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University of Waterloo professor, Dr. TREVOR CHARLES, is among five researchers from around the world – from over 1,713 nominees – awarded the inaugural Wiley Research Heroes Prize for outstanding research contributions and commitment to inclusivity in academic and research settings. See story on page 8.

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Ontario’s tourism focus includes cultural festivals O

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE ntario is looking to capitalize on local tourism and overseas tourist arrivals by investing in cultural festivals. But, finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy hasn't said whether The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is one of those events that could receive a boost in funding in the tourism thrust. The carnival, which was launched in 1967 by Caribbean immigrants, is the largest street festival in Canada, attracting upwards of one million people to the Grand Parade each year and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the city and other levels of government. However, carnival organizers say underfunding from both the public and private

sectors has kept the Caribbean Carnival in a cash-strapped position. Bethlenfalvy’s comment about festivals’ support comes against the backdrop of a decline in travel to the United States by Canadians, following measures adopted by U.S. President Donald Trump and remarks the president has made about Canada. People from other nations also have been avoiding visiting the U.S. for holidays. Bethlenfalvy, who recently met with reporters from Share and other media to discuss Ontario's 2025 budget, said the province already is investing in some “iconic cultural attractions for tourists”, such as the Shaw Festival. “We’ll have more announcements to make,” Bethlenfalvy told Share.

Ontario Finance Minister PETER BETHLENFALVY

The Ontario government is investing $35 million to support the Shaw Festival’s rebuilding of the Royal George Theatre. The capital funding, to be disbursed over a three-year period, “will bring a new, larger, modern theatre to Niagara-on-the-Lake and is part of the government’s commitment to boost tourism in the region and establish Niagara as a world-class destination”, a government announcement said. “Our government’s investment will help create hundreds of good jobs, boost the local and regional economy and give Ontarians the opportunity to enjoy worldclass performances right here at home,” tourism minister Stan Cho said. See GOV’T, Pg. 15

CBA honour for Ontario’s Chief Justice Michael Tulloch By RON FANFAIR Ontario’s Chief Justice Michael Tulloch is the recipient of the Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) Touchstone Award that celebrates the accomplishments of an individual or organization who has excelled at promoting equality in the legal profession. “His career stands as a profound testament to the power of leadership rooted in equity and service,” the CBA said in a statement. “From championing systemic reform in police oversight and criminal justice to mentoring generations of racialized lawyers and spearheading efforts to diversify legal education, Chief Justice Tulloch’s impact has been both deep and wide-ranging.” Appointed an Assistant Crown Attorney in 1991, Tulloch was one of three lawyers who, in that role, created and implemented a charge-screening strategy that is still

used within the province’s criminal courts and other Canadian jurisdictions. He spent eight years in private practice, specializing in criminal law until his elevation to the Bench in 2003. While in private practice, he was appointed a Special Prosecuting Agent with the Federal Department of Justice and he participated in myriad commissions, including the Ontario Government Review on Civilian Oversight on Policing, the Review of the Ontario Legal Aid Plan and the Criminal Code Review conducted by the Federal Attorney General and the Minister of Justice. In 2003, Tulloch was appointed a Superior Court of Justice judge, presiding in the Central West Ontario region. At the time, he was one of only three Black judges on any Supreme Court in Canada. Nine years later, he made history as the first Black judge elevated to the Ontario Court of Appeal. He was the second

Ontario’s Chief Justice MICHAEL TULLOCH

Black justice to sit on an appellate court in Canada after the late Julius Isaac who was appointed Chief Justice of the Federal

Court in 1991. Tulloch made history in December 2022 as the province’s first Black Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal of Ontario. He is a Past President of the Caribbean & African Chamber of Commerce and a former member of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Tropicana Community Services Organization (TCSO), North York Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Legal Aid Area Committee, the Canadian Bar Association, the Criminal Lawyers Association, Osgoode Society on Canadian Legal History and the National Bar Association. In addition, Tulloch and Rick Gosling co-founded the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation (SCSF) that provides scholarships for young people who have been in conflict with the law or who are from challenged neighbourhoods and are pursuing post-secondary education.

Victim Services Award of Distinction for WSN of York Region The Women’s Support Network of York Region (WSN) has been selected as a recipient of the 2024–25 Victim Services Awards of Distinction by the Government of Ontario. Since 1992, WSN has served as the designated community-based sexual violence support center in York Region, providing critical, trauma-informed services to survivors of sexual violence. Among its many impactful initiatives, Safe Passages—a healing retreat designed specifically for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation—stands as a cornerstone of the organization’s work. This unique program draws participants from across Ontario and offers both group-

based and individualized support to assist survivors on their path to healing. As one participant said, “I have been through the system and never experienced a program so healing and valuable.” This prestigious award recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in the delivery of compassionate victim services across the province. “WSN is deeply honoured to receive the Victim Services Awards of Distinction for our Safe Passages healing retreat,” said Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John, Executive Director of WSN. “This recognition affirms the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where survivors can begin to heal, reclaim

Dr. JACQUELINE BENN-JOHN

their voices, and rebuild their lives. “We share this award with every courageous woman who has walked this journey with us—your resilience inspires everything we do. “We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, community partners, and supporters. Together, we are fostering hope, dignity, and meaningful change. “We accept this award with profound gratitude.” WSN remains committed to driving systemic change, enhancing access to survivor-centered support, and uplifting the voices of those impacted by sexual violence throughout York Region and beyond.

June 2025

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June 2025

Castries Barbers’ Frank Forde ‘gets his flowers’ By LINCOLN DEPRADINE St Lucian-Canadian Frank Forde used to be a fixture, a perennial presence, at Castries Barber Salon, busy styling customers’ hair for decades. Castries is still in business but you won’t find Forde, who is now 81, in the salon nowadays. In an interview with Share, Forde scoffed at the idea of being retired, saying “this is the beginning”. He still keeps active barbering. “I go to the homes of old customers to cut their hair,” said Forde, who recently was recognized at a community event in Scarborough. Event host, actor Rhoma Spencer of Archipelago Entertainment, called it “an occasion long overdue to the founding father of Castries Barbers in Toronto”. Forde began barbering as a pre-teen in the Caribbean. “I was a barber from age 12 in St. Lucia. I used to take my mom’s scissors and just go across the street and cut hair for free,” he told Share. After arriving in Toronto in October 1967 at the invitation of his sister, it took Forde some years before launching on his own as an entrepreneur. He worked at Toronto General Hospital and received his first barbering job opportunity at Solomon’s, a then popular Jamaican barbershop. The shop’s owner, Solomon, encouraged Forde to venture into his own business, which he did. Forde opened Castries Barber Salon at Bathurst and Dupont in the early 1970s. The reputation and popularity of Castries Barber Salon grew when Forde, who enhanced his barbering skills by attending George Brown College, opened his shop on Eglinton Avenue West. Forde, recalling his time as founder of Castries and doing barbering himself in the salon, described it as “a market, a university, a very noisy environment, when men began to argue over politics”. Ownership of the business was passed to Ed Bishop, who worked with Forde when he established Castries Barber Salon. A third member of the barbering team at Castries was Bishop’s uncle Clyde. Forde, apart from his special barbering gigs at the

FRANK FORDE

homes of select clients, also keeps active as a guitarist and golf coach, teaching golf to children and adults in the Greater Toronto Area. “From the barbershop to a golf course, Frank Forde has made, and continues to make, an indelible impression on anyone he comes in contact with,” said Spencer, adding that celebrating and publicly appreciating Forde was a way of giving him “his due flowers”. Among those who joined Spencer in the tribute to Forde were St. Lucian soca artiste Carlton Roberts and television producer and communication specialist, Gwyn Chapman. Spencer invited Chapman to present Forde with a plaque in appreciation of his contributions to Canada and the Caribbean community, in particular. Forde was highly complementary of the gesture, saying much credit must be given to Spencer and Chapman “for doing a thing like that. I can’t thank them enough”. The event was “unbelievable. The best thing that ever happened to me,” said Forde.

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June 2025

Celebrating West Indies cricket supremacy 50 years later By RON FANFAIR Typically viewed as risk-averse, accountants are responsible for compliance and minimizing financial uncertainty for their clients. Sitting near the West Indies dressing room with the team struggling at 166-8, still needing 101 runs for victory against Pakistan in the inaugural 1975 World Cup cricket tournament in England, Gordon Andrews told Clive Lloyd that the Caribbean cricketers were 66-1 to win the match and that he had just put a bet on the team to come out on top. To accompany the wager, he took a case of Pale Ale to the dressing room. “I asked Gordon if he was drinking and if he knew what he was doing,” recounted Lloyd who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Though frowned upon in professional sports, the captain could not resist knocking back a few beers during the high-pressure contest that the West Indies clinched by one wicket with two balls to spare. “With the last pair at the wicket still needing another 50 runs and 14 overs to go, I drank about six Pale Ales,” said Lloyd who took four catches, the most catches in the series. “There was palpable tension as we got closer to the target. Beating Pakistan made us realize we could win the competition.” With wicketkeeper Deryck Murray as the stabilizer, the last two wicket partnerships involving Vanburn Holder and Andy Roberts yielded 101 in 24 overs to rescue West Indies from the brink of defeat in their second group match. The two tailenders faced 76 deliveries and spent a combined 90 minutes at the crease. “Team members were jumping up and down because we would not have advanced if we dropped that match,” said Lloyd, whose teams lost two matches in three World Cups. “I think that is when our side came together as a cohesive unit.” Murray, who made his West Indies debut 12 years earlier under the captaincy of the late Sir Frank Worrell, came to the wicket in the 32nd over with his team struggling at 145 for 6. As vice-captain and the last of the recognized batsmen, he accepted the responsibility to dig his team out of a huge hole, finishing with an unbeaten 61 off 76 balls. It was not the first time that Murray, a Cambridge Blue who served as Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to Jamaica from 2019 to 2023, proved he was a useful lower-order batsman. Five months before the Prudential Assurance-sponsored 60-overs tournament, he helped Lloyd put on 250 for the sixth wicket in the first innings of the last Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium to guide their team to a 201-run victory and a 3-2 series win. The former International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee scored an unbeaten

