Gem 2017 Black History Month

Global Eyes Magazine Spring 2017 2

Manitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine

FirstQUARTER

February 2017

gggggloballoballoballoballobal eeeeeyyyyyeseseseses

Helen Okocha, originally from Nigeria and proud owner of Menu Beyond Borders Bakery Helen is carving outa niche with something she knows very well - baking Nigerian style bread. It is softer, sweeter bread great forgrilled cheese and other sandwiches. She also makes other varieties of breads including hotdog rolls, chin chin(Nigerian doughnut) and bread with cheese. She operates from Knox United Church Kitchen and lists among hercustomers, Diversity Restaurant and the University of Manitoba cafeteria.For more information call (204) 918-8483 Helen N‘deze loves having fun in the sun. This African Woman is enjoying the first days of spring with boldcolours, big smile and dashing sunshades. Vision of Loveliness.


Black history and slavery gotogether. Africans who were brought hereand used as slaves came from many partsof Africa and there are stories. In IvoryCoast. I’ve heard, the House of Slaves’story on the Gorée Island (Senegal) but itnever crossed my mindthat Ivoirians might havebeen enslaved, too. Mymom told me a legendabout some chains foundin her village when shewas little. It was saidthat the villagersoriginally came downfrom heaven. Theylanded on earth viacelestial shackles until they broke down.This was an excellent fairy tale.

Due to the lack of archaeologicalfinding, before the 17th century, there wasno information about Ivory Coast’s history.The tribes kept oral traditions maintainedwith theatrical and ritual dances. TheAkan - Ashanti Kingdom’s descendants -migrated from the Gold Coast (actualGhana) to settle in Ivory Coast’s south andcentral area. The Mande (Sudaneseancestors: Mali, Guinea, and Niger) -known today as ethnic groups: Gouro,Malinké, Yacouba, and Gban - occupiedthe north and the west of Ivory Coast. TheGur (Voltaic ancestors) moved to theeastern area; they created the Senoufo,Lobi, Loro and Kouanlango dialects. TheMandé and the Gur practised Islam. The

Akan were animist. Since the 14th

century, Europeans settlers haveinvaded Africa. After the Frenchinvasion, most Akan becameCatholic. In the midst of the 19thcentury, mighty warriors like the

King Samory Touré(Mandé descent fromGuinea) fought againstEuropean settlers. TheTouré’s mission was toconvert all West Africato Islam. He terrorizedthe animist populationfrom Guinea to thenorthern Ivory Coast. If

a woman refused to pleadallegiance to Islam, she wasforced to pound her baby in amortar. In June 1900, theEuropeans settlers killed him inGabon (Central Africa).

The French settlers dividedthe territories for their owninterest without paying attentionto the tribe’s dynamics. 78dialects are spoken in IvoryCoast. French is the officiallanguage, and Dioula is thedomestic trades’ language. Now,I found out the source of tribalhostilities and wars. That makessense. Some tribes did get alongwhile most tribes foughtconstantly.

HISTORY OF IVORY COAST (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)- WEST AFRICA

The Sampson family who lost ahusband, father, grandfather andto the community who lost a dearfriend and builder, Len Sampson,known for his wisecracks andmischievous smile. He made animpact within the community andwill be missed.

The Horsford family who lost awife, mother, sister and to thecommunity as well.

Sad to say good bye to thesepeople who were activecommunity builders but only theCreator knows when a person hasgiven enough and deserves theirfurther assignment.

We remember those who are sickand in the hospitals, in nursinghomes and otherwise housebound.We pray that wherever they arethey may find meaning in theirlives and the Creator will givethem the strength to carry on.

We send get-well wishes to Dr.Marion June James & Dr.Beryle Mae Jones

We remember Dr. Joseph Du, astalwart in the Chinesecommunity and the Winnipegcommunity at large who recentlypassed on.

Condolences & Get WellWishes

A Coward`s RetreatTaylor Dumpson becamethe first female AfricanAmerican president ofstudent government atAmerican University inWashing DC and shortly

after she took office on Wednesday May 3, 2017,noosed bananas were found hanging all over the campus with racial messages on them.American University is 58 % Caucasian and 6% African-Americans. The FBI iscurrently investigating the matter as a racist incident.

NuptialsCongratulations to Tatenda Bwanawho recently tied the know to herlongtime sweetheart.

We also remember Linda ElfanteThomson who was a foundingmember of the Immigrant Women’sAssociation of Manitoba and a pastpresident. Linda recently passedaway recently in Calgary Alberta.where she moved to from


Editorial p3

Gaffin wid Buddy p5

Local & Global Briefs p6

Regulars: p7

Letter & Global Counselor p14

Reconciliation Conversations p10

Community Jazz p12

Community in Action p13

Slavery in Invory Coast p16

Healthwise p17

Identity p20

Spotlight p22

Ghana celebrates 60 p23

Much more

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Global Eyes is an independent quarterly publicationdevoted to promoting cultural awareness of the African andCaribbean communities of Manitoba and highlighting theissues and concerns of these communities. It also aimsat promoting cultural diversity and appreciation.It features articles ranging from the achievements of local,national and international personalities and general informationthat is of interest to the African/Caribbean Diaspora. It offerseditorials with African/Caribbean sensibilities and letters to theeditor. The Magazine is produced under a volunteer editorialcommittee that assists with proof-reading, publicity anddistribution.

GLOBAL EYES

MAGAZINE

Editor: Beatrice Watson

Distributed to local businesses,and in Winnipeg and via email toindividuals in Manitoba andformer Manitobans in variousparts of the world.

To receive Global Eyes by mailplease send a cheque for $15.00to:Global Eyes Magazine671 Rathgar AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3L 1G6Phone: [email protected]

All contents are (c) 2014 and


Black History Month 2017 wasjam-packed with activities forevery one include old favouriteslike the Gospel concert, Historylesson and the Community Awardsbanquet with new additions eachyear to encourage more and diverseparticipants. Even though BHM is organizedand celebrated more by Blacks fromthe Caribbean, Africans in theDiaspora are also proud of the timededicated to focussing on blackhistory and progress in the Westernworld. These lines that divide BlackCaribbean from Africans arebecoming more and more blurredwith the younger generations as theyconnect with Blacks from all overthe world in schools, sports andchurch and this is how it ought tobe.Blacks from The Caribbean were infact Africans brought to work aslaves on Eur4opean plantations andbecause tribal groups were neverfound on the same plantation,

deliberately kept apart to ensure thesafety of slave masters. Slaves werethere’re forced to adopt the languageof the oppressor to communicatewith each other and with the master.Through this slave experience theyhave developed various copingmechanisms and almost a slaveculture different from what theyknew in Africa and over time,memory is lost in death of theoriginals and the further assimilationby those remaining. Black History month offers theopportunity for Blacks across thespectrum to reunite, re-bond andshare stories through whichconnections can be made and a senseof why we do the things we dobecomes clear.It is the hope that Africans in theDiaspora would reach out and takemore interest in Black History Monthand even organize their own, maybea story telling workshop or maybehistory of slavery as they heard fromgrandfathers and grandmothers.

Editorial -Take One

Me nah know boutyou black people but menah ah go ova to de statesbuoy anytime soon. It’s

like open season pun black peopleespecially black men, eh eh, like dewant to eliminate us from the planetsoon as yuh turn round somebodyshoot a black man down. What dehell is going on, is dere some secretmission to eliminate awe. ManTrump is stump, the guy stumpingpeople all ova de place. Yuh can’tmek head or tail about what he isdoing, what is he plans. Imagine hisown Republicans trying to containhis joy ride in de most powerful

house dat a black man just vacate tomek room fuh de white man. Datsounds an feel good. It’s destupidness dat’s going on, man.

Paranoia is a mental illness,imagine de man saying Obama spiedon him with out a shred of proof andkeep on repeating it ova and ova andnobday challenging him in court.When yuh sey something dat manytimes with conviction people startbelieving dis shit. Maybe in datmessage he is giving the KKKlicence to kill black men. De worldgone crazy now that a crazyPresident is running the biggest show

on earth. Watch out for the bullyin the sandbox to show off on hisbig toy Nuclear bomb to settle thescore with North Korea. All I gatto seh to you guys, mek right wityuh Maker, because de way tingsare going down dis world couldcome to an end anytime andphantom general give the orders tothe Prez next door. Looking morelike the guy has a beautiful mind,except this is no movie. Dis is reallife. Brace yuh selves.

