March 2010global eyes

global eyes Magazine
Issue No. 1 May-June 2010

Margaret Strachan, President of the
Council of Caribbean Organizations of
Manitoba, Inc. along with members of
the Caribbean Community fights to keep
their Community Centre alive.
INSIDE: Regulars - Global counsellor, Letter to my
Daughter, Gaffing with Buddy

GLOBAL
EYES
Contents
MAGAZINE Take One Page 3
Global Eyes Magazine aims at Letter to my daughter
promoting cultural diversity with
particular focus on Black and Global Counsellor page 4
Caribbean cultural identities to
create greater understanding
Feature Margaret Strachan page 6
between these cultures and the Community in Action page 5
larger cultural communities.
Global Eyes Magazine is Strangers in a Strange Land page 8
published four times a year by
Global Eyes Publishing , 671
Bright lights page10
Rathgar Avenue, Winnipeg, Mani- Gaffing wid Buddy page26
toba, R3L 1G6, Canada.
It is prepared under the direction Zizi continuing story page27
of an Editorial Committee.
Subscription is available for
Caribbean Shield’s page29
$15.00 a year. Each issue will be tribute to a Godmother
delivered to your door.
Global Eyes Magazine wel- BHM pictorial page33
comes news, letters, art and free-
lance articles of interest.
Community Awards
of Excellence page34
Payments can be made in either
Canadian or American funds Promised Land page 36
payable to Global Eyes Magazine
671 Rathgar Avenue
In your backyard page 37
Winnipeg, Manitoba Global Briefs
R3L 1G6
email: globaleyes@mts.net Local Briefs page 39
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the present comfortable and the
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— Maya Angelou
Thank You.

Global Eyes Magazine May-June 2010
2

Take One
Conflicts are part of life believe our community is entrenched that they stop
We experience conflicts in experiencing what is known as hearing or listening to each
our homes, in churches, and in interest conflicts. Everyone other. It is at this time
our communities. We have to agrees that the community professional intervention
embrace conflicts like a good needs a centre for its members would be most productive.
teacher. We grow backward or to congregate and call their Someone neutral who can
blossom in our human fullness own. The stakeholders all have bring clarity to underlying
through conflicts. an interest in building up the interests and positionsof both
Many people have a negative community through its centre parties and help work through
view of conflicts and try to and desire that it be open to all differences. The community is
avoid conflicts at all cost. Caribbean people regardless of counting on leadership from
Some would rather disengage, colour, race, creed or political its leaders.
give up their fight rather than beliefs. There are some
confront someone who does differences on who is best
not see a particular situation in qualified to own and run the President Obama
the same way. The test centre. What difference it would Tears up at funeral
make whether the Centre is
whether a conflict is good or
independently owned or remain
of Civil Rights
bad rests on how it is resolved.
How we handle conflicts reflect under CCOM’s umbrella, the Leader
on our level of maturity. organization that founded this
Sometimes we resolve conflicts Centre? What is it that the
with a hug and a kiss as Centre Committee would want
happens in families. At times a to be effective that they are
kiss would not do and we need prevented from doing under the
professional intervention. current ownership? Was there
When there are conflicts in a too much control, micro-
community, it is a sign that the managing that stymied the
community is engaged, Building Committee’s creativity
growing and evolving to a and initiative? What is the root
higher level of problem of the problem or miscom-
munication, misunderstanding? Tears streaming down his
solving. Whenever problems
What the various parties/ cheeks, grief overcame Barack
are resolved the community
moves to a higher level of stakeholders need to do is to de- Obama at the funeral of the
organizational consciousness. emphasise positions, get egos woman he called the
Life is not meant to be one out of the way, seek and offer ‘Godmother’ of the American
long journey of peaceful bliss. information about motivations, civil rights movement Dr.
There will be bumps and these fears, and goals underlying each Dorothy Height recently.
give us the opportunity to see resistance to the community’s The U.S. president was
a problem from perspectives preference and to collaborate
weeping openly as he watched
other than our own. and compromise to
accommodate differences. the service for Ms Height in
The Caribbean community is
The Caribbean community, like Washington DC.
experiencing such a bump in
the road. It is an opportunity most communities, has its share He delivered the eulogy for
to come together and work of conflicts and the mature thing Dr Height, whose activisim
towards a solution and move to do is to bring the differing stretched from the New Deal
the community to a higher parties to face each other and right up until Mr Obama’s
level. Walking away will not resolve these conflicts. In most election as the first African
do that and will not model cases when conflicts emerge the American president of the
effective community parties interest may be similar United States.
organizing for our youths. I but their positions become so

3

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

Global Counsellor
Dear frustrated
Dear global counselor, Then they would say why can’t First of all you are not a bad
I am a 20 years old Nigerian I be like this or that person person and second of all I think
girl living with my parents. I who is living at home with if you feel that moving out on
have a job and making a good their parents and I tell them your own will create a more
living. I told my parents that I that I am not that person I am harmonious relationship with
would like to rent my own me and I might have a different your parents it is worth
apartment because I need my opinion. My father would say considering.
independence and I want to that he regrets the day he Most newcomer parents want
maintain a good relationship brought me to Canada and if he to keep their children straddled
with them. We fight all the had his way he would send me in two worlds because it is
time whenever I have to go back there. I love my parents comfortable for them. Often
out. I feel nervous every time I but hate their attitude. I can’t they do not think what their
go out with my friends because live with them because I can’t expectations might be doing to
I worry all the time about what live as if I am in Nigeria. I am their children. They feel they
my parents are thinking and in Canada now and they have are doing the right thing. The
whether they are sitting up to try and adjust. Do you think right thing for them and not the
waiting for me to come home. I that I am ungrateful and a bad children. All that they are
can’t enjoy myself. My person?
parents said this is not their trying to protect is their pride -
Frustrated what will people say about
way that back home in Nigeria
a girl leaves home when she is them. In other words they also
married and I am looking to are also are controlled by the
disgrace the family name. cont’d on p7

