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global eyes
               December 2009                                 Magazine




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What’s Else is Inside:                       Regulars: Global Briefs, Global
Counsellor, Gaffin wid Buddy, Healthwatch, In your backyard, Letters to my Daughter,
Mishmash, Poetry Cafe, Take-One, Zizi - rigamarole, Winnipeg Highlights, and much
more....
Global Briefs
   9th Grader Impresses              from the previous regime. For           Guyana shines in
         Scientists                  some Americans he could                 gender equality
                                     never do enough because he is      In a recent global gender
 Tony Hansberry, a 14 year old       black and they are having a       equality survey, males and
student of Darnell Cookman           hard time accepting his leader-   females are more ‘equal‘ in
high school in Jacksonville          ship.                             Guyana than in many other
Florida, presented to a group of         There are reports that Obama  countries.Guyana ranked 35 out
experienced physicians a new         has received more than 400 death  of 134 countries in a World
way to sutre patients                threats since he took office.     Economic Forum (WEF) gender
undergoing hysterectomies.                For reasonable thinking      equality report.
The technique reduces surgical       Americans they like what he is      However Guyana rated 86 in
time for minimally invasive          doing to get the economy and      economic participation and
hysterectomies. Hansberry            people’s health back on track.    opportunity. In health and
presented the project at the         Good job after Year One in our    survival, Guyana scored full
regional science fair and placed     books.                            marks. It shared No. 1 with 38
second in the senior grade 9-12
division, allowing him to                   Hunger Strikes other all, Iceland, Finland,
                                                                       Over
                                                                              nations.
compete in the state finals.              Ethiopians Again Norway and Sweden topped the
Hansberry’s project got the
                                         Is the international commu- list while in the Caribbean;
attention of University of
                                      nity teaching Ethiopians to fish countries ranked higher than
Florida faculty who invited him
                                      or they just present the fish    Guyana are Trinidad and Tobago
to present alongside physicians
                                      caught in their waters to tide   -19, Barbados -21, Bahamas- 28
during their medical education
                                      them over rough patches? Of      and Cuba- 29. The lowest ranked
week last April.
                                      the $3.2 billion of US aid to    country is Yemen at 134.
  Hansberry hopes to become a
                                      Ethiopia since 1991, 94% went Suriname is ranked at 79.
neurosurgeon one day.
                                      to food delivered there rather (Guyana-Barbados Newsletter Oct.09)
                                      than grown locally or imported
                                      from the region, said the aid
                                      group, according to BBC news.
                                                                                Local Briefs
                                                                             Maiko Watson Debut CD
                                     “Food aid offers temporary                 Sweet vibration
                                     relief and has kept people alive     Maiko Watson released her first
                                     in countless situations, but      CD under her own Indie Label -
    Hansberry demonstrating his      does not tackle the underlying    Labeame Records, to critical ac-
     techniques to doctors           causes that continue to make      claim at one of Toronto’s popular
                                     people vulnerable to disaster     nightclubs, The Rivoli, with a per-
                                                                       formance of some of the tracks
 President Obama’s                   year-after-year,” wrote an
                                                                       from the album.
One Year Anniversary                 Ethiopian blogger.                     Maiko was backed up with
   The American Press has                                              vocals from Bahiyyih her sister
been out for blood. President                                          and Sahara Mcdonald, a member
                                                                       of the former Sugar Jones Band.
Obama is expected to be a                                                  It was a great event with many
miracle worker and like their                                          Winnipeggers in attendance. You
instant fast food provide a                                            can listen to some tracks here:
quick fix to the American                                               http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/
problems which he inherited                                             maiko-watson/id316648191

Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
2
Take One
GLOBAL                                   Many of us black parents preach to our
                                         children to be twice as good as their
                                                                                       Their competition should always be
                                                                                       against their last effort not against
                                         white counterpart to succeed in this          some white person. There will always
EYES                                     country. It is like a mantra. The result
                                         is our children may work harder, but
                                                                                       be white peers who are better than,
                                                                                       brighter than or work harder than our
                                         get no where. What if they can only           black children and there will always

