Global Eyes Magazine (GEM) October 2013 print

3rd
QUARTER
October 2013

Manitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine

global eyes

ED
OYENBUCHI
TELLS IT
LIKE HE
SEES IT

Congratulations to Oprah Winfrey on
receiving the Presidential Medal of
Freedom from President Barack
Obama at a star studded event at the
White House. The Medal was created
50 years ago by President J.F.Kennedy.

Reflection
Beatrice Watson
Since the last issue of GEM, the
Caribbean community has lost about six
of its members, many of whom were
not that old and in particular a 35 year
old woman who left two young children
behind.. It is tough on a small
community like ours.
How do we grieve?
We grieve by crying, gradually
come to terms with the loss and to be
able to move on. Intense grief must be
felt and cannot be adequately described
because it is all in the heart and soul
that the turmoil is taking place. Yet we
have a sense of what grief is because
each of us has felt it in some way. We
have all lost loved one through or
divorce.
We grieve more when we feel that a
person has not lived out their lives or
has left behind young children in the
care of others, as if we are assured that
we have a specific time on this earth yet
we have no such guarantee.

When you were born, you cried and
the world rejoiced.
Sometimes it hits us like a bolt of
Live your life in a manner
lightening. Other times like a quiet
stream surrounded by green pastures. so that when you die the world cries
and you rejoice.
It is grace to have faith in these
times because words are not enough, -Native American Proverb
one must come to terms with the
inevitability of life and embrace it on Seeing death as the end of life
their own terms because no rage, no is like seeing the horizon as the end
of the ocean.
tears, no bawling can reverse the
-David Searls
fact.
How do we find the grace in this
helpless, agonzing moment of
physical separation from loved ones?
participation. This does not cost a
“Stay with it and not try to escape
from the ways and rituals we have of lot of money.
cutting ourselves off is one that that What could be more important to
is important in getting the lesson that you?
comes out of the suffering... I feel
like I am between two worlds ...
follow that inward current where you
can feel love in spite of the
suffering”

FOLKLORAMA 2013
The opening night of the Caribbean
Pavilion went like clockwork. It was
smooth operation. Food was good. No
big drama like in some years, it was
good to see so many young, fresh faces
volunteering. Our community has a
new crop and they are embracing the
culture. It’s always nice to see the
littlest members of our community
going on stage for the first time, their
eyes wide open, and smiles from cheek
to cheek for them it’s their Broadway
debut.
Karon, one of the young moms whose
daughter was gracing the stage as part
of the ANANSI Performing Arts Group
Global Eyes Magazine October 2013
2

said that her daughter was so
happy and for a mom to watch
that is special. “My baby girl said
Mom I love to dance. Is that
precious. Makes my heart melt to
see my baby so happy”.”
It does not take much to make
children happy and to grow in
confidence. All it takes is time to
get them involved, take them to
their practice and teach them to
use their time in positive
recreation. At the same time they
will be learning something about
culture, community and

CARIBBEAN PAVILION AMBASSADORS
AND MANAGEMENT TEAM

THE BUCK STOPPED AT THE
CREW

DYNAMIC KITCHEN

Folklorama cont’d to p21

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Gaffin wid Buddy p21
Poems By Neil p17

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Global Eyes is an independent magazine quarterly publication
devoted to promoting cultural awareness of the African and
Caribbean communities of Manitoba and highlighting the
issues and concerns of these communities. It also aims
at promoting cultural diversity and appreciation. Its
It features articles ranging from the achievements of local,
national and international personalities and general information
that are of interest to the African/Caribbean
community. It offers editorials with African/
Caribbean sensibilities and letters to the editor. The
Magazine is produced under a volunteer editorial
committee that assists with proof-reading, publicity and
distribution.

IN THIS ISSUE
Regulars:
Briefs p6
Letter to my children p8
Global Counselor p8
Tips for working with Minorities
part III p10
Healthwise 18
LEG UP p19
3

Human Violations in China

University of Manitoba Social Work Students and the
Falun Gong members raised held and awareness march at
the Manitoba Legislature to raise awareness of the human
rights violations by China against Falun Gong
practitioners. The students also held a one-day workshop
for Manitoba doctors to the organ harvesting practice that
some Manitoba trained Chinese doctors may return to
engage in. The speakers at this event included well know
human rights lawyer, David Matas.

PRAYERS FOR THE PHILIPPINES
On behalf of GEM our heartfelt sympathy goes out
to our Filipino brothers and sisters who have lost
loved ones, friends and their properties, in the recent
typhoon disaster. We stand together with you. We
encourage our readers to show their generosity of
spirit at this time by keeping the Filipino people in
their prayers and by making a donation if possible.
3

GLOBAL
EYES
MAGAZINE
Editor: Beatrice Watson
Distributed to local businesses, and in
Winnipeg and via email to individuals
in Manitoba and former Manitobans in
various parts of the world.
To receive Global Eyes by mail please
send a cheque for $15.00 to:
Global Eyes Magazine
671 Rathgar Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 1G6
Phone: 204-477-1588
globaleyesmagazine@gmail.com
All contents are (c) 2011 and may not
be reprinted without the express or
written consent of the author or Editor.

KUDOS GUYANESE
PHILANTHROPISTS

Regina and friend Sam at a
Mississauga restaurant
The Rodrigues family who hails from the
Rupununi has not forgotten those they left
behind. For the past number of years, sisters
Stephanie Walls and Regina Rodrigues who
live in Ontario have been faithfully sending
4

HOUSE FOR SALE

GEM’s Regular Contributors

Dear Beatrice:
I would like to let the
Caribbean and Black
community know that my
house in Charleswood is
up for sale.
It’s with Royal le Page,
and is on the MLS listing
on the Internet.
Would greatly appreciate
if any in our community
(young people of course)
might be looking for a
house. Any help greatly
appreciated.
Madeline Coopsammy
The Coopsammy’s are
members of the
Caribbean Community

barrels of toys and gifts for the
people in their hometown. Each
year like Santa Claus the
children wait expectantly. The
sisters also make annual trips to
this Guyana’s interior destination
and help with practical needs
wherever they can like making a
bed for a woman who had slept
on the floor for years, helping to
raise funds for a new Church.
This is commendable work and
GEM congratulates this family.

Neil Pitamber,
A prolific writer, poet
and owner, Caribbean
Shield

Lara Badmus, LLB

Discipline Counsel
The Law Society of
Manitoba

QUOTABLE QUOTE

A

PEOP LE W ITHOUT THE

KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR PAST
HISTORY, ORIGIN AND CULTURE
IS LIKE A TREE WITHOUT
ROOTS.

