CANADA’S LARGEST ETHNIC NEWSPAPER CANADA’S LARGEST ETHNIC NEWSPAPER
We have been blessed to have among us people whose dedication to improving the lives of others has had a major impact on our country, our city and our community, an impact that will be felt for generations to come. Gracing our Black History Month issue’s cover are some of these people. Cherish them. Cover design by Qi Li.
Share,part of our community’s history for 45 years
By ARNOLD A. AUGUSTE, Publisher/Senior Editor
lack History is Canadian history.
Although the month of February has been set aside to focus attention on the history of Black people in this country, a history that has spanned hundreds of years, our history is being made every day.
There is no aspect of life in this country that doesn’t affect us or that we have not had a role in helping to shape. Black History Month is designed to remind us of this and to remind us that this is our country as much as it is anyone else’s.
So, Happy Black History Month.
Although we have had a presence in this country since the 1600s, our community grew exponentially in the 50s and 60s as the federal government began to relax its restrictions around the immigration of Black people, especially from the Carib-
bean. (In barring us initially, they claimed, among other things, that the climate would be too cold for us.)
As the community grew, many of us found ourselves having to deal with discriminatory behaviour and in some cases downright racism – in housing, in the education system, during interactions with the police, with the immigration department, in employment, even in stores as we tried to do our shopping.
Many in our community would have none of it so they stepped forward to fight back, to demonstrate, to protest, to raise their voices and let those with the power to change things know that things needed to change.
A lot of the benefits and freedoms we enjoy today have been hard-won on the backs of these people.
For the past 45 years Share has been privileged to be able to document our presence in this society, recording our history, if you will. We were proud to celebrate in print the achievements of our people, whatever they were.
We covered several ‘firsts’ as proof of our progress whether it was among the police, in the media, in the education system or in the myriad other aspects of life in this city.
One of the ‘firsts’ I recall clearly was when we heard that there was a Black woman hired as a streetcar driver. Not a big deal now, right? But it was back then.
This month, we are able to report that this woman, Irma James, is one of two former TTC employees being featured for Black History Month.
Promoting and celebrating our community was always the reason for Share’s existence. We never claimed to be an objective newspaper. Share was launched to balance the negative coverage of our community that was commonplace in the mainstream media. We endeavoured to present the other side of the news – the good news, the positive news, the news of accomplishment, of the achievement of our children, of the progress we were making that the mainstream media did not seem to be interested in.
Our ground rules were simple. We would only report positive news; we won’t apply for or accept government or any other type of funding and the paper would be free to make it accessible to as many people as possible. We also would not accept ads that we felt were not in the best interest of our community. As such, we never accepted spiritual or palm reader ads, for example. It looks as though that worked for us, doesn’t it? You, our readers, advertisers and the stores which generously carried Share at no cost to us, have supported us and kept us going for 45 years.
Last July, I decided that I needed to take a break and would take the month of August off. I have been a reporter in the community for 51 years and publisher of Share for the past 45 years. I always only wanted to be a journalist in the community. I never had a desire to work in mainstream or other media. I also never wanted to be a publisher. But, after studying journalism at Ryerson and
LincolnAlexanderrememberedas‘agifttohumanity’
By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
Former Canadian Member of Parliament (MP), government minister and ex-Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, “is a gift to humanity”, according to sports executive Mike “Pinball” Clemons.
“I admired him more than anybody on the planet,” Clemons said in an emotional tribute to Alexander.
Clemons was among several speakers and guests that attended a January 21 ceremony in honour of Alexander, who was born 1922 in Toronto to Caribbean parents and served as the province’s Lieutenant-Governor from 1985 to 1991.
The ceremony, at the Ontario legislative building, was for the unveiling of a bronze bust bearing the image of Alexander. It coincided with the 2024 observance of “Lincoln Alexander Day”.
Ontario officially proclaimed January 21 as “Lincoln Alexander Day” in 2013. It was recognized nationwide in 2015.
This year’s main event in the province was the unveiling of the commemorative bust of Alexander at the legislative building at Queen’s Park.
Alexander enjoyed a career that spanned the fields of politics, military and academic service.
The ceremony marked the first time that a Black politician’s image was being displayed in any parliament building in Canada. It’s available for viewing at the provincial legislature for school groups and public tours.
The placement of Alexander’s bust in the legislature is a “huge transformative first step”, said Craig Wellington, executive
director of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), which supported the “LINC Bust Committee” that spearheaded a campaign to have the bust completed and unveiled.
“We’ve transformed the culture of one of the most hallowed halls of government in Canada,” Wellington said, adding that the Alexander bust “will help to enshrine the extraordinary legacy of this great Canadian”.
It was “10 years of work” and Alexander’s family members were “on board with this project from the beginning”, said author and community leader Rosemary Sadlier, who chaired the LINC Bust Committee.
Sadlier described Alexander – affection-
ately known as “Linc” – as a “great man” that believed in education and who lived “a Black purposeful life”.
“When we honour the past, we affirm the present and we really underscore hope for the future,” she said.
Like Sadlier and Clemons, other speakers similarly expressed admiration for Alexander, including granddaughter Erika Alexander.
“My family, we’re all just so proud of this moment. It’s something that we’ve been waiting a long time to come to fruition and here it is,” Alexander told the audience.
“Every time I come to Queen’s Park I have been mesmerized, I am inspired,” she said. “I actually love it here, just
because I can feel the memory of my grandfather here, every time I step into this building.”
The LINC Bust Committee’s project was funded from individual donors and made possible through partnership with the BOF, the Licensed to Learn (L2L) and the RBC Foundation.
The bust, decorated with medals Alexander earned over the course of his career, was designed and sculpted by Quentin VerCetty, an award-winning Afrofuturist artist.
“In my opinion, he was one of the greatest Canadians,” said VerCetty, who spent more than six months working on finishing the bust.
Lincoln Alexander’s family members are flanked by Speaker of the House of Commons GREG FERGUS (far left) and Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, TED ARNOTT (far right). Photo by Lincoln DePradine
Black TTC workers celebrate
By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
TTC driver Kyron Lewis wanted to do something to ensure non-White employ ees of the Toronto Transit Commission have a greater say in the organization, saying that “we’ve been working there but not in the leadership roles; not in the front office.”
That was five years ago and Lewis resolved to do something so he drafted a few ideas and set about talking to, and mobilizing, his TTC colleagues of Caribbean and African descent.
He shared his ideas with co-worker Yolanda Cole, who offered unflinching support to what eventually led to the formation of the
TTC’s Black Transit Workers’ Association (BTWA).
Grenada-born Lewis is BTWA’s president and Cole, a Jamaican-Canadian, is vice-president.
The establishment and advocacy of the BTWA are credited with the TTC’s setting up a diversity and
culture department in 2021 and also with the commis sion’s hosting, for the first time ever, a Black History Month (BHM) opening cer emony.
At the February 1 cer emony at Leslie Barns – a TTC streetcar maintenance
See Black Pg. 13
This February, we honor Black excellence throughout Black History Month, celebrating the diverse contributions of Black Canadians to our nation's heritage and future.
In photo (l-r) are BTWA President KYRON LEWIS
Mayor OLIVIA CHOW, TTC Chair JAMAAL MYERS and BTWA Vice-President YOLANDA COLE
Photo by Lincoln DePradine
KEISHA CAMPBELL
Lifetime award for hockey great Angela James
By RON FANFAIR
In her acceptance speech after joining Cammi Granato as the first woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010, Angela James paid tribute to her single mom who registered her in minor boys’ hockey at age eight.
“You always found a way to allow me to play, no matter what or where,” she told her while choking back tears. “You always found a way to get there.”