  MAGAZINE                               be as good as their white counterpart,
                                         doesn’t that count? Although the black
                                                                                       be black children who are smarter
                                                                                       than, brighter than and work harder
                                         child may measure up with his white           than white folks. That’s life. More
    Global Eyes Magazine aims at         peers they may still feel inadequate          importantly let us create fertile
                                         because they do not surpass their white       grounds for our children to grow and
promoting cultural diversity with
                                         peers.                                        appreciate learning, to understand
particular focus on Black and
                                           We tell our children to be role models      themselves and what makes them
Caribbean cultural identities to         for those who follow, to break down           excited. The rest will come naturally.
create greater understanding be-         barriers and open doors should they be        We have to help them live their best
tween these cultures and the larger      the first to enter into a particular          lives that are in sync with their
cultural communities.                    profession or corporation. It is an unfair    authentic selves.
    Global Eyes Magazine is pub-         burden for black children who may feel
lished four times a year by Global       that the success of the entire black race        Playwright in Residence
Eyes Publishing , 671 Rathgar            rests on their shoulders. If they fail then
Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L          they fail the race.
1G6, Canada.                                Although there are no statistics or
    It is prepared under the direction   documentation to prove that blacks
                                         must be better than, work harder than
of an Editorial Committee.
                                         and do everything better than their
    Subscription is available for
                                         white counterparts in the workforce in
$15.00 a year. Each issue will be        order to be successful the belief has
delivered to your door.                  persisted unexamined.
    Global Eyes Magazine welcomes        While it is true that blacks face
news, letters, art and freelance         discrimination and racism in the
articles of interest.                    workplace, there is need for research
                                                                                       Bahiyyih Watson (middle) in her
                                         to show how this racism manifests itself      debut role in a stage play perform-
   Payments can be made in either        and what are the causes.                      ing in a Trilogy of Toronto Theatre
Canadian or American funds                   Could it be because we expect             Scene Fringe Show, Schmoozers
payable to Global Eyes Magazine          discrimination therefore we find it? Do       and Plagiarism - written and
                                         we try to become team players and try         produced by Bobby del Rio. Her
   671 Rathgar Avenue                                                                  role - a self-absorbed diva.
                                         to fit into the culture of the workplace
   Winnipeg, Manitoba
                                         or do we have greater allegiance to
   R3L 1G6
                                         representing our own race.                        Bahiyyih Watson was chosen
   email: globaleyes@mts.net                When we enter the workplace, there         by the anitafrika dub Theatre
                                         is a culture that most people have to         housed in a beautifully reno-
     Subscription Form                   adapt to even white people. Resisting         vated 1400 sq. ft. loft in Toron-
  Name:                                  that culture because of race or other         to’s Liberty Village, as play-
                                         loyalties could be to that individual’s       wright in-residence.
  Address:                               detriment.                                        As a playwright in residence,
                                           Should we continue to make our              Bahiyyih will be mentored and
  Postal Code:                           Canadian black children feel less than,       guided through a rigorous
                                         should we continue to pass on the             process of bio-myth-solo crea-
  Tel:                                   burden of representing the entire race
                                                                                       tion and is expected to write and
  Email:                                 when they walk out of the door each
                                                                                       produce a solo act. Bahiyyih
  Payment/donation enclosed              day, should we continue to preach the
                                         “better-than-sermon?” I suggest we put        said she is excited at the pros-
  ($___________)                         down that load right here and tell our        pect and feels fortunate to be
  Thank You.                             children to give their best at all times.     given the opportunity.
                                                                                         Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                                          3
Letter to my daughter
My dear daughter,                       The important thing on this
Life is for living and I             journey through life is to see       No one is sure of tomorrow.
encourage you to live each day       challenges as opportunities to       We can only be certain of the
fully. Give yourself permission      grow and learn. No one was           moment we have, the moment
to take reasonable risks and         born knowing everything. It is       we live and it is those moments
trust your instincts because that    through mistakes we learn            that are pregnant with creative
in the end is your best guide.       what we do not know and              forces of the universe.
    Strive always to have peace      believe me there are many                 You are more powerful
of mind. One of the ways to          things we do not know but the        than you think. All you have
do this is to surround yourself      joy of learning, growing and         to do is to take the reigns and
with people who are positive         developing our human                 do what you have to do. It
and encouraging and not those        qualities, intellect, decision       starts with one step followed
who strive to put a damper on        making and spiritual qualities       by another step and the rest is
your ideas or those who find         make mistakes seem like gold.        history as they say.
every opportunity to put you         Many people fear mistakes and        Love, mom
down. You do not need that.          hold themselves back, never
Those people become a drain          realizing their full potential. As   Deficiency motivation
on your psyche. Positive             one philosopher puts it, they        doesn’t work. It will lead
people naturally lighten up the      die with their music still in        to a life-long pursuit of
atmosphere and keep                  them.                                try to fix me. Learn to
everything in perspective and            Seize what you can of            appreciate what you have
they always see a light at the       today and don’t put off what         and where and who you
end of any tunnel.                   you can do today for tomorrow.       are. Dr. Wayne Dyer