MARCUS GARVEY

Briefs
MANITOBA FIRST
PROVINCE TO
PROCLAIM ISLAMIC
HISTORY MONTH
A proclamation to recognize and
celebrate the history and heritage of
Manitoba Muslims was unveiled at
the Legislative Building, marking
the first time a province has
designated Islamic History Month.
“In Manitoba we value and cherish
our ethnic diversity, to which the
Muslim community contributes so
richly,” said Melnick. “We are
fortunate to share cultural traditions
with our neighbours in a spirit of
inclusiveness and co-operation, and
I’m proud the province is supporting
this proclamation to highlight the
principles of multiculturalism and
social harmony.” said the then
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Minister Christine Melnick .
“Muslims of Manitoba are very
happy and honoured our province is
embracing Islamic History Month,”
said Shahina Siddiqui, chair, Islamic
History Month Canada

Local
YOUR RIGHT TO YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION OF MANITOBANS IS AVAILABLE TO AUTHORIZED HEALTHCARE PROVIDERSAND THEIR SUPPORT STAFF THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL
ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM NAMED ECHART

MANITOBA. TO MAKE
MANITOBANS MORE AWARE OF THEIR HEALTH INFORMATION RIGHTS IN
RELATION TO ECHART, OUR OFFICE PRODUCED A BROCHURE AND VIDEO OUTLINING THE
FOLLOWING SIX RIGHTS THAT CAN BE EXERCISED.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO...
1. KNOW WHY YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION IS BEING COLLECTED
BY A HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER AND WHETHER IT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE
IN ECHART.
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4. KNOW WHO HAS LOOKED AT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION IN
ECHART.
5. HAVE YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION HIDDEN FROM VIEW IN
ECHART.
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NOT SATISFIED WITH A DECISION OR RESPONSE YOU RECEIVE ABOUT ANY
OF THESE RIGHTS.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE RIGHTS IS AVAILABLE IN OUR BROCHURE. TO
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE BROCHURE IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH, OR TO FIND OUT
MORE ABOUT YOUR INFORMATION ACCESS AND PRIVACY RIGHTS UNDER THE
PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION ACT (PHIA) OR THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT (FIPPA), VISIT WWW.OMBUDSMAN.MB.CA. TO
VIEW OUR VIDEO, VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
ECHART, PLEASE VISIT WWW.ECHARTMANITOBA.CA.

VIETNAM WAR VET WINS YM-YWCA WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
Congratulations to the Congress of
Black Women Board member, Randi
Gage who was awarded a Women of
Distinction Award in 2013 in the
category of voluntarism.
Nominated by the Riverton Friendship
Centre for her contribution to the First
Nations Community in general and to
the Veterans in particular, Randi, a
veteran of the Vietnamese War came to
Winnipeg from the USA in 1980s and
became one of the original members of
the original members of the Canadian
Hospice and Palliative Care
Association, she was also a founding
member of the National Aboriginal
Veterans Association serving as its first
Vice President from 1992-1994. She is

5

the founder of the Day of Recognition
and Remembrance for Aboriginal
Veterans which is held on every
November 8.
In addition to being a Board
member (Membership Chair) and
member of the Fundraising Committee
of the Congress of Black Women, Randi
also volunteers with African and
Aboriginal communities, Agape table
Nutrition Centre and served as the
Volunteer Coordinator of the African
Pavilion during Folklorama. Embodied
within Randi’s physicality is the United
Nations. She proudly claims a
multicultural heritage of African, First
Nations and European among others and
Randi embraces all of her.
5

Editorial - Take One
October is
Women’s history
month and it might
seem odd that a
man graces the
cover of Global
Eyes Magazine but women’s history
also involves men and at some point in
time the parallel lines must intersect to
have a functioning society based on
equality principles. Eventually women’s
history must become history.
Ed Oyenbuchi is a man who believes
in women’s equality and respects
women. A man who is now on his
third relationship found out the hard
way that the secret to a lasting
relationship in addition to the primary
ingredient of love also needs respect and
support of each other’s dream. In fact
there can be no love without respect. A
man who loves a woman must also
respect her agency and support her

dreams for herself and be proud of her
accomplishment as she is of his. When
a man sees a woman as his inferior or a
help mate – helping to make his meals,
his children and taking care of house
and family and incapable of anything
more, the relationship is lopsided and
happiness will be elusive.
While there is nothing wrong with a
woman being a help mate in the sense
described above, it must be her calling.
Some women dream only of taking care
of their family and being the best wife or
partner in that regard and there is
absolutely nothing wrong with that. We
all have our dreams and in a loving,
respectful relationship that dream will be
seen as important.
In today’s world men are choosing
more and more to be that helpmate and
allow their wives or partners to achieve
their dreams outside of the home and

sometimes we denigrate such men as lazy
and unambitious but if we think hard about
it is merely our opinion or perspective that
says a man must be the breadwinner or
have the so-called more “important role” in
the family. We are also saying that
women’s work in the home is unimportant.
Men and women form partnership bonds
in families and the more there is equality in
this institution the more successful the
families are. Research shows that the more
they respect and support each other the
more resilient offspring of such relationship
become and an overall better health
outcome for all.
We encourage men to begin to see their
wives/partners as equals with agency and
dreams of their own that need to be
nurtured and supported in a spirit of love
and friendship.

KWANZAA A UNIQUE CELEBRATION OF ANCESTAL TEACHINGS TOR TODAY
KWANZAA INVITATION TO YOU
You are cordially invited to the Congress of Black
women’s annual cultural celebration of Kwanzaa
When – Sunday December 16, 2013
Where - Caribbean Community Cultural Centre
– 1100 Fife street
Time: - 1 – 4:00 p.m.
Contribution: Adults $10.00 children under 12
– Free
Come out and enjoy a bit of Black Culture. There
will be music, songs, storytelling, food and gifts
for the children. Don’t miss out on this
opportunity to learn about your culture or
another’s culture. Registration of children is
required for them to receive a gift. For more
information call: 204-775-4378 or email:
internee@mymts.net or cobw@mymts.net.
Please note: The COBW welcomes donation of
toys or gifts for children attending Kwanzaa.
These can be dropped off at the Congress office
at 704-44 Princess Street. Call first going to the
office.
6

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4-555 Balmoral Ave
Hours: Mon. - Sat.
9 a.m - 7:00 p.m.
Phone: 947-5830

Ed Oyenbuchi one of the African-Caribbean Strongest Champions
Ed Oyenbuchi, PhD., is a well known
community builder in the CaribbeanAfrican community. He has lived in
Winnipeg for more than 30 years and
involved in the founding and leadership of
many community development projects and
organizations in Manitoba. He has
witnessed the African/Caribbean
community’s evolution first hand. In the
early days he said he participated in
anything Black. According to Oyenbuchi,
the African community has grown
significantly in recent years predominantly
due to the successful Provincial Nominee
Program and those who came under this
program appears to be doing very well said
Onyebuchi largely because of the extended
family ties which is the driving force
behind it. He himself has brought about
seven nephews to Winnipeg under the
program.
Global Eyes Magazine (GEM) sat down
with Ed recently at his down town office in
the Manitoba Hydro Building to have a
chat.
GEM: When did you come to Canada and
what brought you here?
Ed: I arrived in Lethbridge Alberta in 1975
as a student to study Business
Administration at the Lethbridge
Community College. I am from the Igbo
tribe in Eastern part of Nigeria and one of
the three major tribes In Nigeria which are
Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa. I was involved in
the Biafra war which ended in 1970. I
wanted to live in a peaceful country after
that and someone recommended Canada.

