Share Newspaper - March 2024

CANADA’S LARGEST ETHNIC NEWSPAPER CANADA’S LARGEST ETHNIC NEWSPAPER

ALEX BETANCOURT made history recently when she became the City of Brampton’s first Black female firefighter. “She enriches our department and she serves as a beacon of inspiration for young girls of colour and beyond,” says Fire Chief and Commissioner BILL BOYES. See story on this page.

Photo by Ron Fanfair

Weneedtocelebrateus,tellourownstories

By ARNOLD A. AUGUSTE, Publisher/Senior Editor

e’ve always known that Share was very popular with our readers.

From the time we arrived on the scene back in 1978 readers took a keen interest in what we were doing or saying, and it wasn’t long before Share became the largest, most read and respected publication serving our community, a position we continue to hold today.

It was still surprising, though, to hear from so many of you when we suspended publishing at the end of July 2023. We thought we could just quietly go away and you wouldn’t notice.

That was not to be.

In order to respond to the concerns from so many of you as to why we ceased publishing, we decided to publish a Black History Month issue in February. We thought that would be satisfactory.

So, it was somewhat surprising when our delivery people reported on the response to the paper when it was being delivered on February 15. One called to say that we

have to continue publishing because of the response she experienced with people greeting her with “Share is back! Share is back!”

That was very moving. It reminded me of Sally Field’s giddy remarks at the 1985 Oscars when she won Best Actress for her role in Places in the Heart

“You like us, you really like us.”

Sometimes you are so close to a situation that you can’t see the bigger picture. The time away and the responses from our readers helped to change that.

I was heading north on Bathurst St. at Lakeshore recently when I saw a streetcar

pass in front of me emblazoned with images showcasing the TTC’s tribute to Black History Month and there it was, larger than life, a photo of Irma James, the first Black woman to be hired by the TTC as a streetcar driver. I remember that story well as I mentioned in last month’s issue of Share. It was exciting news for Jules Elder and I back in 1983. While it might not seem a big deal today, and even to others back then, it was a very big deal for us at Share. It was a celebration of ‘a first’. Now, more than 40 years later, the TTC is catching up to us by celebrating this historic ‘first’.

Gov’tlaudedforaddingBlackhistorytocurriculum

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

The recent announcement by Ontario’s education minister, Stephen Lecce, that the provincial government is making studies of Black History mandatory for kids in Grades 7, 8 and 10 is great news for retired school principal and former MP Dr. Jean Augustine.

“The time has come,” she said. However, Augustine has certain expectations for the mandatory studies program which would be introduced in schools in September 2025. She wants province-wide talks on the schools’ compulsory “Black History Learning” program, and also “would like to see the teachers who are going to be teaching this new curriculum”.

“I would like to see the modules being taught and that there is no opting out,” Augustine said at a recent event in Scar-

borough. “If it is the curriculum, it is the curriculum; no opting out.”

According to Conservative government officials, the planned curriculum change 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”.

It’s about making the curriculum “more relevant to the diverse stories of our country by honouring our past and honouring the sacrifices of our forefathers”, and “enshrining the voices and stories of Black Canadians within our curriculum”, Lecce said.

“By mandating learning on the contributions Black individuals made to our

Brampton’s first female firefighter a ‘beacon of inspiration’

By RON FANFAIR

Ryan Agard was among the first set of Black firefighters hired in Brampton in September 1995. Little did he know then that it would take exactly 29 years to the day for the city to have its first Black woman firefighter.

Alex Betancourt made history last September 5 and is assigned to Agard’s station, 206, at 7880 Hurontario St. Brampton’s only Black Fire Captain and Acting District Chief is elated to have her on his crew.

“She has got the right attitude and her focus is to do well in this role,” said Agard. “At the same time, she recognizes who she is and the significance of the unique position she is in. So far, she is handling it perfectly and the crew likes her. She is doing it the right way and will have a great career with

this Service.”

He said Brampton Fire Chief and Commissioner Bill Boyes is committed to diversifying the Service.

“He has an open-door policy, he listens and is responsive,” said the Allied Firefighters of Canada president. “We are heading in the right direction.”

Boyes, who is pursuing a PhD that reflects a social justice lens, embraces diversity.

“Alex’s dedication and passion for service exemplify the best of our profession,” said the 2021 Canadian Fire Chief of the Year. “She enriches our department and she serves as a beacon of inspiration for young girls of colour and beyond, showing them that with determination and hard work, any dream is within reach.”

Jordan Stevens, a Markham firefighter,

introduced Betancourt to Agard.

“When I was told I was going to 206, I was so excited,” she said.

Since 2017, Betancourt applied to fire services throughout Canada, the majority in Ontario.

“Anywhere my qualifications lined up, I applied,” she said. “I was willing to go anywhere I could get a job. I did the tests and moved forward in a couple of departments.”

In the same week last year, Betancourt attended her first interviews with the Welland and Brampton fire departments. With job offers from both, she chose Brampton because of the city’s diversity and its proximity to family members and friends in the Greater Toronto Area.

Stevens also helped her make the decision.

Dr. JEAN AUGUSTINE

Ontario's Education Minister STEPHEN LECCE ALEX

Slavery North Initiative gets $2.56 M Mellon grant

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been awarded a $2.65 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to expand the Slavery North Initiative, led by founding director Charmaine A. Nelson, provost professor of art history.

Slavery North is a one-of-a-kind academic and cultural destination where scholars, thinkers and artists research and build community that transforms society’s understanding of the neglected histories of trans-Atlantic slavery in Canada and the U.S. North.

This is the largest Mellon grant awarded to UMass Amherst to date. The three-year grant will support the development of Slavery North’s fellowship program for graduate and undergraduate students, a three-person staff, a lecture series, Black History Month panels, an academic conference, an edited academic book, a podcast series, workshops, art and cultur-

al exhibitions, and a historical database that houses primary sources for the study of slavery in Canada and the U.S. North.

“A fellows program is at the heart of this grant so that we can grow this field of research. Since there are not many scholars studying slavery in the U.S. North and Canada, the ability to grow the field is limited,” Nelson says. “Mellon’s generous support will provide fellows with the space, time and a like-minded community in which to develop their own research and the field at a more rapid pace.”

While most fellowship categories will have no citizenship restrictions, undergraduate fellowships will be offered exclusively to UMass Amherst and other honours students in the Five College Consortium. Slavery North will also offer fellowships to visiting scholars and artists working on research or research creation in its mandate areas.

The expected yearly cohort will consist of four undergraduate honours students and two artists-in-residence per year, and one fellow in each of the following categories: MA, Ph.D. and Visiting Research Fellow. Fellows will work together in Slavery North’s recently developed offices at the Newman Center on North Pleasant Street in Amherst.

A prominent scholar, art historian, educator, author and the first-ever tenured Black professor of art history in Canada, Nelson says the work of Slavery North sits at the axes of three significant academic blind spots of trans-Atlantic slavery studies: temperate climate regions where the enslaved became the minority of the population, Canada’s often forgotten 200-year history of slavery and art history, which Nelson explains has been one of the last disciplines to grapple with the impacts of colonialism, imperialism and slavery on art and cultural production, representation and consumption.

Launched in 2020, Slavery North

promotes racial inclusion, belonging, understanding and allyship that improve people’s lives through research and education, cultural activities, artistic production and critical conversation around difficult issues and histories. It aims to bolster public understanding of the social and cultural impacts of trans-Atlantic slavery and its legacies, including how that history manifests in anti-Black racism today.

“If you transform people’s understanding of slavery, you allow them to understand the roots of anti-Black racism that are 500-600 years old. This problem really began in the 1400s, and that’s where the stereotypes of Blackness we see today originate,” says Nelson. “All of these dimensions of anti-Black racism today – the Black maternal health crisis, for example, or that we get stopped more if we’re driving a nice car, or we get asked for an ID when paying for luxury goods –goes back to the hyper surveillance and the brutalization of our ancestors in the

Toronto police honour former officer, MP for BHM

By RON FANFAIR

Retired law enforcement officer Terry James and Canada’s first Black woman Member of Parliament Jean Augustine were honoured at the close of Toronto Police Service’s Black History Month celebrations at Tropicana Community Services Organi zation Centre in Scarborough.

James, who migrated from Grenada in her teenage years, conceived the obser vance celebration.

Joining the Service in the summer of 1980, she was among 10 women in her class of new officers – the largest at the time for one class.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2001, she and retired Inspector Sonia Thomas were the first Black women to be elevated to Sergeant at the same time.

James retired in September 2010 after 30 years.

To mark her contribution in playing the lead role in starting a BHM celebration at

Award winners TERRY JAMES Board’s first Black member

Educator Jay Williams was ‘hugely respected’ by his students

By RON FANFAIR

Jay Williams and Brione Wishart were collaborating on a project to connect workshop facilitators with school boards and community organizations. They were also talking about producing an educational podcast that would include Matthew Morris, a close friend of Williams who is an educator and writer.

During an early morning conversation on February 28, Williams told Wishart he knew someone who might be able to help them get a grant for the podcast.

“I said it was a great idea and would give it some thought,” he said. “The next morning, I messaged him, suggesting that the grant money could be used to shoot a pilot that would involve him interviewing educators and students.”

A few minutes later, Williams’ cousin texted Wishart, saying ‘Unfortunately, Jay passed away’.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) educator died suddenly in the early hours of February 29. He was 40.

To say Wishart was stunned is an understatement.

“At first, I thought this guy was testing my loyalty or running some sick assessment of me,” said the creative entrepreneur. “When I called his phone, the cousin answered and confirmed that Jay was no longer with us. This guy had so much to offer.”

Last January, Williams was part of a Youth Career Summit panel at Malvern Library that Wishart and his cousin, Toronto Police Constable Lancelot Waddell, helped put together through their organization, Elevate to Achieve, with assistance from Toronto Police 42 Division’s neighbourhood community officers. It included serial entrepreneur Flo King who introduced him to Wishart. About six years ago, she met Williams who mentored her only child, Tyai King.

“I was struggling with Math, and I didn’t even want to be in school,” said Tyai King.

“Jay took me under his wing and invested the time to understand who I am and what works for me. He let me know that education is very important, and I could do better. He pushed me to do better and I am so grateful I met him. I would not be here today had it not been for Jay caring about me and wanting to see me succeed.”

Williams promised King that he would help him buy a computer if he graduated high school with honours.

The young man made the honour roll at Mary Ward Catholic High School and Williams kept his end of the bargain.

King is in his final year of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Business Management program.

Juno-nominated recording artiste Keysha Freshh was also on the panel with Flo King and Williams.

“Jay and I spoke a lot about how we can expand each other’s network and work together to advocate for Black youth in the school system which is something he was passionate about and I am also,” said Freshh. “He saw the power in build-

ing a network to do this work across all school boards. Every school I enter and every education conference I attend from now on, I will do so in his memory to honour him.”

