Read the fine print and avoid surprises:   International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides airline industry standards and best practices for baggage management. Airlines adhere to IATA regulations to transport personal items, carry-ons and checked luggage. Individual airline policies may differ. Think about your packing habits: Previous travel experiences will influence how you pack your bags. Some individuals prepare so far in advance they forget what they packed and find duplicates or nonessentials. Others wait until the last minute to pack and discover impractical “just in case” items. Travel shakes up a normal routine, so finding familiar items in your …

By Desirée Zagbai Going to the grocery store used to be serene, but it is now a place of anxiety. Food prices are increasing at a rapid rate. A report by Canada’s Food Price Report 2024 shows that food prices will increase by 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent. The average family of four is expected to spend $16,297.20 on food in 2024, an increase of up to $701.79 from last year. These statistics worry Montrealers, and some people have no choice but to cut their daily food consumption. In these troubling times, food banks in Canada are putting …

The Fondation Dynastie hosted an unveiling event for the finalists of the 8th edition of Gala Dynastie and the program for Semaine Dynastie on February 9th at Place des Arts, in the Salon Urbain. The event was graced with talented artists and creators who gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Quebec’s black talent in the fields of arts, media, and culture. The afternoon event opened with greetings from multiple speakers who shared their involvement and desire to fulfill the foundation’s mission, touching upon themes of personal responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of community support. There was also …

On Saturday February 17, 2024, it was a grand celebration as Grenadians and friends celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with a Gala at Le Challenger, St. Laurent, Québec. The members of Grenada’s 50th Independence Planning Committee and Grenada Nationals Association of Montreal should pat themselves on their backs for organizing an event that was worth the cost according to several attendees. Attorney Melissa Paul-Franklyn gave an inspiring address. The consul general of Grenada in Canada, Gerry Hopkin, encouraged the audience to invest in Grenada. The audience was entertained by Stefin Noel and attendees …

  By: Gemma Raeburn-BaynesBlack History Month holds profound significance for me as a black woman deeply engaged in the community for nearly six decades. It is a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of a people who have triumphed over adversity. As I reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who came before me, I am inspired to uplift my community and sow the seeds of empowerment among the youth. For me, Black History Month is a continuous narrative of courage and tenacity, a story of individuals who defied systemic injustices to pave the way for future …

By: Gemma Raeburn-Baynes In the heart of Montreal, the rhythmic beats of the Caribbean found a home in the vibrant soul of Raphael McKenzie, also known as DJ610. Raphael’s journey to the bustling Canadian city was a tale woven with the warmth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a beautiful island in the Caribbean where he took his first steps into a life that would later become a musical adventure. In the early 1970s, Raphael made the courageous decision to leave the shores of his homeland and venture into the unknown territories of Canada. Little did he know that this …

Interest convergence is a Critical Race Theory principle suggesting that social change for minority groups occurs when their interests align with those of the majority. The theory was first coined by Derrick Bell, an American lawyer, theorist and civil rights activist in the 1970s. I thought of the interest convergence theory recently when I heard a CTV News Montreal report that the Quebec Association of Police Directors (ADPQ) were asking for body cameras, to protect police officers from violent attacks against them by civilians. According to the association’s estimate, nearly 2,300 assaults were committed against Quebec police officers in 2022 …

On behalf of the Cote des Neiges Black Community Association (CDNBCA/ BCA), I’d like to thank the community who attended and supported our 50th anniversary celebration on November 23rd, 2023. As mentioned, I’ve spent more than ¾ of my life with the BCA in my life and my heart. Starting in the Teen Leadership program led by Kathy Roach helped me create the lasting bonds and friendships that I have today. Many of whom were in the room with us on Thursday night. At that time, I had no knowledge of the BCA’s beginnings with Leroy Butcher and Vera Jackson’s …

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Chief Nana Kwaku Kwateng Amanin, King of the Ghanaian community of Montreal. King Kwateng, a well respected family man, successful business owner, and dedicated member of our community, passed away on November 13, 2023 at the age of 69. King Kwateng, also known by many as ‘Papa Africa’, was a proud board member of Ghana Canada House Inc., also sitting in as the Chairman of the Ghana Tradition Council of Montreal, offering leadership, insight and guidance to help each organization achieve their respective goals, reach and …

On October 28th, West-Can Folk Performing Co. treated Montreal to a one-of-a-kind Caribbean Carnival exhibition, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the city’s Black community. The roots of this extraordinary exhibit can be traced back to a transformative project known as “Carnival Is… Mas, Movement & Music ” that started in January 2023. The initiative was born out of a growing concern for the declining awareness and appreciation of carnival arts, coupled with the urgent need to pass down this precious knowledge to younger generations. Attendees of the Caribbean Carnival Exhibit were greeted by a captivating display …