Ed: After my first degree in Business
Management Arts in Lethbridge, I did
my Masters in Natural Resources
Management at the University of
Manitoba (1979-1980) and Ph.D in
Community and Regional
Development Planning at the
University of British Columbia from
1981- 1986. There was a thriving
black community here and I became
involved in community building ever
since I came to Winnipeg. I love it
here because there were many
Africans and Afro Caribbean living
here. I was one of the founders of the
African Communities of Manitoba
Inc., Nigerian Association of
Manitoba Inc.(NAMI) and the
Umunna (igbo) Cultural Association
of Manitoba Inc..

wool coat with wool on the inside
which did not help. Getting used to
the weather was challenging as it is
for most of us from tropical
countries.

GEM: How did you adjust to life in
Lethbridge and what did you do after
your stint there?
Ed:
I studied and worked during
the holidays. I worked as a
dishwasher at Holiday Inn and other
jobs that many people with options
didn’t want to do. Other than that I
had no real problems. I spoke English
GEM: What were your first thoughts about so I ddn’t need a language adjustment
and people were very nice to me.
Canada or Lethbridge when you landed
there.
GEM: What about family life?
Ed: I was very disappointed. I expected
Family is very important to
high-rises and a vibrant big city. Instead it Ed:
me. I have three sons and six
was a small city like a suburb in Nigerian.
wonderful grandchildren
There were only five other Nigerians in
Lethbridge. It was cold when I arrived
there in a summer suit, I had to tell the cab GEM: okay we’ll get back to that in
driver to take me to the nearest store to buy a little while. How did you end up in
Winnipeg?
a winter coat. Then I bought a n imitation

GEM: What was your first real job
and how easy was itto find that first
job?
Ed: I got my first job through a
friend. I was a Program analyst with
the Manitoba Department of Culture,
then Senior Socio-economic Analyst
with the Manitoba Department of
Environment, then Senior Policy
Analyst with Sustainable
Developoment Coordination Unit,
Manitoba Executive Council and
Senior Economic Consultant with
Manitoba Hydro from 1991 to
present. Through Manitoba Hydro
International, I worked on projects in
China and Liberia. My professional
life is very fulfilling. I love what I do.
GEM: What are some of the
challenges you faced in the workplace
as an immigrant or African?
Ed: Its always hard to assimilate in
another culture. But like any new
immigrant we are resilient. It’s a
tough road but eventually things work
out. I got involved not only in African
associations but also in other main
Continued on p9

7

7

Regulars
Letter to my children
My dear children,
It was thrilling to see 82 year old Alice
Munro snag the most prestigious prize
The Nobel Prize in Literature and the
one that carries the highest financial
reward at the terrific age of 82.
Munro has been a dedicated artist of
the Short Story and she has honed her
skill down to a delicate fine art that will
rival the best of short story writers the
world has ever known. Even though the
short story as a genre is not generally
regarded in the same esteem as the
novel, I believe that Ms Munro has
elevated the short story at least in the
Canadian context as an attractive stand
alone genre with its own weight, form
and particular characteristics. As one

commentator I heard say on the TV
that what Ms Munroe does in a short
story what others have to do in an
entire full length novel. The short
story like poetry must be chiselled
skillfully down to bare bones
making every word count and does
not allow the author the indulgence
of superfluity.
The lesson in this is once you find
your niche, something you love, do
not worry about what is popular the
fact that you love it is what is
important and because you were
called to do something you will be
rewarded. I truly believe this.
Without a doubt Alice Munro could
have easily penned a novel or two

but that was not where her passion
was. Her passion was to create short
stories and do it well. I think the short
story is well suited for our busy
lifestyle. Who has time to read a 200
page novel when one can just as easily
and quickly escape with a short story
and feel transported to someplace else
at the same and usually with more
meat to chew on long after the story is
read.
As Canadians I feel very proud that
one of us has brought home this prize
and Alice Munro is one deserving
Canadian. Through her dedication to
her chosen craft we can all be
inspired to walk out own path with
the integrity she has.
Love, mom

Global Counsellor
Dear global counsellor,
I am a 25 year old Black man from
the Congo. About three weeks ago in
the evening I was driving my van by
Central Park looking for my son who
had gone there to play football with
friends. I was looking in the park and
looking on the road so I was going
very slowly. Suddenly a police officer
came up and stopped my car. He told
me to get out of the car and I did. He
asked me what I was doing there very
roughly and rudely as if I had already
committed a crime. I explained that I
was looking for my son that I had to
pick him up and take him home. The
police did not believe me, he told me
to get into the police cruiser. I am a
big, tall man with arthritis in my back
and knee but he forced me to get into
the back seat while he sat in the front
seat checking on something. After a
while I heard him on the police radio
8

phone talking and the other police
calling for back up. He got out of
the car and told me to get out as if
he was speaking to a dog. I never
felt so humiliated and low in my
life. I was terrified. Something like
this never happened to me since I
am in Canada now six years but it
happened a lot when I was in the
Congo. We are taught not to fear
police but I don’t think that was
accurate. I did not do anything
and yet I was treated like garbage.
What do you have to say about
this?
Sick

and like individuals they are
different with different personalities.
While most police officers are
gentlemen, you will find one or two
bad apples that make the rest look
bad. Unfortunately you had one of
those bad apples. A police officer
does not have blanket authority to
stop people at will. This is a free
country. They must have very good
reasons to stop a law-abiding citizen
and I believe their code of conduct
must be respectable at all times.
They are public servants. Since you
did not resist arrest and did what
you were told, he should have
treated you with respect. You could
Dear Sick,
complain about this officer to the
I am sorry for your experience. But Law Enforcement Review Agency
police officers do not come from a and have them investigate the
cookie cutter. They are individuals matter.

