Quebec is bracing for a significant escalation in labor strikes as public sector workers, deeply frustrated with the provincial government’s handling of wage and working conditions, are preparing for a week-long strike in December. This action, announced by a coalition of public sector unions known as the Common Front, represents a critical juncture in a series of industrial actions gripping the province. The Common Front, comprising 420,000 health, social services, and education workers, has declared that the December 8-14 strike will be their final move before potentially launching an unlimited general strike. This decision underscores public sector employees’ growing impatience …

From his collegiate boxing days to navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and embracing fatherhood, Shakeel Phinn has continued to evolve, both as a boxer and as an individual. Etching his name in the annals of Canadian boxing history. Phin, is a formidable presence in the super middleweight category, has not only clinched the Canadian Super Middleweight belt but has also recently added another feather to his cap by winning a championship title in May this year. Phin’s foray into boxing was coincidental. While doing some strength training for football at Champlain College in St. Lambert, he stumbled upon …

Carol Bernard, the visionary founder behind both the Jireh Gospel Choir and the Montreal Gospel Choir, has been orchestrating a harmonious revolution in the realm of gospel music for almost two decades. Jireh Gospel Choir creates music that combines authenticity and boldness, fun and depth, in the purest gospel tradition, from Negro spirituals to hip-hop. Their album Get Up was awarded Gospel Music Association Canada’s Gospel Album of the Year. In 2022, the 15 singers and 5 musicians set the stage on fire in a 3rd appearance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in front of an audience of thousands …

When David Archer speaks about his upbringing, he describes a time immersed in the rhythms of reggae music and the flavors of ackee and saltfish. As he grew up, he wasn’t initially sure of the path his life was going to take, but he welcomed the challenge to counter the societal narrative that said Black people aren’t successful as mental health specialists. He not only challenged this, but Archer also emerged as a powerful advocate for anti-racist psychotherapy. He has a Master of Social Work from McGill University he also has another Masters in Couple and Family Therapy and is …

Rosie Awori and Guest Commentary – David Ongoma In 1804, Haiti made history as the first Black nation to gain independence from France through a remarkable uprising by its people. The nation swiftly embraced an inclusive constitution, welcoming all Black individuals as free citizens within Haitian borders. Despite these early triumphs, Haiti, this potent force in the Caribbean, has grappled with a tumultuous journey. Its recent history has been shadowed by pervasive violence, insecurity, and well-intentioned yet ineffective international interventions. The 2021 coup de tat attempt in February that led to the assassination of H.E. President Jovenel Moise, was a …

With a career spanning two decades, Montrealer Michelle Beckles has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, distinguishing herself as a true expert in athletic therapy. She is the most senior Black female athletic therapist in Quebec, a path she devoted herself to early on in her life. It’s hard for people to become what they do not see; Beckles journey illustrates this. In her teens, she sustained an injury while playing soccer. She noticed medics rush towards her, and they bandaged her up and she was able to continue. It was later she learned who they were and what …

The Island Fete in the west Island was not any ordinary food festival but a fusion of food, family fun and Caribbean culture on 2nd September in Pierrefonds. It was the first of its kind in the West Island of Montreal and it came together when Don Garret and Nicole Catwell from Tasty Touch—who have held many food festivals in Montreal—approached Akilah Newton from Overture with the Arts (OWTA), to bring the festival to the west Island. “When Tasty Touch approached Overture with the Arts to bring this food festival to the West Island, I jumped at the opportunity. OWTA …

Mixed media artist Misé Johns is gearing up to enthrall audiences at the Montreal Fringe Festival with ‘Guerrier,’ an ambitious interactive show presented in partnership with Ethos Cultura, this immersive spectacle transcends the traditional barriers between artist and audience. Johns, who is half Kenyan and Canadian, says he incorporates his culture and heritage into his art and Guerrier is no exception. Although it is his first time creating and holding an interactive show he believes all his previous experiences as a musician and working in different creative fields have set him up to execute this. “There are so many aspects …

The Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE) has long been a pillar of support for Quebec students. As the summer approaches, the organization is getting ready to kick off three of its signature programs: the BANA Summer Camp for elementary students, the DaCosta Program for high school students, and the Early Literacy Program for PreK to Cycle 1 students. Each program is designed to address the unique needs of various age groups and foster personal growth alongside academic achievement. BANA Summer Camp for elementary students, the DaCosta program for high school students, and the Early Literacy Program for PreK to …

After the pandemic-imposed hiatus, Aiesha Robinson is set to host the rebirth of her signature event, Born to Rise on May 6, 2023, at Ecole Cavelier-de-Lasalle in Montreal. The event is designed to inspire and empower people to rise above their circumstances and go on to a full and rewarding life. Robinson is an advocate for self-expression as a means of healing and personal growth, and her work with Born to Rise reflects this belief. This year’s event is dedicated to Robinson’s father, Clifford who passed away in October 2021. She says he was her biggest supporter, and knows that …