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Greg Fergus: A Historic Journey to Becoming Canada’s First Black Speaker

admin — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:59:22 +0000

In a groundbreaking moment in Canadian political history, Greg Fergus made history as the first Black Canadian to hold the prestigious role of Speaker of the House of Commons. Replacing Anthony Rota, Fergus, a Liberal MP representing Hull—Aylmer in the National Capital Region of Quebec, achieved this historic milestone amidst a backdrop of international controversy. This article delves into the journey and responsibilities of Greg Fergus as the newly appointed Speaker, the significance of his appointment, and a glimpse into his personal and political background.

Greg Fergus: A Historic Appointment

Greg Fergus’s election as the Speaker of the House of Commons marked a momentous occasion not only for him but for all Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, acknowledging the significance of this moment, hailed Fergus as the first Black Canadian to assume the role. After over a century and a half of exclusively white speakers, Fergus’s election is a significant step towards a more inclusive and diverse Canadian political landscape.

The Role of the Speaker

Fostering Respectful Debate

One of the key aspects of Greg Fergus’s vision for his role as Speaker is to ensure that parliamentary debates maintain a respectful tone. He emphasized the importance of treating fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) with respect, setting an example for Canadians. In a political climate often marked by heated exchanges, Fergus’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and respect is a breath of fresh air.

Balancing Government Business and MPs’ Rights

The Speaker plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the government’s ability to conduct its business efficiently and the rights of all MPs as outlined in the House of Commons rules. They ensure that debates are conducted in an orderly manner, that votes are cast in case of ties, and that decorum is maintained within the chamber.

Administrative and Diplomatic Duties

Beyond the parliamentary chamber, the Speaker is the head of the House of Commons administration employees, responsible for its overall direction and management. They oversee matters of administrative and financial policy affecting the House and its members. Additionally, the Speaker represents the House in its interactions with the Senate, the Crown, and other external bodies, including diplomatic functions.

A Glimpse into Greg Fergus's Background

Before ascending to the role of Speaker, Greg Fergus’s life and career were marked by a commitment to public service and advocacy. Born in Montreal, Fergus hails from a family with roots in Montserrat, and he holds two bachelor’s degrees—one in social science from the University of Ottawa and another in international relations from Carleton University. His academic pursuits also included graduate studies in international relations.

Fergus’s political journey began with work as a policy adviser in various ministerial offices, followed by his appointment as the national director of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2007. Over three decades, he contributed his expertise to both the private and public sectors, including serving on the board of directors for Aylmer Arms, a residence for retired and semi-retired seniors.

In the realm of Canadian politics, Fergus made a significant impact. He served as the president of the Young Liberals of Canada from 1994 to 1996, a pivotal period when the youth wing voted to recognize same-sex marriage. His dedication to advancing social issues and civil rights was evident even in his earlier years.

The Rising Star MP

Greg Fergus’s journey in the world of Canadian politics reached new heights when he was first elected in 2015 to represent the Quebec riding of Hull—Aylmer. In a noteworthy victory, he flipped the seat from New Democratic control, defeating incumbent Nycole Turmel. Impressively, Fergus has secured victory in every subsequent election in the riding, consistently receiving over 50 percent of the vote.

Throughout his tenure, Fergus held parliamentary assistant positions in various ministries, including the minister of innovation, science, and industry, the minister of digital government, and the president of the Treasury Board. In 2021, he assumed the role of Parliamentary Secretary to both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Health Mark Holland, a testament to his increasing influence and responsibility within the Liberal government.

Greg Fergus also played a pivotal role in the formation of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, a group of MPs advocating for greater recognition and action against anti-Black racism in Canada. Their efforts included urging Prime Minister Trudeau to address this issue in 2018, further highlighting Fergus’s commitment to social justice and equality.

Greg Fergus Speaker and the Path Forward

In a historic moment that resonates far beyond the halls of Parliament, Greg Fergus has assumed the role of Speaker of the House of Commons, becoming the first Black Canadian to do so. His vision for a more respectful and collaborative parliamentary debate sets a positive tone for the future of Canadian politics. Greg Fergus’s journey from an advocate for social change to a prominent MP and now Speaker is a testament to his dedication to public service and his commitment to making Canada a more inclusive and equitable nation.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Who is Greg Fergus Speaker, and why is his appointment significant?