Continued from p7... Community Champion Ed Oyenbuchi
stream groups and professional
associations. I realized that people hire
people they know or people that people
they know know. Since I was an
immigrant everyone I knew was still back
home so I had to work hard on my
network. While its good to stay with your
community I realised I had to make
connections professionally as well. I am
aware my experience may not be average
but what I can encourage immigrants is to
focus on building networks and doing a
good job.
GEM: You’ve done a lot of work in the
community Ed. Are you satisfied with the
state of the African Community at this
point in time.
ED: It’s a work in process. Africa is
diverse and so are its people. I truly
believe the synergy would benefit the
community at large. Having said that the
opposite is equally true because bringing
communities together with such diversity
is challenging but we should be up to the
task. We are a young community compared
to other communities and most of our
people are still trying to find their feet.
GEM: What is wrong with
decentralization of power within the
cultural communities?
Ed: Nothing is wrong with small
organizations but the need to have a
central organization around which the
smaller ones can coalesce is very
important. As long as it’s not rivalry or
competition and the overall goal is for the
greater good. The trick is not to form
smaller groups to replicate what we left at
home in some places where conflict was
based on those groups. That’s why an
umbrella organization would be important
to glue all the smaller groups
GEM: What is the most pressing thing for
African community at this time?
Ed: Our youth. We are losing them .We
have to focus on our youths. We have to
encourage them to remain in school. I
don’t believe that our boys are as focussed
as the girls in our community. Our boys
9

are heavy into sports which is good
keeps them busy. But there has to be a
balance. Because sports have never
worked for everyone. We have to
motivate the youth to find balance and
diversify. Not be caught in a all or
nothing. We also have to sell technical
skills to the youth not everyone is
university or NBA bound but there are
a lot of skill based training that have
benefited the youth in many
communities.
GEM: What is the best way to deal
with this issue?
Ed: We need more mentorship
programs. When our youths are
failing they have to be encouraged to
seek help. We have to encourage them
to keep good friends. We should all
look out for all the youth. Because we
lose/gain together. The friends a child
has are critical to that child’s
company. We have to encourage them
to create networks outside of their
cultural communities to join or create
multicultural networks. This is
important for their long term survival,
I got my job in government through a
friend outside my community, the
person I went to school with and kept
that contact alive after school. Gave
me access s to his network
GEM: There have been many efforts
you have been involved with to create
a Unified Organizations for Blacks in
Winnipeg - what has been the
challenge for you in this regard?
ED: True, I have been in every effort
to integrate the African and Caribbean
communities. I feel we have let our
children down because we have been
unable to unite. We don’t seem to
have a big picture or look at the
greater good. It is my biggest regret
in my community development work,
not being able to achieve this unity. In
order to influence the political system
we need to come together. Our
fragmentation does not serve us well.

GEM: What’s the best thing that
happened to you?
ED: Meeting Mwaka. She has
changed my life completely. She has
been a positive force in my life. I
was overweight when I met her and
I thought I looked good but she
made it clear right away that I had
to lose weight, that my weight was
not healthy. I have been in the gym
ever since and this year I ran my
first 18 miles and feeling in top
form, thanks to her.
GEM: What makes this relationship
different from the others, what is the
glue that keeps you together?
Ed: Very good friends , respecting
each other and being each other’s
cheerleader, in other words, support
and proud of each other, then things
fall into place. I am very happy with
my life right now.
GEM: What’s in your future?
Ed: Retirement and continue my
work in the community and in
continental Africa. I feel the time
will come when I will be able to
make some meaningful
contributions to Africa because I
have a lot of experience and skills in
various areas which Africa needs.
GEM: Thanks Ed. I know this is
just scratching the surface of your
contributions to our community and
hope we can continue this
discussion in the future.
Ed: Definitely.

QUOTABLE QUOTE
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it
living someone else’s life. Don’t be
trapped by dogma - which is living with
the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions
drown out your own inner voice. And
most important, have the courage to
follow your heart and intuition.
Steve Jobs
9

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH MINORITIES (Part 3)
Adapted from Catrice Jackson’s Article)
As the relationship grows:

9. Do not use defense
mechanisms. If a
minority shares a personal story laced with
stereotyping, profiling, discrimination and
or prejudice, believe it, period! If you
question it, you lose trust. If you deny or
minimize it, you lose trust. If you dismiss
the minority’s perspective or justify the
conduct complained about, you lose trust.
The most common responses that can lead
to a loss of trust include the following
examples:
(i)
“Are you sure that really
happened”?
(ii)
“Oh yes I know, that happened
to me too”;
(iii) “I can understand, as a woman I
have experienced that too”;

disparities that minorities face on a
The first one is laced with
daily basis. An ally is someone who
minimization and denial, the second owns their own privileges and does
one is laced with justification and
not deny or minimize it, but uses it
the last one is laced with shifting
to promote, speak out and advocate
the focus and minimizing. You
for equality seeking minorities. One
should therefore be careful, just
thing is sure, we minorities know
listen and support.
an ally when we see one and often
times, within the first few
10. And finally (although I could
interactions, if not the first.
give you a couple more
I hope you find value in these tips
tips)…..become an ally. An ally is
and apply them in your professional
someone who embraces differences, or work relationships with
is sensitive to those differences and minorities. That way, we can all
uses their cultural and emotional
work together to establish positive
intelligence to navigate the tricky
and progressive work relationships
waters of inter-racial relationships. in a world where the work force is
An ally believes, supports and
becoming increasingly diverse.
validates a minority’s experiences.
An ally is knowledgeable about the

“Blackface” as your Halloween Costume?
Each year this issue comes up and Black
folks get hot under the collar and some
White folks can’t or won’t understand why?
Here is how one young woman feels about
this
In fact, that is my question: How does it
feel to be white?
How does it feel to move through the
world without being accused, for instance,
of “shopping while black”? How does it feel
to know police officers are there to help you
rather than surveil you? How does it feel to
have the full range of your experiences
represented on the big and small screen?
How does it feel to be the dominant race in
the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court,
almost all 50 governorships, every state
legislature in the country and most cities
and local governments too?
I imagine that that feels good. Safe. I’m
not asking for a perverse descent into white
guilt here. I am asking white people to
10

recognize that that goodness and
innate comfort that you feel in your
own skin, that uncompromised
sense of your own humanity is
exactly how you are supposed to
feel.
I am asking you to recognize that
black people and brown and native
people are supposed to feel any way
other than that.
When you grapple with how it feels
to be white, you will be much closer
to understanding how it feels to be
black.
these foolish racists who clearly
have no moral compass. Caitlin
Cimeno is no innocent bystander
herself. On her Facebook page, she
mocked a picture of a little black
girl in a T-shirt that said, “Black
Girls Rock.” Caitlin intimated that
if she “told the truth” using the

converse logic that “white girls
rock” she’d be called racist. I won’t
spend time explaining that any
more than I spend time explaining
why we don’t have white
entertainment television and white
history month.
White people are not that obtuse.
And the ones who are are willfully
ignorant.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Instead, for those folks who
consider themselves enlightened, I
will simply say that one of the
easiest ways to not be racist this
Halloween season is to say no to
blackface and tell your less
enlightened friends to say no, too.
Black America and the diasporic
black world thank you.”
~Brittney Cooper