Ending on a more positivenote, the Senior Steel banders atthe Guyanese Tea was bad man, ahcouldda listen to the geezers a latmore. Music keeps Alzheimer’s atbay research show and ah tink wegat fuh encourage all de seniors tostart tekking steel bandmusiclessons. It’s free, yuh just have toshow up. Too many ahwe peopleare suffering from disoldtimersdisease, so we betterstart de music.

Walk good

GAFFIN WID BUDDY

MATCHing funds helpwomen find their voices and theirmojo. It helps make the lives ofwomen and girls more hopefuland MATCH Manitoba Chapter’sfundraising luncheon at ClayOven, Forks, on March 5, 2017intent was to raise funds to sendto Ottawa so it can be disbursedto women all over the world. Itwas an exciting and fun event,

MATCH A LIFELINE TO WOMENIN DEVELOPING

COUNTRIES

Continued on p22


The Louis Riel SchoolDivision in partnership with theUniversity of Winnipeg – ACCESSEducation Programs is offering theImmigrant Teacher EducationProgram (ITEP).

If you are internationallytrained but have been unable to getestablished as a teacher in aManitoba school, ITEP could be theopportunity you are looking for. Wehave scheduled an Information /Recruitment session at the LouisRiel School Division in Room 16on April 19, 2017 at 4:30 pm .

The goal of ITEP is to aidinternationally trained teachers togain experience in the Manitobateaching profession through a uniquecurriculum of academic andpractical courses and workshops.

In this partnership, studentswho are accepted into ITEP will beemployed by the Louis Riel SchoolDivision during the day while theycomplete their courses andworkshops during evenings andweekends.

Potential candidates will havethe opportunity to meet withUniversity of Winnipeg AcademicAdvisors from the ACCESSprogram to assess whether theymeet the requirements. Please seelink for more information. Pleasebring your Provisional or PermanentCertificate to the session.

Barbados is the destination formany couples from the USA andand couples worlwide seeking toaccess In vitrio Fertilizationtreatment program because thistiny Caribbean Island is knownfor its highly successful award-winning lower-cost treatment tohelpcouples get the babies theybadly want. Opened in 2002The BarbadosFertility Centre recently wasawarded its fourth Gold Seal ofapproval for their excellent care.Their accreditation now spansfrom 2007 to 2020. It is respon-sible for delivering thousands ofbabies to struggling families. According to Medical Director,Dr. Juliette Skinner, “We believeour high clinical and laboratorystandards, our commitment toJoint Commission InternationalStandards, (JCI) accreditation,the relaxing environment of ourbeautiful island and our on-sitespa contribute to our high successrate of which we are very proud.

Barbados BoastsWorld Class Baby-

making Facility

MARL FILMFESTIVAL 2017

Manitoba Association for Rightsand Liberties brought some rivetinghuman rights films to share with thepublic for their annual Film Festival.These films have links to human rightsand were international. It‘s helping todevelop a global sense of what iswrong with the world and how we canrelate that to local events.

One film, ‘When two worldsCollide’ a documentary by HeidiBrandenburg and Matthew Orzel aboutindigenous and human rights, that wasparticularly interesting came fromPeru‘s dealing with its indigenouspeople over land and resources issuessimilar to what is going on in Canadaand Standing Rock in 2016. TheIndigenous people stood up to power toprotect their land and way of life butnot without bloodshed.

Another film ‘Coffee ColouredChildren’ by Ngozi Onwurah whichmany blacks can relate to dealt withself-hatred. The film depicted bi-racialchildren trying to wash off theblackness because they wanted to bewhite. It was a sad commentary on howsociety portrays the rightness ofwhiteness and how children see theircolour in relation to that unattainableimage. It was hard to watch childrenscrubbing and scrubbing off blacknessuntil blood came the hard truth emergeswhen they learn that that is who they areand cannot be change the colour of theirskin no matter how much they scrub.

Following the film shows therewas a panel discussion on women‘sright with panellists

IMMIGRANTTEACHER

EDUCATIONPROGRAM (ITEP)

LOCAL AND GLOBAL BRIEFS

Folklorama is looking forindividuals to serve as tourguides and support hosting toursfor its 48th festival. Tour guidesget to meet people from allaround the world and highlight theamazing city we live in. Visitfolklorama.ca and apply tovolunteer.

Volunteers Wanted

The cost of liberty is less thanthe price of repression.

-W.E.B. Du Bois, author andactivist


Nigeria’s Minister of Interiorlaunched the new ImmigrationRegulations 2017 (the Regulation) on20 March 2017. aimed at consolidatingexisting immigration regulations andprovide a “one-stop” reference onimmigration rules in Nigeria. Withthese new regulations, Nigeria seemsto have taken a major step forward indealing with modern immigrationrealities.

In addition, the provisionscontained in the Regulation areexpected to fast-track the ease of doingbusiness in Nigeria since this is one ofthe key objectives of the currentadministration. Some of the salientpoints covered in the Regulationinclude:

· Entry and exit from Nigeria· Control of immigrants· Issuance of Nigerian passports

and other travel documents· Offences and penaltiesAlthough majority of the

provisions in the Regulation have beenin existence prior to its release, theunderpinning idea is to createawareness and put in place amechanism for ensuring compliance.All foreign nationals are thereforeadvised to review applicableprovisions and ensure compliance toavoid disruption of activities.

Deloitte immigration team is onhand to provide necessary advisoryand compliance support as such hasbecome far more important innavigating the ever-changing landscape

After the global slavery, theFrench settlers started thecolonialism. In 1900, the Frenchsettlers forced the Ivoirians towork for free for 40 years inIvory Coast. They used Ivoiriansto build rails, roads, buildingsand houses for the Frenchexpatriate. Those who resistedthe French colonizers weresavagely killed. Children andadults worked countless hoursunder horrific circumstances. Allschool teachers were Frenchbecause the country became aFrench colony. The pupils learnedabout the French history andanthem. Many Ivoirians locatedin the south and central areabecame Catholic, too.

History shows that manycountries fought for theirindependence. It wasn’t the casefor countries colonized byFrance. They received their“independence” in 1960. Thecentral bank of France is stillcreating the money for West andCentral Africans. The money“French colonies of Africa”(FCA) is different in bothregions. The Africans from thewest can’t trade directly with theAfricans from the center withoutFrance’s involvement over thecurrency. For instance, before

West African travel to the centralarea, he has to go to a French bankto exchange his money(commission fees included) to beable to purchase in Central Africa.These African countries areallowed to use 15% of GrossNational Product (GNP). The restis kept in the central Bank ofFrance. If an African Presidentneeds more, he has to borrow themoney with exorbitant interestrates to the Central Bank of France.No wonder why most Africancountries are impoverished. Eachcountry owes billiards of Euros inFrance annually. France keeps85% of GNP of all French-Speaking-African countries. In anutshell, without Africa, Francewould have been as weak asPortugal, Greece, and Spain.

Africans are fed up with thissituation. Now, they are spoken upfor their real independence.Ivorians continue to protest againstFrance because of the unjustincarceration of the formerpresident of Ivory Coast, hisExcellence Mister Laurent KoudouGbagbo. He is still incarcerated inthe Netherlands since April 2011.His crime? Dreaming of a freecountry without France’s nosiness.

New ImmigrationRules makes it

easier to dobusiness in

Nigeria

FROM COLONIALISM TONEOCOLONIALISM IN IVORY COAST

Benedicte Brou


Black History Month in Winnipegis a time of high activity in the Blackcommunity. The shortest month of theyear, there never seems to be enoughtime to carry out all the importantactivities of BHM and so the BHMcommittee has stealthily extended themonth into January and March.

Every year one hears theproverbial question ‘Why do we stillneed Black History Month. Is it stillnecessary, ‘ meaning haven’t wearrived?

