Global eyes magazine bhm 2013

global eyes
1st
QUARTER
February 2013
Manitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine
STAMPS
PRESIDENT BARACH OBAMA AND FAMILY COMMEMORATING
BLACK
HISTORY

KING JAJA OF OPOPO

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Black History Month intergenerational
mixed basketball game was exciting to
watch. Men and boys and girls showed
their competitive edge and made it fun
for spectators.
ABOVE
BANNOCK
DEMONSTRATION
AND (L) FRIED
BEAN CAKES
BELOW - STEEL
PAN HISTORY
LESSON AND
AFRICAN
DRUMMING

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

The young and the not so young
delighted in the Black History lesson
sponsored by the Jamaican
Association of Manitoba in February EVA
AND
with hands on cooking lessons by
LOLA
Christine Nnadi, and a First Nations
Audrey Gordon preented Omari Henry with
the Leonard Simms Health and Recreation Volunteer as well as lessons in steel
Scholarship. Audrey founderd this scholarship pan music and African drumming by
in recognition of her father, who currently lives Clyde Heera and Nigerian Drummer.
in Ontario.
Omari is a university student on his way to
It was a day of learning, fun, eating
becoming a microbiologist is rewardedfor his and dancing.
excellent academic achievement.
Global Eyes Magazine Black History Month Edition 2013
2

Reflection
Beatrice Watson
Black history month flew by quickly cause we might been still
Malcolm X (which I believe
because of the number of activities to enslaved.. We have to pay it
should be a must read for every
choose from and all were interesting. forward and speak out against
black child). Malcom X taught us
However, I believe if we are celebrating injustice in the world. In Canada
Black is Beautiful about the
history, there needs to be some and the USA there are members of
economics of blackness what
semblance of the history of our people the Nationalist Party and the KKK
blackness represents and
included in the program in addition to recruiting young disenfranchised
continues to represent in western
the Children’s History Lesson. The White youths to teach them to
worldview. When there is an
story of our journey to this land needs hate Blacks and other minorities.
understanding beyond the popular
to be told every year like the epic story We are not completely out of the
inventions by Blacks and a
of the Ten Commandments. The extent woods. To remain safe is to be
delving into the big picture stuff
of Black history for many of us stops vigilant. There are KKK cells in
blacks in history we will have a
with the Martin Luther King, the Alberta and even here in
better appreciation of our past.
Harriet Tubman, the Rosa Parks and the Winnipeg. We cannot be lulled
Our history has chosen us to be
Viola Desmond narratives. While these into complacency because we
vigilant social activists and to be
are important stories there are so much have white friends who accept us
the voice of the voiceless. Many
more to tell and to learn e.g. about as equals. Complacency is a fools
of us behave as if our colour or
Ghana where the Door of no Return paradise. There is still work to be
our history is no longer a factor in
still stands facing the cold, lonely done. There are books to be read
our lives and I wish it were so.
Atlantic Ocean where men and women, to understand – Malcolm X,
Slavery is happening right now in
our ancestors saw their homeland for Fanon, Angela Davis, Marcus
Africa and other parts of the
the last time; there are stories to be told Garvey, Dionne Brand, Austin
world. That is our battle. If we
about communities in Brazil where the Clarke and many others. If you
did not have the support of some
largest population of Africans outside don’t know history, then you
good people during the days of
of Africa live mostly in squalor don’t know anything. You are a
slavery and the civil rights
conditions, stories about the freedom leaf that doesn’t know it is part of
movement who championed our
Bus tour, of Stokley Carmichael, a tree. “ Michael Crichton

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
The Youth
Leadership
Symposium
sponsored by
the Council of
Caribbean Maurice
Organizations of Maurice Alexander,
Chlarise,
Manitoba, Inc. Tito Daodu, Williams Business Owner Policy
Troy Osiname, M.D. 4th year Counsellor Analyst
during Black
History Month Prov. Lib. Cand.
Osiname, Tito Daodu, Maurice prevent the involvement of the
attracted a
younger generation. He also noted
larger than usual crowd, including many Williams, Charise A Wright and
Maurice Alexander. Some of the there is a lack of trust in the
of the present leaders. The message
community.
was clear that change is needed and the presentations were more an
evaluation of past leadership than Charise called for more respect
old way of doing business is not
conrete plans for the future. towards younger people and the
sustainable. The five panellists were
Alexander noted that the older often reference of “you young
articulate and impressive - Troy
generation put up barriers that people” ishe sas as appropriate.
CONTINUED ON P16
3 3

Subscribe Today
Name:_________________________________________________________ Story of King Jaja p8
Address:________________________________________________ Tips for working with Minorities
p13
Postal Code_______________
Phone:_______________________
Gospel Concert pictorial - p15
Email address:_______________________
ACAM 45th Harambe p19
Support Global Eyes Magazine if you think we’re doing
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LEADERHSIP VACCUUM - A MYTH
Global Eyes is an independent magazine quarterly publication The Caribbean or the Black community have no
devoted to promoting cultural awareness of the African and
Caribbean communities of Manitoba and highlighting the need to worry about future leaders. Let me tell you
issues and concerns of these communities. It also aims the leaders will emerge when the time comes. We
at promoting cultural diversity and appreciation. Its
It features articles ranging from the achievements of local,
have the harvest of many capable, bright younger
national and international personalities and general information adults in our midst sitting in the dimlight and show
that are of interest to the African/Caribbean themselves only when asked to be in the limelight
community. It offers editorials with African/
Caribbean sensibilities and letters to the editor. The and that’s okay. We need to give opportunities to
Magazine is produced under a volunteer editorial our youths to shine and build their confidence.
committee that assists with proof-reading, publicity and
distribution.
Quotable Quote

IN THIS ISSUE “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny
and obliterate their own understanding of their
Regulars: history.” ¯ George Orwell