Though Donna Baratto passed away in 2020, she was very much in her daughter’s thoughts when she received the Carnegie Initiative (CI) Lifetime Achievement Award.
Asked if given the opportunity to dedicate the prestigious honour to someone, James did not hesitate to say it would be her mom.
“She was my rock,” the only Black Canadian hockey captain said. “She never held back anything. I am a little bit more politically correct, but not her. I lost mom, but I gained another one right here in this lovely woman.”
CI co-chair Bernice Carnegie made the presentation on January 30 during the third annual CI Summit.
“Angela has influenced and inspired a generation of young hockey players,” she
said. “She has made the culture of hockey better and her impact is enormous.”
James is the third CI Lifetime Achievement Award winner after Bob Dawson who was a member of the first all-Black line in Canadian university hockey in 1970 at Saint Mary’s University and Willie O’Ree who broke the sport’s colour barrier in January 1958 with the Boston Bruins.
“When you say ‘Lifetime’, it means I am old for sure,” she said. “The honour recognizes so much that I have done for the game, whether it be through parenting, coaching, refereeing and administration. To be able to do what I love to do and be recognized is not my intention. Herb Carnegie, however, was special and the legacy he has left is immense. The Carnegie Initiative commitment to make the sport more inclusive resonates with me and I am just happy to be part of this ongoing work.”
Growing up in Flemingdon Park that is one of the city’s priority neighbourhoods, James started skating on the nearby frozen hydro field and later played shinny and ball hockey with neighbourhood boys in the mid-1960s.
Considered the first woman hockey superstar, she dominated the sport at the
Ontario College Athletics Association level where she was a three-time scoring champion and Most Valuable Player. As a defender, she scored 50 goals for Seneca College in the 1984-85 season.
James was the leading scorer eight seasons and the MVP winner six times in the Central Ontario Women’s Hockey League
and a four-time women’s world championship gold medallist.
At the inaugural World Championship in 1990, she netted 11 goals in five contests. Overall, she registered 34 points in 20 games in the first four tournaments.
Five years ago, James retired from Seneca College after 35 years working in the athletic department. A two-time Seneca Female Athlete of the Year, her number eight was retired when she graduated. She was also inducted into their Hall of Fame and recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004.
In 2008, the Angela James Bowl was created to honour the Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s top goal scorer. A year later, Flemingdon Park Arena where she learned to skate and hone her skills, was renamed the Angela James Arena. She is one of two Black women to have North American hockey arenas named after them. The Laura Sims Skatehouse, opened in 1985, is named after the late founder of a minority youth hockey program in Philadelphia.
James was a co-owner and general manager of the Toronto Six women’s team that won the Isobel Cup in 2023.
Linc‘inspiredthousandsofyoungCanadians’
He said he hopes it will inspire people who see it to learn more about Alexander and “be great in their own lives”.
The Queen’s Park ceremony was hosted by speaker of the Ontario Legislature, Ted Arnott, who hailed Alexander for his “personal decency and trailblazing accomplishments”.
It’s “fitting and appropriate” to display Alexander's likeness at Queens Park so that a new generation of Canadians can learn about the “man he was and the timeless values that he lived by”, Arnott said. “Linc inspired thousands of young Canadians with his life story and his example of overcoming discrimination.”
Quebec Liberal MP and speaker of the House of Commons in Ottawa, Greg Fergus, said Alexander challenged the status quo, “so that everyone can seize opportunities and live up to their full potential”. Clemons, the 59-year-old Florida-born former Toronto Argonauts football star and current executive of the sports club, was born January 15, the same day and month of birth as the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alexander “lived” the dream of freedom and equality that Dr. King spoke about in the now famous 1963 “March on Washing-
ton” speech, Clemons said.
Alexander, said Clemons, “wasn’t just a man of honour; he truly loved people”.
Other speakers included NDP Member of Provincial Parliament, Dr. Jill Andrew and fellow MPPs Andrea Hazell of the Liberal Party, as well as Conservative government members Charmaine Williams, associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity, and Patrice Barnes, parliamentary assistant to education minister Stephen Lecce.
MPP Mike Schreiner, in his remarks as leader of the Green Party of Ontario, said everyone should try and live up to the “values, vision and examples” set by Alexander, a 1953 Osgoode Law School graduate, who became MP for Hamilton West in 1968. He was Canada’s first Black MP and served in cabinet as minister of labour.
Alexander, beginning as a teenager, lived in Hamilton and earned his first degree in economics and history from McMaster University in 1949.
He was recognized by having a commemorative stamp produced in his honour and several schools – including one in Hamilton – have been named for him. Hamilton also is home to the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway.
The Afro Canadian Caribbean Association in Hamilton maintained an annual tradition by hosting an event on “Lincoln Alexander Day”.
For this year’s “Celebration Honouring the Legacies of Lincoln Alexander and Martin Luther King, Jr”, the association said it wanted to “commemorate the remarkable lives and exceptional achievements of these two extraordinary individuals”.
Alexander, had he been alive, would have celebrated his 102nd birthday this year.
Before his death in 2012 at age 90, Alexander also
served as chancellor of the University of Guelph and chair of both the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario in 1992.
His life’s activities are documented in his memoir, titled “Go to School, You're a Little Black Boy”, which was published in 2006.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in a message on “Lincoln Alexander Day”, described him as an “Ontario trailblazer and a great Canadian” who “worked tirelessly to end racial discrimination and make our province a better and more equitable place”.
Federal government minister Kamal
Khera called Alexander a “role model”, who “used his voice and platform to defend the rights and interests of marginalized communities, tirelessly working to promote inclusion by breaking down racial and ethnocultural barriers”.
“Lincoln Alexander Day is an opportunity for Canadians across the country to commemorate the accomplishments of this remarkable politician and Canadian army corporal, who improved representation of racialized people both within government institutions and beyond,” said Khera, minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities. “It is also a time to pay tribute to all those who have fought and continue to fight for a fairer, more equitable Canada.”
finding myself out of a job, I didn’t see another option.
Just days after the last issue of Share on July 27, I got a call from my nephew in Florida that my brother, one year younger than me, had died suddenly of a massive heart attack. That blew me away and reminded me of my own mortality.
August came and went; then September, October, November…and I didn’t care about going back to work. I thought I was done.
But your calls started coming in. You wanted to know why there were no Share in the stores; when would we start publishing Share again; some were complaining that we didn’t upload the latest issue to our website. Calls were even coming in from some of the stores and other outlets which graciously allowed
us to make Share available to you over the years. They said that they were being asked by their customers about Share and they didn’t know what to tell them. But what was most impactful were the calls from those of you who wanted to send us money or who were offering to pay for the paper, believing that the reason we were not publishing might have been because of a lack of funds. I was just tired.
But, as Michael Corleone said in Godfather Part 3, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
Please enjoy this special Black History Month issue. Where we go from here is still to be determined. But we will always be proud and grateful for the privilege of being part of this amazing community for so many years. Now, maybe it’s just time to say goodbye.
ANGELA JAMES
CONTINUED FROM Pg. 1
From hospital cleaner to President and CEO
By RON FANFAIR
With an interest in science, Dr. Everton Gooden was happy to work part-time as a housekeeper in Toronto General Hospital’s operating room while in high school.
“That was when the magic started for me,” he recalled. “I could peer through the window during my break and watch the surgeons at work. It was like poetry.”
One day while peeking into the room, an anesthesiologist sneaked up behind Gooden and reminded him that his job was to sweep the floor and pick up the garbage.
“Don’t be looking in there,” he told him. “Just do your job.”
Before the demoralization could sink in, a surgeon doing a scrub for a case overheard the belittling and asked Gooden if he was interested in medicine.