   Global Counsellor
Dear Global Counsellor,              fine. We are happy spending          sexist? I don’t want our
                                     time together. However, about        relationship to end that’s why I
 I am a 22 year old white male       five months ago she started          want to deal with this in a
who is in love with a 21 year        wearing extensions that              culturally sensitive way. Please
of girl from African Canadian        covered her entire head. Her         help me find the words to tell
heritage. I love her lot and         own hair is under that. It is        her I love her just the way she
everything about her. When I         very difficult for me to get         was and I love her natural hair
first met her she grew her hair      used to that. I get stuffed up.      and the feel of it.
in a short afro-style and it was     At first I thought that style was    Afraid
beautiful. She resembled a           just for an evening out but this
model showing off her long           is it. I don’t like the feel or      Dear Afraid,
graceful neck. I was instantly       smell of the extension. I do not     You’re right to be afraid this is
attracted to her when I saw her      want to touch it. I miss my          a touchy subject It could be a
in class. I pestered her for a       girlfriend’s real hair which is      lose-lose proposition but at the
while before we started dating.      absolutely beautiful. How can        end of the day if you are honest
We’ve been dating for close to       I tell my girlfriend how I feel      and you love your girlfriend
a year. Everything was going         without sounding racist or           for her blackness then your
                                                                                               cont’d on p5
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
4
cont’d from p4
sincerely will come through           Eldest daughter of Gertrude          that construction of the museum
Start off by reassuring her how     and Alix Jean-Paul, wife and           has begun and is expected to be
much she means to you before        mother of two, Angela stressed         completed by the year 2012.
asking her to get rid of the                                                           Angela outlined some
extension. Explain how it                                                            of the benefits to having
impacts your health in terms of                                                      the museum here in
                                                                                     Winnipeg. For starters
not being able to stand the
                                                                                     the museum will create
scent of extensions and how it
                                                                                     between 150-200 full
prevents you from being fully                                                        and part time jobs. She
intimate with her. Of course                                                         said being bilingual will
you might have to accommodate                                                        be integral to the
her on some occasions when                                                           recruitment process.
she wants different look and                                                          The core concept of
feels that the use of extensions                                                     this museum is to be a
might do that for her. I am                                                          place where human
                                            Alix Jean Paul (Angela’s father), Ms
sure she will come around even         Angela and Mr. Cassie (Angela’s husband) rights will be explored
if she resents you saying that at                                                    in the broadest sense. It
first. I strongly believe that      several times in her talk, the         will be a place that will
nothing is better than the truth    need and desire for multiple           encourage, engage, educate,
and if this relationship is going   perspectives in the vision and         promote and deepen our
to go forward it seems as this is   content of the museum. She             understanding of human rights.
an important hurdle to be           urged the black community to           Canadians will be given the
overcome as it can make or          get in on the ground floor. She        tools to help fight racism and
break your relationship.            suggested that the Black               discrimination and to accept
                                    community should see the               each other, she said.
                                    national historic links this           Rather than exhibiting artifacts
    Blacks urged to                 museum can foster and explore          the focus will be about telling
    get involved in                 partnerships with the museum.          the story - the plan is to include
                                       Even though the museum will an action theatre to demonstrate
     Human Rights                   be located in Winnipeg, it is a        the past with an eye on the
       Museum                       national museum encompassing           future. It will be a place of
Blacks need to get involved in      all of Canada and will strive to       interest to everyone interested in
the development of the              reflect the histories and stories of human rights from the scholar to
Canadian Museum for Human           all Canadians, the positive and        community activists,
Rights, for their voices to be      the not so positive ones. She          government to NGO’s.
heard and included in the           said the museum will be broad in         Angela said that the museum is
national conversation, was the      scope and will include a science       expected to attract more than
message Angela Cassie, guest        and teaching component as well         250,000 visitors annually. Many
speaker at the Guyanese annual        There are important black            of the visitors will come from
banquet held in May 2009.           stories that should be included in outside of Winnipeg, hence the
  Director of Communication         the museum such as the de-             need for warm welcoming
and Public Engagement of the        molishment of Africville in 1967. communities. There will be
Canadian Museum for Human           At the present time our                opportunity for those with
Rights, Angela works with a         collective memory, experiences         business acumen to enter the
team of 11 people to make the       and sense of identity as Blacks        tourism industry as well as
public aware of the human           are not adequately represented         opportunities for those in the
rights museum and how they          and reflected in society, Angela       arts and culture sector to
can become involved in its          said.                                  become involved in writing
progress.                             Angela informed the audience         and telling cultural stories.
                                                                                                  cont’d on p6
                                                                             Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                              5
Community in Action