The truth is that Black historymonth continues to be relevant if notfor the entire community for the Blackcommunity because outside of the bigsix or so historical figures that loomlarge in our imagination of Blackhistory – Martin Luther King, MalcolmX, Rosa Parks, , Marcus Garvey andsome other, we do not know muchabout black history.

If we as a people realized thegreatness from which we came we

would be less likely to disrespectourselves wrote Marcus Garvey

Black folks still carryaround the psychological chainsaround their neck and to unhinge thatthey need to focus on who they areas a people. There is so muchrichness to being black, so much tobe proud of and so much solidlineage to ponder and wonder about.We do not have to bow our heads inshame of what was done to us. Thatis not your cross to bear.

Black History month gives us achance to unearth new informationthrough research. When you knowyour history you stand on solidground and no one can fool you ormislead you.

“The most effective way todestroy people is to deny andobliterate their own understanding oftheir history.” - George Orwell

This has been tried on Blackfolks and even today there are those

black folks who would give morecredence to something coming out of awhite person‘s mouth than a black person.We buy into the white washed narrativecreated by colonialists and slave mastersthat question the intelligence of Blacksfolks. By learning your history not at asuperficial level but on a deeper level, youcould dispel the myths fed to you aboutblacks.”Whoever wishes to foresee the futuremust consult the past; for human eventsever resemble those of preceding times.This arises from the fact that they areproduced by men who ever have been,and ever shall be, animated by the samepassions, and thus they necessarily havethe same results.” Machiavelli

Machiavelli is right, the past must beconsulted because the same tactics thatwere used to oppress and dehumanizeblack folks are still at work and we have torecognize the old wine in new bottles.

Commentary

America is playing withfire. There was a gas attack inSyria, of that there seem littledoubt. It has caused an outrageworldwide as it should. Butwho is responsible, and whohas something to gain?

America and itsEuropean allies without anyinvestigation are certain thatBashar Al-Assad decided to usepoisoned gas on his ownpeople. Though several nationsare flying planes over Syria, allthe coalition nations are quickto point to Assad as the culprit.One must look to “OperationNorthwoods” to understandAmerica’s rush to judgement inSyria as they previously did in

Iraq in an effort to find absent“Weapons of Mass Destruction.”The fact that the country is beingdestroyed and civilians are beingkilled seemingly means nothing.

America is playing adangerous game. After PresidentObama, Secs. Of State Clintonand Kerry, Britain, France,Germany, and all the European

allies decided that Assad must go andSyria would be better off without him,they decided to invade Syria withoutthe permission of the Syriangovernment, to defeat ISIS, armingrebel groups in the process. WhenRussia, at the INVITATION of theSyrian government entered the arena,they were accused of all sorts ofatrocities while The USA and its allieswere lauded by the media as saviours.It is just Syria’s turn, after Afghanistan,Iraq, and Libya.

One must remember that it wasthese same Europeans who, after the1885 Berlin conference, marchedaround the world terrorizing indigenouspeople wherever they could be found,killing them and taking their land.

War Games and Indigenous People.

continued on p9


Dear Globalcounselor,I am an African man from Mali and I amproud of my heritage. It bugs me whenAfricans are referred to by the colour oftheir skin “Black”, and so you know notall Africans are black-skinned, someare brown-skinned and some are white-skinned like Albinos. No other race isidentified by the colour of their skinsexcept white people who believe it is acrown on their head to be white but Ihave never seen a whiter person than anAlbino, whereas for the black person itis like a thorn on their heads. I am 100per cent African but I am naturallybrown in colour. This is a disgrace andan insult to the proud African race. Howcan we change this practice and identifypeople by their race we do the Chinese,Japanese, Italians, Greek, East Indianetc. I am fed up with this monstrosity.Pissed

Dear Pissed

A friend of mine from the USAwrote a book titled “Once I wascoloured and now I’m black”

And one can add once I wasAfrican-Canadian, AfricanAmerican, Afro-Caribbean andnow everything is black. It’s ashifting sand of identification andthis happens when a people havebeen oppressed for as long asBlack people have beenoppressed. You don’t know how tofit into your own skin anymore,what would give the rightmessage, what would besomething you can own.

Unfortunately this is theimpact that colonialism and racismhave on Black folks. It’s like analbatross around the people’s neckbecause they have named Blackpeople and gave them an identityfrom which Black people aretrying to extricate themselves. I donot have an answer for this but ona personal note, you can correctpeople who identify you as black

and asked to be addressed with theterm African. It is something theBlack nation has to talk about andcome to some kind ofunderstanding. Caucasians need tobe sensitized to this issue and ask aperson how they would like to beaddressed. It is complicated.

My dear Children,Black History Month is significant at

this time given the reversal of fortunes ofrace-relationships in the worldparticularly the relationships betweenblacks and whites in the Western worldwith the election of Mr. Trump. It seemsas if people have been given a license tobe themselves and while it is good to beyourself, if being yourself is hurting otherpeople, I do not believe that is a goodthing. The world is becoming moreintertwined and the Western world hasand continues to be more knitted with theblack community than ever before. Thereis an increase in inter-racial relationshipsand inter-racial children from theserelationships. On the one hand there is a

coming together of people in a senseof unity and on the other hand thereis a pulling away and regrouping intheir corners by some sections in ourcommunity. In these configurationsblacks tend to be on the shorter endof the receiving. As a minority groupwe still rely on the basic decency ofthe majority population to be fairand equitable in their dealings withus as they are at the top of the powerstructure.

Even though most of our focusappears to be in the USA, there is abubbling up of some neoracistoutbursts in Canada as well. BlackHistory Month is the perfect time to

talk about race unity, inter-racialrelationship and ways of co-existingin a state of peace and harmony.

It is incumbent for black folks toget a grip on their history and not tobelieve what is fed to them in bookswritten by the conquerors, we needanother kind of education that isprovided by our own people. It isincumbent on us to be vigilant, to getinvolved in broader social justiceorganizations and to speak out infavor of unity, acceptance of diversitywithin our community to counteractthose who are working to maintaintheir unearned privileges at theexpense of others.

Global Counselor

The Elizabeth Fry Society isseeking female literacy tutors towork in groups and one-on-one,with learners in the adultwomen’s literacy program. Theprogram is based at the society’soffice on Selkirk Avenue.Supervision and guidance isprovided by the literacy worker.A minimum of two hours a weekfor six months is requested. Formore information, see the ad atvolunteermanitoba.ca orcall 204-589-7335, ext. 224.

Volunteer Opportunity

Letter to my children


The Region of Peel applaudsone of their own, Adaoma Pattersonfor being featured as one of theInspiring Civic Leaders in theFebruary edition of Toronto LifeMagazine for her public sector andcommunity leadership.

Adaoma is a strong advocatefor progressive policy, a fact that isevident in her impressive list ofaccomplishments. She is currentlyan Advisor on the Peel PovertyReduction Strategy in the HumanServices Department. Her workincludes raising awareness andtesting new innovative ideas aimedat reducing and mitigating theimpact of poverty on Peel residents.

“It is impossible not to admireand to respect Adaoma. She is anextraordinarily, humble person whomakes her accomplishments lookeffortless,” Sonia Pace, Director,Community Partnerships.

In addition to being a 2010DiverseCity Fellow, Adaoma iscurrently the President of the Board

Peel Region applauds Adaoma Patterson’s Call to action: Learn More

(Adaoma Patterson Featured in Toronto LifeMagazine)

The Black History Month Celebra-tions Committee (BHMCCI) heldtheir Annual Community AwardsBanquet at the Norwood Hotel,featuring special guest, Mayor BrianBowman. Now in its 36th Year, theawards banquet culminated themonth’s celebrations by honouringlocal individuals from the Blackcommunity who have had a positiveimpact on other people. “I am really happy to be with theBHMCC, to celebrate your 35thanniversary” said Mayor Bowman.Mayor Bowman addressed theaudience with an inspiring speech

Congratulations to Organizers of Another Successful Black HistoryMonth Celebrations

about how important diversity and eliminating racism is to him and in hiscivic duties. The award recipients are:Marjorie White - Education,Robin Dwarka - Community, Lucinda E. Gordon, Lifetime Achievement,Andy Castello, Music, Dr. Leisha Strachan - Profession/Education, AlyssaDaley - Youth, Dr. Cecil Grant - Lifetime Achievement - Education, PastorCynthia Fraser - Religion.