Briefs p6
Letter to my children p11
Global Counselor p11
Gaffin wid Buddy p26
Healthwise 18
Zizi the continuing story will be
back in the next issue.
4

GLOBAL
EYES
MAGAZINE
Editor: Beatrice Watson Out and About
Shulamith Koenig, the 2003 UN
GEM’s Regular Contributors
Distributed to local businesses, and in Prize winner in the field of Human
Winnipeg and via email to individuals Rights came to Winnipeg recently to
speak at the Thinker’s conference held
in Manitoba and former Manitobans in from February 21-23, 2013 and the
various parts of the world. University of Winnpeg. She said herr
mission is make Winnipeg a human
To receive Global Eyes by mail please rights city.
send a cheque for $15.00 to: Val Thompson, Liberal party
member held a reception for Shulamith
Global Eyes Magazine at her home where a select group of Neil Pitamber,
671 Rathgar Avenue people were invited to meet Shulamith A prolific writer, poet
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 1G6 informally. Shulamith gave an and owner, Caribbean
Phone: 204-477-1588 informal address that was peppered with Shield
globaleyesmagazine@gmail.com humour and serious talk. sactivist met
with women at the home She began by
explaining her name which means that
All contents are (c) 2011 and may not she is a woman from Jerusalem
be reprinted without the express or Shulamith then became a symbol for
written consent of the author or Editor. the land of Israel.
Shulamith said she was told at
school that Jews are the chosen people
but her father said “I am chosen for
social responsibility.”
Mother of three sons, the 82 plus year Lara Badmus, LLB
old who claimed to be non religious Discipline Counsel
said that Moses was a man who knew The Law Society of
how to move from slavery to freedom. Manitoba
“We need to give people a value system
like Moses did in the 10 commandments
SHULAMITH (L) IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS which was the framework for freedom.”
Shulamith said that human rights
education is the preventive medicine. It
introduces a dialogue about what does
human rights mean in your community.
She urged women never to give up their Rhonda T.
right to be full human beings. Wilson
“Human Rights is like the banks of a gave he
river where water flows freely” she said vote of
adding and it starts with the dignity of a thanks at
human being and the right to belong. BHM
Shumalith told the audience she had Awards
just received a gold medal from Dinner
Gorbachev for being the woman of the
century.
5 5

Briefs Local
Lucknow, India, where a British
garrison was besieged.
The premier noted that Manitoba is
the only province where the wall
will be on display during Black
History Month this year.
“Many people are not aware of the
strong tradition of military service
and the key role black Manitobans
and Canadians have played in the
development of our country,” said
Selinger. “I encourage all
Manitobans to visit the Legislative
Building to learn more about the
contributions of the black
community in Canada’s military.”
Canada began officially observing
Black History Month in 1995 to
celebrate the contributions of black
Canadians to the development of the
country.
A display recognizing and across Canada in recent years. It will
celebrating the history of black be located on the main floor of the QE II DIAMOND
Canadians in the military has
been officially opened at the
Legislative Building until Monday, JUBILEE AWARD WINNER
Feb. 18.
Legislative Building to mark Congratulations to Godwin Smith
“The Canadian Forces is a longtime
Black History Month in popularly known as Smitty who
supporter of diversity and strives for a
Manitoba, Premier Greg Selinger received the Queen Elizabeth II
membership that is a reflection of the
announced today. Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition
makeup of Canadian society,” said
“Black Canadians have served in of his service to the community.
Col. Blaise Frawley, commander, 17
all parts of the military, including Wing Winnipeg. “We are pleased that Smitty, owner of Les Touch Salon,
on the front lines, in home the Province of Manitoba has chosen, one of 30 awardees, accepted the
defence units and on international during Black History Month, to profile medal from Honourable Pat Martin,
peacekeeping missions for more this display that covers 300 years of NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre, at a
than 300 years,” said Selinger. dedication by black Canadians to serve reception held at Fort Garry Hotel, in
“I’m proud the Manitoba their country through military February 2013.
Legislative Building is hosting service.”
this exhibit showing how black The exhibit highlights the stories of
Canadians have contributed to many blacks who have served in the
and shaped this country by their Canadian military including William
service.” Hall, who was the first Canadian sailor
The display, owned by the to receive the Victoria Cross. Hall,
Canadian Armed Forces, tracks who grew up on a farm in Nova
300 years of black Canadian’s Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, received the
dedication to serve with military medal on Oct. 28, 1859, for his actions
service. The display wall is 16 as part of a relief force sent to
feet in length and has travelled

6

Editorial - Take One
This idea that the activities, we’ve established and award
Its time for more action and less rhetoric.
Caribbean thousands of dollars in scholarships
It is easy to be a critic but difficult to sit
community is countless youths, we have organized
in the driver’s seat. We all are set in our
fractured, Black History Month celebrations for
ways, old and young alike but that should
disconnected and more than 25 years and we have a cadre of
not be a barrier but an challenge to break
experiencing a powerful leaders in waiting; we have
the mould. To create change we need a
deficit of trust can be said about most arisen to the call for help when sister
leader who is not afraid of criticism and
communities including governments at all nations are beaten by hurricane or
stand up for what is right.
levels. These ingredients are not in the other natural disasters. These activities
If you are not prepared to roll up your sleeves,
community but in individuals. require unity and trust to be
participate fully in the leadership of the
It was interesting to hear words coming successful. If you look for rain you will
community, get involved and vote for people
out from our youths that have been begin to notice all the dark clouds, if you
you respect for leadership positions, or let
repeated often by adults. Disunity within look for sun you will begin the see the
your name stand for leadership, then you
the Caribbean community has been the clearings.
have no right to speak. Everyone who sit
mantra for more than 25 years. It is a Those who wish to lead, and to
around the table as Board members have
virus and that virus of the mind and that contribute to the community should get off
equal voice and a right to their opinion.
virus has not been passed down to the the fence and get involved. Leadership is
There are no boys and girls in the Board
next generation. not for the faint hearted, nor for people
room. There are board members.
Yes, our community is not perfect just with fragile egos, it is for robust men and
I see a bright future for this community. I
as we are not perfect as individuals but women. If you want to get into the
see it in those five panellists at our leadership
there are many positive things that can political arena, the best training ground is
symposium, I see it in the youths that are
be said about community. We’ve have within this community for there you will
involved in the churches, I see it in the
successfully organized Folklorama find your toughest challenge. Leadership
number of our young adults who are out
pavillions every year since olkloram is not given it has to be earned. If our
there creating a life for themselves and taking
started, we have functioning community heirs want to make a difference they will
care of their children and families. I see it in
centres for ourselves and to share with have to show humility, patience and
the growing number of our people
people of other ethnic communities, respect for what has been achieved and
graduating from institutions of higher
we’ve established several churches that take the reins and make the changes they
learning and from the trades.
provide space and encouragement for youth want to see. As Toni Morrison wrote, if
“All criticism is an autobiography” George
you want to read a book you must write it.
Barnard Shaw