   One of the pourers serving tea
    The Guyanese community
held its annual spring tea at the
St. Anne’s Anglican Church.
    The event was well attended
and there was an abundance of
delicacies served with the per-
fect cup of tea or coffee. In
addition there were home made
breads, sweet breads, sugarcakes
and other delicacies of the old
country for sale.
    Pourers are usually culled
from each community organiza-
tion. It is an honour to be asked
to be a pourer.
    Cultural events such as these
help to cement the community
and pass on the cultural practices
to the younger generation.


                                               Blacks - cont’d from p5      Happy holiday to
                                                                               you all:
 “There is need for more             Angela said.                                  Hanukkah
stories of the Sylvia Hamilton         Angela pressed the community to
                                                                                  Christmas
Black Mothers, Black                 start having conversations in this
                                     regard so that black history and              Solstice
Daughters genre - about early
segregated schools in Nova           black voices will be heard and seen             Yule
Scotia, about prominent black        alongside the other histories in               Luut’aa
historic figures such as Portia      Canada.                                     Tojko-taisi
White and Viola Desmond.”             A museum of such depth and                   Kwanzaa
  Stories could be told about        breadth costs money and Angela         Ghambar Maidyarem
many of our contemporary             said there is need for more dollars       Feast of Saraf
local heroes. “It is for you to      to help bring this dream to reality   Here’s wishing you find
bring these stories to the           and it is also an area where Blacks
                                                                                a reason to
attention of the museum,”            could make their contribution.
                                                                           celebrate and be joyful.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
6
CHILDREN RIGHTS                           Goodbye to a Community Champion
         CELEBRATED                                       - Phyllis Clarke
UN Convention for the rights         On September 22, 2009 at the
of the Child celebrated 20                                                especially her life partner and
                                     Seven Oaks Hospital Phyllis left     best friend, Fitz, who will miss
years on November 20. Many           to cherish her memory her
countries throughout the world                                            her presence the most. May God
                                     husband Fitz Clarke; her             give you the strength to face each
celebrated this day. But what        children Anselm, Ann, Arlene,
have we done for children                                                 day.
                                     and Anthony; beloved sisters
lately? Have 20 years produced       Gloria, Jean, Mona, Marva and
a more equitable world for           Elon; grandchildren Jacob and
young people?                        Bryson.
  Children are faced with many        Quiet and unassuming Phyllis
problems which far too many          was one of the salts of the
countries are not taking as          Caribbean community. Wherever
seriously as they should:            there was work to be done, she
increase in trafficking of boys      would lend a hand if she could.
and girls, child labour                A beautiful soul whose
including using children as          trademark was that winning
soldiers, still largely practised    smile, she dressed elegantly in
in many of the developing and        clothes that graced her model-
developed world, parental            like figure. She also loved to
poverty, physical and sexual         dance and was seen at many
abuse of children within their       of the community banquets
own families, etc.                   and socials.
  It is true that there are many        The Calypso Association
positive developments that           organized a concert in the
benefit children - there are more    summer to support the family                                 Fitz and
laws to protect children,            and it was well supported by the                         son, Anselm
Canadian government took steps       community and entertainers
to curb sexual tourism by            who donated their time to show
pedophiles and to offer protection   their love. In thanking the
of children within homes through     audience her son, Anselm said
legal instruments, crack down on     “everyday I spend with my
pornography. There is more to be     mother is a good day”. It was
done. One of the best things         simply touching.