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242 and Murray recorded 91, his highest score in 62 Tests. “Deryck had played some wonderful innings for us, holding things together at the bottom,” Lloyd said. “He was very dependable like Larry Gomes.” In his autobiography ‘Colour Blind: Struggles, Sacrifice and Success of the Cricket Legend’, Alvin Kallicharran said the team was discouraged after the fall of the ninth wicket. “As West Indians, we normally didn’t give up,” he said. “Nevertheless, we were packing up our kits in the change rooms before the game was even over. They (Murray and Roberts) batted with heart, grit and determination…We were elated and almost in disbelief when they scored the winning run. To me, this was a pivotal point of the tournament. We dodged a bullet and knew we couldn’t let any slackness or complacency slip into our camp.” Even manager Sir Clyde Walcott thought his team might lose the game. “I had almost given up and was downstairs waiting for the official presentation to take place,” he noted in his autobiography, ‘Sixty Years on the Back Foot’. “But I did have my fingers crossed. Murray was a capable batsman with a sound temperament who scored many valuable runs for his side in company with the tailenders. Roberts showed the value of having tailenders in your side who could play straight and not throw their wickets away.” Buoyed by the comeback, West Indies – led by Kallicharran – brushed aside Australia by seven wickets with 14 overs to spare in

their last group match. The diminutive left-handed batsman stole the show, hitting Dennis Lillee – then considered one of the world’s fastest bowlers – for 35 off 10 deliveries in a skillful and entertaining innings of 78. “When I scored those runs with nearly all in boundaries, I didn’t consider that to be BMT (Big Match Temperament),” Kallicharran, the tournament’s sixth top scorer with 197 runs, said in his book. “It was my job and my job was to take advantage of the loose and lousy deliveries. He bowled many in that spell. Jeff Thomson was even quicker, but all I had time to focus on was the ball. I never cared who bowled it. When I followed the simple formula of seeing it early, playing it late, I succeeded.” Caribbean sports personality Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira was part of the broadcast team. “I handed the microphone to John Arlott and, after about 10 minutes, he remarked on air, ‘this is no place for an Englishman to be and I think I will hand you back to Reds Perreira so he can have the joy of watching Kallicharran and Lillee’,” he said. “I went back on the air and did the next 10 minutes. It should not have been me, but Cozier and either Christopher Martin-Jenkins or Henry Blofeld had gone downstairs to enjoy their break, not expecting that Arlott would cut short his session.” Kallicharran’s superb form extended to the semi-final against New Zealand, hooking Dayle Hadlee for six to reach his half-century on the way to a game-high 72 in a five-wicket win with 19.5 overs remaining.

True leaders don’t shy away from the big moments. They embrace them as opportunities to showcase their abilities and inspire others around them. With 4,000 British pounds at stake and the chance to lead his team to the first World Cup title, Lloyd seized the moment at Lord’s, considered the world’s most iconic cricket ground, before a capacity crowd of 26,000 who paid 66,000 pounds which was then a record for a single day of cricket in England. He was at his brilliant best, scoring 102 and taking one wicket for 38 runs in his allotted 12 overs to capture the Man-of-theMatch award. Coming to the wicket at 50 for 3 with Roy Fredericks, Gordon Greenidge and Kallicharran back in the pavilion after 80 minutes play, Lloyd and 39-year-old Rohan Kanhai in his last match for the West Indies (he was a last-minute replacement for an injured Gary Sobers), put on 149 for the fourth wicket to transform a disaster scenario into a commanding position. The innings covered 85 balls and included two sixes and 12 boundaries. After Lloyd pulled a Gary Gilmour delivery into the Mound Stand, Arlott remarked, ‘The stroke of a man knocking a thistle top off with a walking stick’. West Indies registered 291-8 and the Aussies – who a month earlier lost to Eastern Ontario by five wickets in a five-match warm-up series in Canada – responded with 274 in 58.4 overs. “We knew that on that wicket, we had to make a fairly big score and that at least one of our batsmen had to really fire,” said Lloyd after the match. “I happened to be in good form, but although I would rank my innings as one of the best I’ve played, we would have been nowhere without the support of Rohan Kanhai and the thrust given at the end by the lower order.” Perreira, who covered five World Cups and has resided in St. Lucia since 1984, was impressed with the way Kanhai embraced the second-fiddle role. “While Lloyd was the aggressor, Kanhai was very skillful, working the ball around and turning over the strike,” the former Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States sports desk director said. “Occasionally, he would produce a cover drive or flick through midwicket. It was a wonderful partnership that brought us right back into the game as the Aussies were on top.” In ‘A History of West Indies Cricket’, late Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley said Lloyd’s innings was one of the great performances of modern cricket. See A GREAT SPORTSMAN Pg. 8

Blacklit Durham to feature two top Black literary voices BlackLit Durham, the premier event bringing outstanding Black literary voices together with audiences in the eastern Greater Toronto Area, celebrates in Ajax with Third Time’s The Charm: Our Anniversary Celebration. The show takes place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the St. Francis Centre (78 Church Street South in Ajax’s historic Pickering Village) with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Admission is free; the show is open to all ages. Ticket registration info can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/events/1024857479248065) and the BlackLit Durham website (https://www. blacklitdurham.com). Featured writers are media personality

and author of The Book of Possibilities Bee Quammie and national bestselling memoirist and advocate Matthew R. Morris. "Nearly three years ago, we presented an event with Ajax Public Library to promote the release of AfriCANthology: Perspectives of Black Canadian Poets, and people loved not having to go to downtown Toronto to experience high-quality Black Canadian creativity," says Greg Frankson co-editor of AfriCANthology and artistic director of BlackLit Durham. "That ongoing desire from the community has driven how we run our show for three years. “We are thrilled to have Matthew R. Morris and Bee Quammie, two powerfully relevant and timely Black Canadian

literary voices, help us celebrate the right way.” Books by the featured writers will be on sale courtesy of Blue Heron Books, with snacks and gifts sold onsite by local Black businesses. St. Francis Centre also provides an onsite refreshments bar. BlackLit Durham is a bimonthly literary arts event produced by the Canadian Black Literary Festival, presented in partnership with AfriCANthology Canada, Ajax Public Library, What's Your Story – Author Services, and the St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts, and Culture. The series is designed to showcase, highlight, amplify, and celebrate Black Canadian literary voices of all genres in their full splendour and diversity.

June 2025

‘Taste of Lawrence’ fest bringing people together

FIONA PERSAUD

Scene from Taste of Lawrence

By LINCOLN DEPRADINE A Scarborough neighbourhood is preparing for an annual celebration of food, music and culture. The Wexford Heights Business Improvement Association’s (BIA) 21st edition of “Taste of Lawrence” will be held July 4 – 6. “So far, everything is a go,” Fiona Persaud, coordinator for the Wexford Heights BIA, told Share. The Wexford Heights BIA was established in 2004 on the initiative of City of Toronto councillor for Scarborough Centre Michael Thompson. It was founded on the idea of “uniting the business and residential communities to cultivate a vibrant neighbourhood that embraces living, working and playing”. The Taste of Lawrence Festival is just one of the programs spearheaded by the BIA. “The reason why I started this event was to bring people together, the community together,” said Thompson. Now, as Scarborough’s largest street festival, Taste of Lawrence attracts more than 250,000 people, who enjoy the treats

of numerous food vendors and a variety program that includes live entertainment, midway rides, a dogs’ stunt show and a display of exotic cars. In the words of Persaud and the Wexford Heights BIA, those patronizing this year’s Taste of Lawrence can expect “topnotch entertainment and fun for the whole family”. New this year, Persaud said, are a “Shawarma Showdown” and the “Rising Stars Talent Search” competition. The contest, which is open to performers of all ages across the Greater Toronto Area, will take place on day 2 of the festival. The winner and runner-up will both receive prizes, including cash, and also will perform on the festival’s main stage on Sunday, July 6. The winners of the “Shawarma Showdown” also will be announced on July 6 and featured on the main stage. A Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish consisting of seasoned meat such as chicken, lamb or beef served hot in pita bread. The BIA, meanwhile, is inviting assis-

tance from people to volunteer with the hosting of Taste of Lawrence. “We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring the festival to life,” the BIA has announced. “Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and have a blast while supporting your community.” The Wexford Heights BIA can be contacted at 416-288-1718. Taste of Lawrence will be held on Lawrence Avenue, between Warden Avenue and Birchmount Road.