SHIFTING IDENTITIES
While growing up in Kenya, I never I hated that being African. It was a and seek the aboriginal, the identity
thought of myself as African.. burden to carry, a sticky label that untainted by past and present colonizing
I never thought of myself as Kenyan, read: You were colonized. You are not processes. And still, some ignore being
because I did notrecognize a tangible good enough. Let me help you, African, and never discover that being so
Kenyan culture, and what I was later sister.? I hated that other Africans comes with a price. Yet for all of us, the
told to be Kenyan appeared to me as expected me to revolutionize, to
the norm. burden of being African affects our
liberate my mind and go back to the
The Kenyan me became African in history, and will affect the future of those
traditions of our ancestors, the way
America. I became African when my things used to be?. I did not under- who come after us.
hosts‘ cries about homesickness seemed stand the fascination with dropping But the tragedy isn‘t in the burdened
trivial for one who had travelled all Western names. I like my name identity that makes many think of us only
thousands of miles to get education. I just as itis, because it reflects the as African or Kenyan or Nigerian or
became African when I went for complexity of my world. (insert ethnic group). The real tragedy
conferences, when we were charged to Some embrace being African, because lies in failing to find a way to live
go back home, to stop being part of reclaiming a burdened identity expels with thelabel, in failing to reconcile
the brain drain, to be part of the new its power over you, making you the our passions and our anger
generation? that would make Africa the agent ofyour own fate. Some reject
next stop for investors. being African, CONTINUED ON P21

7 7

The Popular King Jaja Brought to Life

King Jaja is a household name not children’s children an
memories of the past history of
only in South-Eastern Nigeria but appreciation of and a pride in the
Blacks! Such contradictory and
also in the West Indies. “How are great deeds of their ancestors.
divisive emotions are evident in Kevin
your in-laws treating you?”, an From the point of view of
Gordon’s Not yet African (Passeggiata
elderly Jamaican woman once the relevance of past history to
Press, Pueblo, Colorado, 1998). In this
asked her newly married son, the present, the history of King
play the spontaneous demonstration of
“like King Jaja,” the young man Jaja provides some insight into
solidarity between King Jaja and the
replied. In that country, if you put the socio-economic problems
Black population of Barbados and St.
on airs, they would ask you: plaguing the South-Eastern
Vincent, whom he saw as his “flesh
“Who do you think you are: King States of Nigeria by highlighting
and blood”2 and who saw him as
Jaja?” King Jaja has become a the role oil – be it palm oil or
abrother, parallels the pride with
mythical figure in Barbadian1 and crude oil — plays in the
which the present Jamaican Prime
Saint-Vincentian folklore. economy and the psyche of
Minister, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller
King Jaja of Opobo is a people of the Delta region.
reminds her compatriots that:
historical play, an epic. “History is The play also dramatizes
The blood of African Kings runs
nothing if we learn nothing from the historical, cultural and
through our veins,
it.” So, what can we, as Black psychological bonds between
The thoughts of freedom fighters dwell
Canadians, learn from the story of Blacks on the African continent
in our brains.
King Jaja? What are our and those in the Caribbean – a
Stolen from Africa, the mission
objectives in dramatizing the life social phenomenon sometimes
remains the same.3
of Jubo Jubogha? hastily brushed aside today by
It takes a certain degree of
First and foremost, telling some. Paradoxically, many
honesty and maturity for a people to
the story of King Jaja meets the Blacks are still haunted by
focus on what unites them and to
Canadian Government’s contradictory sentiments of
downplay what could divide. The
objectives in creating a Black attraction and repulsion, of
heroic solidarity displayed by King
History Month, one dedicated to superiority and inferiority vis-à-
Jaja and his Caribbean “brothers and
celebrating the contributions vis one another, as they struggle
sisters.”
Blacks have made to History, for survival in a Modern World
Dr. Joseph Nnadi
instilling in our children and that is only too anxious to erase
8

DED

Youths are ready to carry the Black History Torch
ACAM Annual Job Fair Making a Difference
MR. JIM OGUNNOIKI,
JOB FAIR OORDINATOR
OORDINA

EMPLOYMENT
MPLO
PROJECTS OF
WINNIPEG, (L)