Due to address new TDSB teachers on the day he died, Williams was a member of Canada’s largest school board for 14 years.

Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins said staff, students and families hugely respected him.

“Jay had an incredible ability to connect with people and always made time to reach out to former students and colleagues that he worked with,” she said. “He was very committed to helping other educators across our district create spaces that affirm the identity of all learners and close gaps in achievement. His presence, knowledge and leadership will be greatly missed.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Williams completed a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education & Promotion at Dalhousie University where he played varsity basketball and was an assistant coach

in his final year in 2007, and a Bachelor of Education two years later at Ontario Tech University.

He taught mainly Grade 8 in TDSB middle schools and was an Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression coach for students from kindergarten through Grade 12 before joining the Centre of Black Excellence for Black Student Achievement last July as an equity co-ordinator.

Karen Murray said the Centre was Williams’ ‘home away from home’.

“Even though he was on my Equity team, Jay supported a lot of the work at the Centre because I don’t have a lot of males here,” said the System Superintendent for Equity, Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression. “He supported programming when it came to staff, students and the community in addition to his job as equity co-ordinator. He had an indomitable spirit, and he was authentically real. Who he was permeated everything he did. He was so committed to the students.”

Murray said many students wept when they learned he had died.

KidsHelpPhoneincreasessupportforBlackyouth

Acting on its commitment to help equity-deserving communities thrive, Kids Help Phone (KHP) is launching RiseUp: Kids Help Phone's Action Plan for Supporting Black Youth

KHP will build on the tailored services and programs to support African, Caribbean and Black youth across Canada with a plan that expands e-mental health services to be more equitable, accessible and culturally informed.

The RiseUp action plan has five ambi-

tious goals and 29 actions that will guide support for Black communities in Canada. Anti-Black racism and systemic racism create significant barriers when Black youth seek mental health support. Understanding that e-mental health services for Black youth must be community-informed and community-led, RiseUp was informed by Black youth and community leaders.

Kids Help Phone engaged with more than 200 African, Caribbean and Black youth to find out more about barriers they face when accessing support to mental health care.

Following the engagement sessions, Kids Help Phone developed the KHP Black Advisory Council – a group of community leaders with a shared commitment to Black excellence and joy – to provide strategic direction for the ongoing development of RiseUp.

youth and building trust in communities by developing deeper connections with community centres, schools, pediatric hospitals, shelters, sports organizations and Black content creators.

* Adding 200 Black community resources into KHP's Resources Around Me database – an interactive tool that helps young people find and connect with trusted community supports.

* Increasing the number of African, Caribbean and Black employees at KHP to ensure its staff reflects the voices and experiences of young people from the Afro-diaspora.

* Recruiting 100+ African, Caribbean and Black volunteers as crisis responders each year.

* Developing volunteer and mentorship

programs tailored for African, Caribbean and Black youth.

Kids Help Phone's services can bridge the 24-7 gap to support African, Caribbean and Black young people with e-mental health support, particularly when there are barriers to other services. Through the RiseUp action plan, they’re expanding awareness and trust of the services so more Black youth know KHP is here for them.

Black youth across Canada can access free wellness support 24/7 by texting RISE to 686868. Support from a professional counsellor via phone or Live Chat is also available.

RiseUp is funded by the Government of Canada, The Slaight Family Foundation, Tangerine and Empire Company Limited.

The KHP Black Youth Initiatives team implements the action plan. Through this action plan KHP will innovate new and responsive ways of supporting Black youth with their mental health and wellness. This includes:

* Expanding awareness of KHP services for Black

JAY WILLIAMS (right) with his mom PAULETTE SENIOR (center) and other family members RUELL GOMEZ (left), PATRICIA SENIOR and RAISHA SENIOR-PINNOCK in happier times. Photo by Ron Fanfair

Art exhibition explores the power of Black dreams

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

Photographer Yasin Osman, as a preschool and toddler classroom teacher, listened to the children and came to understand the things they dreamed of achieving in life and “how articulate they are, how smart they are and how amazing they are”, he said.

“A six-year-old could talk about their dreams about wanting to help others and wanting to be a doctor and so I thought it was important for me to be able to show people those stories that I am always so used to,” said Osman, explaining the idea behind the children’s photos that he is showcasing at Union Station in Toronto.

Osman is doing a solo show, while half-dozen other artists are participating in the collaborative “Black Dreams and Aspirations”

The collaborators of “Black Dreams and Aspirations” are Union Station, Toronto Dominion Bank and MakeRoom Inc. – a curatorial agency and an arts organization.

The organizers are advising the public to visit the exhibition and not miss “this unique opportunity to witness bold colours, regal stances and dreamlike states, all reflecting themes of community, self-possession, connection to the past, creativity and the power of imagination”.

The hope, they added, is that “everyone can see this exhibition, be inspired to dream again and believe that a better future is possible for all”.

This is the second consecutive year of an exhibition of its type by the three partners. Last year’s, also mounted at Union Station, lasted 114 days. It was called, “Black Joy is Resistance”

Trevor Twells, lead product designer of MakeRoom Inc., which he founded in 2019, said “Black Dreams and Aspirations”, was chosen as a non-monolithic title for the exhibition.

“We wanted something that gave diverse voices, as well as gave room to play and imagination,” he explained at the exhibition’s opening.

“So, we chose the question, what does it mean to dream while Black? And dreams are important because they are the building blocks of life. They are the building blocks of

progress. The dreams of the past create the present and the dreams of the present create the future. In order to crate progress, it starts with a dream.”

Grenadian Canadian Nekeba Modeste, a senior TD manager who also spoke at the exhibit’s opening, expressed the bank’s “ongoing commitment” to sponsorship of community events to help “create pathways to build more inclusive and equitable futures for all”.

TD’s support of the various initiatives seeks to “break down barriers, amplify diverse voices and drive long term systematic changes”, she added.

The exhibits are on dis-

play at Union’s West Wing and Oak Room.

Syma Shah, executive director of programming at Union Station, said management and staff are “passionate about reflecting the diversity of Canadians through our multidisciplinary programming vision. This vision encourages and celebrates creativity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility through our free year-round events that showcase Toronto’s cultural scene.”

“Black Dreams and Aspirations” features the work of 12 Continental and Diaspora African Canadians who explore themes such as community, self-possession, connection to the past, creativity and the power of imagination.

The creations of a group of six are now on display at Union Station’s West Wing. The art of the others will replace the first group of six, halfway through the exhibition that runs until August 31.

The current six on display are Yaw Tony,

Williams’commitment‘wentbeyondthetextbooks’

“A lot of former students were still in touch with him for many reasons,” she said. “They connected with him when they were having challenges or when there was a celebration. This is not easy.”

Jason Kandankery, the TDSB Centrally Assigned Principal with responsibility for Systems Navigation, worked with Williams on initiatives linked to the Board’s Combatting Hate & Racism Strategy.

“Jay was part of a team creating lessons that affirm the identity of Black students and showcasing Black joy and excellence,” said the former Nelson Mandela Public School principal. “He was very passionate about moving from deficit narratives around any community. He led through his actions and was a good listener. When Jay spoke, people paid attention because his stance was one of confident humility. He was able to connect with people and get them to follow him on the journey of change.”

Two years ago, Williams reached out to award-winning educator Ainsworth Morgan for advice.

“He felt he needed support navigating the Board as a Black male educator,” recalled the TDSB Centrally Assigned Principal for Caring & Safe Schools. “I was also

impressed with his emotional intelligence.”

As an educator, Wilfrid University Faculty of Education assistant professor Ardavan Eizadirad said Williams’ commitment went beyond textbooks.

“Jay believed in the transformative power of knowledge and lived experiences and the boundless potential within each student,” he said. “His tireless dedication to education and to change for the better was not just about teaching facts, but instilling values of empathy, equity and social change.”

Eizadirad said that Williams, who was a member of the African Canadian Heritage Association program, shone as an activist.

“He fearlessly stood at the forefront of movements, raising his voice against injustice and inequality,” said the certified national basketball official. “His advocacy was fuelled by compassion and driven by a vision to contribute to a world where every voice mattered and where every individual was seen, heard and valued, especially Black students.”

Spoken word artiste Dwayne Morgan was Williams’ Summer Camp counsellor at Tropicana Community Services Organization in the late 1990s.

“You could tell that he had his head on

straight,” the Order of Ontario appointee said. “When I saw the work he was doing in the community and with education, it made sense.”

Durham District School Board communications specialist Charles Senior said the family is devastated.

“We knew he was working out there in the community to make a difference, but we are now realizing the magnitude and depth of it and the impact he was making,” said Williams’ uncle.

Even though he was very involved in the community, Senior said his nephew was family oriented.

“Jay, JJ or Jermaine as we knew him was always there for any function that involved family,” he said. “I celebrated my birthday on the day he passed away and he was looking forward to attending the celebration two days later.”

Williams was very proud of his Jamaican-born mother, Paulette Senior, who was appointed to the Canadian Senate last December.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on February 6.

Two days later, Williams made an emotional post on Facebook.

“Pride doesn’t do this feeling justice.

Nah. I am overcome with emotion witnessing you continue to climb to insurmountable heights. Heights that were never supposed to be attainable for US. I am amazed each day at the example you have set and continue to set. But truth be told, I should not be surprised. I have had a front-row seat to the dedication, work, sweat, pain, success and failures put in over the decades while being the superhero to me you have always been.

“It is not lost on me why I have chosen the path I have from the examples you presented. President, CEO, Doctor, Politician, Activist. You have smashed through glass ceilings, set the bar and reset it over and over again. I am grateful, as many of us are, that you have allowed us to join you on this journey. You have remained humble and consistent and shown us all what integrity, belief in self and excellence can achieve. Looking back, I have had a few folks I have looked up to for various reasons. Maybe, they were good at hoops or repped for the community. However, I have only ever had one role model and it has always been you. Congrats Senator Senior aka My Mama.”

Williams was Senior’s only child.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his father Ron Williams and five siblings.

Artists that are exhibiting at Union Station KAHAME MSISKA's art titled Amaka

WAN LUCAS art official and curator (left) with artist KAHAME MSISKA

See ART SHOW Pg. 14

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 4

CAP celebrates Indigenous women

Dear Editor:

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) proudly stands in solidarity with Indigenous women, celebrat ing their resilience, strength and invaluable contribu tions to their communities as we observe International Women’s Day. Indigenous women have been the heartbeat of our cultures for generations, embodying wisdom, leadership and cultural preservation.

Let us celebrate the women in our lives

Throughout this celebration, The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples pauses to pay respect and honour to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ individuals (MMIWG2S+). Their lives, stories and legacies serve as a reminder of the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous women and the urgent need for action and justice.

CAP stands in solidarity with their families and communities, advocating for truth, accountability and systemic change to address the root causes of violence and discrimination.

CAP National Chief Elmer St. Pierre expressed profound respect for Indigenous women, stating: “Indigenous women are the backbone of our communities, carrying the wisdom of our ancestors and guiding us toward a brighter future. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and spirit.”

In recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous women, CAP is dedicated to providing advocacy, support and resources to address systemic barriers. We strive to create a more equitable and inclusive society where Indigenous women can thrive.

Vice Chief Kim Beaudin emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collaboration, stating: “As Indigenous peoples, we must stand together in support of our women, recognizing their central role in our communities and cultures.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, CAP calls upon governments, organizations and individuals to honour and uplift Indigenous women. Together, let us create a world where Indigenous women are valued, respected, and empowered.

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is the national voice representing the interests of Métis, status and non-status Indians, and Southern Inuit Indigenous People living off-reserve. Today, over 80 per cent of Indigenous people live off-reserve.

By PATRICK HUNTER

It is Women’s History Month and we have just, rightly so, celebrated International Women’s Day. Interestingly, this past weekend Mother’s Day was celebrated in the United Kingdom.

In my last column to mark Black History Month, I touched on my brushes with some famous people. In that column I mentioned the passing of my mother. As this transition is so recent, it is hard not to reflect on who that person was, and the influence she had on my life. It also forced me to think about how significant mothers, and especially Black single mothers, are to our well-being.

When I spoke about my mother, Edna, at the celebration of her life, I began by talking about how, as a child, she taught me to sew buttons, patch a hole in my clothes, iron a shirt, wash some of my clothes and, of course, some elementary cooking. Little did I realize and appreciate at the time that she was preparing me for life.

Perhaps, more significantly, she insisted on my schooling. To be able to read, to do my homework and for that she would arrange additional lessons, paying what she could from what was then a measly wage working as a domestic.

My mother had two of us. My younger sister, Faye, eventually became a teacher following, I guess, in the footsteps of one set of our great grandparents. Today, among other things, she is an archdeacon in the Episcopal Church is Southern Florida.

My mom came to Canada first for a nine-month visit and then later as a landed immigrant. Throughout those periods, she never forgot us. The conditions, I came to realize later, for her leaving would have been agreements with a very close friend for our supervision and care. Our mom stayed in very close contact writing letters regularly to check up on us, sending us a little “pocket money”.

I have seen some of the struggles that my mother endured. There was much that she didn’t talk about. There were employers who were at times unpleasant towards her.

Yet, she had always maintained a sense of loyalty to them. Perhaps she did so to ensure that we, her children, would be safe and not in need of anything.

Our mom had dementia in her last days. In a way, it was a very hard thing to witness. I guess I had taken for granted how strong, how hardworking, this woman was. It was a wake-up call. And even through it all, her sense of determination – “I can do this myself” – showed itself frequently. She had somehow convinced herself that she could live on her own, not wanting any help we would arrange for her.

One of the most touching moments in those last days, in a lucid moment, she turned to me and said/asked: “I hope I’m not leaving you in debt.”

Yes, in our communities, there are single parents, especially single mothers. I have yet to come across one of these mothers (and there may be some) who considered their child or children to be a burden. I believe that what they are most concerned about is the inability, at times, to balance the need to earn a living to be able to ensure that their children have a home and food on the table, and the more hands-on care and attention the child needs. How many times have we come across situations where Black mothers leave their children to take care of their employer’s child or children?

It is not an easy undertaking, being a single mother. Yes, there are some who lose control and, through no fault of their own, fall into a situation where the state steps in. These are some of the challenges that Black mothers face and who are often at the low end of the wage scale.

I would not want to suggest that these are problems faced only by Black and other racialized women. But there are biases involved which brand these as a major concern among the powers-that-be.

So, in this Women’s History Month, let us make a special effort to acknowledge the sacrifices and strength of the women in our lives. Their health is frequently misunderstood, their value is all too often underrated and much too often the subject of abuse.

Email: patrick.hunter11@gmail.com / X: @pghntr.

Women‘makingtheworldabetterplace’

Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, issued the following statement on International Women’s Day.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the contributions, achievements and leadership of women

Westillneedourownmedia

We have been fortunate to cover many ‘firsts’ over the past 46 years. We have proudly announced accomplishments on the police force, in academia, in business, politics, the media and other prominent positions as members of our community broke glass ceilings.

We were always aware that many of those stories might not have been big news to those in mainstream media and the wider society but to us they were important stories to share. They were the kind of stories that encouraged us, that reminded us that we and our children have opportunities and options.

There is the saying: “You have to see it to be it.” But you can’t see it if someone first doesn’t achieve it. That is where we come in. When we share these stories, our kids are able to “see it”.

There is another aspect to this. “You have to see it to believe it.” That is for potential employers, and those selecting members of boards, commissions and other gatekeepers. If they don’t see us doing well, breaking new barriers, attaining new heights and excelling at it, they might not be able to visualize us as their top em-

ployees, on their boards, their commissions; they might not be in a position to believe that we can do it, be it. So, sharing these stories take on added importance and open up opportunities for qualified members of our community who might otherwise be overlooked.

That is why we are so proud of Alex Betancourt, recently hired as the first Black female firefighter by the City of Brampton.

Firefighting has been for a very long time a closed shop for people of colour. In fact, there was the belief a long time ago that you had to be Irish to become a firefighter. The same used to also be said about the police but that changed much earlier.

We are proud of Ms. Betancourt and of the Brampton Fire Services. Now, little Black girls everywhere will know that if they wish, they too have a shot at becoming a firefighter. It might not be a big deal for other people but it is for us and for our little girls.

That is what Share is about. That is why we continue to publish. And thanks for reminding me of this.

Until there is no longer the need to celebrate ‘firsts’ we will need to have our own media to tell these stories.

and girls in all their diversity, who are making the world a better place.

Every day, women strengthen our homes, our workplaces, our communities and our country. They are entrepreneurs, leaders and advocates who inspire the next generation. Yet, we know that women still face economic obstacles like bearing a disproportionate load of family care, a lack of capital to start or grow a business, and the persisting gender pay gap.

This year’s theme, Invest in women: Accelerate progress, reinforces the fact that making investments that move the needle forward on gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous and more inclusive communities for everyone. This includes making sure that women from unserved communities are not being left behind.

The Government of Canada has announced a National Pharmacare Plan that will provide universal contraceptive coverage, introduced legislation that will protect women and girls from hate online and launched the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy to help women thrive in their careers. We have also provided funding to provinces and territories to prevent violence before it happens, through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. We made investments to support the capacity and sustainability of women’s and equality-seeking organizations working on the frontlines to advance gender equality.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we announced an investment in Plan International Canada’s, Promoting the Power Within and Redefining Beauty: Uprooting Systemic Barriers to Equity in Leadership project, which aims to support young women’s leadership.

As we come together to meet the challenges of the day – we must continue to have women’s voices at the table. The cost of inaction is far too steep. Let’s continue building a Canada that puts gender equality at the forefront of our communities, our institutions and our economy.

Today, on International Women’s Day, be part of the conversation online using the hashtags #IWD2024 and #InvestInWomen.

T&T seniors told to raise their voices, share their wisdom

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

Seniors need to speak up and share their voices and wisdom with young people, Justice Donald McLeod said in his address at a recent event of the Trinidad & Tobago 50Plus & Seniors Association.

The further advancement of the Black and Caribbean community requires that seniors not be quiet, but lending their voices and sharing their wisdom with younger people, he added.

According to McLeod,

young people with university degrees are not smarter than older folks, including parents and grandparents, who may not have attended a university or college.

“Just because you don’t have a degree after your name does not mean I don’t have to listen to you.”

McLeod was part of a packed room at TAIBU Community Health Centre, where the 50Plus & Seniors’ Association hosted its annual Black History Month event.

The group was established in 1996 as a non-profit association.

The Black History commemoration was attended by Scarborough politicians – city councilor Jamaal Myers, MPP Raymond Cho and federal Liberal MPs Gary Anandasangaree and Shaun Chen who all delivered messages. The theme of the event was, “Unity in Diversity”.

“Trinidad & Tobago 50Plus & Seniors’ Association of Canada is a great

Thesteelpanprovidedoptionsforthemusicallygifted

By RON FANFAIR

Always with a positive demeanour and endearing smile, it was hard to tell that Joy Lapps-Lewis was grieving when she appeared on stage with her six-piece band and accepted the Woman in Pan Award at the Pan Arts Network’s (PAN) 26th annual ‘Snowflakes On Steel’ concert on January 20.

Catherine Lapps, a paternal aunt, was buried a few hours earlier in Maryland. Suffering a right ankle injury and expecting her third child, Lapps-Lewis was unable to attend the funeral.

Her first independent album, ‘How Great Thou Art’, was released in 2004 and sold over 3,000 copies.

“That was not sold through a traditional distribution channel,” Lapps-Lewis said. “It was done through the ‘Auntie’ and ‘Uncle’ network at a time when people were streaming music. They were adamant about selling and getting the CD out there and Aunt Catherine was one of those people who played a major role in that process. Her death is a big family loss.”

In her pre- and early teens, Lapps-Lewis sang in school choirs, took part in musicals in school and church, played the saxophone and took some informal piano lessons from then Church of the Nativity, Malvern organist and Trinidad & Tobago’s first woman Panorama arranger Marjorie Wooding who died in Florida in January 2013.

Lapps-Lewis learned to play steelpan in 1997 with the Nativity Steel Angels led by Alistair ‘Vince Cato’ Fraser who passed away five years ago.

“He was my first teacher,” Lapps-Lewis said. “I know he got a little bit frustrated with me in the beginning, but once he realized I was serious and my parents were very supportive, he invested his time in me, and we worked well together.”

Once she became com-

fortable with the instrument, Fraser trusted her to perform with him as a duet at community events. When he was double booked, he allowed his protégé to do gigs on her own.

The instant gratification of learning to play a song on steelpan appealed to Lapps-Lewis who performed with Birdsong Steel Orchestra in a Panorama semi-finals at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad and is a member of reigning Pan Alive champions Pan Fantasy.

“If you are learning the cello or violin, it takes a long time just to get your intonation,” she said. “With the steelpan, you just hit it. Steelpan is accessible, making it easy to produce music. Now that I am teaching, I recognize that students feel a sense of accomplishment more quickly playing the pan than they would with other instruments.”

Though excelling in steelpan by the time she was ready to pursue university studies, Lapps-Lewis did not feel she knew enough to study music. Instead, she completed an International Bachelor of Business Administration degree from York University’s Schulich School of Business.

As part of the international degree requirements, Lapps-Lewis interned for six weeks in 2014 at the Calypsociation Steelpan School in Paris founded in 1993 by two Parisian friends who fell in love with pan after visiting

the twin-island republic.

“I wanted to go to West Africa to find the music I wanted to study, but Schulich did not have a partner school there,” she said. “I tried to go to Brazil, but the partner school taught only in Portuguese.”

Even though graduating with honours, Lapps-Lewis hated business. She did some music courses and a Master of Arts in History, Development and Composition for Steelpan in York University’s Jazz Ensemble.

