Posts in category Special Features

“It’s nothing more than the devil possessed you, pray it out…” Abena Bentley On the weekend of Sept 16 I had the opportunity of attending the screening of a documentary called “One Shalt Not”. This solo project that was put together by one of Montreal’s emerging stars Trisha Henry a.k.a “Miss Trish”. I gracefully tip my hat  to her. She literally went out on the edge and brought to the forefront the issue of Mental Illness known to be a “TABOO” topic especially within the Black community. Tricia went about it by interviewing several Black women and men of different …

 Two students benefit from another successful #SheDidThatProm program Contact Staff For the last four years, a team of women from the community have worked to make sure a few high schoolers have the prom night of their dreams. She Did That Prom is an initiative run by Tamraa Greenidge, Katrina Nurse and Tish Mclean who wanted to provide a deserving young lady with an all-expense paid prom. In 2016, they started the male version, called #TheClassicMan. Winners are treated to a full makeover – hair, makeup, dress or suit, shoes, professional photography and free transportation to their prom. But it’s …

Did you know that microscopic organisms living and multiplying within you can have a powerful impact on your behaviour.  You are likely unaware of them but according to research, they can alter your personality. In a 1996 study, a total of 224 men and 170 women were tested for toxoplasmosis infection and their personality profiles were measured. Highly significant differences between toxoplasma-infected and uninfected subjects were observed. An estimated 22% of adults are hosts for this parasite. Based on studies, individuals who are infected are significantly more outgoing and carefree than individuals who are infection-free. But there is a downside. …

Obesity is a reversible condition. Awareness is key. Courtesy Weight-Loss-Montreal.ca Our rates of obesity are significantly lower compared to our American neighbors however, according to Stats Canada 2015, obesity is on the rise in Quebec. One out of two adults are now considered overweight and the rate of obesity grew by 3% over the past few years. Furthermore, an alarming number of people have no idea they are overweight or obese. Most of us know that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, studies also show that compared to individuals who have a normal weight, those who …

Egbert Gaye Expressions of congratulations and joy were in free-flow at the Catalonga Lounge of the Soccerplexe in Lachine where friends and relatives gathered for the send-off party for Osamede Iyare on her way to the University of Memphis where she earned a full scholarship. Iyare was recruited out of John Rennie High School and Lakeshore Soccer Club where she had standout careers as a star midfield player. She also played for Quebec’s Regional team from 2014-16. Last year, the 17-year-old was part of the Lakeshore team that won the 2016 Canadian National Championship, scoring the two goals that earned …

Article courtesy of Weight-Loss-Montreal.ca Cavities and gum disease are emerging as important indicators of an unhealthy diet, which predicts the future onset of many diseases. While most of us know what cavities are, many are unaware that gum disease is caused by inflammation of the gum tissue and progressive loss of bone around the teeth, which leads to tooth loss. Researchers are investigating correlations between cavities, gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, certain cancers, bacterial pneumonia, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. Many studies have already shown a correlation between poor oral health and poor overall health. A Korean study …

An Abby dedicated to this African martyr and his Treban legion is located in Saint Maurice-en-Valais in Switzerland. In 2014, it celebrated its 1500th year of existence. By J. Leblanc Saint Maurice was a general in the Roman Army of Diocletian and Maximian Herculius who in 287 A.D, were joint emperors of Rome. He commanded a legion consisting of Black soldiers from either Mauritania or Upper Egypt. During this period, Christianity was beginning its rapid spread throughout the Roman Empire, and this caused considerable consternation in the minds of its rulers. For example, in the province of Gaul, the slaves, …

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter sees music and education as a way to create change Egbert Gaye A handful of the audience at the recent West Island Blues Festival stayed late into the night, long after the featured act, Freddie James, had left the stage to enjoy the musical offerings of what has been billed as an emerging act. They will not soon forget what Aliah Guerra had to offer. In fact, by the time she was done delivering her repertoire of seven songs, which included one or two of her own compositions and a few popular numbers such as George Benson’s Masquerade, …

PhD in hand: She’s now Dr. Sabrina Jafralie Egbert Gaye That night, Saturday June 10, the hall was packed with relatives and friends, together with students, mentees and co-workers, all there to celebrate the achievements of a woman who chose education as a pathway to impact the lives of others and to build communities. It was a night of salutations to Dr. Sabrina Jafralie. And words of commendation were in free flow as one by one those who were touched by her contributions and impressed by her achievements and commitment acknowledged her. Included was a line-up of students who came …

Contact Staff This summer look out for Eloi “SK” Thomas, Montreal’s newest Caribbean fusion artist on the scene. Of late he has been positioning himself to make a mark on the local music scene with his upbeat and fiery performing style which had the crowd moving at Trini Day in the Park 2016. He says he’s looking into dropping his first solo CD in 2018. Born in Montreal to Trini parents Eloi SK grew up surrounded by Soca, Reggae, and pop music  and  has been involved in the music scene  for almost  two decades. He says his parents created a …