PLUERRILLE

WINNIPEG POLICE
SERVICES
ERVICES

off resumes with
agencies and
organizations they
would like to work
with. Hosting
ACAM’s annual job
fair is one of Mr. Jim
Ogunnoiki’s passion.
Not only because this is his brain
child but because he is
passionate about helping people
find jobs. greetings on behalf of their
An immigrant from Nigeria, respective governments
Africa, Mr. Ogunnoiki knows
instinctively that finding
employment is one of the most
important requirements to settle
comfortably in a new country.
“Without a job you have nothing.
No one comes here to depend on
government hand outs. We came
here to work and if we do not
have a job we cannot create the
life we imagine,” he said.
The Fair attracts more
participants every year. and .
The Afro-Caribbean Association of ACAM matches this with
Manitoba (ACAM) celebrated its 14th increasing numbers of employers.
annual job fair in February that was There were representatives ACAM VOLUNTEERS BLUE HODGES
held at the Elmwood High School from the various levels of NORMA EDWARDS POSE WITH
AND

where potential employees get to drop government who brought POLICE OFFICER

9 9

Global Briefs
GLOBAL EYES MAGAZINE ROSA PARKS
HONOURED “remind us no matter how humble or
Honoured with Community lofty our positions, just what it is that
President Barack Obama and
AWARD leadership requires.”
congressional leaders recently
The Global Eyes Magazine was “Rosa Parks is typically honoured as
unveiled a full-length statue of
recopgnized at the Afro-Caribbean a woman of courage, but that honor
civil rights icon Rosa Parks in
Association of Manitoba’s 45th focuses on the one act she made on the
the Capitol paying tribute to a
Harambee with a Community Award bus on Dec. 5, 1955,” said Theoharis, a
figure whose name became
for its contribution to the political science professor at Brooklyn
synonymous with the. civil
communication stream of the College-City University of New York.
rights movement.
Caribbean Community. “That courage, that night was the
Parks becomes the first black
Beatrice Watson, Editor, received the product of decades of political work
woman to be honored with a
award on behalf of the Magazine. before that and continued … decades
full-length statue in the
Watson. Beatrice thanked ACAM for after” in Detroit, she said.
Capitol’s Statuary Hall. A bust
the Parks died Oct. 24, 2005, at age 92.
of another black woman,
recognition The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp
abolitionist Sojourner Truth, sits
and all those in her honor on Feb. 4, which would
in the Capitol Visitors Center.
who have have been her 100th birthday.
Obama said that with the
helped to
installation of the statue, Parks,
develop the
who died in 2005, has taken her
magazine to
rightful place among those who
its current
have shaped the course of U.S.
level.
history. He said her presence
in Capitol would serve to

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received an award from Queen
Elizabeth II.
10

Regulars
My dear children,
Letter to my children
This black history I took the intellect, all I can say is, if a brother. And Jesus wept and Lazarus
opportunity to browse through the story woman have a pint, and a man a came forth. And how came Jesus into
of SoJourner Truth whose famous line quart – why can’t she have her the world? Through God who created
Ain’t I a woman gave me pause for little pint full? You need not be him and the woman who bore him.
thought . Sojourner Truth was born in afraid to give us our rights for Man, where was your part? But the
1797 and she became free in 1827. She fear we will take too much, – for women are coming up blessed be God
died in 1883. In 1851 there was a we can’t take more than our and a few of the men are coming up
Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, pint’ll hold. The poor men seems with them. But man is in a tight
Ohio and Sojourner decided she would to be all in confusion, and don’t place, the poor slave is on him,
attend. Of course some of the white know what to do. Why children, if woman is coming on him, he is surely
women at the conference could not see you have woman’s rights, give it between a hawk and a buzzard.
Women’s rights and Ex Slave Women to her and you will feel better. You (Wikipedia)
pairing together. Sojourner asked to will have your own rights, and Some reports claimed that
speak and there was cause for alarm they won’t be so much trouble. I Sojourner used the refrain “Ain’t I a
but she prevailed and here is what she can’t read, but I can hear. I have woman” four times iduring her
saidI: I want to say a few words about heard the bible and have learned speech
this matter. I am a woman’s rights. I that Eve caused man to sin. Well, Imagine if this woman was
have as much muscle as any man, and if woman upset the world, do give educated and had a better command of
can do as much work as any man. I her a chance to set it right side up language? This is the potential that
have plowed and reaped and husked again. The Lady has spoken slavery robbed from people, this is
and chopped and mowed, and can any about Jesus, how he never the injustice. It is why we have to
man do more than that? I have heard spurned woman from him, and stand up to injustice everywhere
much about the sexes being equal. I she was right. When Lazarus today and in the future as Martin
can carry as much as any man, and can died, Mary and Martha came to Luther King says Injustice anywhere
eat as much too, if I can get it. I am as him with faith and love and is injustice everywhere. Remember
strong as any man that is now. As for besought him to raise their that.
Love, mom

Global Counsellor
Dear globalcounselor, African history then why the Dear Confused,
I am 14 years old and am from Ghana Africans do nothing about it. Is Let’s put it this way Black History
and I am confused about Black my teacher right or wrong. I Month was started by an African
History Month. I am confused because want to be part of Black history American man to focus on blacks in
people from my community are not because I am Black and I am history and showcase their a to let
interested in black history month. African and I am proud of my me know the achievements. In the
Nobody talks about it and when I ask heritage even though sometimes past White folks used to say that
my parents about what is happening in I feel a little ashamed when some Black people are lazy, they are not
the community I hear it is a Caribbean of my white friends think that smart and cannot be educated. It
and American thing. In school my everyone in Africa is poor and turned out that many blacks invented
teacher talks to me like it is about me they are starving or some kind of a lot of stuff that we are using today
because I am Black and I tell her I am a refugee. Most of the time I am including the street lights.
from Africa, that my parents are from proud.
Ghana and she says that Black history Confused.
is really about African history. If it is continue on p16
11 11

In Your Back Yard
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2013 ENTERTAINERS Faiza Hargaaya,