4

Margaret Strachan - Fearless Community Leader
The foremost thing on Margaret
took course to qualify for
Strachan’s mind is holding on to
Administrative work and later as a
the Caribbean Cultural Centre for
Nurse’s Aid before finally able to
the benefit of the Caribbean and
return to University in 1981 to be
the community at large.
pursue her first love, teaching.
Four-time President of the
“When I arrived there was no
Council for the Caribbean
adult education. You needed a
Organizations of Manitoba, Inc.
grade 12 education to go to
(CCOM) Margaret appears
university and my qualification
never to tire when it comes to
was like a grade 11 education.
working for the Caribbean
Margaret recently retired from
community, be it at Folklorama,
teaching at Gordon Bell High
Chairing the Grenadian Cultural
School but continues to be a
Organization, or chairing the
Substitute teacher.
Building committee, she goes part of what she is doing. When “I believe in education and this
night and day working for the her children were younger, she one of the reasons I am
benefit of her community. was the dance teacher of the passionate about volunteering my
Recipient of the Long Term Grenadian Association. I am time to help give our youths the
Service Award from the fortunate to have a husband who support they need to succeed.”
Grenadian Association, Manitoba is always there beside me in my A founding member of
Volunteer Award and Award from community work. Folklorama Committee, Margaret
the Organization of Eastern “We spend enjoyable evenings said that Folklorama is one of the
Caribbean States, it is surprising at Caribbean events such as successes that CCOM could
that the Black History Month Banquets, Teas and socials. I feel boast about.
Community Service Award has at home and happy when I am The purpose of CCOM was to
overlooked one of the hardest with the larger Caribbean unite the Caribbean communities
working members of the community,” she said. to work together and support
Caribbean Community who is Margaret and her husband each other for the benefit of the
well respected in the larger were one the earliest Caribbean larger community. “In the past
community as well. immigrants to Winnipeg. They many of the functions were held at
Margaret Strachan is a woman of arrived in 1968. the same time and that was not
substance in the Caribbean Asked why Winnipeg and good for fundraising. Through
community she stands up to the not Toronto, Vancouver or CCOM, communities we
toughest in our midst and speaks her Montreal where new immigrants developed a system to ensure that
truth, sometimes to the chagrin of liked to settle, she said matter- events were reasonably
those who might want to silence her. of-factly “Immigration sent us coordinated so there were not so
“Someone has to stand up to here. We came as landed many clashes.”
make things happen. In my heart immigrants and they sent us “Another CCOM’s success is
I know that what I am doing I can where they needed people.” the ability for us to present a
account for and that I do not do It was relatively easy to united front to government and
anything for Awards or my own migrate to Canada in those days other leaders in the interest of the
benefit but for the benefit of the but the issue of foreign credential Caribbean community.
community, that’s what is in my accreditation was an issue Through CCOM, it was easy
heart,” she said in earnest. immigrants wrestled with even in to mobilize Caribbean-Canadian
A wife and a mother of two those days, she said. teachers to meet the teachers who
successful children, Margaret said A qualified teacher of nine came up from the Caribbean to
that throughout raising her family years when she arrived in meet them, so yes, I would say
she has been involved but has Canada, Margaret’s teaching we have had many successes”.
managed not to neglect her family certificate was not accepted. She
because they had always been cont’d on p6

5

Community in Action
The Council of Caribbean -The stakeholders are the member
Organizations of Manitoba organizations and owners of the
(CCOM), the umbrella building.
organization of the Caribbean -A Building Committee was struck to
manage the building
Islands’ cultural organizations,
-As a fund raising strategy CCOM
held meeting during Black created a separate charitable
History Month to discuss the organization Caribbean Community
future of their Cultural Centre Cultural Centre Inc.
on 1100 Fife Street which they -Centre Inc. could provide charitable
acquired in 2008. receipts to encourage individual
The Centre has faced some donation.
financial setbacks due to current economic setbacks among -This organization later believed it
other reason, no funding forthcoming from the government was independent of CCOM and was
among other reasons. The Centre was up for sale and had the owner of the Centre
received an offer of purchase from a local business. This -The Centre fell behind in its
required CCOM to find another space for its members payments and saw no way to go
which it did. However the offer of purchase was suddently forward
withdrawn leaving the organization in the predicament of -The Management Committee put the
having to put out dollars to rent another space while building up for sale without
having to deal with the mortgage on the current building. consulting CCOM
In true community spirit the Caribbean people and -This was later found to be
organizations came to the rescue of CCOM and helped to unconstitutional as the building did
bail it out of that mess. The organization managed to not belong to the Community Centre.
sublet the rented space and is now focused on finding ways -At a meeting of the stakeholders, the
to keep the current Centre functional and solvent. decision was made to sell. An offer
An interim management committee headed by Margaret was made, CCOM accepted, they
Strachan, CCOM’s Chair, has been struck to deal with the prepared to move, got a place and
emergency situation. An election will be held at a later date then the offer of sale was rescinded.
to put a permanent Committee in place. CCOM was left holding the bag. They
The community members present praised the efforts of now had two buildings to pay for.
Margaret Strachan, to keep the Centre open. Luckily, they found an organization to
The meeting resolved to develop an aggressive plan to keep sublet the new place.
the Centre as the pride of the Caribbean organizations. The Community appears to recommit
The organization has made an open call for more volunteers to keeping the building. They need
to get involved, especially young people who are the future of your help and support. Without the
the community. The organization plans to hold monthly full support of the Caribbean
socials and is open to ideas from community members on community the centre will be in
innovative fundraising ideas. To date two socials, a concert jeopardy.
and a Fish-fry Friday were held. Margaret provided a
historical timeline of CCOM and answered questions from
community members who invested in the building.
Historical time-line CCOM
-1981 - A liaison group was formed to represent the
Caribbean Community Organizations
-20 years ago CCOM joined Folklorama - it established
Folklorama Management Committee to run the Pavilion
-2008 CCOM bought the building at 1100 Fife Street
Participants at the meeting

6

Margaret.. cont’d from p/5 global counselor cont’d from p4
all are on board but I hope in community. You can surprise
The one thing that CCOM has time we will be able to work out
not been able to do is to your parents by being a
our differences” Margaret said.
convince the cultural organizations responsible person should you
A few of the communities
to hold one banquet instead of move out. Conduct yourself
have been noticeably absent
each community holding its own. in a manner that would make
from the community fora that
Not only would this be a great them respect your choice. I
were called to discuss the future
fundraising event for CCOM but of the Centre. However since think that being responsible
it would bring the community we live in a democratic country, enough to hold down a job at
closer together Margaret said the people have spoken and the 20 and willing to support your
adding “I hope that one day the votes are in favour of letting the independence should be
communities would see the
organization remain under the
wisdom of this recommendation applauded. Although I must
CCOM’s umbrella where it started
and make it happen for the good warn you not to burn any
rather than being owned by an
of the Caribbean community.” bridges because jobs come
newly formed independent
Asked how she felt about the and go but parents room and
organization. The future is still to
future of CCOM and whether board services are always
be written.
she becomes discouraged at
open and generally offered
times, “I feel very optimistic
about the future of our freely. So show your parents
community because I have the the respect they deserve and
support of the community in what try to put yourself in their
we are trying to accomplish. Not shoes.