Greg Fergus is a Liberal MP who made history by becoming the first Black Canadian to be elected as the Speaker of the House of Commons. His appointment is significant as it marks a momentous step towards a more diverse and inclusive Canadian political landscape.

Q2: What are the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada?

The Speaker’s role includes maintaining respectful parliamentary debates, balancing government business and MPs’ rights, overseeing administrative and financial matters, and representing the House in diplomatic interactions.

Q3: What is Greg Fergus’s background and political career before becoming Speaker?

Before becoming Speaker, Greg Fergus had a rich career in public service, working as a policy adviser, serving as the national director of the Liberal Party of Canada, and contributing to various sectors, including the private and public spheres.

Q4: What is the significance of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, and what role did Greg Fergus play in its formation?

The Parliamentary Black Caucus is a group of MPs advocating for greater recognition and action against anti-Black racism in Canada. Greg Fergus played a pivotal role in its formation, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue in Canadian society.

The post Greg Fergus: A Historic Journey to Becoming Canada’s First Black Speaker appeared first on Blacknews.ca.

RealOnes: Navigating a World of Black-Owned Businesses and Allies

admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:40:58 +0000

In the vast landscape of business and commerce, finding your place can be a daunting task, especially if you are a Black Canadian seeking to support businesses that resonate with your roots and values. It’s a quest for not just products and services but also a sense of belonging and shared identity. Enter RealOnes, the revolutionary GPS app that is changing the way Black Canadians discover and support Black-Owned Businesses and their allies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of RealOnes, exploring its features, mission, and how it’s empowering communities across the globe.

Discovering Your Community

Imagine having a powerful tool at your fingertips that allows you to locate Black-Owned Businesses and allies, whether they are on your street or across the world. RealOnes is that tool, offering a dynamic and interactive directory for Black Canadians looking to connect with businesses that resonate with their heritage and values.

Unveiling the Power of RealOnes

RealOnes: More Than a Directory

RealOnes is not just another directory; it’s a game-changer in the world of commerce. This distinctive GPS app is recognized for its role in helping people find and support Black, Indigenous, and allied businesses. It’s not just about locating businesses; it’s about fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Making Anti-Racism a Priority

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of where they spend their money, RealOnes provides a unique feature. Users can confidently support businesses that actively invest in anti-racism efforts. It’s more than just a purchase; it’s a statement of solidarity.

Stay Informed

RealOnes keeps you in the loop. You can receive notifications about your favorite businesses’ sales or new locations. If you’re a business owner, you can keep track of your subscribers, ensuring you’re always connected with your loyal customers.

Global Reach, Local Impact

RealOnes has a vision to be a worldwide phenomenon. While it’s based in Toronto, its ambitions extend far beyond one city. With the goal of having millions of businesses and users across the globe, RealOnes aims to be a household name that brings communities together and encourages engagement on their own terms.

Empowering Communities

Uplifting Black Businesses

At its core, RealOnes GPS is about uplifting and empowering Black businesses. Whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, this platform offers the opportunity to make a real impact in your neighborhood and beyond. It’s more than just commerce; it’s about building a thriving ecosystem.

Joining the RealOnes Community

Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment? Joining the RealOnes community is easy and free. Businesses can list their services, and consumers can explore a world of options. It’s a win-win for both sides of the marketplace.

Navigating a New Era of Commerce

As we navigate a rapidly evolving business landscape, tools like RealOnes GPS are vital. They not only simplify our consumer choices but also empower us to make choices that align with our values and heritage. RealOnes is more than just an app; it’s a movement towards a more connected and inclusive world of commerce.

FAQ: Your RealOnes Questions Answered

Q1: How does RealOnes determine if a business is Black-Owned or an ally?

RealOnes ensures that at least 50% of a business is owned by a Black person to be listed as Black-Owned. For allies, the criteria include a commitment to anti-racism efforts.

Q2: Is RealOnes available for both Android and iOS?

Yes, RealOnes is available for free on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Q3: Is RealOnes only for Black Canadians?

While RealOnes is designed to cater to the needs of Black Canadians, it is open to anyone interested in supporting Black-Owned Businesses and allies.

Q4: How can I set up notifications for my favorite businesses on RealOnes?

Setting up notifications is easy. Simply subscribe to your favorite businesses, and you’ll receive updates on their sales and new locations.

Q5: Can businesses outside of Toronto list on RealOnes?

Yes, businesses from anywhere in the world can list on RealOnes, making it a global platform for connecting businesses and consumers.