We should emphasize notNegro History, but the Negroin history. What we need isnot a history of selectedraces or nations, but thehistory of the world void ofnational bias, race hate, andreligious prejudice.-Carter Woodson, 1926, historian

Though they called it Colonization, itbears all the hallmarks of what they aredoing today in Syria, terrorizing thosethey call TERRORISTS.

North and South America,Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, andPalestine all had non-white indigenouspeople and are now Europeandominated. How did this happen? Didthe European man ask these people theiropinion? Did they ask Africans if theywanted to take a cruise across the seasto go to a better land? History willshow that the language of the Europeanis WAR. The answer to these questionsmust be a resounding NO.

Victor Vaughan

continued from page7

of Directors of the JamaicanCanadian Association, a 55 yearold advocacy and culturalorganization, as well as Vice-President of the Horace PattersonFoundation which awardsscholarships to African-Canadianstudents in Manitoba.

She is sought as a leader atboth the provincial and nationallevel. She recently co-presentedat The House of Commons’ whereshe shared innovative approachesto poverty reduction. Adaoma isan excellent leader, publicspeaker and champion for people.

Congratulations Adaoma onthis much deserved recognition.

. By Shondell Babb


Are you holding yourself hostageto the past? Are you holding on tolimiting beliefs? Are you stuck?

Maybe you can relate to this. Iknow I can.

For me it was a family memberwho said something publicly to me thatcut deep. In actual fact it stronglypissed me off and because thishappened at an event, a very specialevent, I decided in that moment I wasnot going to let anyone ruin this specialevent for me. I said to myself

“I’m here to enjoy myself andthat’s what I’m going to do”,

and that’s exactly what I did.As soon as the event was over, so

was our relationship. Done. I made aconscious decision I was not going tohave anything to do with this personagain.

There’s a point where you realizeit’s time, it’s time! It’s time to let go! Letgo of the limiting believes that you havebeen holding on to. Let go of things thatno longer serve you, because in order tolive a more fulfilling lifestyle,productive life, healthier, joyfullifestyle, you have to let go!

For me l had to fast-forwardalmost a decade.

It’s quite ironic because I actuallyteach and encourage others to let go ofwhat no longer serves them and toforgive a person.

I came to the point where I reallyneeded to practice what I preached so Ifinally asked myself some questions.

These are some of the questions ltook the time to do myself and these arealso the questions I use with my clientsto help them release negativity andbring about forgiveness.

First I grabbed a blank piece ofpaper and a pen. I wrote these questionsand I wrote out the answers.

• Why am l still angry at this

person?• Why am I still hanging on

to something that happened almosta decade ago?

• Why am I wasting energyreplaying this situation over, andover and over in my mind?

There is so much power andmagic in writing things down, Ibegan to get clarity. I ripped upthe answers to the questions and Imoved on! I released andsurrendered!

When l went through thisexercise and l really forgave noton a superficial level but reallyforgave that person, I immediatelyfelt lighter! I felt so amazing! I nolonger harboured any ill feelingsabout this person and it wasfreeing! I also forgave myself forholding on to the past.

If you are harbouringresentment, frustration and limitingbelieves about a family member,co-worker, friend, acquaintanceetc. you don’t have to walk aroundwith that anymore. You can let itgo. You can feel lighter too. Youcan feel amazing and have afulfilled happier lifestyle withoutholding yourself hostage to thepast.

It’s important to leave behind

the past and keep looking forward.If you don’t then not only are

you holding yourself hostage youare holding the other personhostage as well. You areessentially holding on to pain,frustration and anger which canmanifest itself into ailments. Forexample you may experience:

- migraines- depression- anxiety- over eating- over spendingIf you want to live a more

fulfilled, happier lifestyle let go!Let go of the past and don’t fallvictim to holding yourself hostage.

I strongly encourage you dothis powerful exercise. Regardlessif the person is living or haspassed on. Add more questions ifyou want.Would love to hear yourresults. Email:[email protected]

Now you know what to do! Dothis and free yourself!!

Delia Joseph, CPC -Improveology Lifestyle Coach

I work with MidlifeTransitioners, who are frustrated,stressed, feel unworthy, unhappy toeliminate/delete thoughts andhabits that no longer serve them sothey can live a more healthier andfulfilled lifestyle!

Unforgiveness: Are You Holding Yourself Hostage To The Past?

Never be limited by otherpeople’s limited imaginations.

-Dr. Mae Jemison, firstAfrican American female

astronaut

www.improveologylifestylecoaching.com


Community in Action

Congress of Black Women New Board of Directors - Women Set to get the work done.

Lisa Hackett in the foreground at theAnnual General Meeting

Rhonda Thompson, Treasurer andPresident Tatenda Bwana crunchingnumbers

Another Successful Partnershipbetween the University of ManitobaJazz Program under the directorshipof Professor Steve Kirby and theHorace Patterson Foundation orga-nized the annual fundraising Jazzconcert held at the Caboto Centre. This event appears to grow morepopular each year as more peoplecome out in support of this worthycause and also to have a great timelistening to great music by universitystudents. Monies raised from this eventprovide scholarship to Black stu-dents as well as students from theJazz program.

Both Professor Kirby and his wifeLisa are Jazz professionals andnow their young son appears to befollowing in their footsteps. Heoffered three great songs wellexecuted to the audience’s delight. Even though Ismaila Alfa of Upto Speed CBC is not a universitystudent and neither a part of theJazz program because of hishistory and involvement with theHorace Patterson Foundation as ayoung boy, he continues to beinvolved and has been makingguest appearances at these con-certs over the years.

Congress of Black Women - Annual General Meeting

Another bang for your dollar Jazz Concert

The Congress of Black Womenof Winnipeg had another success-ful Annual General Meeting at theBirthing Centre and presented itsslate of board members for thenext year. President-Elect Tatenda Bwanareceived her crown as Presidentof the Congress. It has been manyyears since a person from Africancontinent was president, and

heartening to see the collaboration andharmony between Black women in theDiaspora. The then soon to be married MsBwana was ready for the task and hasevery intention to fulfill her obligationto her community and herself. It is adefinitely younger group and the found-ing members can now breathe a sigh ofrelief that the Torch has been passed toan accomplished and dedicated groupof young women.


Reconciliation Conversations Happening in Winnipeg

On April 7,2017, MinisterRachel Squiresthrough theManitobaWomen’sAdvisory Councilhosted a wellattendedinformativesession onsurvivors ofSexual Assaultheld at Ma MawiWi Chi Itata Center(Event Hall) on King Street.

Participants, the majority beingindigenous women, learned about theservices that are available after a personexperiences sexual assault andsubsequent steps survivors may or cantake.

Moderated by Dr. JeannetteMontufar, Chair of ManitobaWomen’s Advisory Council, thespeakers included experts from:Ka Ni Kanichihk, Klinic,Manitoba Victim Services,Manitoba Prosecution Service,RCMP, and the Winnipeg Police

Each year the Winnipeg Foundation one ofthe major charitable funders in Manitobasponsors a conference to check the health ofthe community. This year the conferencewas held at Canada Inn Pembina Highwaywith a sold out attendance of more than 250attendees. The attendees included a very largenumber of Indigenous participants,including elders, residential schoolsurvivors, several leaders of majorIndigenous organizations, members of theBear Clan and a good number of Indigenous

Rick Frost, E.D. Winnipeg Foundation

Dr. R. Currier, Circles Founder Dr. Myra Laramee, Elder

Kevin Lamoureux

Awareness Session on Sexual Assault

Beth Ulrich, Ex Dir. MWAC

The Panel

Service. The eventwill be moderatedby Dr. JeannetteMontufar, Chair ofManitoba Women’sAdvisory Council.