Participants at Black History Month event

Petty Officer Andre Sheppard
and his display (l)

Mr. Oliver and Evelyn Gardner, Mavis McLaren performing folk
Larry Strachan encourages song (l) and Joy Bissoon reading a folk tale (far l)
appreciation for classical music

7

Strangers in a strange land
What does problems of accreditation of of newcomers and what
home mean to foreign credentials which makes strangers in a new land
you? Does it caused her parents who were feel at home in Canada.
mean a teachers in Hong Kong to One workshop dealt with
particular accept manual labouring jobs in African culture and why many
place, space, a Canada to put food on the table. newcomer Africans hold on to
kind of feeling, She criticized the government’s traditions of
spiritual well foreign temporary worker the homeland
being or program which she said and sometimes
psychological comfort? These exploits immigrant workers make more of
were some of the big questions who are brought here to labour it than people
the conference ‘Strangers in a without the benefit of landed do in the
strange land” organized under immigrant status. Chow said homeland.
the chairmanship of Dr. Michael that last year the number of Prof. Michael Baffoe
Baffoe prof.at the University of foreign temporary workers far
Manitoba‘s Social Work faculty,
tried to address on Friday
outnumbered landed Lt. Governor hosts
immigrants. She suggested
November 13, 2009 at the that the reason for the need of 25th Anniversary
University of Manitoba. so many foreign workers is of LEAF and
One participant said she was because of the government’s
concerned that her children immigration policy which
Section 15
might not be rooted to any The Honourable Philip Lee,
narrowed what family class Lieutenant Governor of
particular place they could call means. In the past there was a
her because their family moved Manitoba and Her Honour
broader interpretation of family Anita K. Lee hosted LEAF at
around often. She said she asked class to include brothers and Government House in April to
her children where they felt most sisters which is not the case mark the anniversaries of
at home and the response today. LEAF and Equality Section 15
stunned and thrilled her at the “Being home means having of the Charter of Rights and
same time. They said “mom your family around you; so Freedoms.
where ever you and dad are is that when there are important The evening was delightful
home for us”. events and holidays you have and there were lots of sharing,
Guest speaker, Ms Olivia your large extended family networking and eating as is
Chow, MP and wife of leader of around you for support.” always the case.
the NDP Party Jack Layton Chow also touched on the
engaged the mixed audience of callous manner in which
some 200 participants including immigrants, in particular
academics, students and immigrants from visible
community service providers in minority backgrounds whose
a 30 minute presentation in family members are routinely
which she shared her personal denied visas to visit Canada
experience as an immigrant who without given any reason for
came to this country with her the denial and no opportunity
parents at around 13 years old. to appeal. She said that the
Chow took a political approach NDP are trying to put forward
to the concept of home. a bill that would change this.
Chow touched on some issues The full day conference had Her Honour Anita Lee, Buchi Nnadi
that concerned many of the several workshops that centred and Dr. Jon Gerrard, Sharon Taylor,
immigrants present. She talked on settlement and integration Dina Juras and Marceline Ndyumvire
about the age old ongoing and Gemma Gay invitees.

8

Renowned Jamaican-Canadian Author visits Winnipeg to promote latest book
Olive Senior was in Winnipeg during February to promote her latest
book of short stories Arrival of the Snake
Woman first published in England by
TSAR publisher in 1989 and which has
just been reissued. She had readings at
McNally Robinson’s Bookstores in
Saskatchewan and in Winnipeg. Sonia
Dechausay and the Black History Month
Committee piggy-backed on her Winnipeg
visit to sponsor a reading at the Jamaica
Hall.
A prominent writer who was born in
Jamaica, Senior has several books to her
credit including an encyclopaedia of
Jamaican culture. Talking of Trees (1985), Gardening in the
Tropics (1994), and Over the Roofs of the World (2005). Her short
story collection Summer Lightning (1986) won the school without the risk of being
Commonwealth Writers Prize; it was followed by Arrival of the punished for speaking bad
English. She also is conscious
Snake Woman (1989, 2009) and Discerner of Hearts (1995).
that she writes for a world
Although she has not lived in Jamaica for many years, most of community and not only
her writings are set in her homeland. Jamaicans and therefore has to
A self-taught writer, Senior said she always knew she had to write write in an understandable
and she says she writes for ordinary folks. Her characters speak of language. “Ï just try to capture the
ordinary things. There is a lyrical cadence to her writing that comes everyday human conditions in my
through beautifully when you hear her read her words. writing and let the characters
Oliver explains she writes with a Jamaican and Canadian sensibility. speak for themselves,” she said.
“We have two languages in Jamaica English and dialect,” she said When not writing Olive teaches
adding she was not allowed to speak dialect when she was in high writing at a college in Toronto.

Nia and Friends Poetry
Nia and Friends Poetry were the opening act for Olive
Group performed at various Senior, renowed Jamaican
events and venues during the author at the Jamaican Cultural
year to enthusiastic audiences. Centre during her recent book
All their events are well at- tour. Nia Dechausay, author
tended. The group performed and poet founded the group a
during Black History Month at year ago. The group is dedi-
the Caribbean Cultural Centre. cated to entertaining
They also had an poetry event Winnippeggers with a variety
“Paradise in Winter” at the of poetry styles. Their audience
Wayne Arthur Gallery on includes people from all walks
Provencher Blvd in St. of life. The members of Nia
Boniface. In addition to their and Friends are: Joanne
annual Valentine poetic rendi- Mcdonald, Beatrice Watson,
tions suited for the month of Shirley Alleyne, Effie Aqui, Nia
love, members of the group Dechausay and Harnet Araya.

9

Guyanese Pride Bright Lights A young
of Washington, Seattle.
Woman of
Ms. Carlisle teaches a range of Distinction
graduate and undergraduate
courses in the Community
Psychology, Masters in Policy
Studies, and Society, Ethics,
and Human Behavior programs
at the UW Bothell. Her
pedagogical interests include
finding new and innovative
Dr. Shauna ways of teaching research
methods that help students
Carlisle draw linkages between course
content and real world Oluwatomilayo Daodu
University of application. It is her goal that It was all smiles in the Nigerian
students leave her classroom and the Black community in
Washington socially conscious and socially general to see another of their
responsible citizens who use youth (Buchi Nnadi also received
Shauna Carlisle is the daughter this award a few years ago)
their methodological skills to
of Gary and Brenda Elbers, recently received the YM-
make a difference in their
who hail from Guyana, South YWCA Young Woman of
community and nation.
America. Shauna is one of the Distinction Award.
Ms. Carlisle’s dissertation Tito whose name means “joyful
shining lights in the Caribbean
research examines race and and excellence” was recognized
community who has left
ethnicity, immigration and for her outstanding academic
Winnipeg and gone to bigger record of “A” average and her
health outcomes. She
and better things far afield. equally outstanding community
investigates the social contexts
She has a BA, Psychology, service.
and linkages that explain how
University of Manitoba, MSW, Born in Nigeria, Tito came to
and why race, ethnicity, and
Social Work, University of Canada with her parents,
nativity are associated with Kenny and Jacob, 20 years ago.
Washington
chronic cardiovascular, Her volunteering began with
PhD, Social Welfare,
respiratory, and pain school patrols and it never
University of Washington stopped there. She was the first
conditions. Ms. Carlisle has
Shauna Carlisle is a 2009-2010 student from her elementary
held a fully funded 2-year
Initiative for Community school to be admitted to St.
fellowship from the Center for
Based Learning and Mary’s Academy, where she
Studies in Demography and maintained an A average to
Scholarship fellow and a past
Ecology and has presented her university level. Daodu works
Project for Interdisciplinary
work at a number of with several community
Pedagogy teaching fellow at
conferences including the organizations, tutors children
the University of Washington, aged 12 to 18 and works as a
Federation of Canadian
Bothell. While teaching at the youth facilitator at the Spence
Demographers, Population
UW Bothell, Ms. Carlisle is Neighbourhood Association.
Association of America, and
completing her doctorate in Today she leads the Children
the Society for Epidemiologic and Youth ministry at
Social Welfare in the School of
Research. Immanuel Fellowship Church.
Social Work at the University