countries could do is ending                Global Eyes extend our           Community participation
child poverty. The ripple            sympathy to her family
effects would be tremendous.
                                                     Wade Kojo Williams
           Calypsonians, dancers                      chaired the event
           and singers in support
            of the Clarke family




                                                                             Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                              7
Many Waves one Sea -
                   Multiculturalism Day in Manitoba
                                                                                   Amanda
   Manitobans came out in large            representatives         of    the    Lee, Steering
numbers at the Forks to celebrate          ethnocultural communities.            Committee
Multiculturalism Day on June               This year religious traditions set      member
                                           up spiritual tables to share their      Below:
27th, 2009 in spite of the rain                                                   attendees
which caused the event to move             faith to those who wish to learn.         and
indoors.                                   These include: Baha’is, Hindu,         Nigerian
      Lieutenant Governor the              Islam and the Sikh religions.           dancers
                                                                                 (NICCOM)
Hon. John Harvard and Her
Honour Lenore Berscheid
attended as well as various
government representatives.
   The all day event was filled with
cultural activities, storytelling, henna
hand painting and the William
Whyte Powwow Dancers which
open the ceremonies with
drumming and dancing.
   This is the third annual
Multiculturalism Day celebrations                                Members of
organized by a Committee of                                      the William
                                                                 Whyte Pow
headed by City Councillor for                                       Wow
Point Douglas Mike Pagtakhan.                                      Dancers
Members of the Committee                                              **
                                                                    Indian
include government officials and                                   Dancers
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
8
Death forces the question of life’s purpose
Death for
       orces                 life’ purpose
                                e’s
  In the small community such       control and fear of death itself,     the danger of losing our
as Caribbean/Black in               some of us may even                   cultural heritage in Winnipeg
Winnipeg to have had more           experience a crisis of faith –        may be seen as being
than six deaths including June      especially if we think that           threatened by the loss.
Springer, Pauline Nembhard,         persons who died were good               Global Eyes remember our
Dr. Claudia Wright, and Phyllis     people.                               sisters and brothers at this time
Clarke in Winnipeg, two sisters         Whether we are aware of it        of the year. We remember their
from the Eritrean community         or not, these events impact us        contributions and the difference
and sister from the Nigerian        at some level. Death comes            they made to our community
community, close family and         like a stranger each time it hits     life and wish them God’s speed.
friends of members from back        us. Even though we are all               On the positive side, with
home with an 12-month period        aware and conscious that death        the realization that life is
could take a heavy toll on          is something we all must go           fleeting, loss can produce a
members. They grieve.               through, it comes as a shock to       sense of growth and cohesion
   Grief is part of the universal   us nonetheless. As our                within communities. When we
human experience. Our               community age our trips to the        heal it means we have put
responses are complex,              funerals will be more frequent.       things into perspective and
multifaceted and individual.            As a community we grieve          know that for some things such
Physical manifestations of          the loss of the old guardians of      as death, there are no answers.
grief include, fear, anxiety,       our culture. We grieve because        We accept that and use the
panic, hypersensitivity,            we are not sure their work will       opportunity to make the most
pessimism, depression, self-        continue. Many of our children        of our own lives and do the
concern, imaginary illnesses,       not participating in community        things that really matter to us.
fear of abandonment, loss of        life as much as we would like,