11

11

The Art of Aging Gracefully by Dr. Lois Archer
Dr. Lois Archer
highlighted some
important aspects
to bear in mind
when
contemplating the
ageing process
and in particular,
thoughts on how
to age gracefully.
Here is a synopsis of her presentation
without the humorous power point
slides and inspiring quotes
delivered at the Guyanese Cultural
Organization’s Banquet on May 25,
2013.
The pursuit of happiness should not
end with career, marriage and family
because sadly, as one ages, these things
may become less present. But
happiness boosts the immune system
and reduces stress. When you are
stressed, your heart rate goes up, your
digestion slows, and blood flow is even
blocked to certain muscles. If you
experience chronic stress, these
conditions could lead to actual physical
disorders like obesity, diabetes and
ulcers.
Most of us say we would like to age
gracefully. But the concept seems
pretty much out of our hands. Why?
Because we didn’t just take the simple,
natural measures we could have taken
daily while we were still young. Did
you know that only ONE THIRD of
what controls how gracefully we will
age is determined by genetics? It’s
shocking, I know. That means there is
an entire two thirds that are completely
based on your own choices. Here are
some of the healthiest ways to
approach these choices on our journey
to ageing gracefully.
STIMULATION
Keep active and involved.
12

Happiness is easier to cultivate than disease, dementia, osteoarthritis,
you think. Believe that life still has depression and obesity. One study found
enjoyable experiences to offer you. that women who walk briskly for just 5
Even if you just don’t see how you hours a week have a 76% higher chance
can be happy as you age, force
of aging gracefully and healthily, with
yourself to go to events, to
less physical and mental impairment.
gatherings, to dinner with friends.
Don’t Run From Novelty.
Live a great wellness lifestyle.
The brain loves new experiences Your goal might be to eventually die
and sensations. Have you ever really healthy, as late in life as possible. Have
regretted trying something new? So you given up on exercise? A lot of older
long as it didn’t harm you
people have – just one out of four
[Skateboarding, motor bike, flambé] people between the ages of 65 and 74
Contrary to what many people
exercises regularly. Many people
believe, your brain has the ability to assume that they’re too out-ofshape, or
continue building neural connections sick, or tired, or just plain old to
throughout the entire lifespan. So
exercise. They’re wrong. Exercise is
don’t be afraid of new phenomena almost always good for people of any
that simply didn’t exist when you
age (National Institute on Aging).
were younger. Jump head first into Exercise can help make you stronger,
social media classes, or trying a new prevent bone loss, and improve balance
food everyone is raving about. Doing and coordination.
so will cultivate curiosity, creativity Medical Journal.
and an open mind, additional traits
Keep a personal medical journal that
linked to longevity.
includes a record of past illnesses,
Become A Social Butterfly
injuries, treatments, tests and
Research shows that those who are screenings, hospitalizations, current
more socially connected, that doesn’t medications, and family history.
just mean going to activities and
Immunizations. Make sure you’re up to
events but actually cultivating
date on all recommended
friendships from them, live longer. immunizations. The Centers for Disease
LONGEVITY!! This is just another Control provides adult immunization
way to ward off depression. As we information.
age and can no longer do the things
Annual physicals. Get a complete
we used to do, we begin to feel
physical examination that includes
“useless.” But something you can
measurement of blood pressure,
always offer is a set of ears, some
urinalysis, and complete blood work, as
good advice, and the ability to make well as an electrocardiogram (EKG) to
someone laugh.
promote healthy living. A physical will
HEALTH
Maintain and even improve your
health and body. Go to extreme
lengths to become remarkably fit.
Exercise vigorously on a daily basis.
Exercising regularly makes you less
likely to develop diabetes, heart

screen for such common conditions as
hypertension, diabetes, elevated serum
cholesterol, anemia, and liver or kidney
problems. Keep the results in your
personal medical record.
Living Will. Advanced Healthcare
Directives. Power of Attorney. Choose
strong Advocate – Best Interest. Plan for

future. Speak and plan now for when
you are no longer able. Document your
wishes
Develop a heightened sense of
humor.
Watch comedies, Read comics/
Funnies. Retell jokes …
Depression is a real threat among the
old; some drift into isolation,
bitterness, and a sense of
meaninglessness. Can so easily happen
INDEPENDENCE
The Old Are Survivors. It’s true that
aging brings hardships, but remember
that the old are survivors, a select
group. Wisdom, resilience, and a
mature perspective are often cited as
the hard-won prizes of aging. But
growing old itself is an
accomplishment.
Get real! Accept the rules of life.
You can’t be a child forever, nor can
you be a 30-something when you hit
your 50s and 60s. Everybody knows
this on some level, but many
unconscious desires, hopes and
frustrations occur when the reality of it
is not accepted at the deepest,
unconscious level. In many ways,
getting old is not as good as being
young, but it’s life. Deal with it as
cheerfully as possible.
Accept the inevitable changes of
aging, rather than seeing them as
aberrant crises. If you live until you’re
95 years old, you’re probably not
going to be living alone in a beautiful
home and driving your car to the
grocery store, walking a mile to the
park, going dancing every Saturday
night. But if you know that ahead of
time, it’s much easier to manage it.
BE IN THE GROUP of other people.
These people anticipate what’s going
to happen. “It’s more of a ‘Yes, I knew
this was coming and I know that I’ll
negotiate my way through it.’”
Finding Meaningful Activities
13

Watch less TV. Continue to find meaning later in life.
When 600 people age 85+ were asked to identify the key components of
successful aging, the top answer surprised even the experts: resilience.
They defined it as being able to adjust to circumstances, focus on gains
rather than losses, and appreciate blessings.
The gift of life
The greatest gift we have ever received is life itself. What we receive at
the same time, is the consciousness to appreciate our gift of life, as well as
the possibility to respond to life in whichever way we like, day-to-day,
moment-to moment. It is not always easy to respond to this life gracefully.
If we are healthy enough to take care of ourselves: get out of bed, get
dressed, use the bathroom, control bodily functions and get into your car
and go – life can still be very good.

CREATIVE TRAITS IN THE FAMILY

LILY

SONJA
Lily Rosenberg and Sonja Rosenberg created excitement amongst
shoppers and window shoppers at their recent trunk show at the
Winnipeg Art Gallery on the weekend of October 25-27. Streams of
admirers and curious patrons dropped in and out on the opening day,
October 25, 2013 making it a great after work destination.
Lily and her niece Sonja both talented jewellery artists approached
their art with boldness, confidence and inspired forms.
A seasoned jewellery designer Lily’s work is inspired by world
culture and their artifacts. She incorporates traditional goldsmithing
techniques and surprising materials such as glass, steel and fibre to
produce stunning works; while the recent university graduate Sonja’s
work explores stone elements as the focal point isolating their texture
color and form. This is complemented by use of alternative materials
including glass, micro beads, resin, horse hair and sea sponge.
Many of the pieces were snapped up quickly as Christmas gifts and
personal favourites. However there is more. If you would like to find
out more about the artists or view their work privately you can contact
Lily at:contact.
13

