sanitary Hijabs for health care workers.

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Creates Communities Find Yours.

Find A Home Search for new homes in amenity-rich communities. Find your perfect place.

MelcorCommunities.ca

Find A Space

Lease premiere space for retail or professional businesses of all sizes.

Find your perfect space.

MelcorSpace.ca

Scan a QR code to start your search.

Search Homes

Search Space

5

TOP

BY: NiLo

BLACK SUPERHEROES We’re seeing an increase of Black Superheroes with the release of more superhero movies, and more independent comic writers. We might call it the Black Superhero Renaissance, a term we’ve fully made up for the purpose of this column. Let’s go through the top 5 Black Superheroes.

was one of, if not, the first time we saw a Superhero from 5. SPAWN Spawn a major comic come to the big screen. Al Simmons is a human

who makes a deal with the devil and now hunts criminals, Spawn is an Anti-hero type. In addition to teleporting, shape-shifting, and time freeze - he also has the power of resurrection.

Cage is one of the first 4. Luke Cage aka Powerman Luke Superheroes to have a title of a

comic, and be the main character of a comic book. After being falsely imprisoned, Luke Cage submits himself to scientific testing, which leaves him with unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength. He gets out of jail and becomes a superhero for hire.

a while I thought 3. Falcon For Falcon was not

better than Batman, as he has minimal Superhero powers and lots of gadgets, including mechanical wings that help him fly. However, with the help of professor Xavier, he fuses psychically with his falcon Redwing and then is able to have a connection with every bird.

Hollywood 2. storm Although has had a difficult

time giving us the Storm we deserve, we still stand with this Queen of the Cumulonimbus. Storm or Ororo Monroe is an African Witch/Priestess who is also a subspecies of humans with special abilities. Storm controls all weather and lightning and in some comics is also the Boo Thang of T’Challa.

the first Black Superhero comic and the 1.The Black Panther As first major motion picture, The Black Panther

will always be a cultural icon. The suit, the technology, the fashion, the hair… Black Panther has solidified itself as a cultural icon.

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397

UNION MADE

Arts & Culture

10 MELANISTIC

KARELLA CUMMINGS

by: TANEYA ROGERS

Karella Cummings is a rare musical talent. An established DJ, who plays multiple instruments, and happens to have a vocal range that could devour any genre of music.

Born in Oakville ON but raised in Edmonton by musicloving, Trinidadian parents, created a cultural fluidity that translates into her music. She shares that to be a successful DJ or musician in Edmonton, you must remain versed in a range of musical genres.

Soca music, however, is her first love.``I’m attracted to the creativity that you have to use with the lyrics in soca.

You’re essentially playing with three chords but how you manipulate and present them demands creativity.

Performing soca music is also the funnest thing you can do.”

Karella is working to develop her skills in R&B and Soca.

However, she’s also making use of her vocal skills around Alberta at major sporting events, as the anthem singer. She shares, “Performing the anthem is different, because you have the crowd’s absolute, undivided attention. If I tripped on stage performing soca, I could maybe play it off. With the anthem everything is noticeable.”

There is no doubt that Karella’s talents will continue to shape Edmonton’s musical landscape.

To follow her musical journey or for bookings visit: @itskarella.com, IG: @itskarella

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Advertorial

Black Canadian Women (BCW) in Action— Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow From outsider to trailblazer: How Black Canadian Women in Action is breaking new ground in Western Canada When Jeanne Lehman moved to Edmonton in 2011, she immediately felt like an outsider.

Lehman was born in Cameroon where she immigrated to Paris and eventually found roots in Canada as a Francophone. At the time, less than three per cent of the people in her new city identified as Black. Even fewer as Black and Francophone.

for French-speaking teachers of African origin as well, so this, coupled with a feeling of being excluded from society, made me want to do something about it.” She founded Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP) , currently the main francophone settlement organization in Edmonton.