          Important Resource for Youths                                       A Touch of Africa
The Manitoba Securities             skills, including school              Opening November 16 2009
Commission is pleased to            teachers, Girl Guide/ Boy              at Portage Place Mall 2nd
announce the launch of a new        Scout leaders, etc.                     Floor (Next to the MTS
resource for instructors called     Free copies of the guide can be        Store - close to Hangers)
Make it Count: An                   ordered online at                        For more information,
Instructor’s Guide to Youth         www.makeitcountonline.ca; or              please call 801-7028
Money Management. This free         by calling 945-1513 in                 Dealers in handmade gift
resource will help mentors          Winnipeg.                                  items from Africa
focus children on making wise       For more information about the        Jewellery, Wood Carvings,
choices with their money and        Make it Count program,                Musical instruments, Tables,
includes:                           contact: Ainsley Cunningham,               Chairs, Soap Stone
•     lesson plans                  Manitoba Securities                      Sculptures, Batiks etc.
•     teacher tips                  Commission, 945-4733 in               There is never time in the future
•     activities/exercises          Winnipeg.                             in which we will work out our
The guide will be of interest to                                          salvation. The challenge is in
                                    Education is not a preparation
anyone who plays a role in          for life; education is life itself.   the moment; the time is always
teaching children valuable life                                           now.             James Baldwin
                                    John Dewey
                                                                            Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                             9
Dinamba inducts two more into the
                    Amaigbo Kingdom
                                     supporters of the Dinamba
Ms Christine Martin and Dr.          organization.
Keith Sandiford are the two          Dr. Keith Sandiford, Emeritus
newest members of the                history professor at the
Amaigbo family created by the        University of Manitoba,
Dinamba Intercultural                (retired) is no stranger to many
Organization which celebrated        in the Winnipeg community.
ten years of bringing Winnipeg       He was honoured for his
people together to celebrate the     continuing contribution to the
Annual Yam Festival.                 community. Mrs. Jacquie Phills
  This thanksgiving festival that    introduced Dr. Sandiford with
is celebrated in Nigeria was         a Coles Notes version Dr.
brought and being sustained          Sandiford’s voluminous
largely on the strength of Dr.       accomplishments. She
Joseph and Christine Nnadi           focussed on his humanity. Dr.
and their entire family. Each        Sandiford she said is a walking Christine Martin dancing with her
year it is held in the church hall   enclyopedia of the game of                    husband
of the Holy Family Church on         cricket and a lifelong student.
Archibald Street. For many it        He has made significant
has become an annual renewal         contributions to the cultural
of friendship and celebration.       resources of the community
Dinamba helps to shed light in       and to the knowledge of
the obscure corners of               history through his academic
achievers in the Winnipeg            papers and scholarship.
community and highlight them         According to her, he has been
in an effort to add to our           winning scholarships since age
collective resource.                 11. Today he is a member of
  This year the light was shone      the Caribbean seniors group
on Christine Martin, MBA,            and the Barbados Association
who has broken down an               of Manitoba including others.
important barrier in the             In accepting the award Dr.           Dr. Keith Sandiford and Mrs.
corporate world by becoming                                                       Sandiford
                                     Sandiford said he was very
the first black Vice President at    pleased to be accepting the                  Christine Forbes the
Manitoba Public Corporation.         award but that his wife                     fabulous MC. She
Mrs. Martin, a wife and mother                                                   entertained the audi-
                                     deserved a special reward                   ence with some
of two children said it was the      because whatever he                         interesting tidbits or
support of family and mentors        accomplished                                facts about Yams.