HEALTHWISE
Herbed Garlic
Cauliflower Rice
A healthy cauliflower side dish
flavored with fresh herbs and salt
and pepper.gredients
o 1 head cauliflower, cut into
florets
o 1 tablespoon water
o 1 tablespoon olive oil
o 2 cloves minced garlic
o 2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs
(any combination: cilantro, parsley,
basil, oregano, sage, thyme)
Instructions
o Grate the cauliflower florets or
pulse in a food processor until it
resembles rice.
o Place the grated cauliflower and
water in a microwave-safe covered
dish.
o Cook cauliflower in microwave
on high for 4 minutes.
o Heat olive oil on medium heat in
a large saute pan.
o Add the garlic and cook until
fragrant.
o Stir in the riced cauliflower and
cook for 3-5 minutes until tender,
stirring occasionally.
o Remove the pan from heat and
fold in the fresh herbs before serving

30-SECOND NUT MILK
Inspired

by Raw Food, Real World
(Regan Books, 2005)
2 heaping tablespoons raw nut butter
2 cups filtered water
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons agave nectar or 1
packet stevia
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut butter
(optional)
14

1. In a blender, puree all
ingredients until smooth.
BASIC ALMOND MILK
1 cup raw almonds, soaked at
least 4 hours
3 cups filtered water
1. In a high-speed blender blend
the nuts and water for about 2
minutes until the nuts are

completely blended.
2. Strain the mix through multiple
layers of cheesecloth in a
colander two times.
ALMOND NOG
1 batch basic almond milk
5 large soft pitted dates
2 very ripe bananas
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts
(optional)
In a high-speed blender add all
ingredients and blend until
combined.
Adjust sweetness to taste by
adding more or less dates.
The macadamia nuts are optional
but they will give the drink a
thicker consistency

GUYANESE
PINE TART
2 cans crushed pineapple
Sugar - depends how sweet you
want it
1 large egg
Pastry
1 lb (16 oz) flour
1/2 lb (8 oz) of Crisco shortening
Instructions:
Drain most of the liquid from the
pineapple in the cans, then empty
the cans into a pot. Add sugar till the
sweetness is desired to your taste.
Boil the pineapple on a medium
fire until the juice is absorbed but
the fruit is not dry. Stir often to
avoid burning. Put aside to cool.
Prepare the pastry: mix the flour
and shortening together until the
mixture becomes crumbly like bread
crumbs.
Then, as you mix with your hands,
add small amounts of ice cold water
as needed, and knead until the flour
mixture becomes soft and doughy.
Break off 1½ inch balls and roll out
into thin rounds.
Put an amount of the pineapple
mixture in the center of each round,
and then close the pastry over the
filling to form a triangle-shaped tart.
Use a fork to pinch the corners shut.
Beat the egg in a bowl and brush
it on top of the pine tarts.
Put the tarts in an oven preheated
to 350Â°F, and bake for 20 - 25
minutes or until done

Let your food be medicine
and your medicine be food.
Hippocrates

Leg Up
It was a night of
celebration, festivity and
thanksgiving at The Nigeria
Canada Congress of
Manitoba’s (NICCOM)
Independence Anniversary
and Scholarship and
Community Achievers
awards night on Friday
October 4, 2013 at the
Norberry Glenlee
Community Centre.
The hall was pack with a diverse people
including children, politicians and
community leaders. There was an
abundance of cultural foods, entertainment
and speeches.
Honorable Steven Fletcher, MP for
Charleswood presented an inspiring keynote
address about his life spiced with humour
and gratitude for being a Canadian.
Born in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Steven was
a dynamic 23 year old engineer when while
driving to work one wintry morning his life
changed completely. “I hit a moose with
my sedan and it took a long time before
anyone found me. By the time I got to the
hospital I was a paraplegic. I was told by
the medical professionals, I would be in
an institution for the rest of my life.”
In spite of the dire prognosis of the medical
community, Mr. Fletcher is living proof that
it’s not over until he says it is over. The
power of the human mind has been proven
time and again to defy professionals.
“I learned to adapt. It was a new
beginning for me. One by one the barriers
broke down. I became the first disabled
person (Member of Parliament) in the
House of Commons.

15

Mr. Fletcher said that Canadians
could learn a lot from the Nigerian
experience where there are 36 states
and 500 ethnicities. “No matter
where you come from you would be
able to reach your potential.”
He thanked the Nigerians for
choosing Canada “bringing the best of
Nigerian to Canada makes Canada
better and richer.”
Mr. Fletcher said he was asked by
CJOB some time ago why would
people vote for him.
He replied “Some people are
paralysed from the neck up rather than
from the neck down. It is the content
of character, hard work and your
ability to deal with the cold, that’s
what you would be judged by,” he
said.
In closing Mr. Fletcher presented
Mrs. Kenny Daodu with one of his
Bubble Head Dolls as a personal
tribute to her warmth and
camaraderie. He also noted she was a
good kisser, on the cheeks of course.

Community
Champions
At its recent gala event
NICCOM honoured the following
community members: Beatrice
Watson, Global Eyes Publisher,
Police Chief, Devon Clunis and
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, Executive
Gov. of Oyo State, with
NICCOM’s Insightful Leadership
Awards and Mr. Jim Ogunnoiki,
Afro-Caribbean Association
President and founder of ACAM
job Fair with the Community
Leader Award. Six students also
received Scholarship Awards for
their volunteer and academic
achievements. Congratulations to
all.

Prof. Wole Akinremi presents to Mr. Jim
Ogunnoiki (r)

NIGERIAN CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY

Trudy Turner,
politician
presents to
Beatrice Watson

RCAF, Captain
Wright Eruebi
presents to Sgt.
Stan Parag. on
behalf of Supt.
Clunis

15

A Career Nowhere Near Ordinary
Brooke Turnbull is ready to face the challenge of
police work head on, and the 17-year-old is confident
that her future lies with the RCMP.
“There is definitely the opportunity to travel,” said
Turnbull. “You can go all around the world if you
want.”
Turnbull was one of over 60 females who attended a
RCMP Recruiting Lunch on Thursday, July 11. The
purpose of the lunch was to introduce prospective
female applicants to current RCMP members and
offer insight into what a life in the RCMP is really
like.
“We really wanted to provide an open and relaxed
atmosphere for potential applicants to visit, ask
questions, whatever they wanted,” said Cst. Izza
Mian, a recruiter for “D” Division RCMP in
Winnipeg.
A variety of RCMP members, both female and
male, gave their time to attend the lunch and speak
frankly about what working in the Force is like for
women, and men, in the 21st century.
“The doors are wide open for women in which
ever area they want to pursue,” said Mian. “There are
over 150 specializations to choose from – so the
possibilities are endless.”
Cpl. Ron MacDougall is a dog handler for the
RCMP and provided a demonstration with his
partner, Corbin. The dog was visibly excited to have
such a large audience.
“He’s still very young,” said MacDougall of the
two-year-old pup. “He’s not fully trained yet.”
MacDougall, who has 34 years of service, added that
although Corbin comes home with him and lives with
him, he’s not a “pet”. You can’t become overly
emotional and attached.
“We work together,” he said. “He’s not treated
like a regular pet dog, and it’s important that we both
recognize the distinction.”
Insp. Joanne Keeping also found time to visit with
the guests.
“I have been a member for 25 years and to me the
lunch was an excellent opportunity to have “one-onone” time with young women interested in policing,”
she said. “The set-up also allowed for a more relaxed
informal environment where questions could be
16

asked and answered without the inhibition that a more
formal setting sometimes brings.”
This female-oriented event is just one of many that the
RCMP Recruiting Unit plans to hold in an effort to
increase the number of women members in the force.
The goal is to achieve 35 per cent female membership in
the RCMP. The current number is 21 per cent.
To contact “ D” Division Recruiting, email DDivRecruiting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or visit www.rcmpcareers.ca
today.
by Holly Plato, RCMP Communications