TRUTH AND LIFE GOSPEL CHOIR

Daniela Archer & Tina Sackey

YASMINE LEWIS

Anthony
KEISHA COOK Turner,
spoken
word artist

GOSPEL
CONCERT
THE WINNIPEG CHOIR PERFORMERS
12

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH MINORITIES
HATE SPEECH
Manitoba, like the rest of men - where it is the norm
Canada, is increasingly for there to be only one
IS HARMFUL
The Women’s Legal Education
becoming more racially female in an office full of
and Action Fund (LEAF)
and culturally diverse. The men. The responses of
applauds the affirmation by the
diversity is reflecting such women would give Supreme Court of Canada in its
more in today’s you great insight into what recentjudgmentin
workplace. I recently read I am getting at here. Saskatchewan Human Rights
some material on tips for 3. Learn to use your critical Commission v. Whatcott, that
building new professional relationships with thinking skills-which hate speech causes deep harm
people of colour, and thought that this means listening with your to vulnerable groups and to
would also apply to minorities. Before eyes, being responsible for society at large, and that hate
delving into the topic, one question you your thoughts, keeping an speech prohibitions in human
rights legislation are justified.
may be asking in your mind is “why is it open mind and, asking
“This is a major moment for the
important”. I could write a thousand pages – questions in a curious, yet Charter and for all Canadians.
including research findings – about the fact compassionate manner and LEAF welcomes the SCC’s
that Canada’s relevance as a developed thinking about their recognition that hate speech is
country and its prosperity depends largely situation as you engage. a form of discrimination that
on its continuous pool of newcomers and/or 4. Do your Homework! harms not only the targeted
immigrants. However, as this is not the That means if you are group, but all of society,” says
topic for today, I will firmly resist the great genuinely interested in Jennifer Tomaszewski, Chair of
temptation to go off on that tangent! learning more about a the LEAF Board. “Limits on
hate speech directed against
person, their culture or
vulnerable groups are critical to
Here are some of the tips (adapted from experiences, you must ensuring an inclusive Canadian
Catrice Jackson’s Article titled “10 Tips for come equipped with some society that respects equality.”
Beginning a New Professional Relationship general knowledge about LEAF’s arguments in this case
with Women of Colour”): the race or ethnicity they focused on hate speech as a
identify with or belong to. form of discrimination and the
Before Pursuing the Work Relationship You ought to have read, multiple ways that hate speech
1. Learn to use your social researched and engaged (at harms women, especially
intelligence, and if you have none – least to some extent) with amplified at the intersection of
develop some! Look around the the culture. You are race, sexual orientation, class,
ethnicity or other status. In its
office to see how many minorities certainly not expected to decision, the Supreme Court
actually work there. Why is this be an expert in the field, referenced international
important? Because if there is only but the point is – do NOT incidents of genocidal acts to
one or two minority/ (ies), I come empty handed! If illustrate the ultimate risk
guarantee you that they know it, feel you do, it will be very posed by hate speech.
it, think about it, don’t like it and on obvious and may create a LEAF’s co-counsel on the
some level it is creating some stress roadblock to your chances intervention were Jo-Ann
and uneasiness. This will be made of ever building a work or Kolmes of Edmonton,
worse if the office environment is professional relationship Alberta, and Prof. Kathleen
packed full of bonies with little or with a minority, based on E. Mahoney of the Faculty of
zero cross-cultural sensibilities. trust. Law of the University of
(This is the 1st of this 3 part Calgary.
2. Learn to use your emotional article. To be continued in the next LEAF’s factum in Whatcott
v. Saskatchewan is available
intelligence. Imagine what it must editions.) at www.leaf.ca.
feel like to be the only one. Ask By: Lara Badmus
women in professions dominated by
13 13

Will Allen, city farmer extraordinaire - Steve Watson
Foundation Security Benefit
roots, so he up and moved to Corporation Award for Outstanding
grow food in his wife Cynthia’s Service to Public Education (link
hometown, Milwaukee. www.neafoundation.org/pages/nea-
He takes food science foundation-awards-gala/)
seriously and says we’ve got to He holds workshops and 3-month
grow the soil back first before internships, and hosts school tours so
we grow food. He thinks it that the next generation can learn how
necessary that city people to grow good food at minimal cost and
should produce much of the in a green way. His daughter has
b food they eat rather than relying
y opened up a duplicate GrowingPower
on petrol-burning trucks or growing and marketing center in
One does not need to be an trans-oceanic ship containers to Chicago.
economist to know that (1) all haul produce from the other side Together with co-author Charles
people have to eat; (2) that the of the continent or world. Roof- Wilson, Mr Allen wrote a book The
number of people growing food is top farming, hoop (green-) Good Food Revolution: Growing
getting smaller; (3) that the soil and houses, water tank systems, Healthy Food, People and
water used for the growing of good space-saving vertical containers Communities published in May 2012
is becoming increasingly sterile, are integrated ways in which by Gotham Books. The paperback sells
zapped of its vital, organic city people can produce food in for $16 while the ebook (from
nutrients; and (4) that because of #2 small settings. Mr Allen is penguingroup.com via v.gd/
and #3, the price of food for the experimenting with new and GoodFoodRev) goes for $12.99. A
everyday consumer is rising month innovative ways to create closed podcast in which he talks about Urban
on month. loops in which one step uses Food Deserts and the book is at snd.sc/
For the above reasons, our what is made in the previous XfLWBC.
attention should be squarely fixed step. To find out more:
on the problems of producing and In 2005, Allen was awarded a Here’s more on what he thinks. http://
distributing food for ever- Ford Foundation leadership www.growingpower.org/blog/archives/
expanding city populations. It is grant on behalf of his urban Here’s an interview with him by Sean
mentioned in the Baha’I Sacred farming work. In 2008, he was Croxton of Wellness Underground.
Writings that “the economic awarded the MacArthur http://undergroundwellness.com/the-man-
problem be solved for the farmer Foundation “Genius Grant” for is-a-genius-my-interview-with-will-allen/
first, for the farmer is the first his work on urban farming and website www.growingpower.org/
active agent in the body politic.” sustainable food production. In
As the number of city-living 2009, the Kellogg Foundation
people goes up, and the number of gave Allen a grant to create jobs
countryside-living people goes in urban agriculture. Also, he
down, the challenge handed (down, received the 2012 NEA
since farmers are usually held in
low regard) to a decreasing number
of people who have to plan to
provide for an increasing number of
city-living people.

