Posts in category Community News

On Friday December 26, Judge Juanita Westmoreland-Traore will deliver the keynote address at annual the Kwanzaa celebrations at the UNIA Hall, 2741 Notre Dame Street. The event hosted by the Universal Negro Improvement Association and ACL Union United Church’s Heritage Committee will feature all of the symbolic rituals that mark the celebration of family, community and culture including the lighting of the Kinara and the presentation of the Nguzo Saba (7 symbols), The Karamu (the feast) and a full compliment of African drumming. Kwanzaa, created by Dr. Mulana Karenga is celebrated as a non-statutory holiday between December 26 and January …

It’s not that bad hearing Yellow Bird one more time   Contact STAFF There is nothing like a good old fashion concert to heighten the sentimental contentment of the season… And so it was on Sunday, November 30, when Caribbean Voices hosted a packed hall at the Caribbean Paradise Lounge in LaSalle for their Sing We Noel Christmas Concert and CD Launch. It turned out to be an evening of bliss for the audience as they accompanied the 20-something member chorale and a backing band on a musical journey down a road called nostalgia. Yes, the Voices had the hall …

Egbert Gaye It was indeed a gala evening as hundreds of Montréal, including several municipal politicians and other political types, joined members of the Jamaican Canadian Community Women’s League of Montreal for their pre-Christmas do at the Quality Hotel in Dorval on Saturday, November 29. The evening was highlighted by a presentation of awards to three deserving Montrealers for their achievements and contributions to our community and to the city. Long-serving educator, Mr. Osborne Allen who founded the Cote des Neiges Child Care Centre over forty two years ago, and built it into one of Montreal’s most successful early education …

Businessman with Barbadian roots and a penchant for success will represent the Liberal Party in Dollard-Pierrefonds-Ile Bizard Gemma Raeburn Baynes On November 18, hundreds of West Islanders turned out to vote for the federal Liberal candidate for the riding of Dollard-Pierrefonds-Ile Bizard. Frank Baylis, 52, was elected to be that candidate as the riding representative. Baylis ran against three contenders for the riding nomination and was grateful for the win. “I am fully thankful for the wonderful support and I am prepared to meet the challenges before me as we move into election day next year,” he said. Frank has …

Caribbean Bakery & Restaurant grand opening on December 6 Contact Staff Faye and Cecile have been in Montreal long enough to know that this city has more than its fair share of restaurants, and is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, thanks to the multiplicity of cultures that make their home here. In our community also, there is no shortage of eating spots. So why are they so eager to start another one? “Montreal can still do with a place that is a good bakery and take-out restaurant serving baked goods and food with the delightful Caribbean flavors,” offers Faye. …

Union United Church enters another phase of fundraising. About $600K needed Egbert Gaye The road home for the congregation of Union United Church is still long and winding because of the exorbitant cost attached to their original place of worship at 3007 Delisle. After four years at the Rosedale United Church in Notre Dame de Grace, the decision has been made to return to the building that has housed the church for more than 75 years. However, the structure is 115 years old and it has been in dire need of repairs. According to a spokesperson for the church, those …

Dr. Alladin wants to arm your body to fight the dreaded flu Virus Egbert Gaye In his 35 years practicing medicine here in Montreal, Dr. Lenny Alladin has heard more than his share of excuses or reasons for not taking the flu vaccine, as the health authorities advise all Canadians to do every year as the winter months loom. Most people say, “I don’t get the flu”, while others are somewhat distrustful of the vaccine,” he says. “In our community, many still hold on to some of their (back home) traditions when it comes to dealing with the cold.” However, …

A last-ditch attempt to save the building that housed the Negro Community Centre has failed. The fight for the historic building made its way into the justice system this month after a developer went straight to the courts to get permission to tear down the building at 2035 Coursol St. in Little Burgundy. While the Southwest Borough tried to stop the demolition, their effort proved fruitless. Keeton Clarke, who spearheaded the effort to save the building, said receiving the news it would be torn down was “devastating.” “Many people in the community have been connected to the building. I felt …

For decades the Black community blazed a glorious trail Egbert Gaye When it comes to community issues, apathy runs rampant among us. And it smacked us in our faces this month as we watched helplessly as two buildings that carried our name and some blood and sweat from past generations of Blacks were taken out of our hands for good. The sale of the buildings that housed the Black Studies Centre at 1968 De Maisonneuve in downtown Montreal and the Negro Community Centre at 2035 Coursol Street came to a measure of closure this month and with it a stamp …

Community members needing a legal interpretation of an issue are advised to call The West Island Black Community Association . They have secured the services of  prominent lawyer Me.  Herbert M. Brownstein who will be conducting free legal clinic. 48 C, 4th Avenue, Roxboro. By appointment only. Contact (514) 683-3925.