“I realized that there were a lot of Black families, including myself, living in this province that were not as immersed or integrated into the community,” she said. “On top of this, I noticed there were not many groups or resources

Jeanne Lehman

Advertorial

Six years later, Lehman created Black Canadian Women (BCW) in Action. The bilingual, non-profit organization is committed to empowering Black women, girls and families living in Western Canada, by creating a space that fosters cultural inclusion, provides professionals with opportunities for career development, and offers coaching specifically for entrepreneurs. “[Our] program trains and inspires Black entrepreneurs by enabling them to learn from peers who also recognize the unique challenges facing Black business owners,” she said.

One of Lehman and BCW’s proudest accomplishments to date is a mentorship program designed specifically for young women ages 16 to 18. It’s the first of its kind and includes workshops, job shadowing, leadership development, and self-esteem seminars. Lehman says the goal is to ensure future generations of girls and women will demand their seat at the table and make a difference.

“As we think about Black History Month, we reflect on the hurdles that many Black women and families have endured.

BCW in Action wants to continue shaping the future of women in our Black communities and strives to continue to diversify our footprint across the Canadian market and provide opportunities. We’re grateful to continue expanding our services through support from sponsors like TD Bank Group (TD).”

During Black History Month, BCW in Action will be holding a Traditional Black History Month Brunch Celebration on February 11th from 11am2pm, where there will be exciting presentations in its different locations with different themes reflecting on our past, celebrating our contribution and shaping our future.

To learn more about upcoming programs and to support BCW visit: www.bcwinaction.ca, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @BCWINACTION.

Sponsored by:

TO MY YOUNG,

BLACK

ENTREPRENEURS BY: KARIMA LESLIE

A

lberta is slowly expanding on cultural diversity. So much so

that both its major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, have made the list of top 10 Mulitculural Cities in Canada. Black owned businesses are thriving, despite the myriad of challenges they’ve faced.

5 Black entrepreneurs get open & honest about the invaluable lessons they learned to create, maintain, and grow successful businesses in a pre- & post-pandemic world.

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Whether you’re an aspiring business owner, current entrepreneur, or you know someone who is, you’re going to want to hear what they have to say.

After

navigating

through

all

the

financial, legal, mental, and emotional roadblocks that owning a company presents, this is what they wish they knew sooner:

2023

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BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC BUSINESS NEEDS JASMINE DUNCAN SNK EVENTS Networking with local businesses, events, and festivals has been key to the success of Jasmine Duncan, founder of SNK Events. “I would definitely say social media has been my biggest resource in growing my business, especially Instagram… It just made the process of connecting with people and finding people a lot easier than doing a Google search or back when you had yellow pages.”

“It’s a win-win situation when you’re able to give advice and you’re able to take advice.”

IG: @snkeventsyeg Image courtesy of: Sarah Stalzer

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By clarifying her business needs and staying true to what works for her, the event planner and coordinator stays booked. She maneuvers without a website, and pools her marketing time into growing her online presence. “It’s just easy to connect, it’s easy to send a DM and say, ‘Hey what’s up I’d love to collaborate with you.’” This is not limited to seeking clients. Jasmine advises us to “create yourself a business family;” it’s a win-win situation when you’re able to give advice and you’re able to take advice.

If you’re not good at certain areas of your business that’s ok, you can’t be good at everything. Find people who compliment your skills; not just as employees but as friends too.

NETWORK AND COLLABORATE BOLA BADMUS BB ATLANTIC Bola Badmus, has expanded his consulting firm, BB Atlantic, across borders and oceans in a mere five years. With the Canadian government as one of their prestigious clients, their expertise in business development and process improvement is undeniable. But, as he states, “if you can’t get the right media coverage to showcase your services, product offerings, or concepts, there’s a limit to what you can do.”

For black-owned businesses, Badmus emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration. He advises to seek out opportunities to join forces with other start-ups and align with organizations that share your vision. Ensure that your voice is heard, actively search for media outlets that will give you a spotlight and project your talents and skillset.

“Align with organizations that share your vision.”

In today’s fast-paced business world, media coverage is vital, and Badmus has recognized this crucial aspect and has taken proactive steps to make sure his firm is seen and heard, continuing to increase his marketing budget and ensure the company gets noticed by the right people.