It was going to be the summerto remember, my bestie and I weregoing to play mas in Caribana thebiggest Carnival in Toronto. Wewere planning our costumes andstyling for the event pretending wewere going to be in some hottropical paradise where there isblue waters, white sand and coolbreeze. I was saving madly to buymy costume, hoarding all the tipsfrom my waitressing job. We weregoing all out trying for the best andmost creative costumes. Raised bya single mom who felt like andlived like a Goliath, I hated askingher for anything because she givesall her savings not to disappoint.Anyway it was a good time to askas it was close to Tax Return timeand mom always gets big returns.She donates everywhere.

Tamara was my very bestfriend. We shared secrets. Deepdark secrets I wouldn’t tell anyoneelse. I trusted her implicitly. Shewas kindred spirit. We spent manydays and nights and eveningstogether drinking, making exoticmeals and just talking and sharingdeep thoughts everything fromprivilege, patriarchy, racism,politics, religions and then exposingour soft underbelly to each other –the hurts, the tears and betrayals bythe men in our lives, the deadbeat,lying cheating men we knew. Wewere on the same page politicallyand our world view blended nicely;we quickly spotted white privilege,racism and imperialism,internalized racism and sexismwhich plagued most girls of colourif they would admit it. We werepart of a group of radical thinkerslike Gemma, Martha, Shitaqua andZainab and would spend hoursunpacking the oppressive systems as

Double Wthey applied to our lives. As wedowned tequilas and chardonnayour voices became more insistentand our thoughts and vocabularyclearer. Tears often interspersedwith laughter when were in thissafe space in Zainab’s home.There was always pain, hard painsome of us endured, heartbreakingpain which we carried with thehelp of our sisters and unload bitby bit.

While we were all friendsand connected on different levels,Tamara was the one I connectedwith the most, she was my bosomfriend so to speak. She wasbright, articulate and sheunderstood things. She was verygenerous and proud but Godknows she had big demons tofight. I opened up to her big timeabout my tumultuous relationshipwith Dominic, my handsome ebonking who captured my heart likeno one ever did. I never knew Icould love someone that much, heopened that space and I allowedmyself to be vulnerable to feel thetotality of the experience of love.I felt safe as I trusted him. Hewas a man of ideas as well. Hetalked about what it is to be ablack man in a white world and Iloved it when he spoke thelanguage of a strong black man,dread locks in tow when he says“I will not bow down to them, Iwill not let them decide how Ithink and I will stand up to powerevery time. He talked aboutblack men needed to treat blackwomen like a rare pearl as she isthe eternal mother and takes careof people, sets things right andlooks out for you. Music to myears. He was all of that when hewas there, present with me. Ourtime together was full of a chorus

of conversations about blackness andwhat it means and how to get ahead inspite of the challenges, the disunity inour community as a result of slaveryand the rest. But there were hopes anddreams for betterment for our childrenyet to be born. We even talked ofreturning to Africa, the Motherlandand plant our roots there to rerootwith our ancestors. All of this Ishared with Tamara and she wouldlisten like the good friend she wasand never judged and offeredcomments of insight when needed.

Dominic and I had been thick astwo peas in a pod for about two yearsbefore cracks in our relationshipappeared. This happened shortlyafter he had a life-threateningaccident and thought he would notlive or would live with a severedisability but he was fine after hislengthy hospitalisation. I’d beenthere by his side encouraging him tohope and not to give up. He waschanged person after that. Was it as aresult of the accident or was it justhim taking a turn in life but what washurtful is that he never was honestwith what was going on. Hepretended all was well but I couldfeel him pulling away, cancellingdates and on his FB page there werestrange women who had become hisfriends. I guess these women werepart of his life during his school days,whom I did not know as I grew up inanother province. When I challengedhim, he said he was trying to findhimself and to regain his equilibriumwhich the shock of the accidentshattered. He said although he waswell, he felt something was missingand he realized how easily life couldchange and that changed him.

“Can’t we do this together?”“No. Something a man must do

alone.” He spoke firmly.“Don’t shut me out. I can’t stand


Women and ScienceThe Manitoba Women’s AdvisoryCouncil focussed its program onWomen and Science at the 2017International Women’s Day Cel-ebrations at the Legislature.

Council ofWomenRepres.

MLA’s & Ministers present posewith the two panelists: Dr.Montufar and Dr. Nusroat Massood

Diane Dwarkaand Pat Hervo

Dr. JeannetteMontufar,speaks to acouple highschool girls

it”“I’m not shutting you out. The more I

love myself, the more I know myself themore available I can be for you, moreauthenticity is needed”

“What are you saying Dominic?”“I don’t know”“What about us?”“What about us?”“What happened? We were so

close… I thought”“What do you want from me, what do

you want me to tell you?”“I want a future with you. I want us to

be together. We’re good for each other.”“You know I love you and I always

will but, but ah…. I need reflection time”“Okay you’ve got it. I’m here for you.

How long will this take”“There is no time line. I have to figure

some things out.”“”I see. Take your time.”“Thanks. I’m sorry, so sorry. You don’t

know how much” There were almost tearsin his eyes and I reached out and gave him ahug and left.

I had to be in Ottawa for aconference and leaving on Friday to beback the following Tuesday by train. Theconference ended on Sunday and I wasfortunate to get a ride back with some folkswho were also coming to Toronto. I wasstill feeling off by Dominic’s attitude anddecided I’d surprise Tamara with a visit. Ihad a key to her place and she had a key tomy place just in case. I wish I hadn’tbecause what I saw when I entered nearlygave me a heart attack. My best friend andthe man of my dreams were all cuddled upon the couch watching TV. I couldn’tspeak. I dropped the key and left in a hurryand hopped on the first bus I saw; don’teven know where it was going. I had tokeep moving.

The bright sky suddenly turned grey,and everywhere I looked I saw darknessand people in mourning, I was in a clearlyin a stake of shock.

I don’t how I made it home but I didmanage to get into my apartment that I

shared with Zainab.“You’re home early?” She said

pleasantly surprised. I did notrespond. Could not respond.

I got into my room and Ibawled and bawled. This sound thatcame out came from my gut, my souland it fizzled in a whimpering wail.

“What the hell happened toyou?” Zainab asked “and you looklike hell too, just so you know.”

I managed to wave my handand shook my head indicating Iwanted to be left alone.

I did not leave my bed for threedays. I was physically unable tomove.

After those three days Zainabcame into my room and appliedsome tough love and told me that Ihad to eat something and have ashower. She was kind enough to seta bath up with all kinds of nicesmelling lotions and got me out andhelped me into the bathtub. Thatwater befriended me and revivedmy body as it did my spirit as well.

It’s only then I could speak andZainab listened eyes bulging out.

“A sister? A sister? Sistersshould not do that to sisters, whereis the love, where is the truth, whereis the truth, where’s is the trust, trusttrust, is all this shit we talk about allbull … we’ve got a lot of work todo man.”

“Yes, lots” I said shaking myhead.

“You’ve had a doublewhammy” hand akimbo “a doublewhammy no shit less.” We burst outlaughing. That felt good.

I shook my head and let the restof the tears flow freely and it feltlike poison being released from mybody, releasing, letting go for thetime being.

“I’m hungry, let’s eat. Notanother minute for those losers”. Isaid.

Whammy


Surprisingly, slavery existed in Ivory Coast. Actually, historianshave a hard time to differentiate slavery from captivity. The slaveswere captured to be sold to French settlers in exchange for goods (salt,mirrors, clothes, alcohol and tobacco) traded with Ivorian tribalchiefs. But before the European invasion, it was common that triballeaders exchanged war prisoners. For instance, the victor tribe heldhostage the defeated warriors to sell them to allies in exchange forfish, gold, and cowries (shells that served as money). Thesetransactions helped to grow the “workforce” of the tribe enemies forfishing, serving their kingdom and copulating with female slaves. Itwas the domestic slavery versus the international slavery.