Will Allen grew up on a farm,
moved away from it to play
professional basketball and later to
hold executive positions at KFC
and Proctor & Gamble. But the call
of the land pulled him back to his Will holding tilapia fish

14

WHEN LEADERS FALL PEOPLE MOURN
EXCERPT OF SPEECH BY GODWIN SMITH (SMITHY) AT THE VIEWING OF CDE WADE KOJO WILLIAMS
Smithy spoke from his heart after his friend and that the Black populations could work
lifelong customer, Cde. Wade Kojo Williams died Wade Blasted the Eritreans for trying to break
together i.e. The Continental Blacks,
suddenly in November 2012. up Ethiopia.”
Black Nova Scotians and Black
Smitty gave the perspective of a friend and tried “Wade took on these burdens regardless of how
Caribbean’s. Everybody was doing their
to shed light on the side that many may not people thought about it. We have to crown him
own thing. While there were many
have seen. He said Cde Williams had a penchant as our leader.”
individual efforts to alleviate the Black
for cleanliness and order. He often would “give me “Wade Williams stopped printing the Contrast
condition in Winnipeg none came close
constructive criticism. He criticized how dirty my because there were not enough Black businesses
to Cde. Wade Kojo Williams efforts.
desk was and he would straighten it out for me” to support the Newspaper, but he did not stop
“He carried the Black burden to the
“He criticized my marital status and had mercilessly speaking out for Black concerns. Remember
court of public opinion, “ he said and
condemned me as someone who is married to his job”. Blue Jeans night club that did not want to allow
added that “Cde. Williams started
“I brought these criticism up to say if Wade had blacks people into that club? Wade took to the
Contrast Newspaper to bring Black
criticized or offended any of you, please, let it go. air waves on CJOB with and Blue Jeans
people together. He directed us to the Soul
Don’t take it so hard. He only meant to correct things catapulted and changed its name to Palomino
Shack and helped us to find culturally
he saw as incorrect. Not to hurt anyone.” NightClublocated on Portage Avenue,
appropriate services and foods. He was
Smitty said Cde. Wade did what he did because he Wade Williams did a lot more and we as a
involved in the formation of Caripeg to
was concerned about what he would say to the community mourn because we have lost our
create fun for the community. But there
Almighty God when God asked him what he did leader.”
were also serious news e.g. News about
with his time on earth. He was not just a professional Journalist and
South Africa that was under Apartheid
Secondly Wade personified Booker T Washington’s songwriter, but he was a teacher,
law. Contrast supported Mandela’sANC.
quote which he frequently quoted “Cast down your police officer and
He blasted the Grenada Government who
bucket where you are.” parliamentarian. Wade Kojo
was trying to establish a socialist state,
“In the 1990’s and the early 1980’s the Black Williams Sr has passed, but he
and then blasted President Reagan for
population here in Winnipeg was very small yet has left behind more than a
interfering in Grenada’s internal politics.
very diverse and divisive. There was no indication legacy.

LEGACY OF CDE WADE KOJO WILLIAMS
We have truly lost a stalwart, a proud and Executive Member of the Afro- Co-Founder of the Winnipeg Calypso
committed Vincentian, who was never selfish to Caribbean Association of Manitoba; and Reggae Competitions;
share what he knew and to help others. Founder and Chairman of the Co-Founder of the annual Winnipeg
During his two decades, of active community Manitoba Coalition of Organizations Soca-Reggae Festival and Member of the
work in Canada, He served as:- against Apartheid and Racism; Manitoba Senior Provincial Cricket
President of the National Black Coalition of Founder and Chairman of the Forum Team.
Canada (Winnipeg Chapter); for the Awareness of the Minority He was also a member of several
President of the National Council of St. Vincent Electorate; Caribbean Folk Groups/Choirs in
and the Grenadines Associations in Canada; Multiculturalism Director of the Winnipeg.
President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Liberal Party of Manitoba; His love for arts and culture was well
Association of Winnipeg; President of the St. Norbert Liberal known, he was a four-time winner of the
President of the Manitoba Intercultural Council Association; local Calypso Monarch Competition; a
(MIC); Executive Member of the three-time winner of the local Reggae
Representative on the Visible Minority National Assiniboine-Fort Garry Residents King Competition; and a winner of the
Council on Canadian Labour Force Advisory Group (City of Winnipeg); Western Canada Calypso Monarch
Development; Founder and Chairman of Students Competition.
Chairman of the Black History Month against Apartheid (University of We have truly lost a stalwart, a proud
Celebration Committee; Winnipeg); and committed Vincentian, who was
Member of the Committee for the Elimination of President of Caribbean Students
never selfish to share what he knew and
Racial Discrimination - Social Planning Council Association (University of Winnipeg);
of Winnipeg; Founding Executive Member of the to help others. ( Reprinted from
Calypso Association of Winnipeg; What’s Up Caribbean Publication)
Chairman of the Martin Luther King Memorial
Committee;

15 15

GLOBAL COUNSELLOR CONT’D FROM P11 YOUTH SYMPOSIUM CONTINUED FROM P3

Remember that the Africans that to join solidarity with their long Williams said he is prepared to lead.
arrived in the West and were made lost brothers and sisters and Tito said “we are the legacy” and
urged community member not to over
slaves. They were considered to be celebrate their strength for having
self-identify with being black as
inferior to the white population. survived thrived so well.. They opposed to being Canadians.
When they became free they faced have paved the way for the people They called for better plans, goal
discrimination. They were not able from Africa to enjoy a life of setting and better cooperation and
to sit in a restaurant or at the front of dignity. Bottom line is all support of Black businesses in the
the bus, could not go to school and Africans and Blacks in the West community.
so on. This is not the experience of are as Africans as can be. The “We are told they do not come out to
recent immigrants from Africa. They larger community see them as one events but young people need to know
know their language, their culture, people because of the colour of specifically what they have to do, what
their history their tribe and their their skin. I believe that your folks is expected of us when we are invited
clan. However, because Blacks in should make an effort to teach to attend events.” Charise.
the West have their roots in Africa, I you about this history and get
believe all people of African involved with Black History
ancestry should make special effort Month celebrations.