“I told him I was and find it fascinating,” he said. “That surgeon invited me into the operating room and allowed me to watch over his shoulder and see cases. During my six months there, he invited me into the operation room whenever he was doing surgery. I would even listen to him dictate after the case and just be fascinated by it all. That was a turning point.”
Focusing on his studies, Gooden completed medical school and trained in surgery.
After 23 years as an active surgeon and physician leader at North York General Hospital (NYGH), he was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the top-ranked academic community hospital in Canada late last year.
Gooden started on December 1, 2023.
He is the second Black Canadian to hold the role after Dr. Jackie Schleifer Taylor who, after serving as Interim President & CEO at London Health Sciences Centre for almost 11 months, transitioned to the position permanently in November 2021.
“North York is growing rapidly and is home to one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse and largest seniors’ populations,” said Bert Clark who is Chair of the NYGH Board of Governors. “Dr. Gooden is the ideal person to lead us forward as we transform patient care in North Toronto and undertake the largest capital redevelopment in NYGH’s 50-plus years to meet changing community needs.
“As a standard bearer for NYGH’s people-centred culture, he has earned trust
throughout the hospital and with partners locally, across Canada and beyond our borders for his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our communities and patient care.”
Known for his inspirational and collaborative leadership, Gooden will reinforce and build on the hospital’s excellent culture and galvanize its team, partners and community around a long-term vision to position NYGH to provide exceptional care.
Specifically, he will lead the charge with the Foundation, government and community partners on a major capital renewal that will see a doubling in the number of beds at the hospital, community locations and new long-term care within a decade.
“I am incredibly honoured to have an opportunity to lead this organization,” said Gooden who was honoured with a Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award in 2017. “The appointment for me is significant. Growing up, whenever I saw someone that looked like me in a position of influence, that was very motivating and powerful. Having an opportunity to sit in this role is going to be motivating for a lot of people who are trying to move ahead.”
NYGH has a team of almost 5,000, including staff and physicians and a budget of approximately $400 million.
“I am responsible for the running of the hospital, and I report to the Board of Governors,” Gooden said. “We are an academic community hospital that is well-recognized across the country. Our history is built on the foundation of academics.
“We have one of the largest family medicine training programs and the largest group of family physicians. Our performance has been number one in areas such as efficiency of how we move patients through the emergency department, education is embedded in the culture and there is the Emergency Medicine update conference running for 20 years plus that is recognized internationally.
“Academics at the hospital is at the core of what we do.”
Changing times and needs require flexibility and a new approach to leadership. Faced with declining profit margins, workforce shortages and competition increase, hospitals are turning to authentic and transparent leaders to help balance growth and innovation.
Gooden fits the bill perfectly.
“Our people are our number one asset,” he said. “I believe in investing in your people and treating them with respect, compassion and integrity so that they have opportunities to advance and develop professionally. If they can bring their best self forward every day, that will lead to excellent care.”
Since joining NYGH in 2001, Gooden has served in several senior leadership positions, including Chief of Staff, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, President & Vice-President of the Medical Staff Association, Director of the Foundation Board of Governors and Chair of the Foundation Board of Governors Nominations & Governance Committee.
He also established and co-chaired NYGH’s first anti-Black Racism Steering Committee and championed the setting up of the hospital’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office.
What has kept Gooden rooted at NYGH for over two decades?
“The people and the culture,” said the 2021 recipient of the University of Toronto’s Award for Excellence in Community-Based Teaching. “We are a family. I could not imagine myself anywhere else. I am in this role not because I aspired to be a CEO. It was just a natural progression. I would not be a CEO anywhere else. I wanted to lead this organization because I know the people here, I know what the possibilities are and what they are capable of doing.”
Because of a paucity of medical school
spots in Canada, medical students go to the United States and other countries to train and do not return. For Gooden, that was never a consideration.
“Irrespective of what challenges we have in our health care system, it still functions very, very well,” he said. “Some people forget at times that we are privileged in Canada. We can access the health care system very easily if we are unfortunate enough to have a medical crisis. On most occasions, it does not produce financial hardship here. In the United States, that is not the case. Tens of millions of people do not have adequate insurance. Here in Canada, we are still able to provide outstanding care that is on par with all of the leading nations around the world and we do that with compassion.”
During his second year of residency at Toronto General, Gooden ran into the surgeon who mentored him when he was in Grade 11.
An authority in the management of patients with head and neck cancer, Dr. Patrick Gullane helped establish the University of Toronto’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as one of the most respected of its kind in the country.
“He was the Chief and Chairman of the program that I trained in,” said Gooden. “After jogging his memory, he said what he did for me was trivial for him. For me, it was life changing.”
Gullane said Gooden embodies the essence of dedication and passion in medicine.
“Witnessing his growth and development since I first met him 27 years ago while working as a high school summer student in the housekeeping department at the Toronto General Hospital brings immense satisfaction, knowing that I’ve played a small part in shaping his career and the future of health care,” said the renowned surgeon and Order of Canada recipient.
“Dr. Gooden’s commitment to learning, patient care and leadership is truly inspiring, and seeing him apply his knowledge with compassion and empathy to become the newly appointed President and CEO of North York General Hospital reaffirms my belief in the power of mentorship. As he continues to excel, I take pride in knowing
Europe’sambitiousagendawilltransformJamaica’sfuture
By CARRY BISHOP JAMAICA, Kingston:
In a groundbreaking move, Europe is setting its sights on Latin America and the Caribbean, marking a significant shift in global investment trends. With a spotlight on Jamaica, a vast delegation of investors has embarked on a journey to explore the abundant opportunities the island nation has to offer. This initiative stems from the European Union's launch of the global gateway investment agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean, unveiled at the EU Latin America and Caribbean Summit in July 2023. At the forefront of this endeavour is Felix Fernandez Shaw, the EU’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, whose vision and determination are igniting a wave of excitement and optimism. During a recent media breakfast in Kingston, Jamaica,
Shaw emphasized the overarching goal: to unlock European investments in key sectors, particularly in green and digital transitions, essential for Jamaica's sustainable development.
The momentum is palpable as the Jamaican government has already initiated a request for proposals on renewable energy, set to conclude in April. Shaw's assurance that European companies are diligently preparing proposals underscores the depth of commitment to fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Moreover, the collaboration between the EU and the Jamaica Stock Exchange to develop the Green Bond Fund reflects a strategic alignment toward harnessing capital markets to drive environmental sustainability. This initiative not only amplifies Jamaica's position in the global green bond market but also underscores the island's commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable future.
Crucially, investment in enhancing Kingston Harbour's capacity emerges as
a pivotal endeavour. Shaw elucidates the strategic importance of the harbour as a potential hub for sustainable logistics, positioned strategically before or after the Panama Canal. By envisioning ambitious plans to transition shipping operations to green energy, Europe aims to position Jamaica at the forefront of the green revolution.
Shaw's forward-thinking perspective extends beyond immediate investment gains, emphasizing the long-term implications of transitioning to renewable energy. Recognizing Jamaica's untapped potential in wind and solar power, he underscores the importance of investing in workforce training to support the burgeoning green economy.
Indeed, the investment is not merely financial; it is a commitment to empower-
ing communities, fostering innovation and safeguarding the planet for generations to come. As Jamaica embarks on its journey toward a renewable future, the partnership between Europe and the Caribbean nation serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration.
In the face of accelerating technological advancements and climate change, the path forward demands bold action and unwavering determination. Europe's embrace of Jamaica's potential signifies a paradigm shift in global investment strategies, one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience and shared prosperity. Together, as allies in progress, Europe and Jamaica stand poised to chart a course toward a brighter, greener future.