In the 14th century, the Portuguese sailors discovered the Africanwest coast. Theycalled it “Cape Palmas”(from Senegal toLiberia) and “CapeThree Points” (fromIvory Coast to Ghana).They also named“Ivory Coast” becauseof the Ivory traded;and they called the portsof Sassandra, San Pedro, and Fresco. From the 16th to the 18th century,the British, Dutch, Danish and French sailors settled in the region, too.They built hundreds of fortresses and forts to invade the territory andto organize the global enslavement.

During the 18th, the French settlers fought against the otherEuropean. The French won the battle. Thus they owned most countriesof the region. And they started the slavery. They received many slavesfrom the Ashanti Kingdom - Gold Coast (Ghana) - to work in goldmines situated in Ivory Coast. The international slavery occurred forone century. Few Ivoirians were sent away. The Guineans, Maliansand Senegalese were sent to Europe (Netherland, England, France,Italy…) and America. The Mina from Benin practised Voodoo as areligion, and they were massively deported to Louisiana.

In summary, the French navigators started the global humantrafficking with massive deportations of slaves to Europe and America.Oddly, the Ivoirians stayed in their country to labour as domesticslaves. The French settlers decided to keep the name of the country,even though the land ran out of Ivory because the elephants werealmost exterminated in only one century.

Bénédicte Brou

SLAVERY IN IVORY COAST

young people. Thanks to Dr. Raymond Currier, retiredprofessor and father of an indigenous sonwho took the Reconciliation Call toAction seriously enough to do somethingabout it. He is credited with the idea forCircles of Reconciliation. He perseveredwith his idea, seeking support fromvarious Indigenous organizations and inspite of initial obstacles found the supporthe needed within the Indigenouscommunity to make this idea come to life. It was a vote of confidence from theWinnipeg Foundation who asked Circlesfor Reconciliation to co-host theconference and the subsequent success ofthe entire conference and workshopsconfirms that the Circles forReconciliation is an effective tool tobegin the conversation of reconciliationbetween Indigenous and the widercommunity.Diana Redsky, a nationally recognizedIndigenous woman and ExecutiveDirector of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centregave a heartfelt thank you to the WinnipegFoundation for hosting the event andpraised the event unreservedly as a steptoward reconciliation.The circles topics included discussionincluded Reconciliation, Indigenous andNewcomers, Trauma, IndigenousSpirituality, Entrepreneurship, Justice,Meaning of Land. Using the talking stick,when in a circle people are asked tospeak from their own experience and torespect each speaker. The talking stick isused as a tool. Dr. Myra Laramie, a respectedIndigenous Elder opened the conferencewith a prayer. Kevin Lamoureux was theguest speaker and he spoke from his ownexperience as someone from two nations– indigenous and Ukrainian. He receiveda standing Ovation.

continued from p...


Spelt Flour RotiIngredients (makes around 12 rotis,which can be frozen for later use):Spelt flour – 2 cups (+ extra fordusting)Pure Sea Salt – 1/2 tsp (optional)Avocado Oil – 4 tspWarm spring Water – 3/4 cupMethod:1. In a large mixing bowl, mix SpeltFlour and Salt well.2. Add Oil and mix until all lumps aregone.3. Add Warm Water a little at a time toform a medium soft dough ball. Do notoverwork the dough.4. Add few drops of Oil and coat thedough ball. Cover and let it rest for 15minutes.5. Heat skillet on medium heat.6. Knead the dough once and divideinto golf ball size balls.7. Dip one ball into the dusting flour tocoat and roll it out into a thin disc.Keep dipping the roti into the dry flourto prevent it from sticking to the rollingsurface.8. Shake or rub off excess flour fromthe roti and place it onto the hot skillet9. Flip to the other side once you seebubbles appear on the surface. Allowit to cook for 10-15 seconds.10. Increase the stove heat to High,gently pick the roti up with tongs,remove the skillet off of the flame, flipthe roti over and place onto an openflame.11. The roti should balloon up. Flip itover and cook on the other side.12. Remove from skillet and repeatwith other balls

THE FILLINGIngredients:1 cup of cooked chick peas1 cup of cooked butternut squash1 large onion medium diced

1 tablespoon Avocado oilSprinkling of dried thyme1/3 cup of Spring waterSalad or sliced avocado

Method:1. Heat oil in skillet on high heat2. Add diced onion & stir untilonions soften a little3. Stir in thyme. Stir until mixedright into the oil4. Reduce the heat to low & addchick peas and squash. Mix in untilall covered with seasoning.5. Add the water and let simmeruntil the squash begins to breakdown6. Stir well and remove from heat.To serve, place a single roti flat ina plate and place filling in themiddle. Roll like a burrito.ORFold roti into a quarter circle andplace a dollop of filling to the side.Best eaten with fingers only.

HEALTHWISE

Ingredients:1/3 cup Spring water4 tsp. ground hemp seeds1 cup raw Brazil nuts1/2 cup uncooked shreddedbutternut squash1/2 cup chopped onion1/2 cup quinoa1/4 cup coriander1/2 cup red peppers1/3 cup sesame seeds2 tablespoon fresh dill – minced1 teaspoon sea salt¼ teaspoon cayennePlum or cherry tomatoes fordressingMethod:-Combine the water and hempseeds in a small saucepan and

bring to just under asimmer, then turn offheat. Let them soak until needed.-Preheat oven to 190C or 375F.-Grind Brazil nuts and transferthem to a large bowl.-Combine the remainingingredients in a food processor.Grind into meal, not a puree.Add this mixture to the groundnuts.-Scrape the hempseed mixtureinto the bowl with everythingelse.-Toss and stir to mix well.-Line a cookie sheet withparchment and drop scoops ofthe mixture on it. Using a rubberspatula, pat the mounds into flatpatties.-Bake for 40-45 minutes untilgold and crisp around the edges.-Plate with plum or cherry tomatopurée

BRAZIL NUT BURGER

“ Real Soul food is food thatenhances the soul, our central sun, our melanin ourcarbon. Fruits, vegetables, grains.This is real soul food…”

“ A society that keeps cures asecret so they can continue to sellmedication for huge profits is nota real society but a huge mentalasylum”.

If it’s seedless,don’t eat it

Quotable Quotes byDr. Sebi


The city has its time of stillness and calm,until the crow erupts into the morning,

like a trumpet, announcing the arrival of greatness.A gray sky with a tangerine and fuchsia sun glides slowly

across the expansion of my window,a rare display of the awesome power that propels me

forward.I will play my game with the sun,

only to claim victory by witnessing so many sunrises,to wake before the morning sun in the slumbering months

of season and mock, “I was up before you! Ha ha!”I play this game and know that I will find grace

and goodness in the bird’s song,and in the vibrant morning colours I will find my strength.

In our hectic and everyday lives,we must remember it’s great to be alive.

To smell the flowers and listen for the bird’s song,for true happiness the wait will not be long.

Be reminded as the troubles of the day pass by,to take a deep breath and give a heavy sigh.

Life goes on around us and for some, it’s hardto find the joy and pleasure.

To achieve a love for life is the greatest treasure.

Greatest Gift

By Alanna Holder Riches

Mrs. Hope Matus was taken bysurprise when she received the LifeMembership Award from the Congressof Black Women at its 2017 AnnualGeneral meetring. When she regained her composure shewas very appreciative of the honour andthanked the Congress for their consider-ation of her. Hope has been a steady supporter of theorganization, always willing to lend ahelping hand, regularly attends Congressevents and is committed to empoweringblack women. Congratulations to Hope onthis achievement.

Baha’is of Winnipeg sponsored a community Naw Ruz celebration at the n Knox United Church, Central Park areaand invited the residents to join in the celebration. Bahai youths went door to door to invited people from thearea. The effort was well received. It was agreat evening where strangers became friends.

Life Membership Award

Bahai Community Outreach Activity


A big star recently crossed thethreshold from life to greater life inthe understanding of these with thebelief in the afterlife. And we allmiss him. The social media feasts onhis memory and information oncehidden are revealed or made up aboutthe artist formerly known as Prince.

What a character, what amusician and entertainer we have lostway too early. No one will questionhis enormous talent he’s one of themusician’s favourite s and an icon.

Prince himself was a weirdlittle man with an explosivepersonality, explosive in the sensethat he commanded attention and hehad reached a point where he did notneed much publicity for his events tobe sold out before you can say“prince”.