Councillor MICHAEL THOMPSON

June 2025

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Celebrating Black Music Month in Canada By By MURPHY BROWNE “Sun is shining, the weather is sweet Make you want to move your dancing feet To the rescue, here I am Want you to know, where I stand When the morning gathers the rainbow Want you to know I’m a rainbow MURPHY too BROWNE So, to the rescue here I am Want you to know just where I stand We’ll lift our heads and give Jah praises We’ll lift our heads and give Jah praises, yeah.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmbehlzxzUY From the song “Sun is Shining” released in 1971 by Bob Marley and the Wailers on their Soul Revolution album. The world would be much poorer without the melodies and lyrics of Africans like Bob Marley and the Wailers. Africans whether from the continent or the Diaspora have greatly influenced world music for generations. The influence of Africa on calypso, reggae, soca and zouk for example is recognized. Regardless of where Africans were taken during the centuries of enslavement, they influenced the culture of that society through their music which in turn influenced other art forms. This is the case even in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico where there has been a deliberate effort to Whiten or Europeanize the population and erase the face of Africa, but the influence of Africa is present in the music, dance, religious practices etc. The samba, the rumba, meringue, salsa all owe their existence to African rhythms. In his 2011 published book “Black in Latin America” African American professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. writes that he was surprised to learn from a Mexican ethnomusicologist that the fandango in Mexico owes much

to African influence. June has been recognized and celebrated as Black Music Month since June 7, 1979. President Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month at the urging of songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and broadcasters Ed Wright and Dyana Williams who lobbied for the official recognition of a Black Music Month. Huff, Wright and Williams were members of the “Black Music Association.” It was not until June 2000, that the United States government officially recognized Black Music Month after the African American Music Bill (House Resolution 509) was passed. The impetus to have June officially recognized by the government of the USA came after Dyana Williams co-founder of the “International Association of African American Music Foundation” was informed by the White House that even though President Carter had declared June Black Music Month he had not signed a presidential proclamation in 1979. Williams explained in an article entitled “Does Black Music Month Still Matter? Yes, It Does” published June 2011: “One day, I wrote President Bill Clinton asking him to host a Black Music Month event during June. The White House informed me that while President Carter had declared June Black Music Month, he did not sign a presidential proclamation. I was stunned at this revelation, but even more shocked when the White House suggested that I lobby Congress to get legislation recognizing June as Black Music Month.” Through her efforts and the support of politicians including Congressman Chaka Fattah (Democrat) and Congressman Goodling (Republican) each President since 2000 has signed an official proclamation declaring June Black Music Month. Music has sustained Africans dealing with myriad oppressions. Making music was one of the few pleasures that enslaved Africans enjoyed and that helped them to

retain some of the culture that was brutally torn from them by the White slave holders in their attempt to dehumanize the Africans. The spirituals that were used as a coded language by many enslaved Africans when planning their escape is a testament to the power of our music. Our music has also been used as social commentary as evidenced by the songs of reggae artistes, rappers, calypsonians and R&B singers. Some of the examples of social commentary in reggae music are Bob Marley’s “Crazy Baldheads,” and “Rat Race”. Dr. Slinger Francisco (The Mighty Sparrow) considered the world’s best calypsonian and whose social commentary is legendary has verbalized in calypso lyrics the history of Africans in the Diaspora from slavery to the present day with the poignant lyrics of his 1963 calypso, “Slave”. Sparrow also entertained and edutained with his social commentary on education “Dan is the man in the van,” and Caribbean politics “Federation.” Several African American R&B and Jazz singers were social commentators including Nina Simone with “Mississippi Goddam,” “Four Women” and “Young, Gifted and Black;” Sam Cooke with “A Change is gonna come;” Stevie Wonder with “Village Ghetto Land” and Marvin Gaye with “Make me wanna holler” and “What’s going on?” As we celebrate Black Music Month 2025, it is important to remember that our music began on the African continent with the drums, the poets, the griots etc., before those sounds were transported on the slave ships with our enslaved ancestors. Since then, we have been improvising and giving voice to our joys and sorrows in whatever language our enslavers and oppressors forced on us. Africans have revolutionized the music of the world. We in the Diaspora may not speak an African language but the music of our ancestors remains with us. June is also Black Music Month in Canada. tiakoma@hotmail.com

Black people and dementia – early diagnosis is key By PATRICK HUNTER Have you ever wondered why it seems that Black people are always at the bottom end, or near the bottom, in serious health reports? All of the reports seem to point to the same result: We are more likely to suffer from strokes or diabetes or sickle cell anemia or prostate cancer, just to name a few. Over the past year or so, there has been a flood of information that talks about the apparent growth of dementia, both nationally and internationally. I say “apparent” because I believe it has been around a long time but has only just begun to be noticed. “In many of these reports, persons of African descent are more likely to have dementia than White persons. The website of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario notes that “Black individuals are approximately twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias when compared to their White counterparts.” The Society also notes that Black people are often diagnosed at a later stage when treatments may be less effective. Research conducted and reported about the Black communities point always to the social determinants of health, namely “lower income levels, less education and living in under-resourced neighbourhoods.” The last listed frequently is racial discrimination. There is a difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia is

a “general term for symptoms like the decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills”, whereas Alzheimer’s is “a specific brain disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases”. Although racialized communities have been at pains to try to explain how racial discrimination affect them/us, the policy makers, the scientific communities, among others are, at the very least, reluctant to accept the existence of systemic discrimination and its effects. One gets the notion that there is not much thought given to the stresses of everyday life that Black people experience. The need to keep up a good on-the-job behaviour in order to keep the job, for example, despite harassment or other mistreatments. The need to suffer through untoward behaviours because they a have family to support. The struggle to pay rent and provide life necessities in a society that has a high cost of living. These individuals may even hold on to multiple jobs in order to survive. These are stresses that do not necessarily register with physical changes or symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom says that “stress may play a role in development or progression of dementia but does not necessarily cause dementia”. However, the UK Society defines stress as responding to dangerous situations, with symptoms such as pounding heart, sweating and tense muscles. It also recognizes that while the symptoms may pass, the “stressed feelings” could continue and could have “severe effects on a person emotionally, mentally and physically.”

Ontario, and indeed Canada as a whole, is experiencing a shortage of primary care doctors – family physicians. Here is where early symptoms of a disease are usually identified. Those who have a family doctor are often encouraged to have an annual physical if only to make sure that if something is caught at an early stage, it can be treated before it worsens. There is another side to the dementia problem – caring for persons with dementia. It will, and does, take a toll on the caregivers. In most cases, dementia patients require almost 24-hour care, especially as the condition worsens. Their behaviour is often unpredictable. Dangers can exist from someone wandering off and cannot find their way back. More often it is the fear of leaving a stove on, falling on stairs or other activities that could end in danger. Even though the government may provide some support in assisting families in dealing with a dementia patient, that assistance is time limited. It is often necessary therefore to engage someone to cover those moments when the immediate caregiver is otherwise occupied. Needless to say, that is a costly undertaking, and more so if the dementia patient has to be placed in a retirement facility that would provide constant care. There are some indications that studies are being conducted to better understand dementia. So far, most of those studies seem to be geared towards how to provide care at reasonable costs. Getting to a cure for dementia would appear to be a very long way off. Email: patrick.hunter11@gmail.com

June 2025

Cousins use their creative skills to uplift young people By RON FANFAIR Returning home from middle school in the late 1990s, Lance Waddell noticed that the couch in the living room was missing. When asked, Lynette Waddell told her son, ‘Someone else needed it and we will find another one’. That was not the last time he witnessed his mother’s unsparing generosity. Waddell, a huge fan of the G.I. Joe American military science fiction, treasured his Transformer toy collection. “As I got older, I didn’t play with them and they were in the basement collecting dust,” he said. “One day I went looking for them and they were gone. Mom said some kids needed the toys I was not playing with. At the time, I was very upset. Now, I feel otherwise. As the years went by, you started to see the mission that she was on. You could see how thoughtful she was in assisting those in need while being a single mother raising children. The weight of that responsibility never clouded her vision to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate.” Two years younger, Brione Wishart connected with Waddell – his cousin – soon after migrating from Guyana 37 years ago. He remembers his mother, Roxanne Wishart, coming home from two jobs and jumping on the sewing machine to make dresses. “My mother is a hustler and I mean that in a good way,” Wishart said. “In Guyana, she had a mobile ‘sweetie cart’ that she pushed up and down Sherriff St. The money she got from that supplemented what she made as a seamstress which she has been doing since age 17. She came to Canada on a mission to provide opportunities for us to succeed and she never wavered from that

LANCE WADDELL (left) and BRIONE WISHART

position. Along the way, she saved enough money to buy properties. Seeing her put in the work and staying focused on her goals motivated me and my siblings.” Inspired by their mothers, generosity is in the DNA of the cousins who are using their talent and creative skills to uplift young people. Recognized with a Harry Jerome Award for Volunteerism in 1997, Lynette Waddell passed away four years before her son became a Toronto Police Service uniformed member in 2006. Roxanne Wishart continues to combine artistry and technique to create fashionable dresses while her son is a creative entrepreneur and award-winning designer. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic

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and the George Floyd murder that sparked unprecedented protests, Wishart reached out to Waddell with an idea ‘to do something’. Waddell didn’t believe the timing was right. “I told him not right now and our time will come,” he said. “Too many things were happening and tensions were high. In addition, I was a Neighbourhood Community Officer in 42 Division developing relationships and building trust between the community and the police. A few months later when Brione indicated he wanted to work with the community, I told him I had one which is Glendower.” Every community tends to have a few people that stand out because of their wis-

dom, leadership and ability to bring people together. In Glendower, Cyleta Gibson-Sealy is one of those. She runs a homework club, Beyond Academics, on the ground floor of the 12-storey Toronto Community Housing apartment building at the southeast corner of Birchmount Rd. and Finch Ave. E. While crafting a blueprint for their community engagement approach, Waddell and recently retired Constable Shawn Klodt recognized that their first point of contact should be community elders. “They are the people leading and doing the work,” he said. “When I met Cyleta, I saw a piece of my mom. She coordinated with Toronto Community Housing to get a space and educated kids in her backyard, doing everything she could to empower them. All that was left for me and Shawn to do was support the work she was doing. “As police officers, it is not about just driving the squad car through a neighbourhood. It is for us to empower the people in the community. Police officers have access to many resources that we can share with the community. “As I worked with Cyleta, we discovered she worked with a partner, Michelle Leslie, who runs a nearby foodbank and was working for Agincourt Community Services. We said these are our people, we gave them the resources and, in the process, built trust.” Just before the start of the September 2023 school semester, the cousins took five barbers into the community to cut young boys’ hair for the new school year. “We did about 50 and some of the parents got haircuts too,” said Wishart who is a former hip-hop artiste. “We also gave the youths hoodies, backpacks and Subway See WE KNEW Pg. 14