Lapps-Lewis’ university pedagogy and varied community education programming integrate ensemble teaching to promote individual and collective success.

In 2022, her fifth album, ‘Girl in the Yard’ , was released. The first full-length recording pays tribute to the community, mainly the many women who have helped facilitate her mastery of the steelpan and supported her success in the steelband movement.

“I have been thinking about my role and place as a woman in steelpan,” the 2014 Dr. Alice E. Wilson Award winner said. “I wanted to explore the idea that not only am I a woman, but I learned to play pan in church. When I was doing that, people approached me saying they were not allowed to play steelpan in church.

“I also wanted to establish that while the number of women playing pan has increased exponentially over

the years, women are also arranging, composing and leading bands.”

The 13-track album includes ‘Sharifa the Great’ that is a tribute to older sister Asha Lapps who is the eldest of four siblings. She founded the Black Queens of Durham in 2017 for women to connect and empower.

“Very protective of her sisters while growing up,

Your Waste

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BETSY ANTHONY JOY LAPPS LEWIS

MIKE STACEY RANDOLPH KARAMATH

In photo (from left) are MP SHAUN CHEN, T&T 50Plus & Seniors President SHANE SUEPAUL and MP GARY ANANDASANGAREE Photo by Lincoln DePradine

Banker to be honoured with UWI’s Vice-Chancellor award

By RON FANFAIR

For nearly six decades, the Negro Community Centre (NCC) in Montreal’s Little Burgundy provided critical after-school and weekend programming for Black youth.

Banking executive Stanley Julien is a product of the historic centre which was set up in 1927 to serve the city’s Black community. It ceased operations in 1992 and the building was demolished a decade ago.

“Who I am today is based on the fact that I attended that centre almost every weekend from the time I was eight years old,” said Julien. “Though I didn’t want to go in the beginning, my mother said I had to, and I didn’t have a choice.”

From that cultural cornerstone, he cultivated a love of learning and a strong sense of pride in his heritage during his formative years.

The late Daisy Sweeney, the sister of Oscar Peterson who was called ‘The Maharajah of the Keyboard’, taught Julien to play the piano. She also taught Peterson, who passed away in 2007, and Order of Canada recipients Oliver Jones and Joe Sealy.

Mentored by elders, Julien also learned Math and African history at the NCC.

“In addition, I did tap dancing and played sports,” he said. “To go to a place every weekend where we were learning from people that look like me was huge. We learned about our history and culture and that grounded me in everything that I know today.”

In return, Julien taught young people English, Math and African history at the Umoja day camps he once attended as a child.

Believing that you do things without expecting anything in return, he has little desire for accolades. However, when the University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Awards Committee reached out to Julien, announcing he was the recipient of a Vice-Chancellor Award, he made an exception.

“Having been born in Trinidad, coming to Montreal at an early age and volunteering, to have such a renowned Caribbean institution honour me for my community service over the years means so much,” he said. “It is probably one of the best honours that I will receive.”

Since its establishment 15 years ago, the UWI Toronto event has raised over $3 million that has funded nearly 700 scholarships.

The staggering numbers caught Julien’s attention.

“There are so many bright young people who get stuck at a certain spot in time because they don’t have the finances to continue their higher education journey,” he said. “To be able to have dollars provided that will see them through school is absolutely invaluable. This is all about making progress and leaving no one behind.”

This year’s fundraising gala takes place on April 20 at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Toronto.

Julien knows the value of scholarships.

For five years until 2010, he chaired the Black Business & Professional Association’s (BBPA) Scholarship Fund, overseeing the distribution of over $1 million in scholarships annually to more than 150 Black students across Canada.

As head of the Special Accounts Management Unit-Canada at the Bank of Montreal, Julien leads a team dedicated to optimizing economic returns, restructuring distressed businesses and safeguarding and expanding assets within his purview.

His extensive banking career with BMO over almost three decades includes Regional Vice-President of Commercial Banking, Atlantic Provinces Division and Managing Director with responsibility for Credit Restructuring, Corporate Finance Division.

Julien also uses his influence within BMO to get financial support for community organizations. He was able to secure a $750,000 donation from BMO for the Blackhurst Cultural Centre (BCC).

“To me, this makes a lot of sense,” the Black Professional Network Co-Executive Sponsor within BMO said. “I grew up in a cultural centre, so why not help support one in Toronto.”

Julien is a Founding Patron of the BCC, a non-profit centre and destination that provides opportunities to experience the culture and history of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry.

It is located in the Bathurst St. and Bloor St. W. neighbourhood that has been home to many Black homeowners and businesses, including the now defunct

Contrast community newspaper, Mascoll Beauty Supply, a few barbershops and Third World Books & Crafts which was founded in 1968 by late husband and wife, Leonard and Gwendolyn Johnston.

Critical race intersectional theorist Dr. Wesley Crichlow owned and operated A Different Booklist for a few years before selling it 28 years ago to husband-andwife Miguel San Vicente and Itah Sadu.

A Different Booklist Cultural Centre – The People’s Residence transitioned to the BCC two years ago.

“I go to that bookstore whenever I can and am amazed by the work that Itah and her husband are doing to uplift the community,” said Julien.

In 1997, he co-founded the National Association of Urban Bankers Toronto chapter that morphed into the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals and was the second president after Kittitian-born Paget Warner who died last June.

“When I saw a Black man in finance reaching out to other Black folks in the sector who were younger than him, I hopped on immediately,” said Julien who delivered the eulogy. “Paget was the lead, and I was always by his side. He recognized that there were not enough of us on Bay St. and wanted to make sure that changed.”

The first Black to manage a billion-dollar portfolio in the oil and gas sector, Warner set up the Brandon Street Community Development Project to enhance the lives of Black children and families

and Sunrise Investment that focused on financial literacy and intergenerational wealth knowledge.

“Paget did a lot in this community, but never got the recognition he deserved,” said Julien who is a member of the Turnaround Management Association and the Insolvency Institute of Canada. “When I receive any award, I bring up Paget and Pat Glouden’s name. She reminds me of my mother who was a community person as well in Montreal’s LaSalle community.”

Where did Julien’s interest in numbers come from?

While sitting at the dinner table at age 13, mom asked her then Grade Nine son about a current event that was in the newspaper next to him.

“I said I don’t know, and she got very upset,” he recalled. “She said, ‘Stanley, you have to read the newspaper everyday to know what is going on’.”

After that conversation, he started reading the paper from the back sports pages.

“The business page came after that, reporting on stock prices and I had no idea what that gibberish was,” said Julien, who has an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. “In deciding to find out what that was, I learned about investments. At the time, our family didn’t have a lot of money, so learning about what makes money interested me.”

Just as the family was preparing to relocate to Canada to join mom who came in 1968 to set the table, the family patriarch passed away in 1970. They migrated two years later.

Christeen Ross-Julien died two years after her son graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance.

To honour her memory, he launched a scholarship in her name in 2020 that the BBPA administers. It is awarded to two Black first-year university/college students between the ages of 17 and 30.

“As I got older and started to understand what she did on her own to raise eight children in a new country, I promised to pay her back somehow after I got my first job,” Julien said. “She passed and that was horrible. As the years went by, I knew I was going to do something to keep her memory alive.”

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

Toronto, a city of almost three million people, has some outstanding photographers. Many of them are members of the Black and Caribbean community who display their work at various venues across the Province of Ontario.

A group of five – part of the Canadian Caribbean Photographic Arts Collective (CCPAC) – have had some of their photos on public view in their latest art exhibition titled, “Sensational Vistas”

The five included CCPAC founding members Grenada-born Ian P. Grant and Trinidadian Canadian Anthony Berot.

“The main thing about this show is that it’s of different viewpoints of different photographers. My particular view, in terms of what I do, is based on portraits,” Berot told Share at an exhibition opening reception at Areej Artists Centre (AAC) on Danforth Avenue.

AAC, registered in 2017 as a non-profit organization, says it exists to serve “a very diverse artist population”, allowing artists

to “achieve their fullest potential”; to be “a place for art lovers to experience beautiful works of art” and also to be “a major contributor to the arts in Toronto and Canada”.

According to CCPAC, its aims include “creating a legacy that highlights the excellent work of Canadian-Caribbean photographers”.

Members of the collective place a high value on “diverse perspectives and unique approaches to photography”, said CCPAC, which described “Sensational Vistas” as a “visual journey that transcended borders and embraced diversity”.

“We wanted people to come out and see the talent that we have. We have a vision to educate our Black community on the type of artwork that we produce,” Grant said. Former Trinidad and Tobago diplomat, Michael Lashley, was among guests that

Exhibitdisplayedworksoflocalphotographers

From left to right are ANTHONY BEROT, LISA FAURE, DAVID LEWIS, IAN P. GRANT and BENJAMIN ALUNYO Photo by Lincoln DePradine

STANLEY JULIEN

Students express appreciation for The Onyx Initiative

By RON FANFAIR

Feeling a bit lost and unsure, Keshana King found career direction and clarity while browsing LinkedIn just over a year ago.

The Onyx Initiative helps bridge the gap in the recruitment and selection of Black college and university students and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada.

Since October 2020, the Toronto-based non-profit has received more than 1,500 applications for its comprehensive personal and professional development Scholars Program and has welcomed over 700 participants from across the country.

The program includes personalized training and career coaching, mentorship, interview preparation and other job-readiness resources.

“It has helped me define where I want to go in my career and how I can best utilize my skills to get there,” said King who graduated from the program.

She was among scholars, employee partners and other supporters celebrated at Hotel X Toronto on February 29.

King is pursuing a Bachelor of Management online at Athabasca University.

“Because I am an Onyx Scholar, I have received several scholarships,” said King who is the Operations Manager at Impact Hub Ottawa, a space for young people to connect and drive social change.

The program has also provided her with the confidence to take risks and explore.

Last October, King – as a youth delegate – attended the World Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi.

“I don’t think I would have been bold enough to attempt something like that without the push I got from Onyx,” she said. Mentors and coaches provide tailored support to navigate hurdles and promote advancement.

“I have never had a mentor that has encouraged and inspired me to see my greatness the way that my mentor has,” King said. “The constant positivity and reassurance coming from him are things that I needed to get to the next level. To get that one-on-one direction from someone who tells me the truth in a good way and has my best interests at heart meant a lot. For me, that sets me apart from other programs I have been part of.”

Passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership and diplomacy, she graduated from Algonquin College’s Business Management & Entrepreneurship Program and the Black Diplomats Academy that provides Black youth and young professionals between ages 14 and 35 across the globe with access to specialized training and experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for a career in international diplomacy and the broader public service.

There is no better feeling than betting on yourself and having people appreciate that and making an investment in you.

After finishing her undergraduate degree in International Business at the University of Tampa, Botswana-born Gontse Molowisa moved to Canada in January 2023 to join Canada’s first graduate training pathway on Blockchain and decentralized trust technologies at the University of British Columbia.