10

ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Human Rights Activists Win
Congratulations
to Said Ali, former
refugee from Ethio-
pia was the winner
of 2009 Human
Rights Award. Nahanni Fontaine, Justice Director of Southern
This prestigious Chiefs Organization of Manitoba made an
award recognizes impassioned presentation to participants of
the work that Said University of Winnipeg Social Justice fair on behalf
of the Aboriginal people she represents on the topic
has done in his Access to Justice.
community to Fontanne said that justice is still illusive to her
Jerry Woods, MB Human Rights promote the princi- people. She said that society still treats Aboriginal
Commission Chair & Said Ali ples of human rights. people differently and less than people in the
dominant culture. Nahanni recited a litany of
In accepting the injustices Aboriginal face on a daily basis because of
award, Said thanked his wife’s enduring love and sup- systemic racism. Denials of justice to Aboriginal
port without whom he would not have been alive today. people have implications to other areas of their lives
He said she deserved the award for she kept him going, and this works to keep Aboriginal people in poverty
and gave him hope during the dark days in confined as a and on the margins of society. She talked about the
refugee prisoner. more than 500 murdered and missing Aboriginal
women who until recently were not given a thought
Said’s family, friends and supporters from Welcome and constructed by the press and the police as
place were there to share the celebration with him. prostitutes, drug addicts and sex-workers which
Said was nominated by Louse Simbanduwe, a meant they deserved what they got.
tireless promoter of human rights herself. Fontaine shared that her own mother was also a
missing woman and a person addicted to drugs. “I
am tired of attending funerals.”
Racism and colonialism still operate against
Aboriginal people accessing equitable justice in
Canada and Manitoba. And that needs to change.
11

Volunteer make the difference at ACAM’s Job Fair Each Year
Travis Hodges was one of the Emaline Jackson was also a
volunteers helping to keep volunteer and has been a
things going at the 11th Job Fair, volunteer at ACAM’s event for
started by Mr. Jim Ogunnoiki, many years. She is mother of
President of the African- three children. She lost her
Caribbean Association of husband many years ago and
Manitoba, Inc. (ACAM) raised her three children as a
because he believed that single mother. She said her late
finding jobs for people was husband would be proud of the
foremost in any successful way his children turned out one
settlement. Mr. Jim Oggunoiki, President is a Financial Analyst, another
Travis, 21, has been around Electrical engineer and the other
ACAM since he was a child, a physiotherapist. Emaline said
his mother Blue Hodges is she understands how important
active in the organization and volunteer work is because
has held several Board without those who showed up
positions. Travis said his the event could not have been
mother had travelled to Jamaica successful.
to celebrate his grandmother’s She said Mr. Oggunoiki,
100th birthday. Travis, President of ACAM does most
University of Manitoba third- Emaline Jackson and Travis Hodges of the work and it is important
year psychology honours that members support this
student, said he will be joining particular initiative because it is
them in Jamaica soon and was ACAM’s working, people are finding out
very excited about it. faithful about jobs because of it
Travis said he thinks volunteer This year the event was held at
volunteering is important Sandra Riddel Hall University of
especially when it comes to Housen Winnipeg because it has
outgrown the previous venue.
helping people find jobs. He Members of the three political
believes that what ACAM does parties and the representative
every year is great because it is from the City of Winnipeg
helping connect those seeking brought greetings. There were
jobs with those willing to hire increases in the numbers of
and he does not mind giving up employers represented and
a Saturday. Since his mother people seeking jobs.
could not be there, Travis felt
he had to represent his family at
the event and do his part. Winnipeg Police

The Navy Civil Service Commission

12

NICCOM honours its youths with Scholarship Awards
The Nigerian Canadian Community organization (NICCOM) held its second annual
awards celebration at the University of Manitoba Campus where eight deserving students
received financial scholarship awards for academic excellence and community
service. President of NICCOM, Dr. Sunday Olukoju welcomed all the students
presents and representatives from various community organizations including, the
Immigrant Women’s Association, Congress of Black Women, Nigerian Students
Association.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
RECIPIENTS SPONSORS
Laura Ogunsola - Dr and Mrs Yinka Bammeke
Rhoda Adetunji - Pastor and Mrs Anda Baiye
Jessica Onyinye - Eng. and Mrs Istifanaous
Magaji
Oluwaseyi Akinbobola - Dr and Rev (Dr) Sunday
Olukoju
Chidinma Anyanwu - Dr & Mrs Wole Akinremi
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
RECIPIENTS SPONSORS
Oluwatobi Ogunsola - Eng. and Mrs Jacob Daodu
Toluwalope Dare - Pastor and Mrs Andrew Bawa
Dupe Daodu - Mr and Mrs Paul Sinclair
Award recipients, donors and special guests of honour

A Black Youth Inspired Gospel Concert
Black youths delivered an stood up, clapped and danced to
inspiring Gospel concert with songs that praised the Lord.
some top notch performances Among the performers were
on February 13 at the Truth Sonya Williams, Rhonda
and Worship Centre in St. Thompson (Fenom), Tiffany
Vital. Connor, Deneita McLeod,
Planned and organized by a Chandelle Pinnock, Keisha
group of youths who appears Booker Andre Warmington, Flo,
to be following a Christian and with a grand finale by a
lifestyle, the youths brought local hip hop group called Free
together a cross-section of Agency.
performers from the
community coupled with a
video presentation of some
historical figures and
moments in Black History
that helped to make the event
one of the most successful
events of the Month.
The audience participation of
the mostly young crowd was
energetic and at times they