June 2025

International recognition for local research scientist By RON FANFAIR Research helps advance knowledge, grow economies and improve societies among other things. Conducting research with an inclusive lens ensures that all voices, perspectives and experiences are acknowledged, respected and represented. Dr. Trevor Charles has been doing that since 1993 when he joined McGill University as an assistant professor. The University of Waterloo professor for the last 27 years is among five researchers from around the world awarded the inaugural Wiley Research Heroes Prize for outstanding research contributions and commitment to inclusivity in academic and research settings. University of Waterloo Associate Professor Dr. Valerie Ward nominated the esteemed microbiologist for the prize. “The fact that a young professor in the department whom I had unofficially been mentoring appreciate what I have been trying to do throughout my career and took it upon herself to nominate me is quite satisfying,” Charles noted. “That means something

Dr. TREVOR CHARLES

to me. This platform also provides an opportunity for me to talk about what is important in my career and get across that what we do as researchers or scientists is for the greater good of society.” There were over 1,713 nominees for the prestigious prize that is a platform to highlight individuals who ensure that research is inclusive, innovative and impactful. “Oftentimes we don’t acknowledge the type of quiet leadership that makes an impact on those around us,” noted Ward who is a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Microalgae Biomanufacturing in the Department of Chemical Engineering. “Trevor is never afraid to speak up and remind peo-

ple in a supportive way to consider equity in their decisions. “When I first started as a faculty member, I didn’t fully internalize that my position would come with the opportunity to change things from what they are to what I wanted them to be. When working on organizing a conference with him, he reminded me that I now had that opportunity and that my students and, one day, junior colleagues would be looking to me to set what was acceptable. “That kind of mentorship is so impactful, but often overlooked and underappreciated. That is why this award is meaningful to both of us.” Punita Aneja, who was Charles’ first doctoral student when he began his teaching and research career at McGill University 32 years ago, said he is deserving of the prize. “Trevor has a deep understanding and respect for the microbes he continues to study,” the Canada Revenue Agency Scientific Research & Experimental Development Division Research & Technical Advisor said. “He has generously shared and passed down his knowledge, enthusiasm

and love for microbiology through his research work with countless others. He truly brings head, heart and hand to contribute to a better understanding of the microbial world. “As a scientist, he is bril-

liantly creative, insightful and dedicated. Despite having a full workload which included teaching, mentoring, writing or editing research papers and grant papers, he always found time to work in the lab as he still

does now. “This is truly amazing as he now also juggles many additional roles related to various commercial ventures he is involved with. He has continued to be a See I ALWAYS KNEW Pg. 15

‘A great sportsman and a fine captain’ CONTINUED FROM Pg. 4

“It was full of power, chanceless (he was dropped at 26) and with the element of courage without which no batsman has lived who could stand up to Lillee and Thompson, both at the peak of their careers,” he wrote. Australia’s captain Ian Chappell hailed Lloyd’s match-winning performance. “His innings was magnificent and it was this that changed the game in the first place,” he said. “He also bowled excellently. It was a superb all-round achievement.” Late England captain Ted Dexter was also complimentary of Lloyd’s outstanding accomplishment. “Cricket lovers will always remember the day when victorious West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd became King of Lord’s with a majestic century in even time,” he wrote in the Sunday Mirror. Writing for the Sunday Express, since deceased England player Denis Compton said, ‘his spectacular 102 was one of the greatest innings I have ever seen’. Fielding is a vital and often underappreciated aspect of cricket, playing a major role

in influencing the outcome of matches. Though he scored just 38 runs in the tournament, Viv Richards made a significant impact in the final, effecting three run outs. “When I talk of the passion I have for the game which I often do, I inevitably find myself thinking back to winning the Prudential World Cup, not once, but twice,” he said in his autobiography ‘Hitting Across the Line’. “The first time in 1975 in England proved to be a turning point in cricket history. It was the first real proof that the public actually wanted a more compact form of the game – a game with a shorter time span and much faster action.” A month after the final, Lloyd, Kallicharran and Fredericks returned to Guyana to a hero’s welcome. Driven in a Cadillac from the airport, Lloyd held the 18-inch-tall Prudential Cup aloft to the delight of cheering crowds that lined the streets. He was later presented with the Golden Arrow of Achievement, the country’s fourth-highest national award. “By your brilliant captain-

cy and performances, you have written valuable pages into the annals of cricket,” said Acting President Edward Luckhoo who was the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana. “You are a great sportsman and a fine captain. You have done much for the credit and prestige of our dear land of Guyana.” After his short stay in his birth country, Lloyd was honoured by the West Indies Cricket Board at a reception in Trinidad & Tobago before flying back to England to rejoin Lancashire, his English county team. “I enjoyed the celebrations, but we didn’t get much for our efforts,” he said. “Shirley Field-Ridley (then Minister of Sport who died in 1982) presented us with gold chains, but the West Indies Board did not give us anything.” To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the team’s World Cup triumph, Cricket West Indies has invited the 12 surviving team members (Fredericks and Keith Boyce are deceased) to a celebratory event in Barbados on June 22. SEE FULL STORY ON SHARENEWS.COM.

June 2025

B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies at the Archives of Ontario

ARCHIE ALLEYNE

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RON NELSON

the Canada Black Music Archives on this exhibit. Their choice of material, including records from our own collection, should provide visitors with an appreciation for the contributions of these artistes to Black musical history. “We look forward to welcoming new users and communities to the Archives of Ontario and to the opportunity of sharing a bit about the role archives play in preserving and making accessible Ontario’s past.” As Canada’s first national digital archive dedicated to researching, documenting and preserving the history of Canadian DIRECT SHIPPING TO Black artistes, the Canada KINGSTON AND MONTEGO BAY Black Music Archives’ main • ALL ITEMS INSURED objective is to shine a light • REASONABLE RATES on their hidden and largely • GUARANTEED DELIVERY unexplored musical contributions. • COMPLETE PACKING AND CRATING Phil Vassell, Executive HOME DELIVERY TO ALL 14 PARISHES IN JAMAICA, DIRECT TO Director of the CBMA, says: THE U.S.A. AND OTHER CARIBBEAN PORTS “This 10-month exhibition *INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL * AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS of B’LACK THEN: Muted *HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL EFFECTS Melodies at the Archives WE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN YOUR SHIPMENT LEAVES CANADA AND of Ontario marks a major ARRIVES AT ITS DESTINATION *WE CAN CLEAR YOUR SHIPMENT IN JA milestone for the Canada

exhibit at the Archives of Ontario reflects a wider view of multiple music genres featuring Black musicians from across Ontario for over a century.” From jazz to hip hop, these muted melodies deserve the spotlight and are an essential part of Ontario’s history.

This exhibit is supported in part by Archives of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council. For more information and a full list of featured artistes, please visit https:// thecbma.com/black-then-muted-melodies/.

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The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is inviting the public to explore their latest exhibition, B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies. On display at the Archives of Ontario, this special exhibit delves into the untold stories of Black musicians from Ontario. Spanning over a century, dive into the lives of over 20 artistes from across 10 music genres through photographs, albums, newspaper clippings, film screenings, and discussions. Artistes featured include gospel music pioneers, Reverend Richard Amos Ball of the Ball Family Jubilee Singers; internationally acclaimed and Canada’s first Black opera singer, Portia White; jazz & blues award-winning singer-songwriter, composer, playwright and actress, Salome Bey; rhythm & blues and transgender performer, Jackie Shane; reggae & ska legend, Jackie Mittoo; classical music composer and arranger, Nathaniel Dett; musician, award-winning writer, playwright, spoken word artiste and rapper, Motion and many more. The exhibition opened at the Archives of Ontario on May 22, and will run until February 27, 2026. The Archives is located at 134 Ian MacDonald Blvd on York University campus and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. “We are really excited to see these untold stories from Ontario’s musical past come to life in our Reading Room,” says Sean Smith, Senior Manager, Outreach and Education at the Archives of Ontario. It has been such a pleasure working with

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June 2025

Kes the Band bringing soca energy to Budweiser Stage By RON FANFAIR Toronto is one of Kees Dieffenthaller’s favourite cities. It is the first international space that the lead singer of the soca group, Kes the Band, performed in shortly after their launch in 2005. To mark the milestone 20th anniversary, they will make history as the first soca band to headline the Budweiser Stage on Toronto’s waterfront on June 14. “This is a full circle moment,” Dieffenthaller said at an exclusive social mixer in Toronto on May 27. “We wanted to take soca and not only bridge gaps, but put it in places we deserve to be. Soca has been the heartbeat of the summer Toronto Carnival for so long and I feel we need to step to the forefront now and showcase ourselves in places and spaces where we can be celebrated, loved and respected.” The show’s supporting acts will be unveiled shortly. “It is Kes the Band, but we are going to have friends there as well,” said Dieffenthaller who sang in school choirs and co-founded ‘Klas’, an R & B group, in his teenage years. “Who they are is a secret for now. It is telling our story as well. We are celebrating 20 years and 25 years of coming

KEES DIEFFENTHALLER of the Kes the Band. Photo by Ron Fanfair.

to Toronto.” He paid tribute to the pioneers who kept the soca culture alive in Canada. “That started from people missing their home and coming together to create something out of nothing and demanding that presence and respect,” said Dieffenthaller who teamed up with Sean Paul to produce the official anthem for the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in 2024. “This opportunity to showcase the culture on a stage like Budweiser is a result of all the hard work, sweat, tears, the fighting, loving, wining and all the people who supported every year. The people in Toronto support soca music and Kes the Band are phenomenal and keep me going.” There is another reason why Toronto holds a special place in his heart. Feeling burned out in 2010, Dieffenthaller accepted an invitation from Trinbagonian-Canadian soca artiste Kerwin Du Bois to visit his studio in the middle of winter.