she had that helped her along        could not have
the way. Ms Martin is a role         been done
model for what hard work can         without her.
help you to accomplish. Ms           After the
Martin acknowledged that lady        formalities the
luck was also in her favour.         honorees
Christine and her family have        opened the
been long time members and           dance floor.                     The Play “Yams from heaven” is
                                                                        performed annually at the Igbo Yam
                                                                        Festival.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
10
Council of Caribbean Organizations (CCOM)
         Keeps Community Spirit Alive
The Council for Caribbean         James ably orchestrated the
Organization of Manitoba, Inc.    evening’s program as emcees.
honoured 31 seniors by                   ****
recognizing the contributions     The Caribbean cultural evening
they have made throughout the     on October 30, 2009, brought
years and the legacy they have    out the fun in Caribbean
left for those who follow:        culture.
Sheila Welch, Reginald              At the end of the evening        Joy Bissoon bringing the anancy
Hodge, Ralph McDowell,            members were saying “we            story alive to a captivated audience
Percy Villa Fauna, Patsy          need more of this” “Ï had a
Grant, Madeline Coopsammy,        great time” “I haven’t laughed
Lloyd Coopsammy, Lionel           as much in a long time.”
Welch, Lillian Prima, Ken           It was an evening dedicated
Manswell, Cynthia Manswell,       to celebrating new additions to
Kathy Huggins, Joan               the culture and remembering
Hopkins, Jeff Sutherland,         what it was like in the old days
Fitzroy Clarke, Eula              and recreating them for the
Matheson, Esme Stewart,           benefit of the younger                            circle dance
Adeline Sutherland, Diane         generation. The evening
Dwarka, Dennis Scott,             included folksongs, limbo-           The event was free of charge
Deacon Gladstone Davidson,        dance lessons, hip hop dance       and included delicious
Cynthia Joseph, Cecil Grant,      less, retelling a brer anancy      Caribbean foods.
Casper Shade, Jacquie Phills;     story beautifully performed by     Members called on CCOM to
Lil McDowell and probably the     Joy Bissoon, riddles, and          plan similar evenings two or
oldest senior within the          jokes. Joy also led the            three times a year.
Winnipeg Caribbean                audience in a few Parang             While it is a desirable goal,
Community, Mrs. Iona              songs, a special genre of          the community must know that
Gaskin fondly known as Mama       Spanish influenced folk songs      the people who do the work
Gaskin.                           particular to Trinidad which       organizing, cooking and
             ****                 has a strong Spanish presence      cleaning are volunteers. They
Post-secondary Scholarship        to this day. Some people got       do it because they believe in
awards were given out to          up and salsa around the room       community development and
Tamika Joseph, Alice Charles,     to the Latin rhythms as these      solidarity. These events need
Tessie Jordan and Jellisa         songs were sung. This was          community participation to be
Pilgrim.                          followed by a set of traditional   successful and sustainable.
           ***                    folk songs such as Matilda,         CCOM urged its members to
 The Caribbean Cultural           Day Oh Day Oh led by Lola          involve their childrenin these
Centre was packed with a          Hibert of the Jamaica Folk         activities to give them a sense
mixture of old and young at the   Ensemble.                          of their culture and identity. It
Council of Caribbean                  The stage was open for         is one of the most important
Organization of Manitoba’s        those who wished to contribute     gifts a parent can give to their
2nd Annual Awards Banquet         and did they ever contribute.      children.“When you know
which honored 31 seniors and      The more cheers and laughter a     where you came from you can
offered financial scholarships    joke received the more             move forward in the future
to four deserving students.       encouraged the person was do       with more confidence and self-
Camille Vaughan and Alexis        another one. The evening went      worth, said Margaret Strachan,
                                  by very quickly.                   President of Council for
                                                                       Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                       11
Pictorial of 2nd Annual Awards Banquet