Q6: Is it free to list my business on RealOnes?

Yes, it’s completely free to list your business on RealOnes, making it a cost-effective way to reach a broader audience.

Q7: How can I download RealOnes on my device?

You can download RealOnes for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. Simply search for “RealOnes” and start exploring the world of Black-Owned Businesses and allies.

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Bridging Healthcare Gaps: The Black Health Professionals Network’s Quest for Equitable Access

admin — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:42:02 +0000

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right that should be provided to all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, reality frequently falls short of this ideal. Accessing culturally responsive healthcare for Black Canadians can be a difficult path, as there are few practitioners who genuinely comprehend their diverse origins and experiences. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Black Healthcare Professionals Network (BHPN) has launched a ground-breaking initiative: a comprehensive database of Black healthcare professionals throughout Canada. This revolutionary technology has the potential to break down barriers and greatly improve Black Canadians’ access to quality healthcare.

Empowering Black Healthcare Professionals

The Black Healthcare Professionals Network was founded in 2021 with the purpose of elevating the careers of Black professionals in the healthcare field while actively advocating. The organization, created by a group of visionaries, quickly saw the importance of creating greater representation and understanding within the healthcare system. This discovery resulted in the development of a platform that would connect Black Canadians with healthcare practitioners who could provide not only great medical treatment but also a thorough grasp of their specific healthcare requirements.

A Comprehensive Directory for Holistic Care

The foundation of this forward-thinking effort is a comprehensive list of healthcare experts. This all-inclusive strategy strives to bring together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, psychotherapists, nutritionists, massage therapists, and a variety of other professionals. These professionals voluntarily register for inclusion in the list, and their licenses are rigorously vetted to ensure they are in good standing.

The directory itself is intended to make direct connections between healthcare professionals and patients possible. It acts as a key link, providing patients with simple access to contact information for healthcare experts who are not only highly qualified but also profoundly committed to understanding and meeting the special healthcare requirements of Canada’s Black community.

Joining the Network

The Black Healthcare workers Network welcomes Black healthcare workers in Canada to join their network for free. Membership not only provides visibility in the directory, but also access to a multitude of services such as email updates, networking events, and important healthcare industry news.

BHPN's Holistic Approach to Empowerment

The Black Healthcare Professionals Network is more than just a directory. It is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for Black healthcare workers in Ontario and abroad. The organization’s mission is defined by several fundamental objectives:

1. Building a Comprehensive Directory: The primary goal is to develop a robust ecosystem of Black healthcare professionals in Ontario by creating a comprehensive directory accessible to the general public.

2. Embracing Innovative Technology: Recognizing the importance of accessibility and user-friendliness, the BHPN is actively developing an app and web-based directory of Black healthcare professionals from various fields. This platform will feature both public and professional interfaces, ensuring ease of use for both patients and healthcare providers.

3. Facilitating Networking and Collaboration: The BHPN understands the transformative power of networking. It seeks to provide opportunities for Black healthcare professionals to connect with one another through networking, referrals, partnerships, and collaborative efforts. This interconnectedness promises not only to benefit the professionals but also to enhance healthcare delivery to the Black community.

4. Supporting Entrepreneurship: Aspiring Black healthcare entrepreneurs will find a nurturing environment within BHPN. The organization offers tailored business advisory services, mentorship programs, and networking events to empower Black healthcare professionals in realizing their entrepreneurial and business development goals.

A Brighter Future for Black Healthcare in Canada

The establishment of the Black Healthcare Professionals Network and its innovative directory represents a huge step toward ensuring fair access to healthcare for Black Canadians. This unique network not only connects patients with culturally competent healthcare practitioners, but it also helps Black healthcare professionals advance in their jobs and start their own businesses.

The Black Healthcare Professionals Network is actively driving positive change in a healthcare sector that should be characterized by inclusivity and diversity. They are tackling inequities in healthcare access and establishing a bright example for a more equitable future in healthcare for all Canadians via their unrelenting dedication to representation, advocacy, and community-building.

Visit the Black Healthcare Professionals Network (BHPN) here.

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Free Emancipation Day event at Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

admin — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 05:48:51 +0000

DRESDEN, ON, July 17, 2023 /CNW/ – The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is celebrating Emancipation Day with free admission. Join in the celebration at the museum on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for educational and family-fun entertainment that will reflect on Black history and honour the strength and resilience of Black communities across Ontario. For more information, visit the event page.

Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834. This act freed more than 800,000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire. Since then, Emancipation Day has been celebrated on or near August 1 each year. It is an important expression of identity for many Black communities and a reminder of the continuing struggle faced by people of African descent toward a more inclusive, equitable society. The day is especially popular in communities where refugees from American slavery settled — most notably Windsor, Toronto, Hamilton, Owen Sound, North Buxton and Dresden.

Since 2005, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History has celebrated Emancipation Day by bringing together historians, storytellers, artists and musicians for day-long activities that creatively explore Ontario’s Black heritage. This year, a southern barbecue lunch will also be available for purchase from the Chilled Cork Food Truck.

Emancipation Day at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is supported by the RBC Foundation.

2023 Emancipation Day speakers and performers

London Collective Gospel Choir
Enjoy uplifting musical selections that emphasize hope and unity through faith by the London Collective Gospel Choir.

Kwame Delfish
Hear from artist Kwame Delfish, the first Caribbean Canadian to design a coin for the Royal Canadian Mint. Delfish will speak about the creative process behind his design for the coin commemorating the No. 2 Construction Battalion — the largest all-Black battalion-sized unit in Canadian military history.

Motown Boys
Dance to the tunes of Diana Ross, The Temptations and top-40 Motown hits with live renditions by the musical group Motown Boys, featuring George St. Kitts, Toni Anderson and Kenni Hite.

Ruth Lor Malloy
Learn from Ruth Lor Malloy, a travel writer and activist. In the 1950s, she worked with the Toronto Joint Labour Committee for Human Rights to fight discrimination in Dresden. Malloy will talk about her book — Brightening My Corner: A Memoir of Dreams Fulfilled — and will host a book signing.

Chef Patience Chirisa
Fire up all your senses with Chef Patience Chirisa, a culinary expert in African cuisine. Chef Chirisa will provide a delectable selection of finger foods for guests to sample, host a book reading and signing, and deliver a fun arts-and-crafts activity for children.

Duane Gibson
Hear from D.O. Gibson, a two-time Guinness World Records-setting rapper, author and professional speaker. Gibson will be speaking on how Josiah Henson is a central part of his many performances, as it allows him to speak about slavery, the Underground Railroad, spirituals and about his dad’s portrayal of Josiah Henson in the Josiah Henson Museum’s interpretive video onsite.

About the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust. This two-hectare (five-acre) complex celebrates the life and work of Reverend Josiah Henson and explores the history of the Underground Railroad in Ontario. The museum provides a space to discuss the legacy of slavery and racism and the enduring pursuit for social justice. Visit our website to learn more.

Stay connected

Follow the Ontario Heritage Trust on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Heritage Matters … more! e-newsletter. #ONheritage

About the Ontario Heritage Trust

The Ontario Heritage Trust (the Trust) is an agency of the Government of Ontario. The Trust conserves, interprets and shares Ontario’s heritage. We conserve provincially significant cultural and natural, tangible and intangible heritage, interpret Ontario’s history, celebrate its diversity and educate Ontarians of its importance in our society. The Trust envisions an Ontario where we conserve, value and share the places and landscapes, histories, traditions and stories that embody our heritage, now and for future generations.

SOURCE Ontario Heritage Trust

For further information: For more information about the Ontario Heritage Trust, contact Patricia Njovu at 437-248-1439 or patricia.njovu@heritagetrust.on.ca.

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Plans for a new nursing home geared towards Black Seniors

admin — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:46:51 +0000

Health-care providers advocate for diverse and local staff at the facility

Nova Scotia health-care providers are anticipating a huge breakthrough in the form of a new nursing home created particularly for Black seniors. This promising endeavour has spurred debate about the need to develop a comprehensive and more responsive network inside the Nova Scotia health-care system that responds to the special needs of Black people. Community health workers have backed the news, believing it will pave the way for better, more culturally competent care.

Addressing the need for culturally competent health care

The Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) co-founder Sharon Davis-Murdoch highlights the importance of culturally competent health care, particularly for Black patients in long-term care. Black people’s voices have shined light on the importance of care that knows and respects their unique requirements, including skin, hair, and the impact of historical trauma. Veronica Marsman, Davis-Murdoch’s former HAAC colleague, is actively involved as the property manager of Akoma Holdings Inc., a non-profit corporation that will lease the land for the project.