Dr. EVERTON GOODEN
See DR. GOODEN Pg. 14
CARRY BISHOP
658 Vaughan Rd., Toronto,
M6E 2Y5 Tel. (416) 656-3400 • Fax: (416) 656-3711 Internet: www.sharenews.com • E-mail: share@interlog.com
• Readership 130,000 each week (estimated) • Founded January, 1978 • Member of the Ethnic Press Council of Canada, Inc.
Celebrating our contributions
Black History Month, observed annually in Canada throughout February, serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. The month-long commemoration is an essential component of Canada’s commitment to acknowledging the diversity that shapes its national identity.
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to the United States, where Carter G. Woodson, a historian and educator, established Negro History Week in 1926 to recognize the achievements of African Americans. Canada adopted a similar initiative in 1950, with the Ontario Black History Society launching “Negro History Week.” Over time, this observance expanded and, in 1995, Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, emphasizing the need to celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians.
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, histories and experiences within the Black Canadian community. Canada’s Black population is diverse, consisting of individuals with roots in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and other regions. This diversity enriches the country’s cultural landscape and serves as a reminder that Black Canadians contribute to various facets of Canadian society.
Black History Month provides a platform to acknowledge and honour the accomplishments and contributions of Black Canadians in various fields. From arts and sciences to sports and politics, Black individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping Canada’s history and identity. Highlighting these achievements fosters a sense of pride and inspiration within the Black community while educating the broader population about the immense impact of Black Canadians on the country’s development.
Black History Month serves as a catalyst for pro moting understanding and inclusivity by shedding light on the struggles and triumphs faced by Black Canadians throughout history. It encourages open dialogue about systemic racism, discrimination and social justice issues. The commemoration sparks con versations that challenge stereotypes and misconcep tions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Educational institutions play a crucial role in en suring that Black History Month is more than just a month-long celebration. Integrating Black history into the curriculum year-round helps create a compre hensive understanding of Canada’s diverse history. This includes acknowledging both the triumphs and challenges faced by Black Canadians, promoting empathy and encouraging students to appreciate the importance of diversity in shaping a just and equitable society.
Blacks have been in Canada since the early 1600s
By MURPHY BROWNE (Abena Agbetu)
February is celebrated as African History Month, African Heritage Month or Black History Month in several countries including Canada. There has been a documented African presence in this country since at least the early 1600s. Mathieu DaCosta is recognized as the first African to arrive in this country in 1603, before it was called Canada. He was an interpreter for the French with the Mi’kmaq.
His first documented presence on this land was as part of an expedition that travelled from France led by Samuel de Champlain. DaCosta spoke several languages including Dutch, English, French, Portuguese and Mi’kmaq.
Our history did not begin with slavery, but most Africans in the Diaspora are the descendants of enslaved Africans unless both of their parents are immigrants from the African continent.
The first enslaved African documented in Canada was a six-year-old child who was kidnapped from the African continent and sold by David Kirke, a British pirate, to a French colonizer in Quebec. The child was given the name Olivier Le Jeune by the Frenchman who bought and enslaved him.
Enslaved Africans were renamed by European enslavers including the Danes, Dutch, English, French, Germans, Irish, Portuguese, Scottish, Spanish and Welsh. The reason most Africans in the Diaspora have European names is because our enslaved ancestors were stripped of their names and renamed by their enslavers.
Marie Marguerite Rose was one of many who were
renamed by European enslavers. She was a 19-year-old African woman who was kidnapped from Guinea, West Africa in 1736. She was sold to Jean Chrysostome Loppinot, a military officer at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. On September 27, 1736, stripped of her African name, she was “baptized” with the French name “Marguerite”.
Two years after her enslavement, Marguerite gave birth to a son, Jean-François, whose father was her enslaver and the enslaver of her child. Children born to enslaved women inherited the status of their mother and were automatically enslaved, regardless of the race or status of the father. These enslaved children were often sold by their owners/fathers just like any other enslaved person.
Marie Marguerite Rose was freed in 1755 after 19 years of enslavement and was married on November 27, 1755. Two years later she transitioned to the ancestral realm on August 27, 1757. During her two years of freedom Marie Marguerite Rose and her husband “opened a tavern in Louisbourg, becoming part of the colony’s business community”.
In 2008 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, declared Marie Marguerite Rose a national historic person. On August 6, 2010, on behalf of Jim Prentice, then Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, a plaque was commemorated in Marie Marguerite Rose’s honour. On July 16, 2011, Peter Kent, then Canada’s environment minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, unveiled an exhibit celebrating Marie Marguerite Rose.
Part of a news release for the occasion reads: “This exhibit represents the immense perseverance of Marie Marguerite Rose, a woman who with courage and dignity asserted her rights at a time when they were far from
See BLACK HISTORY Pg. 13
Myearlyencounterswithgreatness
While Black History Month represents a commendable initiative, it is essential to recognize that the fight against racism and inequality is ongoing. Black Canadians continue to face systemic challenges, including racial profiling, employment disparities and inadequate representation in various sectors. Black History Month serves as a platform to address these issues and advocate for positive change, fostering a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Black History Month in Canada is a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience and contributions of Black Canadians throughout history. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging and understanding the experiences of Black individuals is crucial for building a more inclusive and equitable society. By highlighting achievements, fostering education and promoting awareness, Black History Month contributes to the ongoing journey towards social justice and equality in Canada. The month provides an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and collective action to address systemic challenges and create a more just future for all.
By PATRICK HUNTER
As a child, growing up in Jamaica, there have been historical passages that stand out very clearly in my memory. My mother worked for, what could reasonably be called, plantation owners. The Walkers of Mountain Spring in St. James and, later, with Ilene Clayton in Catadupa.
There were few outstanding things that I remember from the early days in Mountain Spring. Catadupa, however, provided some of the more memorable occasions. I became more knowledgeable about how things grow and how animals were cared for as this plantation provided those opportunities.
It was in Catadupa where I had my primary education and where I passed my Common Entrance Examination to get into secondary education at Cornwall College in Montego Bay. Clayton was involved in politics during this period and represented the area at the St. James Parish Council. Her attempts to represent the area in the Jamaican legislature were unsuccessful.
At the time, there was much discussion about the future of the West Indies Federation – its viability and its future. Although I wasn’t fully aware of the arguments for or against continuing in the Federation, the political party, the People’s National Party (PNP), was against staying in. Clayton was a member of the PNP and therefore supported the idea of exiting the federation.
It was on one of the campaign swings by the PNP to bring the message of “going alone” that I was introduced to the then Chief Minister of Jamaica, Norman Manley. I actually shook his hand – I was about 10 or 11 at the time and had only just received the news of my success with the common entrance exam. Although he wasn’t personally responsible for my getting the pass, it certainly felt like he did. I still treasure that moment.
In 1961, Jamaica became an independent nation, following a referendum on the federation and negotiations with Great Britain.
I never met Marcus Garvey, obviously, but there was much talk about him and his teachings and especially his
message of “Back to Africa”. Needless to say, while his message was adopted by some in Jamaica, his opinions – unlike the history we were taught – were never taught in schools. The period saw the emergence of the Rastafari who took up the message of “Back to Africa” and which called for the government’s support in that movement of repatriation.
I can’t say that I ever met Bob Marley, but my only encounter with him was at Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay the day after he had headlined a concert at a local theatre. There he was, sitting by himself reading a copy of Eldridge Cleaver’s Soul on Ice. That was indeed remarkable because the book was officially banned in Jamaica. I remember thinking I wonder if any cop would try to arrest him for that.
Though I was never a member of the Roman Catholic Church, I was asked to take part in the installation of the new bishop of the newly created Diocese of Montego Bay. At the time I was co-president of a Catholic youth group which accepted membership from non-Catholics.