“We’ve facilitated over 60 projects with 30-40 businesses so far in just a few years…we couldn’t have done that without strategic alliances and collaboration. In 2023, that’s the way to go.”

Web: www.bbatlantic.com

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Image courtesy of: Audrey French Web: www.layeredbyrissa.com IG: @layeredbyrissa

Share With a Strong Support System Tarissa Woolaston Layered by Rissa At just 24 years old, Tarissa Woolaston is the CEO of Layered by Rissa. Although she had a passion for baking from a young age, this career path took work. While initially studying abroad to become a teacher, Woolaston was a victim of a violent crime.

Returning home to Canada, reeling from the incident, and struggling to return to her studies, Tarissa found solace in baking.

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As she shared her creations with others, her passion for decorating cakes was reignited, and those around her noticed.

Gaining a mentor, Tarissa committed to going professional and received a new mixer and a professional camera from loved ones. She used the pandemic to create new recipes, devise a business plan, and discover her brand identity.

Today, Layered by Rissa is a thriving business with almost more customers than she can handle. Her story is a testament to the power of having a strong support system. Tarissa’s pastor, family, and friends were instrumental in her success.

Surround yourself with people who will lift you up. With Romans 8:38 as her guiding scripture, her pain was truly turned around and transformed into something good.

As Tarissa says: “Just like life, a cake has different layers, and eventually, things add up to make something fruitful.”

fail forward jm igbelina agu athletics The journey of a business owner is often a rocky one. Focusing on advertising over inventory has been a learned experience for JM, creator of the activewear brand: Agu Athletics. “Months where we have really low sales correlates to challenges in marketing and putting ourselves out there…

The product won’t sell itself.” But growing in marketing knowledge and asking for help haven’t been his only keys to overcoming.

JM goes on to share how he navigates obstacles, mitigates mistakes, and uses

“Knowing something in theory is great, but once you actually start trying things out, that’s when you learn so much faster.” failure as an opportunity for success: “Sometimes it’s the difference of taking one action to be successful, but you have to actually take that action. [At the end of the day, I spent a lot of time in the past, theorizing and planning without executing.

Knowing something in theory is great, but once you actually start trying things out, that’s when you learn so much faster. Not everything you do has to be a success, there’s success in failure too.” So, get out there and try.

Web: www.aguathletics.com IG: @agu.athletics

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DATING WHILE

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Man that meal was nice! Want to stop for dessert. Ice cream maybe?

STORY:

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THE JOURNEY OF CARIBBE Images courtesy of: Trincan Steel Orchestra

Co-written By: Donna Coombs-Montrose & Taneya Rogers

H

istory is not static, nor is it limited to global events.

Whether consciously or by chance, our every choice and action is eventually woven into history’s tapestry.

For those of the Caribbean diaspora, building a community in Edmonton demanded conscious and deliberate effort - not mere chance. Beginning in the early 60s, with the first influx of nurses, caretakers, oilfield workers, and others seeking to maximize connections

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through the British Commonwealth, Caribbean people began to reshape Edmonton’s landscape.

Today the Edmonton Caribbean community is vibrant, boasting numerous festivals and established community organizations. But what about 20 years ago or 40 years ago? How quickly were new immigrants able to connect and find ‘home’ in this foreign land? What support systems were they able to access, and how did they come to be? Was the climate equally as welcoming, and what has driven change?

EDMONTON’S EAN COMMUNITY

The existence of a thriving Caribbean Arts Festival (CARIWEST) continuously presented since 1984, reflects the heritage and determination of this community to thrive. Alberta’s postsecondary Caribbean students had created a strong educational and cultural presence, an annual ‘West Indian Week’ across campuses during the late 1960s and 1970s. “West Indian House”, located then at the current Timms Centre, was the engine room of creativity for steelbands, music groups, connecting with a young Caribbean community and meeting with Caribbean government

Cecil George, Founding Member of Western Carnival Development Association (CARIWEST)

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officials as well as advocates of the ‘Black Power Movement’. This was the cubicle that gave birth to CARIWEST, under the unwavering leadership of pioneer Cecil George. This package was delivered to families and immigrants on arrival in the 1980s and 1990s - a declaration that early battles have been fought with racism, with discrimination, to succeed at postsecondary, recognition of accompanying skills, to reject stereotypes imposed by the ‘dominant’ community.