Graduate students can contribute to scaling Canada’s Blockchain industry while engaging in some of the world’s most complex socio-technical issues.

In a new country, Molowisa knew she would need help to navigate challenges.

“As soon as I got into my Master’s program, I knew I had to be strategic,” she said. “I went online to see what is available for Black students seeking guidance. Finding the Onyx program was a Godsend. It allowed me to self-actualize and build confidence to the point where I know I can overcome hurdles and create spaces for others.”

In November, Molowisa completes a Master’s in Information Science specializ-

ing in Blockchain Technology.

“The goal is to go into the Blockchain space as a Consultant or in Business Intelligence,” she said.

With far too many Black and racialized students missing out on professional opportunities in corporate Canada because of a paucity of social networks and mentorship, husband and wife Wayne and Nigela Purboo started the ground-breaking Onyx Initiative four years ago after the unprecedented social unrest wave following George Floyd’s murder in Minnesota in May 2020.

A total of 40 Scholars from across Canada attended the inaugural gala.

“It is their evening and we want to shine a bright light on them,” said co-founder and executive director Nigela Purboo. “It is also a big moment for our scholars because you don’t often get to be in a space with people who can potentially change your career path. We want them to enjoy the moment and expand their network. In addition, we are keenly aware of the waning focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in the four years since the global social movement emerged, so it seemed like the perfect time to introduce a signature event that refocuses attention on the wealth of young Black innovative talent that exists and often go unnoticed for key roles.”

The young scholars have access to personal and professional development courses via a curated LinkedIn Learning Path and they can engage in executive fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs and take part in employer discovery sessions with recruiters and executives from some of Canada’s largest firms including Bell, Hyundai Auto Canada, BMO, PwC, HOOPP, PCL, RBC, Eli Lilly Canada and TD.

In addition, they can go to a job board with hundreds of co-op placements, internships and full-time opportunities offered by Onyx’s partners and a LinkedIn group that is exclusively for scholars to engage with each other and share insights, information, advice or inspiring personal stories.

Participating in webinars and interactive sessions focused on resume writing, honing interview and pitch skills, mental health and well-being and transitioning into the workforce, among other things, are part of the unique experience.

Wayne Purboo knew the program was going to have an impact.

“How much impact we could have and how sustainable that could be was not something we were quite sure about,” the co-founder said. “Four years ago, a lot of people were making promises and we knew many would get involved because of what had happened to George Floyd. We looked at years three and four as the timelines where we would know if this was real or not.

Kammelu is excelling academically. He completed an Economics & Kinesiology degree at McGill University and is in the last year of the Montreal university Master of Management in Analytics program.

Never satisfied and always seeking to get better, Kammelu loved what he saw when a friend invited him to an Onyx event.

“I saw the great exposure of Black excellence and wanted to be part of that,” he said.

Named a McCall MacBain Scholar last September, Kammelu is part of the fourth cohort that graduates this month.

“I have had the opportunity to connect with many accomplished people in the business and technology industry and get a sense of what my career could look like,” said the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre’s research agent who spent a gap year working, volunteering and performing in a dance troupe in Abuja, Nigeria.

Charles Nwankwo, who has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from a Nigerian university, is also part of the current cohort.

A friend singing the praises of the Onyx Initiative was like music to his ears.

“I have not only been able to connect with Black folks who are high achievers, but I have been able to establish sound relationships with them,” said

Nwankwo who is studying Project Management at Algoma University.

Coming to Canada 18 months ago for graduate studies, he plans to take the Onyx Initiative model to Nigeria.

“Networking is one of the things many young people there are not exposed to,” Nwankwo added. “I have seen the immense value of that in the last year.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought out the best in many people.

At the height of the global disease, Nigerian international student Chimdinma Chijioke developed a database connecting her international student peers to tutoring, academic advisors and virtual mental health resources.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts last year from the University of Manitoba, she needed help fine-tuning her resume.

“Onyx did that for me and more,” said the University of Manitoba Black Students Union co-founder who majored in political science and minored in Asian Studies. “I was able to identify my skills and get a better understanding of how I could navigate the work environment.”

Chijioke, who arrived in Canada at age 15 and finished high school at Columbia International College in Hamilton, is enrolled in a two-year accelerated leadership development rotational program designed to develop the next generation of Canada Life leaders.

While dealing with the psychological

“Tonight is a celebration that shows our momentum has not slowed. We have new partners coming on board and we are growing. For my wife and I, this is all about amplifying Black talent. We want young people to take their rightful places in the Canadian economy.”

Leaving Nigeria 16 years ago, Yvan

GONTSE FAITH MOLOSIWA

JAYDEN BAILEY

Nerene Virgin was the ‘epitome of elegance, intellectual charm’

By RON FANFAIR

Nerene Virgin was shocked when her nephew showed up for a family reunion last September wearing a T-shirt with an image of some of The Tiaras.

She was once a member of the girls’ singing group.

“My aunt stared at it for a while and then blurted out, ‘Oh my God’,” Amani ‘Burt Blackarach’ Smith recalled. “That was my little special homage to her.”

It was their last meeting.

Virgin died on January 15 in a Burlington hospital at age 77.

Smith, who is a music producer residing in Los Angeles, said ‘Aunt Rene’ was a huge part of his upbringing.

“Though very creative and highly intelligent, she was practical and pragmatic,” said Smith who was the music director for ‘Stamped from the Beginning’ which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. “She was always an example for me and there to help guide me. We had a very special connection and relationship. Anytime I encountered a challenging situation, she heard me out and then said, ‘Don’t worry about that because I remember that happened to me’. My aunt was so kind, compassionate and consistent.”

A former elementary and special education teacher, Virgin provided Canadian families with an alternative to American children’s educational programming.

She hosted a few episodes of TVO’s kids’ classic ‘Polkadot Door’ in 1980 before playing Jodie in the award-winning children’s show, ‘Today’s Special’, which ran for six years until 1987.

“Nerene achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences with her versatile performances that showcased both depth and authenticity,” TVO said in a statement.

“She has left an indelible mark on many who grew up watching the show and on everyone she encountered and who had the privilege of working with her. She was a trailblazer in many rights, especially at a time when she was one of the few Black women on Canadian television.”

Through her role as Jodie, Virgin inspired and guided many young people.

“Nerene Virgin was the character that tugged on our heartstrings, running through a closed mall looking for the next adventure,” said Ryan Chung of CBC Music. “But her impact on Canadian media didn’t stop there. She turned her career from acting to broadcasting and gave children, especially those of colour, hope and inspiration to build a life in broadcasting.

“Her dedication to activism within the Black community held true to her heart. This is a shot to the heart within the fabric of Canadian media and she will surely be missed.”

Media and Strategic Partnerships executive Andrea Harry Bibbs said Virgin was one of the first Black women she saw on television.

“She was so beautiful, funny and poised,” said the Atlanta-based ACB Group & June Dragonfly founder and Toronto Metropolitan University graduate. “When I saw her as a reporter on the news, it made me love her even more, especially since that is the industry I ended up entering. I am so thankful for all she did to advocate for equity and inclusion on Canadian television airwaves. Her legacy and memory will live on forever in our hearts.”

Virgin hosted CFTO’s current affairs show ‘Eye on Toronto’ before joining the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in the mid-1990s.

Mitzi Benjamin-Allen was a colleague of Virgin at CFTO-TV which is now CTV Toronto.

“When I joined the news team in the 1980s, Nerene was the host of ‘Eye on Toronto’,” said the station’s first Black female broadcast journalist who returned to her native Antigua & Barbuda and, with her

husband Howard Allen, co-founded a film and television production company. “She was warm and welcoming. At the time, we were the only high-profile women of colour on air at that station. When I migrated to Antigua & Barbuda, she contacted me, offering career advice. She was an inspiration.”

Former CBC executive Cynthia Reyes was instrumental in Virgin making the transition to anchor.

She arranged for the late Tim Knight, who was the national public broadcaster’s executive producer for television journalism training, to assist with the switch.

“Nerene was beautiful, very professional and very good at what she did,” said Reyes who was the first Black female on-air personality in Toronto and one of the youngest executive producers. “We both encouraged each other in our careers because we were both in television and the only Black females on-air at the time.”

Virgin anchored CBC’s ‘Saturday Report’ and hosted ‘Newsworld’ and ‘Newsworld International’

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Anthony Sherwood said Virgin is a heroine and national treasure.

“She was the epitome of grace, elegance and intellectual charm,” he said. “She was articulate and could capture an audience with her magnificent voice, her humour and her wit. Very multi-talented, she was very proud of who she was as a person and of her rich family history and spoke about it with great pride.”

Last May, Sherwood and Virgin candidly talked about their industry experiences and lifelong commitment to social justice at an event hosted by the Canadian National Museum of History.

“At the time, I had not seen Nerene for several years, so it was good to get reconnected,” said Sherwood who produced the original stage production, ‘Follow the North Star’, for the Canadian government. A month later, Sherwood interviewed Virgin about her remarkable family history while producing a documentary film about Southern Ontario’s rich Black history.

“Just this past week, I was polishing the film with editing and have been looking at Nerene’s lovely face and listening to her amazing family stories when I heard about her passing,” said the former R & B singer who, in 1981, started the Black Performers Association that lobbied the television industry for greater representation of visible minority performers.

In February 2012, Virgin was recognized with the Business & Professional Achievement honour at the annual Rev. John Holland Awards.

This award was extremely special for her.

Holland, a runaway slave who fled to Canada through the Underground Railroad in 1860 and was a railway porter for 33 years before becoming pastor of the historic Stewart Memorial Church in Hamilton, was her great-grandfather.

“There is both a sense of pride and relevance for me,” she said in an interview after accepting the award. “He fled slavery in Maryland as a teenager and swam across the Niagara River to his freedom. If he was willing to do that to be free, I am obligated to do something with that freedom. Receiving an award is gratifying, but what is more important to me is honouring my ancestry. I feel as if I am part of a dynasty that has instilled in me the importance of freedom and literacy because my great-grandfather could not read or write.”

Evelyn Myrie, who co-founded the John Holland Awards, said Virgin was a trailblazer.

“She broke down barriers, particularly in the media industry,” she said. “She was also passionate about preserving and sharing Black Canadian history.”

Virgin ran for political office in 2007.

In the aftermath of her acclamation as the Ontario Liberal Party candidate in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, the former Hamilton Committee Against Racism member was racially slurred as a ‘tar baby’ by a Hamilton newspaper.

The paper later apologized.

Virgin, who wrote biographies for Historica Canada, is survived by her husband Alan Smith, children Yvette and Nicole Virgin and Thomas Toliver Smith and grandson Jackson Virgin.

“Nerene’s kindness, warmth and infectious enthusiasm endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the immediate family said. “She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, courage and compassion. She was an avid gardener, a meticulous seamstress, a persistent knitter, a gourmet home cook, a voracious reader and a political junkie, all of which made her a stellar host.”