One of my maternal great-grandfathers, Uriah Leopold Brown, was an educator and headmaster of the primary school in Seaford Town. He was also a lay preacher and Justice of the Peace and very much a district “go-to” for any help.
Then, there is Edna Brown, my mother. She went to join the Ancestors last month. She won’t appear in any “Who’s Who” nationally or internationally, but she will always be the most important person I have ever met and known. She was 98 years old. Now, my sister and I have to learn to live without her being physically there.
One of the many disparaging comments that used to be (and probably still is) levelled against young Black men who get in trouble with the law is the lack of a father figure in the home. My mom was a single mother. And, while there is some truth to the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, our mother never made us feel that we needed a father in the house. She worked hard to make sure that we had the necessities for a good life, and if she was away, she stayed very much in touch. We are missing you, Mom.
Thank you. Rest well!
Email: patrick.hunter11@gmail.com / Twitter: @ pghntr
MURPHY BROWNE
Grenada’s PM in Toronto to mark 50th anniversary
By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has implored the country’s nationals, including those residing in Canada, against putting “factional interests over national interests”, so that “Team Grenada” could benefit. Mitchell, an attorney-at-law, has called for “healing”, denounced the placing of “personal egos and ambition over the interests of the nation”, and has expressed displeasure at Grenadians who “play position rather than team”.
“There is only one team and that team is Team Grenada,” Mitchell said in an address Last Saturday in Toronto.
“Grenada belongs to all of us. And it is all of us who are required to make the difference and to make Grenada a spectacular, special, wonderful place for the next 50 years.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of Grenada’s independence, which includes the Grenadine islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The country, a former British colony, obtained its independence on February 7, 1974, with the late Sir Eric Gairy as its first prime minister.
Grenada, beginning last October, launched a year-long series of golden jubilee activities under the theme “One People, One Journey, One Future” Nationals in Toronto are marking the occasion with various events including last Saturday’s “Independence Gala”, which was spearheaded by the Grenada Association Toronto (GAT).
See GRENADIANS Pg. 13
City of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services celebrates BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a dedicated fire truck to showcase the contributions from the Black community that helped shape the international fire service. Come out and learn about the accomplishments and inventions by the pioneers from the Black community.
For more information on the truck’s availability, visit brampton.ca/bhm
GAT President UNISON JOSEPH (left) presented souvenir gifts to PM DICKON MITCHELL (centre) & Minister ANDY WILLIAMS Photo by Lincoln DePradine
Ontario to make teaching Black history mandatory
By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
Ontario is no longer leaving it to educators to decide whether they want to teach some grade students about the history and contribution to Canada by people of African descent.
As of September 2025, the provincial government is making studies of Black history mandatory for kids in Grades 7, 8 and 10.
“We want to keep building our curriculum to make it more relevant to the diverse stories of our country by honouring our past and honouring the sacrifices of our forefathers,” education minister Stephen Lecce said at a news conference Monday. “I see this as nation-building; I see this as strengthening democracy.”
The government unveiled the mandatory Black history learning policy last week, saying its aim is to highlight “the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development” of the country before and after 1867, when the confederate nation of Canada was founded.
The policy, the government explained, would allow for students to learn “about the overwhelming
contributions of Black individuals to Canada’s foundation as a young nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building a democratic, inclusive and prosperous country”.
At Monday’s news conference, Lecce was joined by Black Progressive Conservative MPPs Dave Smith, parliamentary assistant to the minister of immigration and labour and Patrice Barnes, the education minister’s parliamentary assistant.
“The advocacy for teaching Black history has gone on for many, many years,” said Barnes, who promised that there will be outreach to Black historians and other
community members in the writing of the curriculum before its implementation next year.
“Black people have been a part of the Canadian story since the 1600s,” she said.
“And that’s why we aim to deepen students’ understanding of our country’s diverse and vibrant heritage by embedding this mandatory learning.”
Erika Alexander, granddaughter of the late Lincoln Alexander, Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament and a former Ontario Lieutenant Governor, is among those welcoming the curriculum change.
“I am thrilled to see the
Your Waste
On Monday, February 19, there will be no waste collection due to the Family Day holiday. Waste collection will be one day later that week.
All Community Recycling Centres are closed on Monday, Feb. 19, and will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20
Parliamentary Assistant PATRICE BARNES Ontario
Education Minister STEPHEN LECCE
New TTC chair committed to improving the service
By LINCOLN DEPRADINE
Municipal
politician
Jamaal Myers has expressed a commitment to improving the operations of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), whose problems include complaints of poor service in some areas such as Scarborough, where the Light Rapid Transit derailed last July, leading to a permanent closure of the line.
Across the city, including in “Little Jamaica” – the area from Marlee Avenue along Eglinton Avenue West to Keele Street – commuters also have been incon-
venienced by years of construction work on new and
expanded subway lines.
Myers, councillor for Scarborough North and TTC chairman, says he’s steadfast in his desire for a better transit system.
“I’m dedicated to work hard towards a better, more equitable, inclusive and accessible transit system for everyone,” Myers told an audience, which included TTC workers attending a Black History Month (BHM) event.
“As chair of the TTC, I’m committed to ensuring that Toronto’s unique diversity is reflected in all of our decision making.”
Myers was one of the speakers as TTC’s management and staff, including
See TTC Pg. 12
IRMA JAMES JAMAAL MYERS
Federal gov’t celebrates ‘Black Excellence’
The federal government hosted a series of events from February 6 to 8 to celebrate Black History Month 2024 under the theme “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build” These events highlighted the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in various fields such as arts, business, social justice and politics. They also high-
lighted the challenges and opportunities that Black Canadians face in their pursuit of excellence and equity.
The government took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to support and empower Black communities across the country and to foster a more inclusive and diverse society for all Canadians.
See GOV’T Pg. 13
FIERY AFFLICTIONS IS A REFLECTION THROUGH HISTORY IN AN INSPIRING NEW STORY
.
NAVIGATING THROUGH DECADES OF HISTORY
Starting in Jamaica during the 1930s, Fiery Afflictions follows a character named Eunice Brown, a wellrespected and admired professional figure in her community, who faces multiple trials in her family life. Two separate generational perspectives in her household cause strife between herself and Timothy, her eldest son Timothy presents a hostile challenge to Eunice as she struggles to carry out her role as a single parent of four. When Timothy starts to lean towards the wrong crowd, Eunice fights fiercely to steer him away from wasting his life and getting involved with people who endanger their family wellbeing.
Facing a devastating and unexpected life event, Eunice Brown remains strong and turns to her faith in Jesus Christ as she fights for the life of her family At one point, Eunice Brown declares Proverbs 18:21: “ The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the
consequences”. Eunice is determined to speak life into her children and bring out the good she sees in them as the years go by ABOUT THE WRITER
In his own upbringing , Paul Morrel’s parents taught him to think positively, encourage others, and bond together with his brother and sisters His mother often told him to “take a shilling and make a pound”. This mindset of growth has stuck with him. Overtime, this has translated into a concern for future generations and a desire to see young people rediscover the importance of reading.
Immigrating to Canada from Jamaica in 1974 , and taking on a career in social work, Paul believes it is vital to have a solid understanding of history. “Fiery Afflictions” d ives head-first into the past events that shape our present culture. Now retired, he makes a consistent effort to include the history of Jamaica, and other nations in his stories. His passion for writing and history are brought together with the hope of educating , inspiring, and challenging his readers to think critically The spiritual component of his writing gives readers an opportunity to learn about the Bible. His previous titles, From This Wreck I Will Return Home (2014) and The Few Who Find It (2017) follow that same pursuit.