NOVEMBER 18 PROCLAIMED NURSE PRACTIONER DAY
The contributions of the more than 100 Manitoba Nurse
Practitioners have been recognized in the recent
proclamation of a special day to honour the nurses by
Health Minister Erin Selby. Congratulations.

Neil Pitamber’s Poetry - Life and Shtuff
YOUTH IN REVOLT
One last shot

I’m just pickin’ up moss’
Squeeze dry and run
Have you guessed as yet?
Down from the roof before they’ve learned Phone is tapped with imported beer
We’ve left the towels to dry in rain
Someone! Someone is always there…
And the echelon unrung
Listening…
Dragonfly wings are stainglass windows I love the scattered look
Baker-Miller pink is ‘all’ but subtle
(love the scat yard look)
Espresso with Johnnie Walker Blue
If you brainwash
As youth under the gun
Will it (need a) shrink?
I long to feel those days again
The replacement fee is costly
Excusing myself on the western side
Most recognizable smell in the world
Of my parent’s home
Next to fresh-brewed coffee…
Throwing glares like javelins
And hording polished river stones
MOHS SCALE
One last time
Put your ear to the wind
Lace over tongue
Laughter and gaffter
Down from the roof before we’ve learned The best people travel by train
They’ve done away with highschool years Amour the merrier
In trade for golden ones…
Telling you all the beautiful things
Life should be like
GAG ORDER
Don’t fail to go if they ever invite you
Fairytales are empty calories
Quality of conversation will vary
Aesop’s Fables inject colour
All these things do suffer some time
Into grey matter
Have a slice of pata negra with figs
It really doesn’t
Taste of acorn is the cure and wellI’m wising up
cured
To know there is no Heaven
What is domestic to Schlitz or Blatz?
But fool enough to believe
Present your ticket once you’re on
Exacerbate this awful lie
board…
Exaggerate commonality
Hesitate to present ‘truth’
KOAN
Prayer is as intimate
‘He must have a soft frontelle,’ she
As self-mutilation
said
I’m wising up
‘How else would those light bulbs
To know there is no better
Come and go?’
But not fool enough to leave…
Says he ‘feels like a pedophile’
When he drinks twelve-year old
PERKS
rums…
Hint: Starts with an ‘end’
Name is not unique, but for the spelling
And ‘enn’s’ with an ‘ess’
And if not the spelling—
‘Ambien in a moment, Charles!’
Then the ‘circumstance’ that
(Naproxin-ately, how many left?)
surrounds…
‘Howmgonna, howmgoona, howm…’
The bereaved and the bald
Dutch Schultz is on the wire, Boss’
The crashed and the curious
I like the kid but he just babbles on
Can I ‘believe this weather’?
‘Naw, Pete ain’t my son;
17

It’s not a parable…
What do you think the author meant?
You respond, ‘well, it ‘sounds’ like…’
And if I tell you something personal?
Your only retort is, ‘uh, yes; I ‘see’…’
What have I shown you
That you think you’re reading me?
ROCHE LIMIT
Love in the name of scorn—
Desperate for practice
He hit on his feminine side
Live to spite another day—
There are so few people I welcome
Into my personal space
So many more that make an assumption
That they are welcome here
I think, therefore I can—
There are a lot of sheep
Think they are wise enough to
shepherd
And don’t know a wolf from Peter
We pay for the ‘privilege’—
Not consumption (estimate stands)
Alive enough to suffer
But too dead to act…
Think I’ll call in ‘fat’ tomorrow
Tell them I broke my hurt
Life as we ‘poet’ only seems to work…
PThe sun sets oil-less down in winter
Save from spilling out the sphincter
Rehearsed one-liners
And nursed half-truths
About condos with outrageous dues
In Australia, Trinidad
and Texas
False I know but still
I’m very jealous…

17

Creative Spark Spotlight
DID YOU KNOW... A SHORT
STORY FOR CHILDREN

By: Uzoma Asagwara
Did you know that you’re cool
and have wonderful hair? And if
someone says different, that you
shouldn’t care? Did you know
that your smile brightens up a
whole room? When someone else
is sad, it makes them feel brand
new! Did you know when you
dance you’ve got some nice
moves? So good others put on
their own dancing shoes! Did you
know the thing about you, you
thought wasn’t great? It actually
makes you wonderful! It’s NOT a
mistake. Did you know when
you feel down and feel really,
really stuck? There’s someone
who loves you and will pick you
right back up. Did you know
sometimes when you get really

In Celebration of March 21st The
International Day for the Elimination of
mad? It’s ok to feel that way?
Racial Discrimination The Manitoba
Even at your mom and dad! Did
Association for Rights & Liberties (MARL) is
you know if today was only okay? hosting our 4th Annual March 21st: Human
Rights Film Festival. This festival strives to
Tomorrow’s a new one, so go
promote discussion, while showcasing films
make it GREAT! Did you know
that address local and global social
it’s okay to cry and let it all out?
inequalities from a human rights perspective.
When you’re done, there’s more
We are now accepting submissions of both
room inside for what really counts.
feature length and short film/video for the
Did you know that being sad
2014 festival.
won’t last forever? Just ask
Films must address human rights,
anyone, who ever was, it always
multiculturalism or interfaith issues. Films
gets better. Did you know just
may be fictional, experimental, dramatic or
when you thought life was already documentary.
Submission Deadline: December 13th, 2013
pretty good. Something amazing
could happen? Want to celebrate? Please send submissions to:
Film Fest Selection Committee
You should! Did you know you
may not always finish first or ace The Manitoba Association for Rights and
Liberties
every test? Don’t worry its okay,
507-294 Portage Avenue
as long as you always do your
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
best. Did you know there is one
R3C 0B9
thing, two things, three things, and or by email at connect@marl.mb.ca.

even four, That makes you super
awesome? And I bet you that
there’s more! Did you know the
most important love you will ever,
ever own… Is the love that you
have for yourself? It’s the most
valuable you know! Did you know
there’s something beautiful for you
at the end of this book? After the
last page, find a mirror and stand
in front of it. Then take a look.