“That was a lovely trip,” he recalled. The creatives co-wrote ‘Wotless’ that won the International Groovy Soca Monarch title and was nominated for a BET Soul Train Music Award in the Best Caribbean Performance category the following year. To celebrate Kes the Band which was the first soca group to launch an iPhone app 14 years ago, Trinidad & Tobago Consul General in Toronto Simone Young presented a Cultural Impact Award to the soca music genre trailblazers. “Kes the Band inspires across borders,” she said. “From the Caribbean to Canada and beyond, they have carried the soul and heartbeat of our nation and region in every lyric, every rhythm and every performance. Their music has become the soundtrack of joy, freedom and togetherness.” More importantly, Young said the band has consistently used their platform to uplift, unify and represent. “With hits like ‘Hello’, they showed us that even in a simple greeting, there is a world of connection waiting,” she added. “With ‘Fallin’, they captured the magnetic pull of love and rhythm. With ‘Savannah Grass’, we are instantly transported to a place where the spirit of Carnival lives yearround in our hearts. And with ‘Wotless’, they gave us permission to let go of the weight of the world and feel alive, proud

and Caribbean. “Whether you are waving a flag, dancing on a truck or smiling through nostalgia thousands of miles from home, Kes has a song that speaks to your moment. They have helped take soca to the global stage, to the big stage and they have done so with grace, humility and fierce Trinbagonian and Caribbean pride. “We thank them for carrying the pulse of Trinidad & Tobago to every corner of the globe, for turning stages into spaces of belonging, lyrics into anthems and moments into 20 years of lasting memories. Their journey reminds us that when we honour where we come from, there is no limit to where we can go.” Live Nation and Summer of Sound (SOS) Festival Inc. have partnered to present the first ever soca headliner at Budweiser Stage. “This is just not another concert,” said SOS founders Naveen Sharma and Andrew Lalla. “It is a celebration of legacy, unity and pure Caribbean energy. Whether you have been with them from the beginning or just caught the wave, this is your moment to be part of soca’s evolution in a world-class setting.” Jean Turner-Williams and Alpha King, Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ontario president and vice-president respectively, recognized Sharma and Lalla at the event at the Acqua Supper Club. “In celebrating individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in uplifting our culture, we shine the spotlight tonight on two cultural ambassadors whose unwavering commitment and creative brilliance have not only elevated Caribbean music and entertainment, but have brought it to a world class stage with global impact,” said King. “It began 11 years ago right here in Ontario when a bold idea took shape at the International Centre. It was called the Main Event and from that very first production, it was clear something special was born. “That something has grown into what has become the Sound of Soca Festival, an experience that has redefined Caribbean culture and representation in Canada. “Naveen and Andrew have built a legacy. Through SOS Fest, they have brought us the very best in reggae, soca, chutney and more…They have not only hosted the biggest and brightest stars from across the Caribbean, but they have created a powerful bridge connecting generations.”

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June 2025

Congress at GBC focuses on ‘reframing togetherness’ By RON FANFAIR For 94 years, Canada’s largest academic gathering has convened for a week in cities across the federated nation to share findings, refine ideas and build partnerships that help shape the country. Never before has a college hosted the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences until now. George Brown College (GBC) stepped up to the plate, partnering with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences for this year’s ground-breaking Congress that challenged over 7,000 delegates to model togetherness by questioning traditional knowledge hierarchies and collaborating on fundamental and applied research solutions for humanity’s historically rooted problems. It took place from May 30 to June 6. “We are at an interesting pivotal point as humanity,” noted GBC’s President Dr. Gervan Fearon at a reception on May 30 to kick off this year’s Congress. “Never before did we ever feel that we had tools that could compete with the IQ of a human. When we start thinking through where science is, we recognize that it is the humanities of social sciences that put all that we do in a frame that makes sense to us to live together.” The conference’s theme was ‘Reframing togetherness’. Fearon stated that it is an important and timely theme, highlighting the shifting ways people connect, support one another and build community in today’s world. “We live in a world of incredible challenges, but I don’t think that we should eclipse the set of opportunities that are there,” he said. “Through that, reframing togetherness means how do we as individuals come together to start thinking about how we meet some of the challenges, but equally how we see some of the opportunities.” With formal academic collaborations that allow students, faculty and institutions to benefit from shared resources and opportunities becoming more prevalent, Fearon said the partners share a mission of contributing to humanity. “As a result, this amazing event that the federation has been willing to go across with really demonstrates the opportunity for us to work together and make a significant contribution to not only scholarship and the academic pursuits of individuals, but indeed society,” the Canada-Caribbean Institute co-founder added. Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences President & Chief Executive Officer Karine Morin praised Fearon and his team for partnering with the federation to break the barrier and start a new chapter in academic discourse. “That is ground-breaking, that is history-making and that is opening up a bright new future for the Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences,” she said. “This milestone reflects the importance of building stronger connections across institutions and our communities. We need those connections more than ever… “Welcoming thousands of attendees across two campuses in a large bustling city is no small undertaking. We are so grateful for everything you have done to make this possible. Hospitality is clearly a strength of George Brown College, but so is audacity.” The federation comprises over 160 universities, colleges and scholarly associations, representing a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada. “You are the reason Congress exists,” said Morin, a former Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada director. “Your commitment to bringing members together to advance scholarship, to present research and to engage in dialogue is what gives Congress its shape and purpose. It is a complicated time for higher

education. There are significant pressures on programs and funding and there is an increasing lack of public trust. What goes on here deeply matters. “…The work of teaching, researching, debating and listening is challenging, but we can advocate. That is how we make sense of change and turmoil. This is how we can progress. Society needs more of it, not less. That is why I am so pleased with this year’s theme that invites us to look at how we connect, how we collaborate and how we move things through uncertainty, not alone, but in dialogue, in collaboration and solidarity.” GBC English professor Dr. Margrit Talpalaru was Congress 2025’s Academic Convenor. “It has been a whole year of stretching our imagination to envisage what the largest academic gathering hosted for the first time at a college would look like,” she said. “Everybody enthusiastically participated in consultation for the theme in organizing programming that illustrates what trades and college learning looks like at George Brown and ensuring all of the logistical details are in place. “We hope that these eight days of Congress will enable participants to take up the challenge in the theme, which is stepping outside of disciplinary silos, of enriching our scholarly methodologies in new ways. We have a lot of problems to counteract in the world today and the humanities and social sciences are best positioned to bridge the chasm of polarization in our world to show the path forward with evolving technologies and ultimately help guide humanity away from the brink of ecological disaster.” Central to Congress 2025 was acknowledgment of and partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation on whose traditional territory the events are taking place. Daniel Secord from the Mississauga Nation (Nishinaabek), The Three Fires Confederacy, offered a blessing at the opening ceremony and Chief Claire Sault provided remarks. “We have so much going on in the world right now that it is forcing us to shift our thinking,” she said. “So, we need our academic community more than ever to strengthen that foundation. We all need a foundation of understanding and the humanities provide that for us to maneuver in this world…The foundation for us as First Nations lies in recognizing our rich and diverse history, cultures and systems of knowledge. It involves understanding our unique relationship with the land, our traditional ways of knowing and enduring the impact of colonization and assimilation.” Aligned with GBC’s commitment as an original signatory of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Higher Education, Congress 2025 featured programming centred on Black scholarship and community. “Congress is a pivotal opportunity for GBC to centre Black intellectual traditions, applied practices and community-rooted frameworks that have been historically excluded from academic spaces,” said Mary Ola who is the college’s Black Future Initiatives senior manager. “We are not just creating network opportunities. We are cultivating spaces for collective action and community-led change that challenge institutional norms and create new pathways for Black flourishing.” With the Congress being held during Pride Month, GBC design students created bilingual or blank pronoun stickers that were presented to attendees. On the same day of the opening ceremony, the college hosted the 2025 Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Showcase presented in partnership with startGBC and the Office of Research and Innovation.