Paul’s social work experience in probation, parole services, child welfare, and health -care inform his insight to create in-depth characters He always aims to create stories that capture the daily struggles of family life in a way that readers can relate to. Often working with complicated family arrangements and emotionally demanding tasks through his career, Paul is able to use this experience to lend a voice to his story characters.
Paul Morrel works together with his son and artist, Shawn Morrel, who creates the cover art for his books Using paint, he places high importance on creating a visual impact to reflect the setting, characters, and emotions of the story. In this scene, there is a moment of tension between Eunice and Timothy that must be resolved. The contents of the letter that Eunice holds in her hand shows her devastation for what is happening in her personal life.
Fiery Afflictions is available on Amazon, Kobo, and at www.fieryafflictions.com
Paul Morrel releases his third full -length fiction novel, Fiery Afflictions
Hall of Fame honour for ‘phenomenal’ public speaker
By RON FANFAIR
At perhaps the lowest point in his life, Orlando Bowen was looking for something to lift his spirits.
Beaten, falsely arrested after being set up by police, facing prison time and losing his job as a professional athlete, he turned to the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS) to sharpen his oratory skills.
Already an accomplished speaker, Bowen felt he might be in a welcoming place. There were, however, some doubts as he sat in his car before attending his first meeting.
“I remember crying and, as a vehicle with headlights would come around the corner, I would lean my seat back so that no one would see me for fear that I might be in a space that I would not be accepted,” Bowen said.
It took the former Canadian Football League (CFL) player a while to pull himself together.
For over a decade, Bowen has used storytelling, fitness activities, and cognitive exercises to teach resilience, leadership and teamwork to over 300,000 people.
The CAPS member since 2012 was inducted into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame last December.
“I am because we are,” he said in his
acceptance speech at the 2023 CAPS convention at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. “Imagine we choose to live through that lens and show it in a way that honours each other’s humanity. Then we will have a chance and we will understand that everything we do can give hope to folks who have reasons to believe that they shouldn’t have any.”
Bowen is the first Black person to join the Hall and the 42nd inductee since the launch in 1995.
“This honour is a blessing in that it is the speaking community recognizing excellence and consistency in terms of impact,” he said. “It is not just like you are able to deliver and move people but are you able to do that sustainably over a long period of time. This is about what’s possible. I am blessed to be in the position to be regarded as a trailblazer.”
Bowen did not set out to be a public speaker. He just wanted to make a difference.
Asked by a Toronto public school vice-principal two decades ago to fill in for a speaker who fell ill a day before the event, he agreed.
“I said I got you; she told me we are on, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. and there are 2,200 kids,” Bowen recalled. “I said ‘what?’ and she said not to worry as they
TTC‘sourceofupwardmobility’forBlacks
CONTINUED FROM Pg. 9
members of the commission’s Black Transit Workers’ Association (BTWA), held a first-of-a-kind Black History Month launch.
The TTC’s observance of BHM continues through February. The theme of the month-long commemoration is, “Building on Legacies: Celebrating Black Excellence in Toronto”
As part of the BHM commemoration, some TTC buses and streetcars are wrapped with portraits – designed and curated by Astrosankofa Arts Initiatives – of Black Torontonians that have played an important role in civil rights, law, culture, government, health, sport, education and transit.
They include images of the late city politician Beverley Salmon, former Ontario cabinet minister Zanana Akande, and deceased lawyer and activist Charles Roach.
The works of the Astrosankofa artists are also displayed as murals at TTC subway stations and on bus shelters.
As well, the commission is featuring two former TTC employees, Irma James and Walter Alexander Foster.
Foster joined the Toronto Railway Company, which later became the TTC, as one of the first Black transit conductors. James was hired by the TTC in 1983, becoming the commission’s first Black woman to drive a streetcar in Toronto.
For many generations, the TTC “has been a source of upward mobility for Black Torontonians through either direct employment or connecting us with education and employment opportunities”, said Myers, who worked part-time with the transit system while he was a student.
A transit user, Myers said the TTC has assisted in shaping his life.
“I spent three summers working at TTC, the overnight shift, 8 pm to 5 am, cleaning trains to pay for my university degree,” he recalled.
The first degree, Myers added, “allowed me to get my Master’s at the London School of Economics and then to go to
would be split into two groups of 1,100. I have a younger sister and I thought if I only had 60 minutes for the rest of my life to say something to her, what would I say. That is exactly what I said to the young people.”
Very impressed with Bowen’s presentation, the vice-principal recommended him to other schools without his permission.
“I was offended she did that because I maintained at the time I was not a speaker but just someone who was here to serve behind the scene,” he said. “As I complained to a friend about the audacity of this school administrator who gave out my contact information, my friend asked if I wanted to make a difference. I said I did and she told me speaking is one way I could do that. That was the beginning of me being open to that as a thought.”
you for this experience as it has forever changed my life.
“It has made me a better father, a better husband, a better human being and someone who can fully understand what it means to feel alone, broken and like the weight of the world is on my shoulders…I love you guys unconditionally and embrace you with every fibre of my being… Please know that you are forgiven 100 per cent and loved 99 per cent.”
Words and actions can be powerful.
While using his compelling story of triumph over adversity to captivate audiences and empower them to unleash their potential, Bowen is also inspiring hundreds of young people through the One Voice One Team organization he launched in 2008.
In the last 15 years, the non-profit has impacted over 400,000 young people in Canada and the United States through assemblies, workshops, summer camps and other service activities.
Trey Walsh has been part of the program for the last 11 years.
“When Orlando came to my school and spoke at assembly,” I was turned on,” said the 24-year-old videographer/photographer. “At that time, I didn’t have much life experience, but I learned that day I could make useful contributions to my community if I were prepared to. Since then, this program has been part of my life.”
Walsh is always ready to give back to the program.
Law School at New York University. And then, to enjoy a successful career on Wall Street and Bay Street for nearly 10 years. None of that would have been possible without that first job with the TTC, cleaning trains”.
Myers is the second African Canadian to serve as TTC chair. The first was Frederick Langdon Hubbard.
Hubbard, son of prominent Black Toronto politician William Peyton Hubbard, was chair in 1929, when the TTC was then known as the Toronto Transportation Commission.
The significance of TTC’s inaugural Black History Month launch also was recognized by transit CEO Rick Leary, BTWA president Kyron Lewis, Marvin Alfred – the first Black president of Local 113 of the Amalgamated Transit Union – and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
“Black History Month is a celebration of strength and resilience,” Chow said. “It’s a time to reflect on all the work, hard-won progress, towards freedom and equity. Let us all take this opportunity to learn, appreciate and celebrate the diversity that enriches our city.”
Toronto’s public transit system “plays a vital role in connecting communities” and TTC is “proud to celebrate and honour the incredible contributions Black Torontonians have made to our community”, Leary said.
Alfred, initially hired as a TTC bus driver, commented on the “journey” of himself and other Black transit employees.
“We have a long journey ahead of us but we can look back with pride at how far we have all come,” said Alfred.
The BTWA was instrumental in the hosting of the BHM launch at the TTC.
Lewis said he was “happy” with the launch, but hopes to make each year’s Black History Month observance at TTC a “bigger and bigger” event.
“I’d like to do it on a grander scale. But we’ll take what we get now until we can expand to a bigger thing,” Lewis told Share
In March 2004 while on his phone in a parking lot behind a Mississauga nightclub waiting for friends to celebrate a new contract he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, two Peel Regional Police plainclothes officers confronted and brutally beat Bowen.
Left with a concussion that forced him to quit the CFL in 2005, a nasty gash on his forehead and blackened eyes, he was arrested.
