Raj Basdeo Acts of institutional racism displayed by the powers that be inside the Canadian state surprise me at times, although they truly should not. These events happen frequently, and we must not normalise them. We must move past this constant surprise and disbelief in order to foment unified action for systemic change. During this past month, foreign-funded white supremacist anti-vaxx insurrectionists succeeded in blockading the Parliament of Canada for 23 days. All levels of government were paralysed, even with all their might and power, to bring this unlawful occupation to an end. Perhaps they were not paralysed. Perhaps they …

Melissa Murphy (LJI) This was the theme at the inaugural flag raising ceremony that was held at the Pierrefonds Community High School last Tuesday, February 1st. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Canadian, provincial and schoolboard flags, founding members of the school’s Black Student Union raised the Pan-African flag to the sounds of Montreal jazz legend, Oscar Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom. Since its conception, the Pan-African flag has been a symbol for the unification of Blackness, across the diaspora—from the stories that bond us, to the cultures that make us uniquely beautiful; a fitting emblem for this historical event. “It’s …

Melissa Murphy (LJI) On March 5th, all eyes will be locked on the highly anticipated 6th edition of Gala Dynastie, being held virtually from the Maisonneuve Theatre, at 7:30pm. Gala Dynastie has become a staple in the celebration of Quebec’s Black excellence. Year after year, it is an opportunity to acknowledge Black leaders and creators for their exemplary efforts to shape their communities, along with Quebec’s media, art and culture. This year, the event will be split into two nights, with Prix Medias Dynastie launching their 1st edition on February 27th. This virtual event will stream live from the Paradox …

Submitted by Rhema Walters In memory of Shawn Birch and all the other Blacks killed by other Blacks. My young nephew was stabbed in his heart by another black teenager. He was stabbed on February 28, 1993 late afternoon in the Cote Vertu Metro station after he surrounded by the same group of Black youths thrown off the Vanier Collage campus earlier that day for assaulting young Black women at a Black History Month Celebration. Black Lives Matter….. which ones ? What we see is more and more Black mothers losing sons and daughters. Think about the young Black woman …

Rosie Awori (LJI) Montrealers are invited to join Grenadians and friends of Grenada on Monday, February 7, in the celebration of the 48th Anniversary of Grenada’s Independence. The event, which is being be held virtually for the second year is organized by the Spice Island Cultural Day Association of Quebec (SICDAQ) and will be hosted on the association’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. This year’s celebration promises to be a grand one with performances by King Ajamu, direct from Grenada; Calypsonian Doggies (who also wears the hat of the President of the Organization;) Jenny Noel along with her daughter Jenna; …

Happy New Year. May you have a bountiful supply of blessings over the year ahead. As many of you begin to put you New Year’s resolution into practice, I would like to continue our conversation about healthy living. Eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight are always at the top of the list for New Year’s resolutions. Before the pandemic, gyms were packed in January and perhaps until mid-February. The numbers often dwindle come March and then increases again just before summer. The sale of exercise equipment usually skyrockets in December and January, with buyers having great intentions. However, come …

Karim Fall (LJI) Joel Anthony has had success at multiple levels in his playing career from college to the NBA. Now he is hoping to recreate some of those accomplishments with the new Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) franchise the Montreal Alliance as their inaugural general manager. His appointment, which was made public at a news conference at Dawson College on December 8, provoked quite a lot of excitement among Montreal’s basketball community, which has produced a lot of successful players at the college level as well as in the NBA. Joel Anthony isn’t new to the CEBL which has …

by Melissa Murphy On Saturday, December 11, join the Jireh Gospel Choir and the Montreal Gospel Choir (MGC) for their annual Christmas Gospel Celebration, where these acclaimed choirs will also celebrate their 25th and 10th anniversaries, respectively. Led by their founder Carol Bernard, a musical powerhouse, the two groups are inviting Montreal music lovers to come bask in the excitement of over 50 singers and five musicians, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss. And ring in the Christmas season with exhilarating performances of classics like “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, and “Joy to the World”, along with …

By Robin Morais Overcoming obstacles, both inside and outside of the Boxing ring, is nothing new for Trinidad and Tobago’s Super Heavyweight boxer Nigel Paul, who was forced to train for the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Boxing Championships online via the Zoom Social Media platform, because the Covid-19 Pandemic forced the government to close the country’s boxing gyms. However, despite this challenge, Paul’s determination, dedication and discipline to succeed against the daunting odds he faced, enabled him to stun the world amateur boxing, by winning a bronze medal in the Super heavyweight (92+k, 210 pounds) at the recently concluded AIBA …

Succeeding in politics is as difficult as it is demanding. Beyond that, being a successful Black man in politics for over 20 years can seem almost impossible at times, but Dollard-des-Ormeaux city councillor Errol Johnson continues to make it happen. Johnson has been a city copuncil;lor since 1994 and today also serves as deputy mayor. He had initially ran office the two years prior to winning and despite others trying to encourage him not to run for a third consecutive year in fear that he would lose again, he refused to give up. He had a strategy. “I was trying …