LISA M ARIE TUCKER
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:
JENNIFER NEM BHARD, FLUTE AND
RECORDER

TIM CHURCH, PERCUSSION
CONCERT DATES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, AT 8:00 P.M.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, AT 8:00 P.M.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, AT 3:00 P.M.
AT RENAISSANCE HOUSE STUDIO
CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN SUMMER PICNIC IN THE PARK
3 MILES NORTH OF OAKBANK MB
TICKETS
The Congress of Black Women of $20 IN ADVANCE, $23 AT THE DOOR
Manitoba had a fun day in the
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 30 PEOPLE PER
park over the summer. Members
CONCERT
got together to enjoy the beautiful FOR TICKETS CALL (204) 444-4881 OR
sunny day with food, music and
EMAIL
gaffing. It was a relaxing day for LISATUCKERRENAISSANCEHOUSE@GMAIL.COM
all and the consensus was to do
this again next year.
18

SALOME WILLIANS

DAYS
IN
WINNIPEG

CUL
TURE

2013
19

19

Driving Made Easy
Elegance Driving School
Where driving is made easy
Joe Eko-Davis
Senior Driving Instruction
1-204-654-2710
Cell: 204-292-6489
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20

2nd Floor
Forks Market,

Market
Place

Gaffin wid Buddy
Eh, eh man, ah bump into an old frien
de adda day walking
down de street. Ah stap
an ask he wha
happening. De man luk
beaten down and
haggard out. He ask me
if ah din hear dat he
married again. Ah nearly jump out me
skin because de man just put he wife
down about a year ago. Ah seh man yuh
ah wan fas movah. Ah din know wha
else fuh seh so ah change de
canvasation an ask about he son? He seh
de bouy stap talking to him and he dint
see he son since he pick up wid anada
woman. Ah could see he was sad about
dat.
Ah vencha out an ask he if he knew
dis woman befoh his wife dead he said
no.
“Man look I was scared, ah didn’t what
do do wid meself. Is like a big hole was
swallowing me up man. Wan week afta
me wife dead Ah was lukking fuh a
replacement and a fine jus de right
woman fuh me. We have a lot in
common an she din want move in wid
me in a common law situation. Ah had
no choice but to marry her”
And how is tings wukking out a seh.
Ah luck out man tings are aright. We
tight. She is a good woman, a good
companion. Ah kian like nobady like
me fus wife. She is a warm body and
she is a Christian. Ah found God.
Dat’s good man. God is good.
God is good. God is filling dat
emptiness dat no woman can fill
Glad about dat.
Yeah but we have to walk a spiritual
life with feet of clay, I’ll find dat woman
who can ignite my spirit. I will
Yeah, right. Tek it easy man and as Ms
Lou would say, walk good.

21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
FRANCESCA

Ms Omudhohwo Oshobe(a
recipient of Congress of Black
Women (COBW )scholarship 2011
graduated on Oct 18th 2012 with a
Master of Science from the department
of Mechanical and Manufacturing at
the University of Manitoba. She is
working as a Repair Development
Specialist at the engineering
Department of Cadorath Group
Winnipeg. Omudhohwo is originally
from Nigeria. She loves Canada and is
grateful to have found the COBW
where she finds many “moms and
sisters” to provide support to her.
Ms Omudhohwo is a Board member
of the COBW.
Folklorama cont’d from p2

Francesca Cotroneo recently
celebrated a significant birthday with
her daughter Teresa and nephew
Tony. Francesca was tickled pink
when received this lovely bouquet
from her son Tony in Vancouver who
could not be present.

CHRIS
Desire Richards recently threw a
great birthday party for her husband
Chris at the Caribbean Cultural
Centre and included all the guests
who celebrated their birthday in
October to help in cutting the cake.
The evening was a hoot with lots of
food, karaoke and friendship. It was
an enjoyable evening..

Above is the late Clifford
Alexander performing a
dance in memory of their
father and grandfather
who died during
Folklorama celebrations,
a place he would have
been volunteering his time
if had not left us.
Enigma and his boys
stole the show tat this
year’s fFolklorama. The
boys mesmerized
theaudience with
cuteness..
21

WINNIPEG HOME GIRLS LISA CODRINGTON AND BAHIA WATSON WERE BIG
HITS AT FEMFEST 2013
Lisa Codrington’s one woman show pox into a comprehensive cautionary
tale, on how to survive the
“The After” in which she played the
unimaginable.
character Jane preparing for the
Apocalypse and urged everyone to be
get ready was engaging and skillfully
presented. She took the audience
through various moods and in one
poignant moment when she spoke about
the death of a child it was difficult to
swallow the lump in one’s throat.
Originally from Winnipeg Lisa now
lives in Toronto and is involved in the
Toronto’s art scene. Her performance
was done in a lecture format into which
she weaved a tale of The Great Flood,
Hurricane Katrina, and her own personal
experience with zombies and chicken

LISA CODRINGTON
GUERILLA OF SOUL FUNDRAISER

Noma Sibanda and the Guerrilla of
Soul rocked the packed Studio One
venue of their fundraising event to
produce the band’s first album. Backed
by seasoned local singers and emceed
by Steve Kirby, Head of the
Department of Jazz University of
Manitoba, the event was highly
successful. Chef Rob Thomas whipped
up some delicious finger foods that
disappeared as soon as they landed on
the serving table. The multicultural
audience was treated to delicious
music and old time favourites like
Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata and the
Click Song.
NOMA

22

It was all about Pum Pum and
even those who do not understand
creole or patois got the message
loud and clear. The duo team of
Liza Paul Toronto actress of
Jamaican parents and home girl
Bahia Watson of Guyanese
background took the audience out

LISA PAUL AND BAHIA WATSON

of their comfort zone and you either
stewed your teeth or bus out a laff.
These girls took the funny bone
from their heritage and made it their
own. They touched on many hot
topics for women including dating,
sex, relationships, men, agency and
more.They have played Pomme
through Toronto, New York,
Rochester and add to that Winnipeg.
Pomme was selected as the best of
Fringe in the Toronto Fringe festival
in 2012. There will be lots of
laughter, lots.

UERILLA OF

SOUL BAND

GLOBAL EYES MAGAZINE AND AFRO CENTRA HAS TEAMED UP TO BRING YOU CULTURALLY UNIQUE CARDS AND POSTERS
Get your
Culturally
appropo
Kwanzaa
Birthday
And posters
Arts and
crafts
Etc
Call 477-1588
for more
information
and to order

AFROCENTRIC CARDS AND POSTERS FOR SALE
BY SONIA HINDS LEMOINE FORMER OWNER OF
AFRO-CENTRA BOOKSTORE. GEM RECEIVES
20% OF YOUR PURCHASE AS DONATION.

23

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Global Eyes Magazine (GEM) October 2013 print

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Global Eyes Magazine (GEM) October 2013 print