13

Spinach with Garlic and
Pine Nuts Makes 2 (3/4- Jicama and Bean Salad
cup) servings
Jicama, is a crunchy Mexican root vegetable, is often eaten raw in
Ingredients salads and slaws. Tossed with a zesty lime dressing and mixed with
1/2 pound spinach leaves, tough beans and juicy tomatoes, it makes an easy, irresistible salad that’s
stems removed (3 1/2 to 4 cups perfect with anything from the grill.
loosely packed) Ingredients
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon pine nuts 1/2 garlic clove, minced
1 garlic clove, sliced 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 can (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
pepper
1/2 small jicama, peeled and chopped
Method 1 plum tomato, chopped
Wash spinach and spin dry, leaving 1 1/2 tablespoons diced red onion
some droplets of water on leaves. 1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Heat oil in a large skillet over Salt and freshly ground black pepper
medium heat. Add pine nuts and Instructions
cook, stirring frequently, until Whisk together lime juice, garlic, and cumin in a large mixing bowl;
lightly golden, about 3 minutes. slowly whisk in oil. Add beans, jicama, tomato, onion, and cilantro.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Toss to combine, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Add spinach to the pan, in batches
if necessary, and sauté until starting
to wilt, 30 seconds. Cook, stirring
and tossing frequently, until all
RECIPES
spinach is wilted and liquid is FROM
AROUND
THE WORLD
Summer is Barbecue time and here bon apettit
is a good one for you
Spicy Orange Pork Kebabs
Recipe butter
Spicy Orange Pork Kebabs, 1 large sweet pepper, cut into large cubes
made with boneless pork and 8 small onions, parboiled
seasoned with brown sugar, 1 large orange, cut into eighths
vinegar, pepper flakes, orange Salt and pepper to taste
rind, Worcestershire sauce, rum, In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, pepper
honey, orange juice and butter. flakes, orange rind, Worcestershire sauce, rum, honey, orange juice
and butter. Heat the mixture until the butter melts, stirring
Yummy!
occasionally. Thread skewers with the pork, the pepper, the onion
Ingredients: and the orange wedges. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2 Ib (1 kg) boneless pork, cut Grease a Swiss roll pan, put the skewers on it and grill, 43 (10 cm)
into ½ “(3 ½ cm) cubes from the heat, for 10-12 minutes each side or until the kebabs are
¼ cup dark brown sugar cooked thoroughly. Alternatively, place kebabs over hot coals on the
¼ cup red wine vinegar barbecue
¼ tsp dried hot pepper flakes and cook for 12-14 minutes per side, basting and turning all the time.
Serves 4-6
½tbsp freshly grated orange rind
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Recipe by: Laurel-Ann Morley author of Cooking with
1 tbsp rum; 2 tbsp honey Caribbean Rum.
¼ cup fresh orange juice;¼ cup

14

Congress of Black Women Promotes Arts
and Culture
research regarding cultural *****
The Congress of Black awareness and sensitivity training. The Congress of Black Women is
Women, Manitoba Chapter’s Presenters at the conference also presently conducting a survey
contribution to Black History included Mavis McLaren, of seniors and youth to do a couple
2010 was a Cultural Awareness Beatrice Watson, and Veronica of things. First is an attempt to
Workshop that provided Joseph who presented on different bring youths and seniors together.
information on African and aspect of Black culture. This was Research shows that these two
Caribbean culture including followed by an panel discussion groups are the most compatible.
their literature, folklore, history and film presentation on Black Secondly the survey hopes to
and health issues. culture. discover what the social needs of
The aim of the workshop was The panellists were Jacqueline seniors are ad then try and meet
to provide a learning St. Hill, Darryl Stevenson, those needs. If you have been asked
opportunity for individuals who Barthel Palatino, a refugee from to comple the survey, please take a
want to improve their Sudan. The presentations were moment to do so. It is for the good
interaction and appreciation of all excellent and generated of the Community, said Ms Lisa
Black history and culture. The spirited discussions among Hackett, President.
workshop covered information participants. The presenters share
about the contributions of peprsonal stories about growing
Black people to the wider up in Winnipeg and Palatino
community in Manitoba, issues shared stories about his journey
affecting and statistics to Winnipeg and what it was like
regarding Black people in the growing up in a war-torn country.
province along with recent The Congress hopes to make
this an annual event during Black
During the Break membrs took time to
History months. visit Grand’N’More booth and bought
some lovely purses tht raise funds for
orphans in Africa . Bernadette Fereria
poses with one of the purses

Barthel Palatino and Veronica
Joseph

Lisa Hacket
President
COBW and
Petty Officer
Andre
Sheppard Photos: L to r Veronica Joseph and
Palatino, Antoinette Zlotey and Lisa
Hackett, Conference Chair, and
Congress President, Panelists:
Barthel Palatino, Jacqueline St. Hill,
Darryl Stevenson.

15

Workers of Colour Support Network delivers
the history in Black History Month
Professor Sefa Dei, the Professor Dei said that it is up
Ghanaian born educator to African parents to introduce
and anti-racist education their children to African history.
activist came to When Black youths become
Winnipeg last Black aware of their ancestors and
History Month thanks to their values and cultural
the collaborative efforts heritage they would be better
of the Workers of Colour able to understand themselves.
Support Network, Professor Dei also feels that
University of Winnipeg, where Western education might
Neighbourhoods Alive be failing some Black youths is
and the Ethnocultural the diminished role of
Community Support spirituality in education.
Program with support of Africans are spiritually attuned
Black Porters people and religion or
Commemoration Professor Sefa Dei (4th from left)
spirituality has been a sustaining
Committee of Manitoba. grace pre and post European
Professor Dei presented on the The Yoruba and Songhai contact, he said. “It is what got
topic “Pre-Contact Facts about kingdoms controlled large the slaves through their worst
West Africa” to an interested group populations, he said. There was days of slavery; the belief is
at the West Broadway Community Timbuktu situated in the West something larger than them
Centre. Africa nation of Mali and was exists.”
Professor Dei said he strongly the home of Sankore University. “Spiritual education embraces
believes that it is important for Timbuktu was the intellectual humility, respect, compassion and
Africans to get back to their roots and spiritual capital and centre gentleness that strengthen the self
and to ensure black youths know for the propagation of Islam in and the collective human spirit of
that they came from very strong the 11thcentury. The 15th century the learner. The self is a complex,
cultures that functioned well before was like the golden age. integrated being with multiple
Europeans came on the scene. One of the participants said layers of meaning. The individual
There were huge kingdoms in her daughter had to quit one of as a learner has psychological,
Africa, he said. For example there her university courses because of emotional, spiritual, and cultural
were the Yoruba kingdom that the negative information it was dimensions not often taken up in
established government under pushing about Africa. According traditional/conventional
religious leaders, the Berber to some of the professors of Processes of schooling”.
Dynasty from the Sahara that Anthropology and sociology, Prof. Dei is one of the people
spread over a wide area of north- Sub-Saharan Africans who strongly supported the
western African. e were kingdoms accomplished nothing she said. establishment of an Afro-centric
school in Toronto.