Prince was a role model to manypeople of all races, he was also aJehovah witness, he suffered epilepsyas a child and he grew up in relativepoverty but that did not stop him. Heembraced his blackness even thoughhe was bi or tri racial.

Identity like gender is somethingthat goes beyond the superficial. Itembodies a person soul as well.People tend to embrace the identitythat is dominant in their lives, that hasinformed their childhood and overallliving experience. Prince identifiedas a black man. He grew up black,lived the black experience on theblack side of the tracks in the UnitedStates of America and always,always referred to himself as a Blackperson, as a “brother”

In the world of social media, thequestion of Prince’s identity hasprovided a lot of fodder forengagement on the topic. There werethose who prided themselves as bi-racial and sought to embrace theirheritage regardless of their living

experience. Those with bi-racialidentities sought to connectthemselves to Prince’s experiencebased on their bi-racial exterior.And blacks were upset with thosewho appeared to want to takeaway Prince’s own embrace ofhis black identity.

I understand that people ofmixed heritage may feel they arebetraying one parent or the othershould they identify with one.Identity is more than physicalappearance it is about yourexperience that connects you witha particular race or class in theworld.

Human beings are not purebred like dogs. We are anintegrated species of variousgenetic strains which shoes up inour bodies in colour, texture ofhair, lip sizes, eye shape and soon.

So why do we cling to theseemingly useless marker ofidentity when we know it is skindeep. Why can‘t we be just happy

to be of the human race andcelebrate how far we‘ve comeas a species and how people inthe arts keep pushing theboundaries to unravel the geniusthat we can be.

We‘re stuck in this oldworld racial divide and keep ondissecting who we are adnausea. Part of the problem is itis our nature to try to be betterthan the other, discriminate.Whenever people claim acertain distinction be it race,class, religion there is anunderlying motivation to setourselves apart generally abovesomeone other class or race. Ofcourse the Black race alwaysequates at the bottom of thespectrum so who wants to beidentified as black if they canget to a higher notch by claimingwhiteness or otherness asblacks. Can‘t blame people forthat. We blame the system whichinoculated us with this racialvirus.

IDENTITY

Prince


When I began working at theshop, I used to go home in the eveningswith a tension strung tightly across myshoulders and upper back; cooling,retracting as I drew closer to home.With a might in my chest that makes aman feel that he has had a constructiveday, I imagined myself as the minerarchetype: muddy boots and a pickresting against my right shoulder,black soot caked around the cornersof my eyes where safety goggles donot defend the flesh, cheeks stainedwith salty sweat, and a stomachscreaming to breach free of a belt,like those worn for lumber support.I cannot tell exactly when these oncestatuesque shoulders (if I may be sobold) reformed to a ductile, carefreeslouch; the arrow remains pointed butin want of a solid target. I have daysnow when I am sweeping in themiddle aisle and feel emptiness in thestomach that glows in my mind likesome dying white star. Surrounded,too, by clouds that seem created fromdust, flashes of lightning here and thenthere but never breaking through,never really confirming its’ presence,intention or power. I often feel likeSuperman removed from the sun, orSamson without his hair; not seeingthe kryptonite meant to finish me, butsensing it is here. Nothing in my Caribbeanupbringing can claim the credit, or myperpetual gratitude, for preparing meto combat these moments. When Iwrestle with my young son and wail,‘Ohhhhh, you’ve broken my

shoulder!,’ or ‘burst my heart!,’‘fractured my skeleton!’ and even‘ruptured my bicep!’; I do feel,sometimes, that I am closer to thattruth that I am aware. Am Istruggling to establish a sense ofpurpose, or in rebound ofabandoning one? Has my mindreleased throughout my body aplague of apathy? Is the rightmessage succumbing to a snowballeffect of doubt, by the time itreaches my mouth? What is thisconnection between the pit of mybelly, held in shape as if a pose instudy, and the valley of my throat?Why do three fingers on my righthand require solace in thepossessive grip of the left? Why doI press my toes against the floor andlift my heels, to feel knife-sharppain shooting up from just abovemy ankles through my calves? AmI bored? Am I about to ‘boogie outon life’? Why does the back of myhand itch and react so indecently,to the edginess of myfingernails?Perhaps this is thefeeling one expects when walkingthrough a railroad tunnel, as hepicks up the chorus of tracklingmetals and an angry engine. Does the fascination endwith the discovery of new whitehairs, or scabs lifted from the scalprevealing tiny lacerationspreviously unknown, presentlyunaccounted for? Do you ever

really see anything beyond the first tenfeet of sight, ever really notice anythingtangible within the same distance? Wereyou always as aware of your muscles,your person, your need for presentationin the face of the opposite sex? Did youalways visit the facilities with suchfrequency? How long have you beenfeeling suffocated by your own weight,unable to lay down comfortably on amattress without the need for a betterpillow, more space, fresh air? Is Aspirinthe condition or the cure? Have you everseen the film ‘The Time Traveller’sWife?’ I think the saddest thing about theconcept is that even a work of fiction can’tdebunk the theory of ‘Time’s Arrow’; theasymmetry of time. Even if we aregranted the ability to travel back, nothingwe do can change the outcome of events,vary or alter what has happened. Thereis nothing like creating the ‘GrandfatherParadox’, as Rene Barjavel suggested; aman who goes back in time and kills hisgrandfather before he himself is born. Isit possible that I am the very grandsonwho yet needs proof?

CANARY IN A COAL MINE - Neil Pitamber


The Black History MonthCommittee decided to try somethingdifferent and it worked. This yearyouths were given topics to researchand present at the Youth Symposium in2017. The students uncovered manygems in their research but unfortunatelynot many turned out to hear about theimportant findings, discovery andeloquent delivery of their researchfindings. Those who were fortunate tobe present sat captivated as theylearned facts like during the 1930s theCity of Halifax denied residents ofAfricville essential services likerunning water, a road system andsewage disposal even though taxeswere collected from residents.

The five youth researchersincluded Michael Archer, 21, whopresented on The Berlin Conference1884-85, Lulu Lumumba, 20 presentedon The Black Brigade, Elsa Kaka, 21on the Negro League Baseball, SidoniaDeng 18, on Africville. All thepresenters are university students.

Michael said he was amazed tofind out that during the industrialrevolution, from one side of the worldthere were demands for rubber anddifferent metals to produce cars and onthe other side Belgium was forciblyenslaving the people of Congo to makethe rubber and metals required forvehicles from their land’s naturalresources.

The dynamic SappfyreMcLeod, Red River College studentemceed the event that was held at theTruth and Life Worship Centre oFebruary 4, 2017.

This was the brainchild ofBlack History Month Committeemember, Victor Vaughan who ispassionate about History. Participantswent home with a package of

information on the topics presented.Which included, Dr. Sebi, VivienThomas, Madame C.J. Walker, HarryJerome, Mary McLeod Bethune,Patrice Lumumba, Fannie LouHamer, Hamilton Naki and ToussaintL ‘Overture.

By Shondell & GEM volunteerwriter.

Youth Researchers Delivers Findings at 2017 BlackHistory Month Youth Symposium

Lorial Todd helping out in the kitchenat youth symposium.

Saffyre MacLeod, emcee Lulu Lipoma - speaker

Michael Archer - speakerRegina Stewart. student at St. VincenMassey.


LoraineM.NyokongInterimExecutiveDirectorLoraineis an

experienced executive, and adynamic leader. Her varied careerincludes business development,strategic and business planning,change management, coaching andmentoring, and the management ofmulti-functional work teams in theprivate and not-for-profit sectors.Loraine received her Bachelor ofArts degree from the University ofWinnipeg in Justice and LawEnforcement, and is currentlycompleting her MBA. Loraine isexcited to contribute to the successof Food Matters Manitoba in herrole as Interim Executive Director.

Spotlight

Nancy Abu-Bonstrah, born inGhana has broken another glassceiling by becoming the firstblack female neurosurgeonresident at St. John’s HopkinsHospital. Ecstatic by theannouncement on March 17 a.k.a.“Match day” when students findout which where they will bedoing their residence, Abu-Bosrah is especially pleased

being the first Physician in herfamily.