Bowen alleged at the time that one of the officers – Sheldon Cook – planted drugs on him. Found guilty of seven criminal charges in June 2010, including charges related to the disappearance of fake cocaine used in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) sting, the cop received a 68-month sentence. On bail after launching appeals, Cook finally surrendered to police. He went to prison in October 2014 and served 11 months.
Bowen was acquitted of drugs and police assault charges in 2005 and a $14.6 million lawsuit he filed against Peel Regional Police and several officers was settled out of court.
Prior to the police beating, he had conducted racial sensitivity training for Peel Regional police officers and worked with Peel Crime Stoppers.
Not one to hold a grudge, Bowen forgave Cook and Grant Gervais, the other officer involved.
The retired linebacker wrote a letter to them that he shared at the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted’s (AIDWYC) Wrongful Conviction Day event in Toronto in October 2015.
“To my brothers Sheldon and Grant, life is a game and we can win this thing,” he told them. “I come to you humbled and broken, yet with a calming peace. I apologize for blaming you for my feelings, anger, disappointment and malintent towards you, towards life and towards the system during this ordeal…I want to courageously express the fact that I am thankful, grateful and forever indebted to
“Anytime Orlando needs anything done in my field, I am always there to assist,” he said. “The guy is very authentic unlike some Black leaders in the community whom I have met. He has been an inspiration to me and hundreds of young people.”
Alexi Couto, 27, joined the program in Grade Nine.
“I have learned valuable lessons like working hard, leading by example, how to overcome adversity and striving for excellence,” said the singer/songwriter.
Karen Murray, the Toronto District School Board’s superintendent with responsibility for Equity, Anti-Oppression and Early Years, said One Voice One Team build young leaders.
“The way that they design their program between building character, talking about what it means to be a leader in your own community, what it means to walk with confidence stands out,” she said. ‘Then, they build in opportunities for those kids by moving them to leadership to then mentor others. When we work with them, we don’t have to worry about that.”
As a school administrator, Murray has called on One Voice One Team for guidance.
“One of my students needed to figure out what it means to belong in the building and to sometimes navigate community,” she said. “Orlando and his team did an awesome job. The kids love his energy and his story. He is phenomenal.”
At One Voice One Team’s first fundraising banquet last October at the Toronto Board of Trade, nearly $50,000 was raised.
Part of the funds will be used to hire a part-time grant writer in Toronto and staff to help develop its Manitoba branch.
“That is the first province that we have a physical location,” said Bowen who is the recipient of Harry Jerome and African Canadian Achievement Awards. “There is a need there and we were able to partner with the Winnipeg Kinsmen who approached us to form the partnership. We have been training educators and others that work with young people so that the impact could be even more sustainable. We know that lives are on the line.”
ORLANDO BOWEN
Grenadians urged to make nation’s interest a priority
A cultural presentation, titled “Showcase Grenada”, is scheduled for 1 pm, Sunday, February 18. It will be held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road.
“You have the opportunity to lead and to shape the Grenada of the next 50 years,” Prime Minister Mitchell told Grenadians at the gala, which was attended by more than 600 people, including 103-year-old Grenadian Hilda James.
Other attendees included diplomats, business executives and federal Liberal Party parliamentarians Ahmed Hussen, who is minister of international development and MP Michael Coteau, who has direct family ties to Carriacou.
Mitchell, in his address, said neither Grenada’s small size, nor internal challenges – such as public protests against Gairy, a national strike and an electricity blackout –daunted him as he pursued in leading the country to independence.
“Notwithstanding those difficult circumstances” and “against the odds” and “the trials”, Gairy believed that Grenadians, “as a people with hope, a people of resilience, a people who have gone through struggles, that we were entitled to chart our own course and our own destiny”, said Mitchell, who was accompanied on the Toronto visit by MP Andy Mitchell, his minister of mobilization, implementation and transformation.
The two, along with Grenada’s consul general in Toronto, Gerry Hopkin, joined in the distribution of GAT scholarships to five recipients, as well as awards to five others for professional achievement and community service.
Live entertainment from Dance Caribe and from a band, headed by award-winning musician Eddie Bullen, also formed part of the evening.
Mitchell raised a toast in commemoration of the 2024 independence anniversary. He also led a moment of silence and asked the audience to stand, as a mark of respect, to Anthony Conrad George.
Grenada-born George, 86, died February 7 in the United Kingdom. He was responsible for Grenada’s red, green and gold national flag that was hoisted for the first time at independence in 1974.
“This is the first public opportunity that I am getting to acknowledge and pay tribute to Mr. Anthony Conrad George. Mr. Anthony Conrad George is the main architect of Grenada’s national flag,” Mitchell said.
The Grenada United Labour Party, led by Gairy, was overthrown in 1979 and replaced by Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and the People Revolutionary Government. The revolution imploded and Bishop and some of his cabinet colleagues were assassinated on October 19, 1983.
The United States invaded Grenada on October 25, 1983, and the country subse-
Black history celebrated nationally
assured. Her life serves as a reminder of both our nation’s diverse heritage and the freedoms we as Canadians enjoy today.” https://web.archive. org/web/20160304211255/http://www. pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp?id=1740&andor1=nr.
The Canadian Negro Women’s Association and African Canadian activist Stanley George Grizzle pioneered the celebration of “Black history” in the 1950s. The Ontario Black History Society was instrumental in the recognition of Black History Month as a citywide celebration in 1979. In 1993, the celebration gained province-wide recognition. In 1996, due to the advocacy of Member of Parliament Jean Augustine in December of 1995, Black History Month became a nationally recognized celebration in Canada.
quently returned to parliamentary rule.
“Grenada has had some low moments; some painful moments; some moments that some of us are yet to come to terms with,” said Mitchell, the 45-year-old who became prime minister in June 2022.
He said, however, that with the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, Grenadians at home and abroad have demonstrated a “palpable sense of unity and national pride”, putting aside their differences.
“I want to encourage us to seize this moment to continue on the path of healing,” Mitchell urged. “The “common thread” that connects Grenadians is “the love for our country”.
“We are still one people who have travelled the same journey to get to this point in our nation’s history. And, having done so, it is for us to make sure that we can chart that one future for the next generation of Grenadians.
“I’m confident that as long as we remain united, that as long as we put the nation’s best interests above our personal interests, that we can, collectively, truly create not just a natural gem that the good Lord has blessed us with but a gem of humanity that others can view as an example.”
Mitchell pledged to continue in the service of building a Grenada “for the next
generation of Grenadians so that, 50 years from now, they too can look back at this seminal moment in our history and be proud that, together, we made the right choices to put country over political party; to build our institutions of governance over personal ambition for power; to serve and walk away when it’s time to walk away; to love and to forgive when it’s time to forgive. And to hold each other’s hands and set the example for the next generation of Grenadians”.
Mitchell thanked Grenadians in Canada that have contributed “in building and making Grenada what it is today”.
His presence at the Toronto event, said Mitchell, “is really to thank you for the tremendous support, the hard work and the love that you have given to the nation of Grenada over the last 50 years. And, to encourage you to continue doing so for the next 50 years and beyond”.
Mitchell disclosed that he intends to visit Calgary soon and is also planning a return Toronto visit in September.
“I look forward to seeing all of you on my return in September,” he said. “I want to make sure wherever there are Grenadians, I get the opportunity to meet, greet and speak with them so that we continue working together to build this lovely land of ours.”
Gov’textendsUNDecadeforAfricans
CONTINUED FROM Pg. 10
to achieving/realizing the lofty declarations made almost 10 years ago: “The International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 68/237 and to be observed from 2015 to 2024, provides a solid framework for the United Nations, Member States, civil society and all other relevant actors to join together with people of African descent and take effective measures for the implementation of the programme of activities in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.