16

GOD WHISPERER
BY NEIL PITAMBER
When I take a look at the amount of
hair that gets swept up in the evening, around by introducing them to some idea or
friend of mine who is a first-generation
my armchair quarterback position, with the form of religion at the age of
Canadian, of Trinidadian parentage. We
broad shoulders and scarcely a serious enemy; consciousness. I wish my folks had
don’t talk anymore, but he was as good as it
I get to thinking of them as rocket ships that spent a little time discussing these things
is ever going get for me to having a big
have abandoned a crumbling planet. Well, with my sister and I; they let us choose
brother. There were times when we would
then; they hardly got very far, did they? If for ourselves, which I am also thankful
be speaking to each other in the evening that
every hair on my body was to do the same, I for. But what would a man know to
I would hear a soft mumbling in the
would appear, perhaps no more attractive than choose when he has never sampled any
background, and then he would let me go. I
a featherless fowl or a hairless guinea pig. of it as a child? One of the reasons I feel
got used to the routine, even appreciated it
Stress, indeed; it will kill you. I should uncomfortable in Church is when we are
at times - because he, his brother and parents
probably be straining salt water through my asked to make peace with our
were sitting down as a family to read the
saliva, getting drunk on saline in the conch neighbours; I do not like the physical
Good Book. It wasn’t a part of his life that
shell brewery known as the Caribbean Sea. contact with people outside of my
he shared with me in any great detail, and I
But we did something last night that was pretty dynamic. I guess I imprinted, imported
understand as I have grown to know prayer
close to relaxation, for me anyway and I hope a large portion of modesty from my
as an intensely personal ‘event.’ If he could
it is something we can continue for many years father; since he is very much the same.
get over the things that hurt our friendship, I
to follow. We prayed as a family, an idea I’m not expecting my kids to accept God
am sure he would be the first to tell you I
introduced by my four year old Annie and an but I remember a line from the film, ‘The
was quite sketchy; an in-betweener when
opportunity I took immediate advantage of Crow’ - ‘’Mother’ is the name for ‘God’
confronted with the subject of ‘God.’
expanding on. on the lips and hearts of all children’;
I sincerely believe, though, that
Hand in hand in hand; you get the idea. Through her, they already do, and will
parents are doing their children a civic duty
I grew up in Brampton with a once very close always know His love.

CANARY IN A COAL MINE - Neil Pitamber
from just above my ankles through my
intention or power. I often feel like calves? Am I bored? Am I about to
When I began working at the shop, Superman removed from the sun, or ‘boogie out on life’? Why does the back
I used to go home in the evenings with a Samson without his hair; not seeing the of my hand itch and react so indecently,
tension strung tightly across my shoulders kryptonite meant to finish me, but sensing to the edginess of my
and upper back; cooling, retracting as I it is here. fingernails?Perhaps this is the feeling
drew closer to home. With a might in my Nothing in my Caribbean upbringing one expects when walking through a
chest that makes a man feel that he has can claim the credit, or my perpetual railroad tunnel, as he picks up the
had a constructive day, I imagined myself gratitude, for preparing me to combat these chorus of trackling metals and an angry
as the miner archetype: muddy boots and moments. When I wrestle with my young engine.
a pick resting against my right shoulder, son and wail, ‘Ohhhhh, you’ve broken my Does the fascination end with
black soot caked around the corners of my shoulder!,’ or ‘burst my heart!,’ ‘fractured the discovery of new white hairs, or
eyes where safety goggles do not defend my skeleton!’ and even ‘ruptured my scabs lifted from the scalp revealing
the flesh, cheeks stained with salty sweat, bicep!’; I do feel, sometimes, that I am tiny lacerations previously unknown,
and a stomach screaming to breach free of closer to that truth that I am aware. Am I presently unaccounted for? Do you ever
a belt, like those worn for lumber support. struggling to establish a sense of purpose, really see anything beyond the first ten
I cannot tell exactly when these once or in rebound of abandoning one? Has my feet of sight, ever really notice anything
statuesque shoulders (if I may be so bold) mind released throughout my body a tangible within the same distance?
reformed to a ductile, carefree slouch; the plague of apathy? Is the right message Were you always as aware of your
arrow remains pointed but in want of a succumbing to a snowball effect of doubt, muscles, your person, your need for
solid target. I have days now when I am by the time it reaches my mouth? What is presentation in the face of the opposite
sweeping in the middle aisle and feel an this connection between the pit of my
sex? Did you always visit the facilities
emptiness in the stomach that glows in my belly, held in shape as if a pose in study,
and the valley of my throat? Why do three with such frequency? How long
mind like some dying white star.
Surrounded, too, by clouds that seem fingers on my right hand require solace in have you been feeling suffocated by
created from dust, flashes of lightning here the possessive grip of the left? Why do I your own weight, unable to lay
and then there but never breaking through, press my toes against the floor and lift my down comfortably on a mattress
never really confirming its’ presence, heels, to feel knife-sharp pain shooting up without the need for a better pillow,
CONT’D P 21
17 17