A nursing home designed for Black seniors

The Nova Scotia government recently announced intentions to build a 96-bed nursing home near historically Black suburbs including Loon Lake, Cherry Brook, North Preston, and East Preston. This project intends to establish a designated location where Black elders can receive specialized care according to their specific experiences and needs.

Fulfilling specific needs for care

Elizabeth Obeng Nkrumah, a wellness navigator with the health-care service Sisterhood, stresses the need of recruiting people of the local community to work at the nursing home. She feels that those who have had comparable experiences to the residents can help to create a sense of serenity and safety in the atmosphere. Davis-Murdoch underscores the necessity of Black presence on staff by pointing out that certain ailments are more prevalent in Black areas. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, for example, due to structural inequities in health determinants, Black Canadians are twice as likely as white Canadians to have diabetes.

Culturally tailored programming and anti-racist policy

While the nursing facility will be open to seniors of all races and ethnicities, Obeng Nkrumah hopes that Afrocentric programming would reflect the residents’ cultural identity and spiritual practices. The nursing home’s and the overall provincial health network system’s purpose is to incorporate anti-racist policy, justice, and fairness into health-care planning. Davis-Murdoch underlines the importance of an inclusive, courteous approach that takes into account the particular needs of people from all backgrounds.

Scheduled opening and operational details

The nursing home, which will be erected on the same location as the former Home for Coloured Children, is set to open in 2025. The facility, run by the non-profit group Northwood, strives to allow elders and their families to live near together. Despite the hurdles faced by a contractor scarcity in the Halifax area, Premier Tim Houston is optimistic about meeting this lofty target.

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Olivier-Maxence Prosper: A Canadian Basketball Phenom Takes the NBA by Storm

admin — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:26:46 +0000

In a narrative that exemplifies the power of perseverance and hard effort, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a Montreal local, accomplished a lifetime dream when he was taken 24th overall in the NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, only to be traded to the Dallas Mavericks shortly after. The 20-year-old forward, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds, has embarked on a remarkable journey driven by his love of basketball and unshakeable devotion to perfection. Prosper was born into a basketball family, with both his mother, Guylaine, and father, Gaetan, being college basketball all-stars, and his sister, Cassandre, on her way to the WNBA. Let’s take a look at his incredible journey to the NBA and his bright future.

Ascending Draft Boards and the NBA Academy:

Prosper’s rise through the draft ranks was a testament to his outstanding talent and unwavering work ethic. The six-foot-seven wing from Rosemere, Quebec, a Montreal suburb, drew the attention of scouts and analysts with his extraordinary abilities and versatility. His outstanding performance during his senior year of high school at the NBA Academy in Mexico City cemented his status as a rising prospect. Notably, Prosper had this experience with fellow Montrealer Bennedict Mathurin, who was drafted sixth overall by the Indiana Pacers after winning NBA all-rookie honours before enrolling at Clemson University in 2020. Prosper’s basketball career was launched by the NBA Academy, which provided him with crucial training and exposure to elite competition.

Dominance at Marquette University

Prosper’s academic career took him to Marquette University, where he sharpened his skills and established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He shown his versatility and defensive brilliance when playing for the Marquette Golden Eagles, a top-tier American college basketball club, often assuming the burden of guarding the opponent’s best scorer, regardless of position. Prosper emerged as one of the top defenders in college basketball during his two seasons at Marquette, because of his discipline, basketball IQ, and devotion to shutting down opponents. Offensively, Prosper, on the other hand, genuinely matured in his last season, making great strides on the offensive end of the floor. Prosper demonstrated his ability to impact the game on numerous fronts by averaging 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 51% from the field, 34% from beyond the arc, and 71% from the free-throw line.

NBA Draft: A Dream Realized

Prosper’s dedication and outstanding performance were not overlooked. As the NBA draft approached, anticipation grew, and Prosper’s name became a hot subject among basketball fans. His admission to the green room, a restricted location reserved for predicted first-round picks, demonstrated teams’ faith in his ability. Finally, on draft night, Prosper got the moment he’d been waiting for his entire life. He was selected with the 24th overall pick and initially assigned to the Sacramento Kings, but was quickly moved to the Dallas Mavericks. Prosper became the first Canadian player to be selected in the draft that year, cementing his position in basketball history and paving the way for an amazing professional career.