Dr. GERVAN FEARON

This signature annual event celebrated the innovative spirit of GBC’s students, alumni, faculty and partners by showcasing cutting-edge projects, entrepreneurial ventures and collaborative research and innovation projects. The Office of Research and Innovation was established 18 years ago. “Since that time, we have grown into a driving hub of discovery and collaboration,” said Dr. Krista Holmes, Associate Vice-President of Research & Innovation. “Since 2007, we have secured over $110 million in research funding, engaged 1,593 researchers on 23,000 projects with 2,146 industry and community partners. Most importantly, we have enabled 19,235 student research experiences.” Colleges are increasingly becoming major players in higher education, providing a broader range of programs and serving a wider population of students. GBC offers over 200 certificate, diploma and degree programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a variety of professions to more than 30,000 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. The leading publicly accredited college in Canada’s economic and cultural hub embraces Universal Design for Learning to bolster its collective pedagogies and actively cultivates collaborations and partnerships to enrich its educational offerings and support student success in and out of the institution. Last April, GBC announced a ground-breaking collaboration agreement with the Royal Canadian Navy, establishing new pair work-integrated learning opportunities for GBC students through service with the Navy while building new

structured pathways for veterans to transition into the college’s renowned culinary programs. GBC and Niagara College collaborate on the Trillium Cellars Project, a joint initiative focusing on student-made wine and culinary products. This partnership leverages Niagara College’s Teaching Winery and culinary expertise and GBC’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, creating experiential learning opportunities for students in both institutions. Three years ago, GBC became the first Canadian institution of higher learning to collaborate with a global academic centre focused on travel industry crises and resilience. Fearon and Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who co-founded the Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) based at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) Centre. As a key component of the partnership, GBC set up a satellite centre in Toronto focused on research and development, policy advocacy and communication management, program/project design and management and training and capacity building in various areas. In the last 18 months, the college also signed Memorandums of Understanding with Barbados’ Ministry of Education, Training & Vocational Training and Antigua & Barbuda’s Ministry of Education, Sports & Creative Industries to enhance technical and vocational training. This is the last time that the annual Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences is held in the current format. Next year’s event will be held virtually and there are plans for a scaled-down in-person event. “We recognize that this approach, particularly the virtual-only conferencing option and the timing of this announcement, is less than ideal,” said Morin. “However, this situation reinforces what we have all been observing: the Congress model is entering a necessary period of evolution. As part of the Federation’s strategic planning over the next several months, we will be asking difficult questions about the purpose of Congress and how it is delivered. “This will include reassessing the host partnership model alongside virtual formats and examining delivery options that alleviate cost pressures and environmental impact while ensuring that scholarly exchange remains accessible and meaningful. We will also explore alternative future-focused models of collaboration, convening and community-building. Your input will be vital to this process, and we will hold a town hall meeting this month to discuss the formation of a ‘Reimagining Congress Task Force’ and the upcoming plans for 2026.”

June 2025 go of what isn’t. A physical challenge will do you good on the 21st. Sign up for an event that takes strength, courage and willpower.

June 15 - 21, 2025 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to what’s happening around you; it will help you make better choices on the 15th and 16th. Acting in haste will cost you emotionally and financially. The way you present yourself to others will have an impact on the outcome. Give more thought to how you run your household on the 17th and 18th, and you’ll discover a unique way to save money. Uncertainty is the enemy; do your research and act. Pour your heart and soul into something that offers concrete results on the 19th and 20th. What you achieve will be calming and encourage you to do something uplifting. Look for an opportunity to do something nice for someone you love on the 21st, and it will bring you closer together. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): On the 15th and 16th, if something bothers you, do something about it. Talk is cheap if you don’t follow through; your actions will have a much better impact than your words. Remove yourself from toxic situations and people detrimental to your emotional well-being. Establish your goals on the 17th and 18th and create a path that leads to opportunity and peace of mind. Physical and mental improvements will give you the boost you require to have the courage to do what’s best for you. Work undercover on the 19th and 20th. The smaller the audience, the easier it will be to reach your destination. Curb any habits that are slowing you down. On the 21st, sign up for something that excites you, and enjoy exploring new possibilities. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take the first step on the 15th and 16th and turn a chance to make a difference into the opportunity you long for. Focus on promoting what you enjoy doing most, and up your game through networking and contacting those in a position to help you advance. Tuck your emotions in a safe place on the 17th and 18th and concentrate on what you must do to raise your awareness, income or standard of living. Reach out to groups that can offer insight into something that can help you bring about change on the 19th and 20th, and you’ll gain recognition for your effort. Retreat, regroup and reformat your next move secretively on the 21st. Preparation is the path to victory. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Learn from your mistakes on the 15th and 16th. When in doubt, ask an expert, and you’ll discover options you didn’t realize were available. Don’t let uncertainty shut you down; let it spark your imagination and inspire your next move. Use charm, memory and intellect to wow those you meet on the 17th and 18th, and you’ll find it easier to summon others to do things for you. On the 19th and 20th, a roadblock will be a sign to retreat and rethink your next move. Be observant, cautious and hesitant to share your true feelings. Avoid rushing into something prematurely. On the 21st, attend functions that offer a unique perspective regarding something you want to pursue, and you’ll gain a clearer vision regarding your next move. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take an interest in events that offer insight into something you’ve considered changing in your life on the 15th and 16th. New beginnings can be exciting, but if you leap forward without enough information, you will fall short of your expectations. Look at every angle on the 17th and 18th, and you’ll carve out a perfect path. Don’t take a risk with your health or your love life. Nurture what you already have and change only what’s necessary. Learn from past mistakes on the 19th and 20th, and you’ll spare yourself time and money. Put your energy into nurturing what’s important and letting

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Establish your position on the 15th and 16th. Make it clear what you are capable and willing to do and adjust your schedule to ensure you fulfill your promises. Protecting your reputation will ward off interference and unforeseen expenses. Keep your relationships with others simple and honest on the 17th and 18th. Striving for equality will mean setting boundaries and learning to say no. Do your part to help a cause that concerns you, and you’ll meet someone beneficial. Don’t pay for someone else’s mistake on the 19th and 20th. Excessive behaviour will set you back and taint your reputation. You’ll discover information on the 21st that will change your perspective regarding how you move forward and whom you trust. Romance is on the rise, and reunions and travel are favoured. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Live, learn and gain experience through participation and the connections you make on the 15th and 16th. Giving your best will be your calling card to those as enthusiastic as you to make a difference. Overreacting will be your downfall on the 17th and 18th. Put emotions aside and look at the facts before you react. Those you deal with will be judgmental and limit what you can achieve. Choose charm, not manipulation, to get what you want on the 19th and 20th. Trying to outmaneuver others will lead to a competition you may not be able to win. Pay attention to financial, legal and medical matters on the 21st. Don’t allow situations you encounter to spin out of control. Choose peace over discord. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep moving on the 15th and 16th; it’s a race against time, and lingering will cost you penalties. You’ll have difficulty pleasing everyone, so choose your battles wisely. Be up-front and offer alternatives, incentives and apologies. On the 17th and 18th, you can make up for lost time if you are organized, charming and quick to explain your long-term plans. Reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in a long time, and you’ll gain insightful information to help eliminate stress and anxiety. Hold your thoughts on the 19th and 20th; listen, evaluate and consider how you want to proceed. Time is on your side. Put your relationships first on the 21st. Tell someone you love how much you care. Romance is in the stars. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take care of any overdue balances on the 15th and 16th before you upset someone you borrowed from or are penalized. Keeping your financial affairs straight will help you avoid staining your reputation and encourage others to do business with you in the future. Be up front on the 17th and 18th regarding your feelings, concerns and what you plan to do next. Misleading someone will come back to haunt you. Consider how you can make your life run efficiently on the 19th and 20th, and it will save you time and money. Plan to attend a social event or participate in an activity that allows you to use your talents. Upgrading will pay off on the 21st. Learn or expand your skills to encourage advancement. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Tie up loose ends on the 15th and 16th. Take care of debt, cut your overhead by running an efficient household or sell off items you don’t need to free up cash. How you wheel and deal will influence your state of mind. On the 17th and 18th, consider a partnership or pooling your resources with someone to cut the costs and time necessary to achieve

your goal. An opportunity will turn out to be better than anticipated. Consider who and what bring you advantages and how to eliminate the people or things holding you back on the 19th and 20th. Do what’s best for you. Plan to do something motivating or spend time with someone you love on the 21st. Self-improvement projects will lead to praise and compliments. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take the initiative and make things happen on the 15th and 16th. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed; the outcome will leave you with extra cash, confidence and the courage to pursue your dreams. It’s time to recognize your worth and to walk away from those who don’t value you. Pioneer your way forward on the 17th and 18th. Turn your ideas and skills into something tangible to boost your income. Network, promote and expand your interests. Proceed with caution on the 19th and 20th. Not everyone will offer sound advice. Honesty will play a role in the conversations regarding what you receive for your money. Getting together with friends or family on the 21st will be uplifting. The suggestions you receive will help you gauge how and where you want to live. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Spend more time on what matters to you on the 15th and 16th. Tidy up unfinished domestic issues and make room for new beginnings. Make plans to attend a social or networking function to expand your circle and help you designate your time and effort more efficiently. Love, romance, sharing and caring are the highlights of the 17th and 18th. Connect with people who lift you up and encourage you to go the distance to get ahead. On the 19th and 20th, consider what you can do for others to improve your lives. Combining your efforts with someone who has what you lack – and vice versa – will encourage success. Keep the momentum flowing on the 21st; you’ll make financial gains. Sharing expenses, space or ideas will pay off.