A celebration of Virgin’s life will take place on June 15 at 1 p.m. at

Thecommunity‘haslosta reveredmember’inSallyHouston

By RON FANFAIR

Sally Houston’s warm smile and engaging personality were not hard to miss for those attending the Ontario Black History Society’s (OBHS) Black History Month launch over the years.

The long-time Board member died on February 21 at age 87.

“She was a wonderful woman and friend,” said Jean Augustine who is Canada’s first Black female parliamentarian. “I will miss her ever-smiling face. The community has lost a revered member.”

Seeing Houston yearly at the launch was a highlight for Bernice Carnegie, the daughter of late hockey pioneer Herb Carnegie.

“Her infectious smile and warm hug always started the event off well for me,” she said. “I am going to miss her. She, however, lives on as she has not left us without disseminating her humanitarian qualities to her children.”

Houston was an OBHS Board member for 17 years up until 2017.

In 2018, the organization honoured her with a Lifetime Honorary Director Award.

Houston joined the OBHS after retiring in 1996 from Richardson Greenshields of Canada which was acquired by Dominion Securities the same year. Royal Bank of Canada obtained 100 per cent ownership of Dominion Securities a few months later.

“I was with them for 20 years and when I left on the last day, I walked into the OBHS office which was a few blocks away and inquired if they needed help,” Houston told Share in an interview six years ago. “The office manager told me to sit down and offered me the opportunity to send out membership records and help with some of the files. I have enjoyed every moment with the organization, and I still help out by doing some work for them from home.”

The fifth-generation Canadian came from a family with deep ties to Owen Sound where she was born and raised.

From around 1830 to the conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865, escaped slaves made their way across the Canada-United States border through the Underground Railroad. Many of them ended up in Owen Sound which was the railroad’s last stop.

Escaping from Baltimore, Houston’s great-great-grandfather – John Green –reached Owen Sound in 1856 and married Mary Ann Gordon. Their first child, Thomas Green, was born six years later. Blessed with a wonderful tenor voice, he delivered ice and was a preacher at the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) church.

The 13th of 15 children was a teen disc jockey winner, one of the first Black drum majorettes in an all-girls band sponsored by Lady Cavell Lodge and the host of ‘Hit Parade’ on Friday nights on CFOS which is an AM radio station broadcasting from downtown Owen Sound.

When Houston’s application for a full-time position was turned down, she quit the station and applied to Richard, Bond & Wright which grew into one of the most important printing establishments in Canada.

“I hadn’t completed high school as yet, so the receptionist told me to do that and come back for a job that would be waiting for me,” said Houston whose parents – Russell and Gertrude Green – were married for 66 years.

The promise was kept, and she spent six months in the typing pool before becoming a receptionist, making her one of the very few Blacks in Owen Sound at the time to hold an office job.

Stewart Memorial Church.

NERENE VIRGIN

SALLY HOUSTON

‘You

just gravitate to the music and want to dance’

Asha has evolved into a leader in our community,” said Lapps-Lewis whose repertoire teems with Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian inspired rhythmic and harmonic patterns. “She has always been a protector, looking out for us and others.”

While preparing for a jury during her undergraduate studies, York University School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design contract faculty member Gareth Burgess suggested she start a project with bass and drums.

“In that way, he said the jury would know I understand my chords and I would not have to do what a guitar and keyboard player would do,” Lapps-Lewis said.

Starting as a trio with her husband, Larnell Lewis, on drums and Andrew Stewart on bass, the ensemble has evolved in the last 15 years.

“It is a place for me to share the music that I write,” said the mother of two children who has been married for 13 years. “We have toured, and it is an opportunity for me to express myself creatively.”

On May 11, Lapps-Lewis and her husband will join The Jon Cowherd Trio at Koerner Hall as part of the Royal Conservatory jazz concert series.

Betsy Anthony, who migrated from St. Vincent & the Grenadines four decades ago, was also honoured with a Woman in Pan Award. She started playing the instrument about 20 years ago.

“When I saw someone playing pan for the first time, I could not believe that a steel drum could produce such sweet sounds,” said the septuagenarian. “When I attended Panorama for the first time in Trinidad, I was blown away by the pan players. I had to do it.”

With an interest in music, Anthony started playing the piano.

“When my teacher retired, I saw Panatics was offering an introductory course and that is where it all began for me,” she said.

Anthony is a member of the Elton Jonesled Gemini Pan Groove whose oldest member is 83 years.

Seeing a group of friends on her North York street heading in one direction back in 1976, Linda Stacey-Fenech inquired where they were going.

“We are part of a steelband,” they responded.

A lover of music, the then 11-year-old joined them.

When Mike Stacey found out his daughter was learning to play pan with York Lions, he went to see what was happening.

“I liked what I saw, and they asked me if I wanted to drive their truck to transport the pans and other equipment to venues they were performing at,” he recalled. “I said, ‘Sure’.”

Starting as equipment manager 48 years ago, Stacey took over the general managerial duties after some of the founding members passed away.

He was the recipient of a Pioneer in Pan Community Award for contributing to the upliftment of steelpan in the Greater Toronto Area.

PAN co-founders Earl LaPierre Jr. and Wendy Jones made the presentation.

“Mike took these children from the community and gave them an opportunity to be part of a program,” said Jones who is a Pan Fantasy Steelband founding member. “I often saw them playing in little parades around the city and they were a joy to watch.”

In accepting the award, he paid tribute

to the late Jerry Jerome who was instrumental in York Lions’ growth.

“Jerry was very talented and not interested in personal glory,” said Stacey, whose wife of 61 years and a devoted band member – Gail Stacey – passed away in December 2022. “He was a genuine person who wanted to see young people excel. When this band started in 1972, the kids were from challenged communities and the decision was made they would not pay to learn to play pan.”

That has not changed.

Brothers Don, Ted and Doug Saunders started York Lions that performed at the 1973 Lions International Convention in Miami and the Canadian National Exhibition the following year.

Under Jerome’s tutelage, Stacey-Fenech learned to play the soprano pan for the band that has about 30 members. She is York Lions musical arranger/director.

For Stacey-Fenech, what is the allure of steelpan music?

“I just love the rhythm,” said the married mother of two children who is learning to tune pans. “You just gravitate to the music and want to move and dance to the sweet sounds.”

Attending Trinidad Carnival is on Stacey-Fenech’s bucket list.

“Now that I am retired, I am looking forward to going in another year or two,” she said.

In Trinidad & Tobago, Randolph Karamath played most instruments except the steelpan that is the only new instrument invented in the 20th century.

“I played guitar, keyboard, drums, cuatro and other instruments,” the Pioneer in Steelband Community Tribute Award winner said.

Four years after leaving Trinidad & Tobago, Karamath started teaching in 1994 at Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute that was the hub for the Naparima Alumni Association of Canada.

When Marielle (Shelli) Karamath’s first application to attend the University of Toronto Teacher’s College was unsuccessful, dad suggested his daughter list her steelpan accomplishments.

“She was one of our best players,” Karamath, the founder of the now defunct ‘Steel Bandits’ recalled. “After adding that part to her application, she was accepted. When that happened, I told my students there is power in pan.”

In the mid-1990s, he successfully advocated for pan to be part of the Cedarbrae music program for Grades 10 to 12 students.

Karamath retired in 2016.

Robert Nathaniel, who resides in a long-term care home in Cornwall and was unable to attend the event, was awarded a Pioneer in Pan honour and Reuben Briggs of Panatics won a student bursary.

FIERY AFFLICTIONS IS A REFLECTION THROUGH HISTORY IN AN INSPIRING NEW STORY

Paul Morrel releases his third full -length fiction novel, Fiery Afflictions

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.

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.

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

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

Labour market analysis urged for Canada’s Black population

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

Labour

statistician

Dr. C. Justine Pierre, whose Black-owned Ontario-based company is conducting separate Labour Market Needs Assessments (LMNAs) in St. Lucia and Guyana, says a similar exercise is needed in Canada to address unemployment and underemployment among the country’s Black population.

An LMNA will provide data such as level of unemployment in the Black community and skills availability among people of African descent in Canada, said Pierre, a researcher and director of Dunn, Pierre, Barnett & Company Canada Ltd.

“We have to get the data,” Pierre told Share in an interview.

The data garnered from a labour market survey could help rectify what Pierre described as the low “business-to-population” ratio in the Black community and also would enable measures to be taken for businesses owned by African Canadians to be better positioned to hire more job-seeking Black youth.

“Our business-to-population ratio is 2.6. That is too low. With a business-to-population ratio of 2.6, we cannot employ our young people when they come out of school,” said Grenada-born Pierre.

“The greatest employment of White people, for example, is White people. The greatest employment of Asian and South Asian people is Asian businesses. But the greatest employers of Black people in Canada are not Black people.”

Among the specialized services of Dunn, Pierre and Barnett is the collecting, disseminating and analyzing of data –including administrative, primary, labour force and migration statistics – on diverse populations globally.

The company, with more than 15 years of experience in business, has conducted research on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) populations across Canada and abroad.

Dunn, Pierre and Barnett has worked extensively in the Caribbean. It now has two teams – one in Guyana and the other in St. Lucia – conducting Labour Market Needs Assessments.

A six-month contract, signed in Janu-

ary with the St. Lucian government, calls on Dunn, Pierre and Barnett to identify –through the LMNA – “the skills gap within sectors and address the mismatch of skills through various interventions, such as technical vocation education and training, to meet current needs and project future skills requirements based on local, regional and national market trends”.

The St. Lucian government, underscoring the importance of the LMNA, said “an efficient workforce system should be ‘fit for purpose’, aiming to have the right number of persons with the right skills in the right jobs at the right time”.

It said it believes that conducting an LMNA will bring “a more strategic approach to understanding the needs of employers and equipping the labour market with the skills necessary to remain relevant and secure job opportunities”.

Under the project in Guyana, which began three months ago, Dunn, Pierre and Barnett is carrying out a rapid assessment of the country’s current workforce, with the goals of gaining a better understanding of skills demands and excess supply, equipping the labour force with the necessary skills, including digital and socio-emotional skills and facilitating planned investments in secondary education and technical and vocational education and training, oil

CelebratedemancipationinOwenSound

After nearly five and half years and in her early 20s, Houston moved to Windsor in search of a better job and a male companion.

“Most of the males around my age group in Owen Sound were somehow related to me, so I had to go elsewhere,” she said laughingly.

Houston got her wishes.

She secured employment at Burroughs Adding Machine Company, working on the assembly line and was promoted to a front-office position a few months later.

Marrying Bob Houston in July 1962, the couple had the first of their four children five months later and relocated to Toronto.

Every year, Houston and her family returned to Owen Sound for the Emancipation Festival and Picnic held annually since 1862 on the first weekend of August, marking the anniversary of the British Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834.