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

16

LETTER TO MY NEPHEW A Role Model
If you are a
Black person
Dear Sirs; I am a regular viewer of CNN and offer my compliments looking for a
on both Mr. Martin’s your seemless, unbiased black role
reporting on world news. During 9/11, I was model you do
contracted to perform in Doja, Qatar during the not have to look
World Trade Conference: And through meeting a very far there
wonderful American family, the church on a are thousands of
Blacks who are
compound, weekly communication from former
superachievers but may not be
Prime Minister Martin’s office and exercise I was visible to the world. For the
able to hold on to my sanity for my family’s sake. Black child, the climate is
Secondly, as a Black woman, I’ve never forgotten perfect for a good harvest, all
the place of my origin, nor my family history (my they need are good gardeners
heroic cousins) and the Chicago RACE To have the ignorant, hateful to tend to the garden, to make
Virginia and Mississippi politicians glorify the Confederate soldiers sure it is watered and cared for
appalling attempts to destroy the US government because due to the with love. The harvest will be
birth of the industrial revolution, trade with the South (which depended bountiful. Here is one such
primarily on slave labor of cotton and farming) was no longer success story:
necessary. Families and tribes were separated to prevent Ursula Burns joined Xerox in
communication between them. Rape, torture and murder was 1980 as a mechanical
sanctioned. Families separated and sold like cattle. There is one good engineering summer intern and
bit of news for the greedy white politicians: Within the next 25, 30 later assumed roles in product
years the whole world will be 2/3 ‘colored’ and by then they’ll be too development and planning.
old to care. Sorry about this tirade, but last night I had to respond to From 1992 through 2000,
the negative postering of politicians, including the fanatical “Tea Party” Burns led several business
and it’s political advocate‘, Sarah (Barbie Doll) Palin. You teams including the office
betcha’Dear Mr. Cooper, color and fax business and
cc; Roland Martin office network printing
business. In 2000, she was
(June Harris is a born activist and she uses the teachable named senior vice president,
moments that pop up in her life to make good use of them) Corporate Strategic Services,
heading up manufacturing and
supply chain operations. She
then took on the broader role
History of Black History Month of leading Xerox’s global
The man who started the idea of a began Black History Week. The research as well as product
Black History Month was, Carter week was development, marketing and
G. Woodson. He was a historian, intended for the delivery. In April 2007, Burns
and as such understood the observation of was named president of Xerox,
importance of history to a people. the birthday of expanding her leadership to
He believed that in order for Frederick also include the company’s IT
African Americans to be Douglass and to organization, corporate
successful in their future, they honor the great strategy, human resources,
needed to know that it was also contributions of African corporate marketing and
their contributions that helped to Americans to the United States. global accounts. At that time,
build this nation. They needed to The week was so well received she was also elected a member
know their history. In 1915, he that it was eventually extended to of the company’s Board of
joined the Association for the a month. Will the month be Directors. Burns was named
Study of African-American Life extended to two months? CEO in July 2009.
and History, and in 1926 he (Thanks to Norma Walker for
the tip off)

17

Horace Patterson Foundation has a friend in Steve Kirby Jazz Professor
Professor Kirby and some of the He said Jazz was first music
University of Manitoba Jazz invented that was a reaction to
students performed for the third segregation during the latter part
consecutive year for the Horace of the 1800s.
Patterson Foundation fundraising In North America segregation
event at Centro Caboto Centre in was a way of life. That’s just the
April 2010 to an appreciative way things were. “And
crowd. Each year the event songs were a way of life.”
attracts a larger number of As he explained the
people. The Foundation raises progression of the history of Jazz
funds to award annual and how it evolved over the
scholarships to students in need. years, he demonstrated these
Kirby’s has generously lent his phases with examples from the
talent to this organization music from dance bands to
because of his belief in the value marching bands to soldier bands.
of a good education. This year he introduced Elijah
Before each performance Easton, a first year Jazz student
Kirby gives the audience a from Washington DC who has
snapshot history of Jazz music followed Professor Kirby to
which has deep roots in the Winnipeg to be under his
Black community. He said all tutelage. Easton is one to watch.
types Quiet and unassuming, he has
of music on the planet have already performed at the White
music have some connection to House for President Obama.
Check out his facebook for the
Jazz. proof.

18

How about you?
by Sam Dixon, Winnipeg Writer
Do you know many people? Write up a list
There are many reasons people decide to run for
–you probably know more people than you
office: a problem to be fixed, an opportunity being
realize. Are you willing to get other people
missed, those being overlooked or left out. The list
to help you? Are there other people who
could go on but the reason is essentially the same-
share your concerns? Then you have a base
knowing that things can be better...and the feeling
of support!
that they can’t wait any longer for “somebody else
If you have some community profile, an
to do something!”
interest in politics, a good reason to run and
Once they know that it can be better, they decide
a base of support you have a lot of what you
that they are “somebody” and maybe they’re the one
need – you still need money and you still
who will actually “do something” if they get the
need political expertise but you can get those
chance.
by connecting with political parties and the
Politics is hope in action – not just “wanting it to
people who support them.
be better” but really believing that it will be better.
You are not the only one wondering where
Back when Obama was elected I heard many people
the next Obama is coming from. Political
say where is Our Obama? I don’t know, but I do
parties are looking too. Each wants to be the
know that before there was an Obama there were a
one with “Canada’s Obama” so now is a
whole lot of School Trustees, City Councillors, and
great time to get involved. This year is an
Mayors; then there were senators & congressman.
election year – yes, I know “aren’t they all”,
Before we have a Black Prime Minister there will
but this year it’s the municipal elections with
need to be more black people running at lower
many chances to get in at the school board
levels of government paving the way.
level where you don’t necessarily need a lot
So where is our Obama? Maybe in the mirror. Have
of money to win. You have to start
you ever thought about running for office? You
somewhere and at the school board level you
could be what your community needs so more
can build you base to move to the next level.
young people finish high school and go to college or
For example, the Manitoba Liberal Party
University. Maybe you are the “somebody” who
connects with community leaders in
will make sure that crime is understood to be an
orientation sessions titled “Are you ready for
action not a person.
elected office?” The session helps people
If you know the problems and then you probably
who are thinking about “running someday”
already have some ideas about the solutions – are
get the basic understanding of what to
you ready? Well, here is a short checklist to start
expect. Even people who aren’t thinking
with:
about running for a specific party can benefit
Are you active locally? Are you part of
from this kind of knowledge. So you can get
community groups? Do you volunteer at your
the political basics and meet people with
school or your church? Are you known by your
experience running campaigns.
neighbours? Are you part of the local events and
Maybe you’re not the next Obama but
festivals? Then you have profile!
maybe we don’t need another Obama;
Have you volunteered on political campaigns? Do
maybe we just need more people like you to
you know about the political process? Are you
get involved.
willing to learn about it? If you met a politician
what would you ask her/him? Then you have some
political interest!
Have you tried to tell somebody about your
concerns and had nothing done about them? Then
you have a good reason to run!