June 2025

ACROSS

UNIVERSAL SUNDAY CROSSWORD

55 Curling muscles 1 Shapes made in the snow 56 Dough nut? 7 Since 57 “At your ___ convenience ...” 11 “___ the Explorer” 59 Deplete 15 Helga’s older sister in “Hey 60 Region between Earth’s Arnold!” crust and core 19 Continues 61 *Electrical transformer 20 Blacken on the grill named for its inventor 21 Yoked animals 22 Name hidden in “summer love” 62 Simple shirt 63 *”Bad Moms” actress Christina 23 *Pride letters 65 Artery opener 24 Reusable bag 66 Small ammo 25 Cold desert in Asia 69 Word after “special” or “dou26 Resting on ble” 27 “Slippery” tree 28 Letters on a bottle of sunscreen 70 “None for me, thanks” 73 Seal the deal 30 Baby boxer, e.g. 75 Flicks with showdowns 32 *Nietzsche’s ideal man 78 Bed and breakfast? 34 Abound 79 African country that borders 36 Genre related to American Lake Victoria folk music 80 Wood splitters 38 ___ Tower (Paris attraction) 40 Controlled Substances Act org. 81 It might say “Welcome” 82 “Last four digits” IDs 41 “Word on the street is ...” 83 Splash like grease from a pan 43 Rice dish 84 In recent days 44 Begin 86 Frequently 46 Brush up on 88 Related things 48 Stand in an art studio 49 Fighting Oligarchy Tour leader 89 “Party Rock Anthem” duo 90 Embedded design Sanders 50 Creator of Christopher Robin 91 Transparent eye layer 92 ___Pen 51 English football champs, for 93 Like a profile picture? short 95 Cut the lawn 52 Place for a mud bath 96 D’Anjou fruit 54 Scores 100% on

Last Month’s Universal Crossword solution

SELF-STARTERS BY JONATHAN RAKSIN AND JEFF CHEN, EDITED BY JARED GOUDSMIT

100 *Tess portrayer in “Touched by an Angel” 102 Remove, like paint from wood 104 Bit of cream 106 Villain ___ 107 Piece of slanted writing 108 Vietnam neighbor 110 x or y, on a graph 112 Castle part 114 Crumbly cheese 115 Raison d’___ 116 Blow off some steam 117 Julia’s “Seinfeld” role 118 “I’m taking my time, taking my time / ‘Cause you took everything ___ me” (Taylor Swift lyric) 119 Tournament ranking 120 Risque 121 *Black Sabbath superfan, e.g. DOWN 1 Shoelace tip 2 Like some gases 3 “Understand?” 4 Lawyer’s title (Abbr.) 5 Lane in “Superman” comics 6 Long green veggies 7 Play a part ... or part of a play 8 Displayed 9 Swear words? 10 On the house 11 Heap of people vying to grab a football 12 Kitchenware brand 13 Give the cold shoulder to 14 “Sailor Moon” genre 15 Muscat’s country 16 “Be my tango partner!” 17 Supermarket purchases 18 Initial trial for a product 29 Distress signal 31 Relaxation 33 “Anything ___?” 35 Environment 37 Large coffee vessel 39 Tenors’ high registers 42 Website part that might include FAQs

43 Discussion group 45 Hiking path 46 Pay increase 47 Comedy club host 48 It’s right on a map! 49 Rank below viscount 50 Border on 51 “Dibs!” 53 Walked nervously back and forth 56 “South Park” co-creator 58 Take to court 60 Food from Heaven 64 In need of sanitizing 65 “___ & Daughters” (The Decemberists song) 66 Japanese lunch box 67 Bathroom fixture 68 Film lead 69 Completely lost 70 Like some ramen and coffee 71 Amble (along) 72 Fashion icon Tim 74 Quick time out?

75 Blockaded 76 Midterm handout 77 Ignite 79 “Time to get busy!” 83 Prepare, as a potato for hash browns 85 Misplace 87 Took care of one’s teeth, in a way 88 “Amazing!” 90 Envision 91 Dealing (with) 94 Bits of land in the ocean 95 Like some bowling leagues 97 Spooky 98 Big sports venue 99 Like movies and video games 101 Dutch cheese 103 Party that often has glow sticks 105 Taurus animal 109 Mined resource 111 Pig’s place 113 “Go team!”

June 2025

We knew ‘we could make an impact’ working with the police CONTINUED FROM Pg. 7

sandwiches. Kofi Frempong, who is an artist, also came through and created a canvas that the kids were part of. That was donated to Cyleta’s space. It was a fun day and the coolest part was watching her take it all in. It was her day to sit back and just relax.” ProAction Cops & Kids, the largest private funder for Toronto Police youth programs, recognized the pop-up barbershop in 2023 with the Jack Sinclair Award. He is one of the organization’s first directors. During the pandemic lockdown, thieves broke into a storage space Gibson-Sealy used and stole computers, a television and other learning material. Once word got out, communities far and wide responded. Recommended by Detective Richard Shaw who was at 42 Division before joining the Sex Crimes Unit a year ago, the Toronto Police Chinese Community Consultative Committee awarded a grant to Gibson-Sealy. Popular New York-based DJ Flexx – through his Flexx Nation Facebook group – contributed two laptop computers and a Smart television, Bluetooth wireless speaker, DVD player and cash. “While in Toronto for the annual Caribbean Carnival, I heard about the excellent work this lady is doing in the community and that much of her educational material was stolen,” said the disc jockey. “That broke my I BUY VINYL RECORDS heart and inspired me to CA$H PAID FOR YOUR use my network to help RECORDS! her get back on her feet.” Last year, Wishart and Waddell launched Elevate to Achieve which aims to empower young people in challenged communities through education and skill development. Cognizant that hip-hop Reggae, Calypso, Soul and police have had a Latin, Jazz & Blues complicated relationship, Wishart knew some peoCALL (647) 819 7659

ple would scoff at him for partnering with the police. He doesn’t care. “I know my cousin and what he stands for,” said Wishart who started The Hustle Never Dies that is an award-winning lifestyle brand. “He has introduced me to many cops who are doing amazing work in the community, contributing their time and money. We knew we could make an impact by utilizing our skills set and lived experiences while collaborating with police.” The first initiative Waddell and Wishart arranged under the Elevate to Achieve banner was a Youth Career Summit at Malvern Library in January 2024. Neighbourhood Community Officers from 42 Division assisted with the event. The panel included educator and community worker Jay Williams who died six weeks later. “What Jay represented is what we represent,” said Wishart whose father, George Changlee, passed away in 2018. “His sudden death sparked us to want to do more.” Two other summits were held last year at Tropicana Community Services Organization. Pursuing a digital media career in his teenage years, Waddell changed course and looked for a job that offered stability. While browsing through the Toronto Police uniformed member job description, he saw that officers worked with local communities to address crime, anti-social behaviour and quality life issues. That caught his attention and he applied. “Born and raised in this city, I knew this is where I wanted to be,” said Waddell who finished high school at George S. Henry Academy in North York. “I wanted to do what my mom did. The only difference is I have more tools at my disposal.” While policing is rewarding, offering opportunities to serve the community, it is also challenging with demanding hours, personal sacrifices and stress. The first few years took a toll on Waddell who considered quitting. “I was not happy with the type of work I was doing to the point I wondered why I was in the organization,” he said. “The job affected my relationship with my family and friends.” Becoming a School Resource Officer was a turning point in his career. “That is when I knew this was what I signed up for and I could make a significant impact as a community-based officer,” said Waddell, who completed the Digital Media & Design diploma program at the since defunct International Academy of Design & Technology. “I was in Lawrence Heights that has faced challenges.” While at Sir Sanford Fleming Academy which was one of the schools he was assigned to, the officer met Rashid Mbarouk whose family migrated from Tanzania in 2004. When the guidance counsellor learned the newcomer wanted to be a police officer, she facilitated the introduction. In the summer of 2023, Mbarouk joined Canada’s largest municipal police service. While completing training at Toronto Police College, he ran into Waddell who was taking a course. “The young man appeared nervous but looked me

MOVERS

straight in the eye and asked if I was ‘Officer Lance’,” he recalled. “Because of the type of course I was on, I was not in uniform. Once I confirmed it was me, he asked if I remembered him. It took a few moments, but I recognized his face. I said ‘Rashid’ and then was overcome with joy and a few tears after he said I was the one that inspired him to become a police officer. That encounter was deeply moving.” Waddell presented Mbarouk with his badge on graduation day. Introduced to hip-hop by older brother Dain Wishart and Waddell, Wishart fell in love with the urban music genre shortly after landing in Toronto. “I thought it was cool and wanted to be a hip-hop artiste,” he said. “My cousin’s sister was dating Tony Grace who was a member of Boomtang Boys (dance remix musicians and music producers) that were doing something different from hip hop. I went to the studio and wrote lyrics while Tony was building a beat. We recorded one or two songs. I was still in school and not focused on music.” After high school, Wishart recorded his first demo under the moniker ‘Aristo’, struck a deal with an independent record label and toured with Akon and Gwen Stefani. “I was flourishing as an artist, but I wanted more from an entrepreneurial perspective,” he said. “I was good at marketing. While many guys were at Yonge & Dundas Streets selling mixtapes, I had about 1,000 at the back of my truck that I gave away.” While enjoying doing music and sharing it freely, the birth of his first child – Kyeem Wishart who is enrolled in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Psychology program – altered Wishart’s perspective on life. “I was not making money,” the married father of two children said. “I managed artistes, songwriters, producers and directors for a few years until it hit me that I cared more about their careers than most of them did. Instead of putting so much effort and time into them, it occurred to me that I would be better off doing that for myself.” Leaving a music career can be difficult. “I was depressed for about two years because I was committed to that career for a decade,” he said. “However, I had a child I had to take care of. After two years of trying to find myself, I started interviewing successful entrepreneurs and posted their stories on a website I created. About 90 per cent of them loved the content and asked me to collaborate with them on creative projects.” In 2017, Wishart launched Artlee Creative Agency which builds and grows brand advocacy and loyalty through visually engaging content. His clients include Nike, BMW, Capitol One and Le Germain Hotel. “I wanted to create something that I could pass on,” said Wishart who sits on the Advisory Board of Quell which is a talent management & consulting agency focused on amplifying underrepresented leaders in the food, drink, health and lifestyle space.

