Posts in category News

Audreia Fagan still laughs when she remembers the first time someone offered her a full-body massage. “I thought they were crazy,” she said. “I didn’t even know it was an industry.” Today, Fagan is the founder of Montreal Massotherapy Masters, a growing therapeutic massage practice helping Montrealers manage pain, relieve stress and reconnect with their bodies. But the path that led her there was anything but straightforward. Born and raised in downtown Montreal, Fagan grew up in the neighbourhoods around Westmount, Little Burgundy and Atwater. Her upbringing was shaped by the strength of her mother, who raised the family as …

When it comes to comedy shows in Montreal’s Black community, one promoter stands out: Widma Jean Jacques, better known as Big Will. Since his college days in the late 1990s, Big Will has been producing entertainment events focused on delivering high quality shows at affordable prices, ensuring audiences of all backgrounds can enjoy top notch performances. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to comedy, organizing dozens of shows that bring communities together through laughter. Working alongside his business partner Cliff, Big Will continues that mission with the upcoming Funny By Nature 9th anniversary showcase. Celebrating nearly a decade …

By Nompumelelo Moyo Meet Dr Loveness Mabhunu a passionate mental health advocate, author and host of the Mental Health Matters podcast. Recorded at 760 Media Studios in Saint-Laurent, the podcast is steadily becoming a trusted voice for mental health awareness in Montreal’s Black and immigrant communities. The podcast has had a significant impact and Mabhunu says they have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from listeners. “Listeners are consistently reaching out to share how the conversations resonate with them, how they feel seen and less alone, and how the episodes have encouraged them to seek help or start important conversations with their …

Marissa Ramnanan “Up, you mighty race. Accomplish what you will,”—Marcus Garvey. The WIBCA president Joan Lee opened the event with that gripping quote, inspiring a hush around the room. Young, Gifted and Rising brought the West Island Black Community together for a heartwarming and uplifting afternoon. On February 7, we celebrated the leadership, creativity and entrepreneurship of six brilliant young minds. Their names are: Mofeoluwa Adora Fagbohun, Adriana Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Joshua Bartlett, Tyana Carby and Taisia Carby. Powerful interviews and testimonies were given by community members and youth alike, proving that the future is truly, blindingly bright. Adora Fagbohun …

Marissa Ramnanan     Walking into the exhibition space in Maison de la culture de Côte-des-Neiges feels like a homecoming for anyone with Caribbean roots. Munching on pholourie, with rum punch sloshing in cups and calypso music playing faintly in the background—- it’s like being transported to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The only thing missing is the sound of birds chirping. “The Ties that Bind” was created by Trinidadian-Canadian artist Asia Mason and curated by Pat Dillon Moore. The space is a vision to behold. In my opinion, it’s an archival study of architecture, ancestry and political commentary. The …

By C0ntact Staff On February 15, Union United Church of Montreal presented two $2,000 awards through its Nelson Mandela Community Scholarship during the annual Scholarship Award Service. This community scholarship, distributed through Union United Church, recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to serving others. Enora Touloute was selected for her strong academic performance and her leadership both in the classroom and on the basketball court. A dedicated student-athlete, Enora has distinguished herself through teamwork, discipline, and perseverance while competing in school athletics. She has also been actively involved in supporting her peers and participating in community initiatives, demonstrating the …

On November 17th, 2025, representatives of more than a dozen community and diaspora organizations converged on the headquarters of the Ligue des Noir du Quebec on Decarie Boulevard in Montreal. The press conference was organized by Mr. Marvin Rotrand, Executive Director of United Against Hate Canada. The mission? To lobby the Mayoress of The City of Montreal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, to assist with the acquisition of place names in Montreal for black citizens of Quebec who’d made significant contributions to the city in various disciplines. On this occasion, three names took front and center of the initiative: Dan Philip, Noel …

Meet Kristara known in the wrestling world as “The Sweetest Pea” a Montreal-born professional wrestler who’s steadily etching her name in to the annals of Canadian wrestling. Four years in, Kristara is already doing what few women before her have managed: holding a top men’s championship. Kristara grew up on Montreal’s South Shore, following what many would call the “right path.” “You go to school, you work, you do everything your parents want you to do,” she said to the CONTACT. “I did all that university, part-time jobs, long-term relationship but I felt unfulfilled. I was bored.” Wrestling had always …