19

Father Canon Falconer: Immanuel Peterson Jazz Pianist with the Afro-Caribbean
Blacks Need to be who died in 2007 made 200 Drama Group as a fundraising
Affirmed recordings and was the winner of event for MAJ, an organization
seven Grammy awards;
that ships medical equipment
Josiah Henderson was a Minister
of the Gospel was born into from Canada to Jamaica.
slavery in 1830 and developed a The show opened with a
school for fugitive slaves; powerful presentation of the
Michaela Jean came as a refugee title poem “Big Bus” by Dale
to Canada and today she is Lewis. The poem set the stage
standing high as the Governor for what was to follow.
General of Canada.” There were lots of laughter in
“Some people think that we are the house as this comedy
worshipping the God of the
brought back memories of life
Whiteman but Christianity was in
the heart of Africa long before it in Jamaica and the Caribbean
came to the Americas or the new in general. It included typical
Canon Father Henry Falconer world. Caribbean characters like the
delivered a lively and passionate He said that Ethiopia has been sweet-talking man, the lazy
Gospel of Black folks to an mentioned in the scripture as well man and women who would use
engaged audience as the guest as Queen of Sheba and Solomon. their assets to get their way.
speaker at the opening of Black “‘I am black and I’m proud. Hold The play was written and
History Month Event. your head high’ Solomon wrote directed by Errol Bryan, the
“African Canadians need to in the Songs of Solomon.” community playwright. It had a
feel affirmed and to be aware Canon Falconer said that the cast which included Carmen
of the contributions made by our Christian faith has carried Bryan, Monica Rhiney, Violet
black ancestors.” He added that Black ancestors through the Clacken, Shereen Murral,
social forces have shaped rough times. They cried out Laurel Wright, Dorothy Dueck,
Blacks identities negatively. “bakara, backara - my back is
“The first black person to Charmane Daley, Robert
raw when the pain of the whip
Canada came here in 1603 and was too much to bear.” McKenzie, Louise Davy and
today we form the 3rd largest Many of us are still carrying Mcdonald Nurse.
minority group in this country. the shackles of slavery, we need Bryan was surrounded by
Yes we are strong.” to take it off put them behind us admirers after the show.
Black History Month which is and march forward.” he urged.
the coldest and shortest month of Canon Falconer ministers at
the year, honours the legacy of the Holy Trinity Church.
Black people past and present,
he noted.
“Our ancestors fought to Want a seat on the
liberate us and justice for all Big Bus?
people. Slavery existed in
Canada. The Loyalist blacks The Errol Bryan production of
who settled in Manitoba have
“Big Bus” was performed to a
been here for hundreds of
years.” packed house at the Deaf
He named some of the Black Centre on February 20, 2010.
people who have made The event was organized by
outstanding contributions to the Medical Assistance for
Canada in various fields. “Oscar Jamaica (MAJ) in association
Errol Bryan (centre)

20

Connecting the Generations Black History 2010
The Council for Caribbean started out life in Winnipeg in a appointed 24th Lieutenant
Organizations of Manitoba rough way. He said he did Governor of Ontario.
(CCOM) sponsored a forum to several jobs trying to find his Williams said he would like to
bring old and new blacks to share niche before doing what he loves see streets named after
stories and learn from each other. doing teaching and working to prominent Black people during
The session was informative help people. He said the first job future Black History Month.
and was accompanied by cultural he had was as a recycling
performances. Among those who labourer. He spent three hours Understanding
shared stories were: Mrs. sorting plastic bottles, then he
Evelyn Gardner who was worked at a cleaning job at
Oppression, From to
among the first Black registered McDonalds, delivered flyers on Theory to Action:
nurses in Manitoba. She worked
for Health Sciences Centre and
seven streets even during the Journey to Anti-racist
winter. Not understanding how
St. Boniface Hospital. She
vicious the cold could he said
Practices
talked about the days when
Pilgrim Baptist Church was the he went out without the proper
Enid Lee
meeting place for Blacks and shoes and his toes were so frost-
anti-racist
newcomers mostly from the bitten that his nails fell off.
Caribbean. “They provided the educator
He was eager to get ahead in his
service for the Black community and activist
new country that he tried many
for free that settlement services was the
jobs including truck driver, taxi
are now being paid to provide for keynote
driver, he owned a taxi and
new immigrants.” She said the speaker at a
acknowledged that that was not a
men gathered at the church to one day conference sponsored by
bad job but it was not what he
play pools and dominoes.” the Centre of Anti-Oppression
wanted to do with his life.
“West Indians started coming in Centre on January 29, 2010.
Two of the good things that
Lee, who came to prominence
around the 1940’s by which time Winnipeg did for him was help in anti-racism work after her
things had improved for Blacks.” him to discover his spiritualityand book Letters to Marcia was
She said even then blacks were meet his beautiful wife Deborah published about 25 years ago,
not welcomed in white churches. through whom God gave him the delivered a stimulating, engaging
“You were allowed to attend the direction he needed. and informative presentation with
White church,” she said but after Father of two handsome sons, enthusiasm that spilled over to
a while the White members Sunday earned his PhD and the audience.
would ask ,“don’t you have your taught at Providence College. She said that anti-racist
own church?” Presently he is helping new organizational work is the
Evelyn said through hard work immigrants at the Winnipeg ongoing work of confronting
and dismantling those systems
and determination she became a Technical College. “I am happy
and structures within
Registered Nurse and later with my life now” he said. organizations that limit the
worked as an operating room opportunities, the rights to the
technician. Her cousin Euburn Wade Kojo Williams told the resources for a good education
Greenidge became the first Black story of one prominent Black and the joys of categories of
doctor in Manitoba. She married in Canada. Mr. Lincoln M. people, she said.
John Oliver and they have been Alexander who was the first Organizations need to dismantle
married for most of her life. Black Member of Parliament and and change oppressive structures
Minister of Labour. He was and systems and the
Dr. Sunday Olujuko, a recent
immigrant to Winnipeg, said he continued on p23