HEALTHWISE
KENKEY CAKES/ KANKIE Red-Red is a popular dish from -
3 Cups Grated green Bananas Ghana made from cowpeas -Clean the black-eyed
1 Cup grated coconut (black-eyed peas). It is thought to peas in water in a large pot.
have been named for the Soak them in water for at least an
2.5 cups grated sweet potatoes
combination of red pepper and hour or overnight. After soaking
1 cup flour them, rub them together between your
1 tsp. Baking powder red palm oil that is used in the
cooking process. The Red-Red hands to remove the skins. Rinse to
1 tsp salt wash away the skins and any other
cowpeas stew is usually served
1 tsp vanilla debris. Drain them in a colander.
with fried plantains, and is a -
1 tsp mixed spice Place the black-eyed peas in a large
lunch favorite in Ghana,
2 cups coconut milk pot, fill the pot with enough water to
particularly among office
1 1/2 cups brown sugar just cover the peas. Bring to a slow
workers. If you are “unbeanz,” boil; reduce the heat, cover, and
Mix all ingredients together. Place (i.e. unemployed) you can survive
one cup mixture into quailed banana simmer until the peas are tender;
on this meal easily because the thirty minutes to an hour. -
leaves (if you don’t have banana - While the peas are cooking: Heat the
leaves, use foil paper). Wrap and tie oil in a skillet. Fry the onions until
with string or banana bark. Put the slightly browned, then add the
small parcels into enough boiling tomatoes, and fish and dried shrimp
water to cover, and cook for one (if desired). Mash and stir the mixture
hour. to form a sauce.
- Stir the onion-tomato mixture into
SAME IDEA USING CORNMEAL the black-eyed peas. Add bouillon
cubes (if you are not using fish or
1 pound cornmeal ingredients are inexpensive This shrimp). Simmer for ten minutes. Add
2 ounces white flour is most commonly served with salt, black pepper, and cayenne or red
1/2 pound sugar shopping list fried ripe plantain (popularly pepper to taste.
1/2 cup grated coconut known as “koko”). It is an ideal While peas and sauce is simmering:
1 teasp. cinnamon powder choice for vegetarians and Prepare fried plantains.
vegans. How to Prepare Fried Plantains:
1 hand full of raisins
INGREDIENTS: Peel and thinly slice the plantains
1 teasp. salt
· 2-3 cups dried cowpeas lengthwise.
1 Tablesp. molasses Fill a skillet with 1 inch of Canola or
(black eyed peas) or similar
2 teasps. vanilla · 1 cup red palm oil (or vegetable oil. Preheat the skillet until
2 and 1/2 cups coconut milk vegetable oil) hot, but not smoking.
How to do it: · 1-2 onions, thinly sliced Fry the plantains until they a nice
Blend all dry ingredients & the · 2-3 ripe tomatoes, golden brown color, and then flip to
grated coconut thoroughly. Mix quartered the other side. This should take about
together the coconut milk, vanilla & · Cayenne pepper or red 2 or 3 minutes in total, but let your
molasses; then add to dry pepper eyes be the judge.
ingredients, stirring briskly. · Salt and black pepper to How to Prepare Boiled Plantains:
Place 1/2 cup of this mixture in taste Drop unpeeled plantains in boiling
center of banana leaf ( whatever · Several ripe or near-ripe water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until a
wrapper you’re using) & fold each plantains test plantain is when pierced with a
side of wrapper to the center; · 1-2 bouillon cubes fork. Peel before serving
overlapping so package will be · 4 Cups Chopped Eggplant
waterproof; package should be a 6- · (Optional) Small piece of
inch square when wrapped. Tie smoked or dried fish Let your food be medicine
twine around bundle in one direction · (Optional) One spoonful and your medicine be food.
& then tie another piece around in of shrimp powder Hippocrates
other direction (like a gift box).
18

Leg Up
Laurel Wright, Monica
her to become the woman she Rhiney and Violet Clacken
is. She congratulated the
organization for the 200 plus
scholarships it has given out to
African Canadian students over
ACAM DANCERS
the years. “We have created a
solid foundation in which to are underprivileged and may need
thrive in Canada.” some special help. “ACAM is well
However, she said, the positioned to do this.”
community needs to refresh Adaoma received a standing
itself by including the ideas and ovation.
issues to meet the needs of this
and future generations. She
noted that there has not been
More than 200 people from all much change in the people who
corners of the community participated in do most of the work and it is
ACAM’s 45th Harambee Awards banquet time to do so serious reflection.
on March 9th at the South Winnipeg She cautioned that the
Holiday Inn. It was a delightful evening organization has to be concerned
of speeches, Awards, entertainment, with its ability to move forward
dancing and food. failing which can risk eroding
Several community leaders brought the gains achieved. She said the PARTICIPANTS
greetings and wished the organizations world has changed since ACAM
MLA MR.J. BIDHU BRINGING GREETING
continued success. was created 45 years ago.
Ajoke Olarundare and Daniel Hildago- Adaoma provided some
Blair received scholarships to assist with concrete solutions for the
university costs. Ajoke Olarundare read a organization to consider:
poem I will not fail written by Nashon Rae. Firstly, to conduct a needs
The ACAM dancers performed a medley assessment to find out what are
of fast paced dances from dancehall to the needs of the community;
reggae styles. It was astonishing how Secondly it needs to bring the
EMALINE JACKSON, PRESIDENT AND
quickly the group changed costumes after elders and youths together to SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT MS OLARUNDARE
each dance of about 5 minutes duration. The work and mentor each other.
performance hiked the evening’s enjoyment Thirdly to be open to change;
a notch higher. Fourthly to bridge the gap
Adaoma Patterson, the featured guest between newcomers and those
speaker was introduced by her godfather who have lived in Canada for a
Tom Millington. long time;
Daughter of Lois and the late Horace Fifthly to expand our
Patterson, Adaoma thanked the community communities to include those not
she called a village for helping to raise previously included, those who

19 19

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