A strong level of social service support had been built by barbers, hairdressers, imports of familiar Caribbean food.

The presumptions that Alberta is a neutral space of fair and equal opportunity were confronted by new immigrants in the 1990s. Exploring the many professions

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that exclude People of Colour directly or indirectly can be onerous. Parents preoccupied with employment and surviving in the new socioeconomically and geographically challenging environment found themselves unable to monitor the pigeon-holing of their children’s academic ambitions into stereotyped and secondary subjects.

Organizations like CCACH (Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage) have been created to provide supportive education.

Where can the next generation, many of mixed parentage, take this legacy, this responsibility – inheriting as they have, the virtues and values of different cultures.

Let us welcome them into the room of enquiry so that they too can rise.

FOR BY

US

THE AFRI-CAN CONNECT SOCIETY BY: JOSIAH AARON

T

he Afri-Can Connect Society (ACS) established in 2013, Is a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap between Africa and Canada by fostering cultural exchange and promoting economic development. The ACS launched with the goal of providing a platform for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to connect and collaborate on projects that promote positive change in both the African and immigrant communities. The ACS now hosts a myriad of training workshops and programs all in support of the African and immigrant community. In addition to these programs, the AfriCan Connect Society also provides mentorship and networking opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as scholarships and bursaries for students who are interested in studying in Africa or Canada. The ACS is working day by day to uphold its values of empowerment, inclusiveness and confidence building, and with time they seek to create long lasting results in the families and faces of African and immigrant communities.

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Scan Here For Tickets Ticket Cost: $75+ (Tax & Fees)

Children 12 & Under: Free

BCWinaction.ca | @BCWinaction Email: info@bcwinaction.ca

resource guide

edmonton DINING

Blue Nile Authentic Ethiopian Restaurant 11019 107 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5H 3G2 (780) 428-5139 www.bluenileedmonton.com Irie Foods 2807 Millwoods Rd NW Edmonton, AB T6K 4A9 (780) 414-1341 www.iriefoods.ca

Azury’s Jewellers 10072 Jasper Ave Edmonton AB T5J 1V8 (780) 271-7272 www.azurys.ca

Kasoa Tropical Food Market Ltd. 9340 118 Ave Edmonton, AB T5G 0N6 (780) 328-1751 www.kasoatropicalfood.com Mama Afro Beauty Supply 9323 118 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5G 0N3 (780) 477-8511

Spice N Rice 20020 Lessard Rd NW Edmonton, AB T6M 0T9 (780) 616-3364

Oulchi Nayya West African made Apparel, Skin Care and Accessories www.nayaa.ca

Flava Café 8307 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0S4 (587) 936-1919 www.flavacafe.ca

Spice Island 10058 163 St NW Edmonton, AB T5P 3N4 (780) 489-2738

Mesob Habesha Fusion 10546 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3B2 (780) 250-0999

Token Bitters Edmonton, AB info@TokenBitters.com www.tokenbitters.com An Edmonton original brand, with organically sourced ingredients from local farmers and businesses and bottled without chemicals or preservatives.

Token Bitters handcrafted artisanal aromatic bitters, add a layer of flavour complexity to cocktails, mocktails and coffee.