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June 2025

‘I always knew I wanted to do some kind of research’ CONTINUED FROM Pg. 8

supportive and inspiring mentor to me. After I graduated and started working in industry, he and I continued our research collaboration to improve on-seed survival of rhizobial inoculants.” Maria Trainer, who completed her PhD in Bacterial Molecular Genetics in 2008 under Charles’ supervision, said his approach was fundamental to her education and development as a scientist. “While Trevor gives his students the freedom and independence to pursue their own research, he is always accessible and engaged when help is needed,” noted the Executive Director Registration Management at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority in New South Wales. “His commitment to science, knowledge and the research enterprise is inspiring. It has been a real joy for me to watch his career continue to grow from strength to strength over the years. “His quiet, calm and intelligent approach to innovation is very special and it is wonderful to see how he has continued to mentor and grow young scientists as his career has evolved.” Kathy Lam met Charles when she took her first Biology class at the University of Waterloo where she completed her doctorate in 2016. “I worked in his lab over the summer terms and those first experiences were my introduction to the world of research,” said the co-founder of the San Francisco-based Clutch Biotechnologies. “I ended up doing my PhD with Trevor and he was a great mentor for me, providing me with much freedom in my research interests and yet always having an open office door for questions and discussions. His lab was a very fun place to be and learn. My experience in his lab fostered a lifelong love of bacterial genetics and research.” Committed to mixing science and entrepreneurship to assist Black communities and create sustainable impact, Charles is at the forefront of Waterloo region’s first Black-led incubator and accelerator program that addresses systemic inequalities and is unlocking opportunities for economic empowerment. Funded by the Canadian government through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to help improve Black communities through entrepreneurship, the LiftOff program – a collaboration between the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) and members of the Waterloo Region and Wellington County entrepreneurial ecosystem-- provides coaching, mentorship, networking and other business support. “With Waterloo being the hub of tech, entrepreneurship and innovation, we thought we needed to have something for the Black community,” said Charles who was the Executive Director. “We developed partnerships and programs and brought on staff which was important because the CCAWR is run by volunteers.” The funding was $2.9 million for three years. “We had 10 cohorts with almost 150 entrepreneurs that came through the program in three years,” Charles said. “We also did a number of events in the community, including LiftOff C.H.A.T.S.S which was a networking event and panel discussions. Even though I am a scientist and not a businessperson, I thought this could do a lot for the Black community.” Seed funding from governments provides startups with financial support to get their ideas off the ground. To go further, additional funding is necessary to sustain the initiative. Charles and his group hired a consultant and formed a non-profit organization, LiftOff Black Innovation Hub (LBIH), that will raise corporate funding through various

partnerships. “That can then be used as matching funds for future government funding,” he said. Leading by example, Charles started science companies that are in the scaling stage. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Metagenom Bio Life Science Inc. that is a biotech company specializing in DNA sequencing solutions for microbiome research and analysis. Healthy Hydroponics, a subsidiary of Metagenom, provides pathogen monitoring services to hydroponic farms and growers to enhance the prediction of crop diseases and food safety. Charles is also the Chief Science Officer of Earth Microbial Inc. that promotes the application of microbial science to agriculture practices to enable farmers to improve soil health, increase crop yields and protect the environment. With expertise in bacterial molecular genetics, his research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, functional metagenomics and bacterial genome engineering for bio-products. In scientific research, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to automate complex data analysis, generate hypotheses, identify patterns and accelerate discoveries. Charles and his research team might have been ahead of the technology game changer. “Part of the research we do has to do with DNA sequencing,” the former Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research director said. “We use that to characterize microbial communities. Microbes live everywhere and impact many aspects of life. They carry out different bio-geochemical cycles like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. They are also involved in food safety and they cause diseases. “All of that has to do with the microbes that are present. Using DNA sequencing, we can take a gram of soil, extract the DNA and figure out exactly what microbes are present there. That data is compared using machine learning and artificial intelligence which we have been doing for over 15 years. We didn’t really think of it as AI. Now we can take all that is generated by AI and apply it to what we have been doing over the years. It is still early, but there is going to be so much innovation as the tools are more widely used.” Waterloo is recognized for its innovation and research, particularly in technology, engineering and environmental sustainability and is home to many tech companies and North America’s largest co-op program. Charles admits not knowing much about the southwestern Ontario greenbelt or

university before he got there 27 years ago. “It took me a while to understand how Waterloo is different,” said the award-winning researcher who completed his PhD in Molecular Biology at McMaster University in 1991 and was a Senior Fellow in Gene Nester’s lab at the University of Washington for two years before returning to Canada to join the McGill University faculty. “Innovation and entrepreneurship are encouraged by its open IP policy that allows a student or faculty to own any intellectual property they develop unless it is part of their contract. “It is not owned by the university. What that means is that you are free to take that intellectual property and patent it or use it to start your company without having to go through the university’s commercialization office. “Most universities take ownership of it and you have to negotiate with the Office of Research or the commercialization office for licensing so that you can use it. “That is one of the reasons why we have BlackBerry, OpenText and all of these tech companies in the Waterloo region that promote an entrepreneurial culture throughout the university and the community.” There were very few Black faculty members when Charles joined the university. That has changed. “For most of the time I was here, there were one or two Black professors,” he said. “With the George Floyd murder in 2020 came a lot of reckoning. A Black Faculty Collective was formed with about 12 Black professors who were here at the time. We had virtual meetings weekly and got to know each other. That was transformative and we lobbied the institution for a Black & Indigenous Excellence hiring exercise.” To address systemic underrepresentation of Black and Indigenous faculty, the university launched cluster hiring initiatives that saw the addition of 10 new Indigenous and 10 Black faculty members. Last July, Alexie Tcheuyap joined the University of Waterloo as its first Black dean. The former University of Toronto French & Francophone Studies professor heads the Faculty of Arts. Curiosity is a natural part of children’s development. It is also considered the driving force behind scientific discovery. For one of his early birthdays, Charles received a book from his dad with a brief message, ‘To Trevor, Happy Birthday Future Scientist’. In high school in British Columbia where he was born and raised, medicine was at the top of his professional careers. “I was always naturally curious about the biological world,” said Charles who is an International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research board member. “During my first

year in pre-med at the University of British Columbia, I took my first microbiology course that involved lab work doing experiments. I was fascinated by that and wanted to do research and discover. I didn’t think about my career too much. All I knew was I wanted to do some sort of research.” The eldest of four siblings, his parents – Carlton and Norma – met at UBC. Leaving Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) where he was a 100-yards junior champion, dad competed in the 100- and 200-yard sprints while at UBC where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Economics and a Master’s in Social Work before pursuing a Law degree in his 50s at the University of Windsor and graduating in 1994. Carlton ‘Carlos’ Charles’ classmates included Linda McCurdy, the daughter of the late Howard McCurdy who was the New Democratic Party’s first Black Member of Parliament. The biology professor and first tenured Black faculty member in Canada died in February 2018. The Charles’ family were close friends of the late Emery Barnes who was the first Black speaker of a Canadian legislature and Rosemary Brown who was the first Black woman elected to a Canadian legislature in 1972. A retired teacher/librarian, Norma Charles has authored 21 books, including ‘Runner, The Life of Harry Jerome, World’s Fastest Man’. He set seven world records in track and field and helped create Canada’s sports ministry before he died in 1982. In the summer of 1981, Charles – who played the piano, trombone and trumpet and dabbled in reggae bands – worked with Jerome in a recreational track and field program. “I learned a lot from Harry in terms of being self-sufficient and not relying on anyone for your success,” he said. “He was very reserved and a no-nonsense person.” Jerome’s younger sister, Valerie Jerome, who competed in the 100-metre event at the 1960 Olympics and authored ‘Races: The Trials & Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family’ that was released in 2023, was one of Charles’ track and field coaches. The British Columbia high school’s 400-metre hurdles champion in 1981 focused on the triple and long jumps in university. Charles and his wife of 37 years, Cheryl, who migrated with her family from T&T at a young age, have two children. Clarissa Charles is a Communication & Outreach Officer in the Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering department at the University of Waterloo and a digital content creator while Tarin Charles has three degrees and is teaching in Winnipeg.

Gov’t will watch tourism closely - Minister CONTINUED FROM Pg. 1

Tourism is something the government is going to continue to “watch closely”, and Cho is talking to stakeholders from across Ontario, Bethlenfalvy said. “We do talk to various industry groups and one thing we’re hearing is that Ontarians are staying in Ontario. And when they don’t go to the U.S., some of them are going to the Caribbean so the Caribbean is doing pretty well,” said Bethlenfalvy. “Europeans and others, we’re getting evidence that they are coming to Canada.” The 2025 budget, titled “A Plan to Protect

Ontario”, includes an additional $1 billion to be spent over the next three years on skills development to ensure, as government puts it, “skilled workers across the province have the training they need to enter rewarding careers in priority sectors”. In his budget presentation in the legislative assembly, Bethlenfalvy also said government is proposing to make the province’s gasoline and fuel tax cuts permanent. Slashing the gasoline and fuel tax, he said, “would save households, on average, about $115 per year”. Among other budgetary promises is

a government plan of “permanently removing tolls from the provincially owned Highway 407 East, which is expected to save daily commuters an estimated $7,200 annually”. “It’s our government’s plan to protect workers, businesses and communities,” Bethlenfalvy told reporters. “We need to do more, we need to think differently and we need to think boldly,” he added. “The status quo is no longer an option; we have to seize the moment. Our plan seizes the moment and builds for tomorrow as well.”