Posts in category News

Looking inside Montreal’s Silvertooth Gym, it’s clear this is more than just a place to work out. Here, movement, mindset, and muscle come together in a space that welcomes everyone—from beginners to fighters. Silvertooth Gym is in NDG on Saint Jacques and was opened in September 2022 by Phillipe Allaire, a professional Muay Thai fighter. Fun fact: Phillipe got the nickname Silvertooth after chipping a tooth during a fight in Thailand—and having it replaced with a silver one. (Gold Tooth Gym just wouldn’t hit the same.) I recently sat down with Adam Bienstock- Smith, one of Silvertooth’s certified fitness coaches, …

Jacqueline Beckles remembers the first time she failed a course in law school. Criminal law, ironically, the subject she would later make the centerpiece of her legal career. She had entered the University of Ottawa determined to become a judge. But her first year was marked by isolation, racism, and doubt. “It just wasn’t what I imagined,” Beckles said to the CONTACT. “I questioned if I even belonged.” Born and raised in Montreal’s West Island, Beckles is now a senior criminal lawyer with the Department of Justice Canada and a mentor to a generation of aspiring legal professionals. Earlier in …

Visual artist Marc-Alain Félix uses acrylics, oil pastels, and markers to create art surrounding memory, identity, and resilience. His work explores the boundaries between abstraction and figuration, emphasizing human vulnerability, cultural dynamics, and the interactions between the individual and their environment. Félix recognizes cultural diversity and the amplitude of human experiences, making it an artistic and social commitment that inspires reflection and change. Félix has been a professional artist since 2016. Although most of his exhibits are in Montreal, he has showcased his art in cities like New York, Milan, and Tokyo. He said he had been interested in art …

For over three decades, Howard “Stretch” Carr has been a fixture on the Montreal airwaves. As host on CKUT 90.3 FM, he has guided listeners through the rhythms of Caribbean music on his show West Indian Rhythms. This June, Carr will take center stage not behind a microphone, but at a podium, as one of the recipients of the “Man of Distinction” Award at Playmas Montreal Cultural Association’s Let’s Hear It for the Boys celebration. “To be honest with you, it’s a great feeling,” Carr said. “You don’t get too many of those these days. For someone to say thank …

Anne Janice Farray TV Host, Photographer, Human Rights Advocate, African Drummer/Dancer and Philanthropist, Mr. John Crow Alexander will once again be bringing his African-Grenadian pomp, passion and humour to Montreal as he graces the stage at this year’s Tea, Poetry & Wee on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Ruby Foo’s Hotel. The Crow’s re-entry in the entertainment scene here in Montreal has been long in coming. This year’s event is themed “Hello Africa … Salutes to the Motherland”….and who’s best to show off some captivating African wear than the Crow. His good friend Theresa Cloe Henwood, a Grenadian-Canadian multi-talented Artistic …

Playmas Montreal Cultural Association proudly invites the community to celebrate the achievements of the third cohort of the GemStar Circle of Excellence Scholarship and Mentorship Program. This year, 18 exceptional students will graduate from the program and receive either a $1,500 scholarship or a $500 bursary to support their post-secondary education. The Graduation Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 29, at 6767 Côte-des-Neiges Road in the main reception hall. The evening will begin with a cocktail graduation reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the formal ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Guests will join the graduates, their families, mentors, and supporters …

The Centre for Canadians of African Descent (CCAD), formerly Revive NCC, is seeking new Board Members to help guide the redevelopment of the historic Negro Community Centre (NCC) site in Little Burgundy. This vital project includes affordable housing, cultural spaces, and economic opportunities for Montreal’s Black communities. We welcome individuals with expertise in: Non-profit governance Affordable housing / real estate Urban planning / architecture Law, fundraising, finance, communications Community development, arts, and heritage Community engagement Must be bilingual (English and French). Elections: July 3, 2025 (via Zoom) Apply by: June 26, 2025 To apply: Email CV + short letter of …

By Desirée Zagbai A new mobile app called the ‘Business Reference App’ is set to launch on May. 30, 2025, during a public event at Concordia University’s D3 Innovation Hub. The app is designed to simplify the process of supporting and discovering Black-owned businesses in Montreal. The app was developed by the web app agency, Smartegy, with support from CSMARI (Community Support Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiative). There were also collaborative efforts from the DESTA Black Community Network, the Ujamaa Initiative for Black Entrepreneurship (UIBE), and the Community Service Initiative at the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University (CSI). Through …

WIBCA is proud to announce the Empowered Woman Scholarship Award, sponsored by author and advocate Alvina Ryan. This award is dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the academic achievements of Black female students in the Greater Montreal Area. The scholarship recognizes one outstanding student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Eligibility Criteria: Identify as a Black female student Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Be a resident of the Greater Montreal Area This scholarship reflects Alvina Ryan’s dedication to education and empowerment, and WIBCA’s mission to support youth who are breaking barriers and leading change. Application Deadline for all Scholarships: …