SouthSide Jerk Inc 2935 Ellwood Dr SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0B1 (587) 783-3338 www.southsidejerk.ca The Tantalizers 2976 Ellwood Dr SW Edmonton, AB T6X 0W6 (587) 498-1028 www.thetantalizersca.com Zuhur Restaurant 10728 107 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5H 0W6 www.zuhuredmonton.com

RETAIL A Yah Mi Deh Caribbean Groceries 4433 118 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5W 1A8

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SERVICES Africa Centre 6770 129 Ave NW #106 Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 (780) 455-5423 www.africacentre.ca Allstate Insurance - Richard Griffith - Agent 780-460-7546 ext. 5012 rgriffith@allstate.ca www.allstate.ca

Dog Boarding Paradise @dogboardingparadise

Errol Scott Realty Group (780) 271-1114 info@errolscott.com www.errolscott.com Full time & full-service real estate professional delivering world-class service and doing whatever it takes to make my clients real estate goals and dreams become a reality!

Socafit - Caribbean dance and Fitness Class info@socafit.ca - www. socafit.ca If you want to learn some new moves, get a great workout in, or you just want to have a fun night out, Socafit is here to bring you a real authentic experience. Classes are open level and catered to all ages.

Private and group sessions are available. Currently offering online only sessions.

Smooth by Sugar (587) 783-9816 www.smoothbysugar.com @smoothbysugar Edmonton based hair removal studio Yves Salon 10340 134 St NW Edmonton, AB T5N 2B1 (780) 604-0301 www.yvessalon.com Year Wood Studios Videography and Photography services (780) 660-0449 www.yearwoodstudios.com yearwoodstudios@gmail.com

CALGARY DINING

Krazy Jerk 1715 52 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) 691-1040 www.krazyjerk.com Llyods Patty Plus 255 28 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) 207-4455 Safari Grill 100, 255 28 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) 235-6655 www.safarigrillcalgary.com Simply Irie Caribbean Cuisine 1510 6 St SW Calgary, AB T2R 0N2 (403) 454-7400 www.simplyirie.ca

RETAIL

Caribbean Choice Food 2235 Centre St N Calgary, AB T2E 2T4 (403) 230-1880 Costal Market 1711 52 St SE Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) 454-6279 Island Beat 2316 27 Ave NE #8 Calgary, AB T2E 7A7 (403) 291-2440 www.islandbeat.ca Nyla Beauty Supply Inc 1000 9 Ave SW #102 Calgary, AB T2P 2Y6 (403) 229-2294 www.nylabeautysupply.com Sareya Beauty Supply 3745 Memorial Dr SE #12 Calgary AB T2A 6V4 (403) 273-5683 www.sareyabeauty.com

SERVICES Calgary Home Boys 100, 707 10 Ave SW Calgary, AB T3A 6H4 (403) 400-2700 www.walej.calgaryhomeboys.com Franklin Health Clinic 3149 5 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2A 5N1 (403) 453-8483 www.franklinhealthclinic.ca Horton Park Dental Clinic Dr. Damola Baiyere Dentist 9705 Horton Rd SW, Suite B Calgary, AB T2V 2X5, (587) 391-7661 www.hortonparkdental.ca Julzz Creations Premium Hair Salon 2010 30 Ave NE #8, Calgary, AB T2E 7K9 www.julzzcreations.ca

winnipeg DINING

RETAIL

SERVICES

Bindy’s Caribbean Delights 1 Forks Market Rd Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 (204) 942-8409 www.bindyscaribbean.com

Nancy Boutique Winnipeg, MB www.nancykboutique.com

HairyCary Salon 353 2-212 Henderson Hwy Winnipeg MB R2L 1L8 204-816-9156 www.hairycarysalon.ca

K&S Island Grill 2069 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3J 0K6 (204) 415-5550 www.kandsislandgrill.com AKIN’S West African Restaurant 570-a Sargent Winnipeg, MB R3S 1A9 (204) 786-8400 www.akinsrestaurant.com

ANEWOW Winnipeg, MB www.anewow.com

Lola’s Beauty Gallery & Supplies 567 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G2 (204) 772-3506 www.lolasbeautygallery.ca Roots Salon 259 Vaughan Street Winnipeg MB, R3C 1T8 (204) 415-3112 www.rootssalon.ca

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Join us in launching Edmonton’s Black Community Fund

building

community together

“...built by the community, serving the community...”

For more details on how to contribute, visit www.ecfoundation.org