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Meet Canada’s Youngest University Graduate: Anthaea-Grace Patricia Dennis

admin — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:41:49 +0000

Anthaea-Grace Patricia Dennis, a 12-year-old student from Ottawa, Canada, has become the youngest person in Canadian history to graduate from college. She happily received her Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree from the University of Ottawa this month.

Anthaea began the demanding university program at the age of nine and completed it in three years. Because she was young and bright, she encountered prejudice and expectations about her demeanour and speech at university. But she didn’t let them slow her down.

Johanna Dennis, Anthaea’s mother, has always been supportive of her daughter since she first discovered her exceptional abilities when she was two years old. Johanna, as a law professor and a single mother, was instrumental in developing Anthaea’s abilities and assuring her success.

Furthermore, Anthaea has already established herself as a researcher, having produced a 40-page thesis on the association between cerebellar functional activity and handedness. She presented her research findings at the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology Symposium, which she accomplished in less than a year.

Anthaea is a talented musician in addition to her outstanding academic achievements. She likes to spend time with her kitties and watch TV with her family.

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Oscar Peterson first Black Canadian on commemorative circulation coin

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 17:58:24 +0000

Oscar Peterson, a late jazz pianist, is the first Black Canadian and the first musician to be recognised on a coin used in circulation in the nation.

On August 11, in Toronto’s Roy Thompson Hall, which Peterson was familiar with from his more than 60-year career, the Royal Canadian Mint debuted the $1 commemorative circulation coin in both coloured and uncolored varieties.

On the back of the coin, Ajax, Ontario-based artist Valentine De Landro depicted Peterson playing the piano with his hands fully in motion and two final bars of his well-known Hymn to Freedom. Below the main design is also a display of Peterson’s name. “

Throughout Oscar’s career, he received many awards and honours, each of which meant a great deal to him” said his widow Kelly Peterson.

At a young age, Peterson learned from his father and older sister Daisy the importance of a music education while growing up in Little Burgundy, the centre of Montreal’s black population.

He was brought up on the classics, mastered the piano, and developed his skills through popular music to become one of the most renowned jazz artists in the world.

More than 400 recordings were produced by him, and the renowned Oscar Peterson Trio toured the world.

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Maryanne Oketch First Black Canadian to win ‘Survivor’

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 22:52:44 +0000

The winner of the reality competition series “Survivor 42” is a Canadian for the second year in a row. Maryanne Oketch, a 24-year-old seminary student from Ajax, Ont., was the last one standing in Wednesday night’s Season 42 finale. Maryanne Oketch won a $1 million prize and became the first Black Canadian woman to win “Survivor,”.

The episode began with Maryanne Oketch, Jonathan Young, Mike Turner, Romeo Escobar, and Lindsay Dolashewich remaining after 23 days in the wilderness. It all came down to Oketch and Turner, a firefighter from New Jersey, after a series of games and obstacles. Oketch won with seven jury votes to one, to rousing applause from her fellow competitors.

Oketch was born in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in Karlsruhe, Germany. Her parents, who are Kenyans, brought her to Canada when she was a child. She attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and graduated with a degree in Integrated Science in 2020. She also has a Master’s degree from a seminary.

Oketch received critical acclaim for her performance on Survivor 42 after the season’s finale aired. During the season, Hartley Jafine, a professor at Oketch’s alma mater McMaster, praised her kindness, positivity, leadership, and authenticity. One of Oketch’s McMaster professors, Chad Harvey, praised her authenticity, saying, “The persona she exhibited on the show is very much who she is and how I remember her.”

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Students create online space to expose, address injustices in Canada

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 23:36:50 +0000

Nancy Tangon and Priscilla Ojomu, both psychology students, founded Canada Confesses, an anonymous online platform where people can safely share their experiences of racial and social injustice.

The platform, which officially launched in February 2021, assists in exposing injustices in Canada while also sharing and amplifying marginalised voices.

“We’re also trying to address people’s implicit biases, touching on topics that aren’t in people’s immediate consciousness – just promoting the conversation” Tangon

Canada Confesses also functions as an information network, linking grassroots organisations and providing resources for further research and social action.

It has so far connected more than 35 organizations across the country, with a volunteer staff of more than 40 – ranging from high school students to retired seniors who still want to make an impact – said Ojomu

One of our key messages is that there is power in your voice, in sharing stories and using resources to hold the government accountable, says Ojomu. “Apathy can be dangerous, especially in times like this.

Official Website: https://www.canadaconfesses.ca/

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