“I have missed just one and that was when my last daughter (Pam) was born,” she said at the time. “My family in the Greater Toronto Area take time off from their jobs to drive up there and spend a fun weekend.

and gas, low-carbon technology, digital development, climate-resilient agriculture and ICT.

Dunn, Pierre and Barnett’s research in Canada has revealed that not only are Blackowned businesses “predominantly shut out of many of the country’s important financial, economic and industrial activities”; but also, that of a Black private sector of about 27,640 businesses, 86 per cent of them has less than three employees. More than half are based in Ontario.

“Within the Black community, we don’t

have enough businesses to support our people. We’re not generating enough businesses in our community. We have one of the lowest business-to-population ratios,” Pierre said. “Black people are the only group in Canada that cannot employ themselves.”

The first thing that should occur, according to Pierre, is for the government to sanction a Black community LMNA.

“What we want,” said Pierre, “has not happened in the history of Canada. That’s for a labour market needs assessment to be conducted on the Black population.”

Exhibition a ‘joy to see’

attended the reception and viewed the exhibition, which included works by Benjamin Alunyo and David Lewis.

“It’s a joy to see exhibitions of photographs,” Lashley said in an interview. “Photography is a powerful art; it’s a creative activity. There’s an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. The beauty of some of these photographs is almost as though they’re a borderline between photography and painting. The colours are lush.”

Alunyo’s work were photos of costumes captured at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

“It’s about the design of the costumes, the colours, the creativity of the costume designers and the masqueraders who actually bring the costumes to life,” he said.

“I was happy to be part of this exhibition.” Lewis, a retired accountant, said he always has a camera with him after taking a photography course in 1974.

“Landscape is my thing. I also incorporate landscape with some portrait photography as well. It’s a hobby that gives me great enjoyment,” said Lewis.

The only woman in the “Sensational Vistas” art exhibition was Lisa Faure. However, the exhibits were not her works. They were those of Peter Faure, her late father.

“I’m carrying on his legacy by showcasing his photography,” Faure said.

The late Trinidad-born Faure was a CCPAC member who died December 2, 2022. He was 77.

Faure was a veteran pathologist assistant whose pastime included photographing images of nature and of Trinidad carnival.

Of course, they have never left me behind. Every visit brings back fond memories and I meet new relatives.”

Just before her husband passed away in 1991, Houston joined the Christ Church-St. James British Methodist Episcopal Church. Established in 1845 as a place of devotion for Blacks who did not feel comfortable worshipping in mainstream churches, members assembled at 94 Chestnut St. for almost 105 years until the congregation could no longer maintain the building.

Granted use to share space with the Afro-Community Church at 460 Shaw St., the two congregations amalgamated a few years later and worshipped under the administration of Revs. Thomas Jackson and Alexander Markham.

After the building at 460 Shaw St. was destroyed by fire in April 1998, members worshipped at various churches until a new home was found in October 2001 at the current location at 1828 Eglinton Ave. West.

Houston served as assistant clerk and clerk and was a longstanding choir member until she became ill.

She is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 10

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 8

Dr. C. JUSTINE PIERRE

‘Alex an inspiration to other young Black females’

“He told me he knew some of the people at Brampton and how great the organization is,” said Betancourt, one of four women in her graduating class of 23. “He thought it would be a good fit for me. I want to serve in any community, but why not be in one that I could relate to.”

The 20-week recruit training that ended last January 11, included live fire at Canadian Forces Base Borden, auto extrication, water rescue and rapid intervention.

Betancourt said it was challenging at times.

“There were certain tests that I didn’t think I would power through, but the training staff support was terrific,” she said.

The recruit singled out Training Head Captain Mark Brewer.

“He told me I needed to be confident in myself,” Betancourt recalled. “Anytime it seemed I would not get over a hurdle, he gave me that fatherly look and I knew I had to find a way to do it. I am grateful for his support and I have expressed that to him several times. He and the rest of the training staff reminded me I am here for a reason and that is because of all the work I put in.”

Her first day on a firetruck was on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15. Since then, Betancourt has attended a car and garbage fire.

“I have had a couple of carbon monoxide calls and done CPR in a few instances where vital signs were absent,” she said. “That has been it so far.”

Betancourt’s hiring evoked a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction for City

of Brampton Fire/Life Safety Education Officer Michelle John.

“Alex is an inspiration for other young Black females to envision themselves in this role,” she said. “Representation matters.”

Hanging around her Venezuelan-born father who is a master plumber, Betancourt enjoyed working with her hands in her pre-teen years.

“I always knew I was going to do something that is related to the trades,” she said. “I thought it was going to be in carpentry or engineering, but as I grew older, I looked at other ways to use my hands and make an impact.”

Neurosurgery and veterinary science were among her considerations until a Grade 12 classmate at Pickering High School announced he was going to pursue firefighting.

“When I asked him why, he said his dad is a firefighter and then proceeded to tell me his dad said it is a great job,” Betancourt recounted. “I gave it some thought for a while then left it there.”

After a year at Carleton University, she left.

“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do and that year was not fun,” said Betancourt. “I took some time off and looked closely into a firefighting career. I consulted some people whose opinions I trust and they said I would be good at it.”

In 2017, she completed Seneca College’s Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office-accredited 12-month certificate program that prepares individuals for a firefighting or rescue specialist career.

It provides fire ground operations, fire suppression, emergency medical responder and fire investigation training along with hands-on experiential learning in fire apparatus operation, technical rescue and hazardous materials.

“I met a lot of great teachers who were firefighters and made some awesome connections,” said Betancourt who enjoys hiking, camping and rowing. “I gained a lot of valuable preparation for the role I am now in.”

Fire services are still dominated by White men. In a Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs report issued in 2020, just over four per cent of women were volunteer or career firefighters.

With only a few Black women in the profession in Canada, Betancourt knew the odds were stacked against her. But that did not matter.

“Am I going to get there was not something I entertained,” she said. “I have amazing people in my life who always remind me that nothing should prevent me from doing something I want to do. I was not allowed to doubt myself. Also, I did a lot of trade jobs where I was the only person of colour on the site. That made me comfortable working in an environment with people who don’t look like me. That prepared me for what could come in this job.”

The middle of three siblings, Betancourt went the extra mile to get where she wanted.

Stevens runs the First Response Training Institute (FRTI) for aspiring firefighters. To be eligible, candidates are required

to complete the Standard Fire Fighters Professional Qualification, the Hazmat Materials Awareness & Operations, the Emergency Medical Response Training and Fire Apparatus Driver Training programs.

Betancourt graduated from the FRTI that helps applicants prepare resumes and cover letters and provides tips for the interview process.

“Jordan has an amazing program that provides a lot of support,” she said. “I recommended it to a friend who was just hired by the Mississauga Fire Department. I was confident that I had done enough to be a firefighter. But having him in my corner providing prep work helped greatly when I got to the interview process.”

Stevens said Betancourt was dialed in from the start.

“She has great communication skills, she is poised and very confident and she has a lot of good experiences, having done jobs that relate to firefighting,” said the son of Panamanian and Jamaican immigrants.”

Betancourt’s hiring is a beacon of hope for young Black girls considering a career in the field.

“We will not always see ourselves in spaces we want to be, so it is up to us to put ourselves there,” she said. “Young girls have already reached out to me asking for some tips about what they need to do to get where I am. The journey is not easy, but I tell them to surround themselves with people who want them to succeed and not be afraid of pursuing their dreams.”

Arthistorian‘bringsinterestingperspectiveonslavery’

period of slavery. For me, the work of Slavery North is teaching people about slavery in these specific regions, making this field more accessible to scholars doing the work and asking the question: ‘Which countries and regions have been allowed to forget their participation in slavery?’”

To move the needle on public understanding of this research, Nelson says it’s important that the arts are a part of the conversation.

“Most slavery studies scholars are historians, but an art historian brings an interesting perspective. European empires did not merely create archives of documents, they created a 400-year archive of art and visual culture, much of which was strategically used to justify slavery and reify Eurocentric ideals of race. Therefore, western art has largely been about the representation of human beings within racial hierarchies,” says Nelson. “It is crucial that knowledge of these shared histories reach the general public. But since most people do not learn about slavery by reading academic publications but through art and media, such as film, what will transform public understanding is the work of filmmakers, playwrights, painters and performance artists. That, to me, is a huge component of this work.”

The Mellon grant will also help Slavery North ensure historical research documents – such as newspaper ads or bills of sale for enslaved people – are more accessible to scholars around the world. UMass undergraduate student research assistants will work to locate and digitize trans-Atlan-

tic slavery research materials and input the data into the historical archive. Summer training workshops for librarians and archivists will help unify how important historical documents across collections are tracked, catalogued, stored, archived and digitized.

Born in Toronto to Jamaican immigrant parents, Nelson went on to complete her Ph.D. in art history at The University of Manchester in 2001. She taught at the University of Western Ontario (2001-03) and McGill University (2003-20). She then went on to found the Institute for the Study of Canadian Slavery at NSCAD University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, when she was the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Transatlantic Black Diasporic Art and Community Engagement from 2020-22.

When she joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022, Nelson brought the institute with her and reimagined it as Slavery North to combine a focus on slavery in Canada and the U.S. North with a dedicated focus on art and visual culture. As Nelson recalls, “This was an easy decision because both of these regions have historically sought to erase their participation in trans-Atlantic slavery.”

Slavery North gained official initiative status at UMass in 2022, the first step toward becoming an institute.

With a newly developed physical space at the Newman Center, support from partners like Historic Deerfield and the grant supporting three staff members alongside cohorts of fellows, Slavery North will grow rapidly over the next three years.

“I am deeply grateful to Mellon Foundation for this extraordinary support and

show of confidence which will allow us to undertake this transformative work,” says Nelson.

The larger vision for Slavery North and the Mellon-funded programs, as expressed

in the grant, is to foster “redress, atonement and reconciliation” and “be a conduit through which to confront and heal these traumatic histories. It is an academic initiative with a social justice mission.”

Consultations urged

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 1

country’s founding and success, the next generation of Canadians will better appreciate the sacrifice, patriotic commitment and long-lasting contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada.”

But Augustine who, as Liberal MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, received unanimous parliamentary support in 1995, declaring February as Black History Month in Canada, recalled Black community struggles around issues such as classroom streaming of students, establishing Afrocentric schooling and the lobbying against an education system that all but excluded the history of Indigenous peoples and African Canadians.

“There was nothing in the textbooks about African Canadians, except something about the Underground Railroad somewhere and Canada as the North Star. And apart from that, there were no modules that spoke to the fact that Africans – Black people – have been here since 1603 and that

we were part of the building and the development and the contributions to Canada,” Augustine said.

With the “mandatory Black History Learning” curriculum scheduled to be launched next year, Augustine recommends “consultation across our province to establish what it is we want. I would like to see a consultation around who are going to be the writers of that curriculum, so that we’re not taking the same colonial things and rolling it together and giving it back”. Augustine, a former federal cabinet minister, suggested the need for training of trustees and school board officials, who will be implementing the curriculum.