One of the highlights of the Black History Month celebrations was the announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the extension of the UN Decade for people of African Descent in Canada until 2028. The government reaffirmed its commitment to continue the efforts to promote equality and empowerment for Black Canadians, and to support their leadership in various fields, such as social justice, business and community.
In 2018, Canada endorsed the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. In so doing, Canada became the first country belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to formally recognize the UN Decade. Since then, this framework has served as a roadmap to make important and tangible investments totaling $860 million in Black-focused initiatives right across the country.
BlackTTCworkershonoured
This year, 2024, is the end of “The International Decade for People of African Descent”, and we are not much closer
“It is also a unique opportunity to build on the International Year for People of African Descent, which was observed by the international community in 2011, and to further underline the important contribution made by people of African descent to our societies and to propose concrete measures to promote their full inclusion and to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.” tiakoma@hotmail.com CONTINUED FROM Pg. 6
CONTINUED FROM Pg. 3
and storage facility on Lakeshore Boulevard East – Cole was honoured with the presentation of the BTWA’s inaugural Award of Excellence.
“The idea of an association would have gone nowhere, without Yolanda,” Lewis told Share . “Without Yolanda, I do not know if the idea would have gotten any traction.”
Lewis, who has worked with TTC for two decades, credited Cole with transferring his ideas “into a reality”.
“Today, we are who we are, the Black Transit Workers’ Association, because she followed a dream,” said Lewis. “Throughout our advocacy at TTC, she’s been there with me. So, I don’t see anybody more deserving of being acknowledged than her.”
BTWA aims to be “a voice to highlight Black issues, celebrate Black accomplishments and advocate for Black rights within our workplace, within our industry”, said Lewis, who was the recipient of the 2022 CEO Award at the TTC.
The commission, in announcing the award to Lewis, said “he has always been
an advocate for the Black community and brought together workers from across the TTC to give a voice to the frontline experience of Black TTC employees”.
Keisha Campbell, TTC’s chief of diversity and culture, said the Black History Month launch is “just one of the many ways that we’ll be moving forward towards improving the employee experience, employee engagement and community collaboration, as part of our journey to eradicate systemic racism and discrimination of all forms, and that includes anti-Black racism”.
Trinidad-born Campbell, who was the BHM event’s MC, said TTC is “committed to creating a work environment and a transit system that are inclusive for everyone; one that is free of racism and discrimination; one where Black excellence is celebrated and honoured all year round, not just in February”.
Diversity and inclusion, she said, “has become a top priority as we strive to become a leader in the industry on confronting existing issues and making meaningful changes to address them”.
Dr. Everton Gooden named to top job at NYGH
that I’ve contributed to nurturing a talented and
empathic healer and leader who will undoubtedly make a significant impact in his newly appointed prestigious position.”
Three years ago, U of T – where Gooden is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery -- asked faculty members to pen a note to someone they admire to lift their spirits during the pandemic. He put into words the impact Gullane made in his career without hesitation.
“I had already done so
in person, but I decided I would pen that to him,” the 2017 Metro Land Media Urban Hero Award in Health winner said. “He responded and was very appreciative.”
At the NYGH Black History Month launch on February 1, Gooden spoke about the importance of mentoring.
“Sometimes, we take it for granted,” the married father of three children said. “Activities of kindness and things you take for trivial could make a huge difference. It goes back to integrity and just treating people with respect.”
To whom much is given, much is expected.
In the early 1990s, University of Toronto Summer Mentorship Program co-founder Diana Alli turned to Gooden to help tutor a student fleeing genocide in Africa. He did not hesitate.
“The kid wanted to be an engineer, but was struggling academically,” she recalled. “I asked Everton if he could help the boy and he agreed. In a few short months, his marks went up from 33 to 85. Everton later told me he wanted to continue to mentor young people.”
In 1994, Alli along with two-time Harry Jerome Award winner Dr. Dominick Shelton, Dr. Kristine Whitehead and the late Dr. Miriam Rossi started the mentorship initiative to offer a focus for Black and Aboriginal students
with both an interest and aptitude for the sciences, particularly for those who otherwise would not have available mentorship opportunities.
Gooden was among the first young Black medical students to offer support.
“He has a heart of gold and I am not surprised that he is where he is now,” said Alli.
In addition to Gullane, Gooden had many supporters along his journey.
At George Harvey Collegiate Institute, his focus was on sports and he struggled academically, getting C’s, and D’s until a conversation with a guidance counsellor in Grade 10 led to a ‘light bulb moment’.
While at Toronto General, Gooden spent a summer with cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Irving Lipton and met Kittitian-born Charles Estridge who was the director of the Dialysis Unit.
“Charles offered me a weekend job as a dialysis assistant to help support my studies,” he said. “He also provided mentorship and encouragement along the way. When I entered medical school, I met clinicians who supported me and pushed me forward. When I got into practice at North York General, some mentors reached out and encouraged me to take on leadership roles.
“After four years practicing, Dr. Ian Forrest – who is a vascular surgeon here – told me I would be really good on the Medical Staff
Association’s executive. I didn’t know much about it, but I said yes, and that position put me onto the hospital’s Board.”
Affiliated with the U of T, NYGH provides high-quality acute, ambulatory and long-term care to nearly half a million people across the Greater Toronto Area.
Last December, the hospital introduced advanced technology to manage wait lists that will help clear the surgical backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Novari Access To Care (ATC) is a surgical e-booking and wait time management system that will automate administrative processes and provide surgeons and their teams with real-time patient data to help provide timely access to surgeries.
With hospitals embracing artificial intelligence (AI) that is transforming the healthcare system, NYGH appointed Dr. Ervin Sejdic as a Research Chair in AI for Health Outcomes in 2019. Three years earlier, then-American President Barack Obama presented the electrical engineer with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists & Engineers.
Gooden, who sits on the Face the Future Foundation Board, volunteers with the Kenya Relief Organization and is a member of the Black Opportunity Fund’s Healthcare Working Group,
acknowledged that AI will be revolutionary.
“I do not think it will ever replace the human care that we provide,” he said. “The advantage of AI is in the efficiency of taking away the task-based roles that remove individuals from direct patient care. The ability to gather information quickly and assist in decision-making will be remarkable. If you are in my office talking about what is the best type of drug to treat a certain cancer, the information I provide you is what I have gathered from reading journals. It is dated. Just imagine you can develop a system that will enable you to pull all the best available evidence instantaneously using AI. When I give you that information, it is current in real-time.”
In 1972, Kenneth and Helen Gooden left Jamaica to lay a foundation in Canada for their son and older sisters who followed three years later.
Sharon Gooden is a registered nurse working with the Ontario Poison Centre located at The Hospital for Sick Children and Dr. Amoaba Gooden is the Vice-President of the People, Culture & Belonging Unit at Kent State University.
Starting a new life in another country worked out very well for the Gooden family.
Ontario curriculum incorporating the legacies, stories and histories of Black Canadians,” she said.
“It is vital that students learn about the contributions and struggles of Black Canadians, as they are a fundamental part of Canadian history. I hope this leads to a more inclusive and inspiring education system for all.”
The pending curriculum mandate is “another step forward” in building “a more united and inclusive country” and a “modern and pluralistic democracy in strengthening Canadian history “by enshrining the
voices and stories of Black Canadians within our curriculum,” said Lecce.
“For many young people, it may be new to them that Black individuals contributed to the country’s founding, before Confederation,” Lecce told reporters.
The education minister called the plan an enhancing of “historical learnings and civic education”, and the promotion of Canadian “democratic values”.
“We have a shared obligation to learn from the past,” said Lecce. “We’ve got to learn from our past if we want to build a better future.”