21

Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama’s Other Ancestors
“What did you think you came to Riders which brought the
hear or to tell? What did you events leading up to MLK’s
come wanting to know more assassination real to the
about? audience and something not
Dr. Hardy said we needed that far away in history.
more conversations to get to Dr. Hardy said that King’s
know each other and he would dream of 1963 must not satisfy
prepare for people to see him as us because after that speech
a person coming to engage four young girls were blown up.
vis-à-vis a lecture. In 1961 during the height of
“Unless that conversation is the cold war there was a change
nurtured in all places, in the leadership of the free
democracy will not be world. Young black people were
Dr. Vincent Hardy achieved anywhere. One of the asked to fight in wars for other
Distinguished Civil Rights people who have been a real people’s freedom when their
Activists, historian of the inspiration to me is the feminist own people could not vote.
African-American Experience, German woman author, Hannah “Ella Baker used to encourage
speech writer and confidant of Arendt.” young people to take the lead, she
Martin Luther King Jr. was “The conversation has begun. It did not keep her hands around
invited to Winnipeg by the them; she just sat by them and
is when we are in dialogue that helped out with voter registration.
University of Winnipeg on the we are most human,” he said. “Crazy young people just
April 2, 2009 to deliver a talk Many of the questions centre messed things up. They said
titled:.Martin Luther King Jr on Obama’s winning the let’s start on voter registration
and Barack Obama’s Other Democratic nomination and the in Mississippi, the place where
Ancestors at the University of possibility of the first Black hundreds of black people
Winnipeg’s Eckhardt-Gramatte President of the United States disappeared in the river”
Hall. of America. Is Obama the If we do it in Mississippi, we
It was like being at a rock Dream that was the question? can do it anywhere. There they
concert waiting expectantly for Professor Hardy claimed that found supporters such as M.Z.
the star to come out, the energy the Democratic Convention in Moore, Victoria Gray, a small
in the room was palpable. The 2008 that elected Barack business who sold hair preparations,
large theatre was jam-packed Obama could not have taken E.D. King, a white Chaplain, Fanny
with a cross section of people place without the freedom Lou Hamer, the 20th child born
and age groups. Excited chatter riders, and the sit-ins. in a share-cropping family, her
provided a delightful backdrop. To claim King as ancestor, magnificent voice.” Dr. Hardy
Then a charming diminutive, 77 Hardy said one would have to told the story to a captivated
year old retired professor start remembering that King crowd.
emerged smiling jubilantly; at the did not stop speaking after During the summer of 1964,
time (he’s a couple years older Alabama’s three evils that his Freedom people came in
now I suppose) expectations were country must overcome: Mississippi, in buses, cars and
high. Like a true professor, he racism, militarism and on foot, he recalled.
invited questions from the materialism. He added that He talked about Eyes on the
audience even before he began his some Canadians and expat Prize: an powerful award-
presentation. “Ï do not want to Americans in the audience had winning documentary series of
scratch where you are not itching”. been part of the Freedom

22

continued from p22
the African American Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1965 The death of MLK threw off
that was inspired by the song Keep your eyes on the prize. “We the civil rights movement for a
are called to speak for the voices that are silenced. Silence is a long time what is our work
betrayal”. now? Dr. Hardy asked.
Dr. Hardy said that his obsession with the future of democracy “Writing the Vietnam speech I
in America has been long and out of that there is a continuing believe was what got Martin
sense that democracy cannot grow without engagement and killed. The personal is political
dialogue. As a result of that he has dedicated himself to try to and there is no separation. If
consciously to fight the academic of love of lectures. “That’s not our political work is not
what we need more of now.” personal but a work that will
Dr. Hardy relived some of the sad times in his own life. He said help us all become more
he trained hundreds of young people many of whom were killed – human, it is not surprising that
people like James Kenny, Andrew Goodman, and Michael in the midst of a gathering like
Schamer who he classified as ancestors. “When I think of this someone would want to
ancestors I think of three women in particular, Martin Luther say or tell us about his sister
King’s maternal grandmother who lived in the house with him as who died. This is so important.
he was growing up who loved him and inspired him to live up to What could we do together
her best expectations. Loretta, who was a little older than Martin about this?” Dr. Hardy said
was a powerful partner to him and Rosa Parks who was present in responding to a young man
Montgomery when Martin arrived, who moved before Martin who got up and shared his
moved. She was an inspiration to King.” incredible pain and loss he was
Dr. Hardy concluded that civil rights was too narrow to describe feeling at the recent death of a
the movement. “It was a movement for the expansion of sister he loved so much.
democracy in the USA,” he said. His wife of 43 years, Rosemary
Hardy said Fanny Lou Hamer attended the Democratic Harding died 5 years before
Convention but blacks were segregated. He said Hamer spoke
and sang. She said she questioned the Democratic Party. At that Lee cont’d from p21
convention The Democratic Party said there can be no more language that perpetuate the
segregation at Democratic conventions. negative aspects of people must
Fast forward to Democratic Convention 2008, without people change within systems such as a
like Fanny Lou Hammer that could not have happened, Hardy media, police and education”.
said. Lee said that the book
Martin Luther King wanted Americans to give up racism, to “Letters to Marcia” A
deal with the poverty in the midst of riches and for Americans to teacher’s guide to anti-racist
stop defining themselves by what they have and what can be seen education will be reprinted
and for the United States to stop being the creator and purveyor of later in the year with some
violence in the world. updated information.
Dr. Hardy was asked the question what is his dream. His
response was “Ï am deeply influenced by the yearlong campaign.
If you allow yourself to hunger for righteousness, you will be
filled”. He advised young people to keep themselves in
readiness for what is right – hunger and thirst for what is right
and as this goes on they will find new ways of transforming the
planet.
“There is a job for the youths if they are ready for it. We have
to be getting ready to create new possibilities,” he said. Some of the participants at the
conference

23

Lola’s Beauty
Gallery &
Supplies
(Winnipeg, MB)
Lola’s is a full-service salon and beauty product supplier. Lola’s
carries a wide variety of human hair and synthetic wigs, extensions
and add-ons (i.e. ponytails, twists and jumbo braids). They also
offer a range of hair care products. Lola’s is the largest hair
extension centre in Manitoba and is the exclusive supplier of
Leisure Curls products for Western Canada .
Online ordering is available.
567 Portage Avenue African
Music
Black History
Month Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G2 and films
African dresses,
Award
headwear
Winner!!! Telephone: 204-772-3506 and more

Fax: 204-774-2269
Email: lolas@lolasbeautygallery.com
Website: http://www.mts.net/~lolas/product.htm
Come in to LOLA's browse..
ask questions

24

March 2010global eyes

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March 2010global eyes