“I am very much interested inproviding medical care inunderserved settings, specificallysurgical care,” she said in a

statement. “I hope to be able to go backto Ghana over the course of my careerto help in building sustainable surgicalinfrastructure.”

Nancy’s husband, Kwabena, isalso studying medicine as a 3rd-yearmedical student at University ofMaryland. Her moment is extra special,as she will be the first physician in herfamily. “I want to be remembered forserving my community, whether it isthrough providing quality surgical careor helping mentor the next generation ofsurgeons. Everything is special aboutthe match. It will be a dream come true.

Congratulations to Nancy Abu-BonsrahBREAKING BARRIERS

Career Moves

Congratulations to RaymondNgarboui, 43, one of the winners ofthe Premier’s Volunteer Award 2017for his outstanding volunteer work inManitoba.

Originally from Chad, CentralAfrica, Raymond lives and breathesagriculture/gardening. Shortly afterhe arrived in Manitoba Raymond’spassion for gardening which wasdeveloped in his home countryignited and flourished through TheRainbow Community Gardeningproject which he was instrumental instarting in 2008 three years after hearrived as a permanent resident to

Canada, dedicated to teaching people,especially newcomers how to growvegetables.

The Rainbow society project startedwith 16 families from diversebackgrounds who grew crops togetheron nine sites across Manitoba. “When Isee new immigrants – who cannot affordnutritious food from the store, growingvegetables to eat makes me proud.”

. “Volunteering for me is a way ofgiving back,” said Ngarboui. “Who I amtoday, it’s thanks to what I received fromother people.” Ngarboui has served ona range of boards, including the Boardfor Supporting Employment and

Raymond Ngarboui Receives Premier of Manitoba Volunteer Award

Premier Brian Pallister & RaymondNgarboui continued on p 22


Wanted: Informationon Black Settlers who

had MennoniteNeighbours

Dr. Timothy Epp of RedeermerUniversity College is interested inconnecting with anyone whohave any information (even if it seemsinsignificant to you), stories or memo-ries of interaction between Mennonitesand Black people in Manitoba orSaskatchewan between the late 19thCentury and the 1950’s. Prof. Epp is currently studying therelationships between Mennonitemissionaries and the Black Settlers. According to Prof. Epp’s research sofar, Mennonites and Blacks wereneighbours in Winnipeg’s North Endand Point Douglas areas, the area nearthe historic Pilgrim Baptist Church.As well as areas near Neepawpa,Marquette, Provencher, Souris, Bran-don, Lisgar and Dauphin. He is expected to be in Manitobasometime in May or June and will beavailable to speak to anyone who isinerested in speaking to him. Please email Professor Epp [email protected] or call 905-648-2139 x 4247. Please help if you can.

Dr. Jeannette Montufar ofWinnipeg has been appointedchair of the council.. She is abusiness owner, philanthropist,mentor and trailblazer intransportation engineering. Hercompany sponsors several eventsand organizations that seek toempower women.

Council members are: Verna A. Klippenstein

Heinrichs (Altona), MargaretRoscelli (Oak Lake), MaggieMasi (Winnipeg), Jennifer Flett(Opaskwayak), Doris Mae Oulton(Winnipeg), Kristen Lynch(Winnipeg) and Lizanne Lachance(Winnipeg). Dr. RomonaGoomansingh of Winnipeg hasbeen re-appointed to the council.

Two members of theprevious board have resigned,while the membership of sixexpired and seven were revoked.

All of the members arehighly accomplished women withtrack records of concern forwomen’s issues.

Squires thanked the outgoingboard members for theircontributions and commitment.

Meet the New Boardof the Manitoba

Women’s AdvisoryCouncil

Economic Development Winnipeg andKnox Church Trustees, and works toadvocate for newcomers in Winnipeg.He is also willing to share hisknowledge of gardening with anyonewho has the time to listen andimplement his suggestions. Raymond was one of 30 recipients ofthis prestigious award presented at the34th Annual Volunteer Awards recep-tion held at the RBC ConventionCentre April 25, 2017.

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which not only raised much neededfunds for MATCH International butprovided a sweet space for womento get together, eat and shareinformation about how the otherhalf of the world lives. There wereguest speakers including MaureenGathogo explained what MATCHis all about and how you canbecome involved, and Dr. EmmaAlexander, university of Winnipegprofessor who described twoexamples of MATCJH fundedprojects – Her Turn in Nepal andFAT in India. These projects aredesigned to empower women tohelp themselves. Funds raisedfrom the luncheon goes to help thework of MATCH International.

Mary Scott of InternationalWomen Research InstituteIncorporated spoke about the workof IWRII and how they use thefunds raised by them. MATCH wasa recipient of the organization’slast fundraising effort. HelenWhettles and her team did anexcellent job organizing thissuccessful event.

Helen Whettles, Chair,Manitoba MATCH, Dr.Emma Alexander,Maureen Gathogo, ofInstyle Organizing,Immaculate Nabisere,Durga Ogale, Rose-mary Ahoff, Jo Wrightand Lisa Hackett

continued from p3

Mary ScottMaureen, Immaculate

and Kenny Daodu


Sixty years ago Ghana becamethe first country in Africa to gain itsindependence under the wise andsteady leadership of KwameNkrumah a respect name around theworld and especially in the Africanand Caribbean countries.

When Ghana gained itsindependence, the first thing onNkrumah’s mind was to free hisbrothers and sisters and vowed hewill not rest until all Africa is free.He was instrumental in the freedommovements in many Caribbeancountries as well.

Africa is one continent, onepeople, and one nation. The notionthat in order to have a nation it isnecessary for there to be a commonlanguage, a common territory andcommon culture has failed to standthe test of time or the scrutiny ofscientific definition of objectivereality... The community of economiclife is the major feature within anation, and it is the economy whichholds together the people living in aterritory. It is on this basis that thenew Africans recognise themselvesas potentially one nation, whosedominion is the entire Africancontinent.

...All people of African descentwhether they live or in any part ofthe world are Africans and belong tothe African nation. Kwame Nkrumah

...The independence of Ghana ismeaningless unless it is linked-upwith the total liberation of theAfrican Continent Kwame Nkrumah

Nkrumah had a holistic view ofAfricans and he saw no differencewhether they were in continentalAfrica, the Caribbean or transplantedany part of the world. Like an appleis an apple regardless of the soil ithas grown in, Africans are Africanswherever they are.

It is clear that we must find anAfrican solution to our problems, and

that this can only be found inAfrican unity. Divided we areweak; united, Africa could becomeone of the greatest forces for goodin the world. Kwame Nkrumah

The Ghana Union ofWinnipeg annual celebratesGhana‘s independence anniversarybut this year was special. Therewas the flag raising ceremony at theWinnipeg City Hall. MayorBowman called Ghana one of themost beautiful countries in Africawhich is fast becoming a hub of artand fashion. Ghana is also praisedas a country which has enjoyedpeace and democracy for manyyears now.

Celebrated at the Canad Innon Regent, the event attracted some500 participants includingrepresentatives from the Diasporaorganizations and Winnipegcommunity at large.

Guest speaker, ProfessorJ.CV. Khatter spent years as aSenior Science teacher in KumasiGhana and developed scienceprogramme at the GCE A level aswell as three science labs with thehelp of UNICEF and wasinstrumental in development ofelementary and secondary schoolsin Ghana.

Prof. Katter spoke about hisexperiences and his students andhis love for Ghana. He said he hasmet a student he taught and offeredhim a job. He spoke of Ghana withgreat fondness.

The evening was spattered –vibrant colourful Ghanaian fabrics,dance, songs, skits, jokes and thecutting of the anniversary cake.

Ghanaians Celebrate their 60th Anniversary

Pictorial: Cutting the cake, Dr.Khatter, guest speaker, Justina Stoneand Selina Bieber, Dancing, Ghana-ian choir, Kamta Singh, StellaKankan, Lola Ayolele, Grace ,President of Ghanaian Assoc..&unidentified friend.