“We have to make sure,” said Augustine, “that what is passed on is fact; what is passed on is passed on by people with expertise and what is passed on would be the kind of information that would have us all understand that Black History is Canadian History, not just for Black people.”

Onyx represents ‘a needed voice’ for the community

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 9

and physical tolls of injuries that forced him to quit football, Jaden Bailey learned of the program. He was part of the third cohort.

“With Onyx behind me, I consistently feel there is a beautiful community to leverage that can help me find my way in corporate Canada,” said the former Queens University Campus Ambassador which is part of Onyx’s Scholar Ambassador Program. “I am extremely blessed to have people who have given me confidence and great advice.”

Dwight Rodgers, a former Vice-President of Operations & Risk Control with Securian Canada, is Bailey’s mentor.

“He has been fantastic in terms of me speaking

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about the things going on in my life and sharing his perspective,” said Bailey who graduated with distinction in Economics from Queen’s University. “We talk every week and I was in contact with him just before I came here. Because of his mentorship. I think there are many things I can share with youths looking for assistance. Down the road, I will be an Onyx mentor.”

Lord-Emmanuel Achidago came to Toronto in 2021 on a scholarship.

“It’s great to be in Canada pursuing higher education, but I quickly grasped that there is a lot of learning and new approaches to many things I had to do,” he said.

The Onyx Initiative helped with the transition.

“It is one of the best things that has happened to me,” said Achidago who has a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Ghana. “I have had access to resources and have been put in spaces with top executives that I would not have otherwise met.”

A part-time research assistant at York University where he is in the Geography Graduate program, his

research includes exploring ecosystem productivity responses in the Bruce Peninsula over the last two decades.

Achidago hopes to influence environmental change in business.

Chris Gianella graduated from the program in December 2023.

“Onyx helped me to develop my resume and build important networks,” she said. “I was able to land a contract position with an advertisement agency and a full-time position with a micro-marketing agency because of my involvement in this program.”

Born and raised in France, Gianella was an exchange student at Queen’s University in 2020.

She has an undergraduate degree in finance and economics and a Master’s in International Business from the Paris Dauphine University.

Dedicated to helping young people unlock their potential and thrive professionally, Reginald Oblitey joined the Onyx Initiative in May 2023 as Lead Success Coach.

“This has been a surreal experience,” he said. “This is our young people. To see them face their fears and utilize their resiliency for something that is a little unknown and they are a bit scared to go after is just beautiful to see.”

Working with young people, said Oblitey is a ‘must for me’.

“I have been privy to mentorship and I must give back,” added the former professional basketball player. “I am not here because this is a good job. I am here because our community needs this.”

Justice Donald McLeod, an accomplished litigator with a keen interest in com-

munity and social justice issues, was the keynote speaker.

He founded and chairs 100 Strong, an initiative to fund a summer school program for 12- and 13-year-old Black boys and co-chairs Stand-up which is a mentorship program for Grade Seven and Eight boys, the majority of whom reside in designated priority neighbourhoods.

In addition, McLeod makes frequent motivation speeches and hosts Black Robes, a professional development project aimed at mentoring new lawyers and law students of African Canadian descent.

In his presentation, he addressed imposter syndrome Black students face and how it could impede their academic progress.

“If a person is of a different demographic to those who tend to obtain certain roles, they may be stereotyped or feel a lack of role models and colleagues with a similar background to admire and connect with,” said McLeod. “These insecurities can foster a powerful feeling of selfdoubt, ultimately culminating in imposter syndrome… Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

“We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? It is not just in some of us. It is in everyone and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates us.”

McLeod, who as a lawyer successfully argued the R v

Art show at Union

CONTINUED FROM Pg. 5

Yomi Orimoloye, Sarah Waithe, Miss Daisy, Segun Caezar and Zambian-born Kahame Msiska, who told Share that he’s “on a never-ending pilgrimage, yearning to return home”.

His art, according to Msiska, “displays the struggles and inner turmoil of a child uprooted from his home”.

Photographer Osman is a special guest, who is exhibiting his “Dreaming in Colour” in Union’s Oak Room.

Osman’s solo show, which is shot using film, is a collection of large black

Golden case in the Supreme Court of Canada in 1999 that addressed the constitutionality of police strip searches, said Onyx represents a needed voice.

“We as a community of family, friends, allies, aunts, uncles and community organizations need to be willing to stand up in the gap to ensure that the voices of those who come after us are not made silent by negative narratives,” added McLeod. “We either fight as a community to ensure we will reach the collective goal together or we stand aside and let others fulfil the mission.”

Awards were presented to Hyundai Auto Canada, Toronto Metropolitan University, the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) and Onyx Initiative mentor Zarrin Strasler.

Retired Centennial College registrar Trevor Massey

chairs the LLI that delivers the Leadership by Design Program (LDP) which provides developmental support for high school students.

“Trevor deals with a younger demographic and it is important for us to get them just as they are going into university so we can get internships for them,” Nigela Purboo said. “Statistics show that these paid internships will lead to fulltime employment. It will also allow the students to know what they want and what they don’t want.”

Onyx has also started a scholarship program for LDP participants. The recruitment period for the fifth cohort closes at the end of March.

Black post-secondary students and recent graduates can get more information and apply through onyxinitiative.org.

Annualawards

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make way for former Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff.

As the first Black woman appointed to Cabinet when she was named Secretary of State with responsibility for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, she also filled the roles of Minister of State, Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees of the Whole and Special Adviser for Grenada. She was Parliamentary Secretary to Chrétien, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Parliamentary Committee and a member of the parliamentary sub-committees on human rights, international trade, citizenship and immigration.

Augustine was the Founding Chair of the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development and Chair of the National Liberal

and white portraits of young Black Somali children, ages 11 to 16, and it will run the length of the exhibition.

He utilized black and white photos, said Osman, because he wanted no distractions from the focus on the children who were talking to him about their dreams.

“I wanted the portraits to be very intimate, oneon-one,” said Osman, who has studied childhood education.

The exhibits by Osman and the other six are open daily during Union Station’s operation hours. Admission is free.

Women’s Caucus. As a result of two motions she initiated, February was declared nationally as Black History Month and the Famous Five Statue received a home on Parliament Hill, giving recognition to the contributions of women and Blacks in Canada.

In addition, Augustine was Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner appointed to advocate for foreign-trained professionals and ensure the credentials of internationally trained professionals are treated fairly.

The awards will be presented annually to distinguished Black Canadians.

This year’s TPS celebration theme was ‘Honouring Your Past Leads to Conquering Your Future.

For the first time, the Pan-African flag was raised at police headquarters on February 1.

Reggae, Calypso, Soca Jazz, Soul & Disco CALL (647) 819 7659

Golf tournament helping students in financial need

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE

Trinidad-born Nickel Walker arrived in Canada almost five years ago after completing studies at Woodbrook Secondary School in Port of Spain.

His dreams of finishing college in Ontario were put on hold until recently. That’s when he received a $1000 scholarship from organizers of the Vernon Langdon Golf Classic (VLGC).

“I was overwhelmed with joy on receiving the scholarship,” Walker told Share

He made the comment last Thursday at the Finch Avenue West campus of Crawford Adventist Academy, where VLGC organizers, sponsors, alumni and friends gathered to unveil plans for this year’s scholarship fundraising golf event.

The 2024 event – the 15th annual – will take place on Friday, July 19 at Richmond Hill Golf Club.

The VLGC is named after retired educator Vernon Langdon, who organizing committee chair Aundrea Belnavis described as a “legend”.

Langdon, a Trinidadian Canadian, was the first Black principal of the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Crawford Academy, which is

part of the Seventh Day Adventist school system.

He started as a teacher at Crawford and spent 24 years at the school, including in the role of associate superintendent of education before retiring.

Langdon is also renowned for his passion for music and sports, including track and field, bowling and amateur golfing.

It was during his amateur golfing outings that, 15 years ago, he suggested the idea of using the game as an opportunity to raise funds to help needy students.

“I just love golf and the thought came to me, why don’t we do something as a fundraiser for the school,” Langdon recalled in a Share interview.

“It’s gratifying to see how the fundraising golf event has grown and how it has evolved,” he said. “I’m glad to have a wonderful team around me and we believe in one thing – that is, our young people: maximizing their potential. This is one way that we have chosen to do it.”

Some scholarships recipients have become lawyers, doctors, paramedics and teachers, “and they are making contributions to the community”, said Langdon.

Walker said the VLGC scholarship is a huge help to him as he pursues aircraft maintenance engineering studies at Centennial College.

“I actually quit my job to go back to school,” he said. “I do food delivery in be-

tween and I get help with OSAP.”

Registration is open for the July VLGC fundraiser that will include a continental breakfast and 18 holes of golf.

More information is available by calling 416-633-0090; or email vlgc@caasda.com

Seniorsurgedtosharetheirwisdom

example of unity in diversity,” said association president Shane Suepaul. “We try and include all members of the organization in anything that we do.”

Chen, in his message, extended greetings from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said that Canada, as a multicultural nation, is “made stronger and more resilient by our diversity”.

McLeod, who received his law degree in 1995 from Queen’s University, highlighted the benefits of the teachings of elders, using his own upbringing and referencing growing up with his grandmother in Jamaica and his mother in public housing in Scarborough.

“That’s the era that I grew up in. So, that’s why I am the way I am,” he said. “I grew up in an era when my mother said this is what you’re eating today, you eat what’s there. If it’s bully beef, we’re eating bully beef and rice. If it’s cabbage, we’re eating cabbage,” McLeod said.

His mother, he said, decided he should “live a particular way; that excellence is not an expectation or a right; it is ‘you have to do that’.

“When my mother says something, that is it; there is no discussion, there is no debate”.

McLeod, who was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2014, appealed for a return to “basics” in the community,

where 45 per cent of Black males do not finish high school and a high percentage of them are in the prison system.

“I think that what has happened over time is that, for some reason, our grandparents and our parents have gotten quiet because we now have degrees after our names. I am saying that you should not be quiet,” McLeod told the 50Plus & Seniors’ Association members.

“What you have done is you’ve decided that you will be quiet because you’re older, because I went to university. The smartest person I ever met was my mother, who only got to Grade 6 when she left Jamaica.”

McLeod suggested that seniors ought

to become more vocal. “We can’t listen to you if you’re quiet. We can only listen to you if you continue to talk,” he said.

“We have to get back to the basics; the basics of what it is that we had learned for all these years. So, I’m actually saying that even in the advanced ages that you are, you still are important, so stop being quiet.

“If we are going to move forward as a community, it is important that we understand that there are seniors amongst us who are wise. That means that wisdom has to be told to us; we have to be willing to understand it; we have to be able to embrace it. We have to be able to say to ourselves that what they’re telling us actually makes sense.”

The group that met at Crawford Academy to unveil plans for the 2024 VLGC.

NICKEL WALKER (left) and VERNON LANGDON