Event pays homage to iconic writer and seminal poem Contact Staff Between the lines of Maya Angelo’s seminal poem Still I Rise, runs a thread that traces centuries of defiance and resilience in the relationship between people of African descent and Europeans from slavery, colonialism and well into this new world order. Like at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994, the poem has given voice to victories and achievements big and small in the annals of time. Today, the poem continues to resonate among those seeking to define progress and growth in the face of adversity. And it comes alive in …

Those who have experienced the stage presence and performance power of Shahana expect big things from the young and fast-rising Toronto-born singer/songwriter. With two recently released singles under her belt, there are already down-the-road comparisons to big names like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige and the Bajan beauty who made it big with her voice, sassiness and off-the-chain talent. Her name rhymes with Shahana. Since 2013 and the release of her debut single “Dance The Night Away,” Shahana, who came through the ranks of Coalition Music in T.O., has been working the circuit across the country dishing out her special brand …

Calypsonian Inspector and local b-baller Shawn Brown will receive awards Contact Staff On Saturday, February 21, nationals and friends of the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique will gather at the Eveagreen Hall for a gala celebration to mark the nation’s 41st anniversary of Independence. The event will unfold as a dinner, show, award ceremony and dance. And as it has been over the years, it’s expected to showcase the best of the Isle of Spice with its pulsating culture and people. One of the highlights of the evening will be a feature address delivered by one of …

WHITE GARDENIA at the Segal Contact STAFF On the anniversary of her 100th birthday, Billie Holiday is coming back to Montreal. And again, the storied life of the internationally renowned hummingbird will unfold on stage, suffused with drama and gorged with emotion: pleasure, laughter, tragedy and tears, all told through her many insightful songs. It’s White Gardenia… The scene is the dilapidated Chez Maurice nightclub in 1957, in downtown Montreal. Billie Holiday is taking to the stage for a midnight performance, where she will take the audience on a long, gut-wrenching journey of her life – her struggles with drugs, …

This year, throughout the month of February, YMCA NDG is commemorating Black History Month with a full slate of activities. They continue on February 12 with a presentation by guest speaker, CBC Radio’s Duke Eatmon on “The History of Music.” At Chez Soi 3825 Cavendish, from 2-4 PM. On February 20 guest speaker George Grant will talk food, specifically “The History of Caribbean Food.” At the YMCA NDG 4335 Hampton Av. @ Monkland St., beginning at 6 PM. On Feb. 21, Jean Marie Ntsongo will present a Puppet Show for children of all ages starting at 1:30 PM. Feb. 26 …

On the weekend of February 21 and 22, the Muhammad Study Group of Montreal will organize a local celebration of Black History Month and Saviors’ Day Convention. Traditionally, the Nation of Islam’s Saviors’ Day Convention is held in Chicago at the end of February and attracts tens of thousands of people of all backgrounds, not just members of the movement. In recent years, special guests included Will and Jada Smith, Snoop Dogg (Lion), T.I. and many others. As always, Saviors’ Day weekend in Chicago is packed with educational activities that help to raise the consciousness of the Black Community and …

Contact staff On Saturday, February 28, Jacqueline Morrison stages another workshop session designed to assist women who desire to live out their purpose. This workshop is aimed at helping women in multiple areas, including helping them •    find their passion •    provide tools to help move from where you are in life to where you want to be. •    learn the habits of highly effective people and how to implement strategies for success Whether you are a career professional, a stay at home mom, or striving to find the next steps to your success journey, this workshop will put you …

 Montreal Caribbean Fashion Week  May 7-10 By: Contact Staff The Fashionistas of Montreal will be styling with an island flavor from Thursday, May 7 to Sunday, May 10 when the Montreal Caribbean Fashion Week hits the city this spring. The four-day event will be a showcase of cutting-edge fashion designers, local and international models, make-up artists, hair stylists and experts in the fashion industry. Top models from Barbados and Grenada will also grace the runway. And to further enhance the Caribbean flavour, there will be steel bands, carnival costumes, Moko Jumbie and more. It will also be a celebration of …

SIX TRAIL-BLAZING WOMEN will be recognized Contact Staff As a signature event of early spring in Montreal, A Taste of Tea attracts a wide cross section of Montrealers coming together to celebrate women. On Sunday, March 8, the spotlight will shine on six special Montrealers who have distinguished themselves by their work and their contributions to this city when they receive the 2015 Woman of Merit Award from event organizers, Playmas Montreal Cultural Association. The event, which also celebrates the 104th International Women’s Day, will be held at 6767 Côte-des-Neiges, Main Ballroom, Montreal, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The …

Contact Staff ( Additional reporting from  Dorothy Skutezky) It’s almost a quarter century already and Carlton Daley is still outfitting the fashionable types in our community. With his timeless designs and captivating styles, this highly talented designer, tailor and owner of Carlton Fashions in NDG, has earned his place on the local fashion industry. He says he is always prepared to bring people’s fashion ideas from their head to creation. “I love bringing it to life,” says Carlton who is always ready with his sewing machine, helping his community and Montrealers keep it real since 1991. He is also always …