                                           Seniors honoured
                                         Em c e es A l e x i s J a m e s &
                                         C a m i l l e Va u g han (l)                  Kathy Huggins awardee and
                                                                                   Margaret Strachan CCOM President
                                                                                     Shades of Ebony Dance Group




                                                                                  The two
    One of Winnipeg’s foremost soul                                               young girls
singers, Florence Oramasionwu aka                                                 are the
“Flo” performing for the seniors. Flo                                             grandchil-
had rushed from a recording session                                               dren of
at the studio to perform. She sang and                                            Patsy and
returned promptly to continue work                                                Dr. Cecil
on her second album. Best wishes                                                  Grant
with that Flo.                                                                    playing the
                                                                                  steel drum




                                                          Mavis McLaren
                                                     CCOM board member,
                                                     raises her glass to the
                                                             seniors
    Mama Gaskin flanked by daughter Heather (l)
          and Carmen Nembhard(r)

                                                                      Members
                                                                      of the
                                                                      audience
                                                                      at awards
                                                                      dinner

                                                                                     Scottish contribution of Caribbean
                                                                                                 culture
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
12
CCOM Scholarship Winners                                                    Proud Parents




    (l to r)Tamika Joseph, Alice Charles, Tessie Jordan and Jellisa Pilgrim       Alice Charles poses with parents


                 Your’re powerful beyond measure
 “Our deepest fear is not that we                                              her. She attributed this to her
are inadequate. Our deepest fear                                               heritage. She made it known
is that we are powerful beyond                                                 that she was always proud of
measure,” Michelle Jean Paul                                                   her black heritage she just
Burnet, guest speaker at                                                       wanted to be like her other
CCOM 2nd Awards banquet                                                        friends to be included and
quoted Marianne Williamson,                                                    accepted.
an inspirational speaker.                                                         She said once a Filipino dated
   Daughter of Haitian immi-                                                   her but she always had to meet
grant and Russian Mennonite,                                                   him in the back lane when they
Michelle grew up in Mennonite                                                  were going out but after they
church and attending French                                                    broke up and he started dating
Immersion schools. She is the                                                  white girls, she learned that
youngest teacher ever to become                                                they were being invited home
a Vice Principal of a school just                                              to have supper with his parents
                                        said. “I faced covert and systemic     early into the relationship.
after five years of teaching.           racism which threatened to               While she valued intellect her
Michelle is beautiful, smart, and
                                        cripple me.” Michelle said many        biggest stumbling block was
an overachiever of biracial             people had no idea about the           her outward appearance.
heritage. But in spite of all the
                                        struggles she was going through        Michelle spoke from her heart
privilege she enjoyed of being
                                        because she wore a facade as a         as if she was telling her story to
raised in a middle class family,
                                        good, strong girl. However,            loving grandparents.
caring parents, outshining others
                                        inside she felt sorely inadequate.       “I was frustrated about the one
in school academically, she still
                                          She said her self-esteem took a      thing I wanted that I could not
felt inadequate and not quite as
                                        dive because she did not feel as       control. I could not control how
smart, as funny or as beautiful as
                                        beautiful like the other white girls   people saw me. So I started to
her white peers.
                                        friends. She knew she could            focus on the things I could
   She decided to share her
                                        never be like them. Michelle said      control in my life which was
journey to wholeness with the
                                        that during high school many of        my studies.”
audience.
                                        her white girlfriends were having        Michelle said that she met a
  “It was a lonely journey for me       dates and boys were confessing         young man whom she knew in
during my school years because
                                        their love to them but no one was      high school at university and he
no one looked like me,” she             confessing their undying love for                           cont’d on p18
                                                                                Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                                13
Black Educators Association of Manitoba
        (BEAM) Helps to Make a Difference for
             Minority Youths
                                     The Black Educators
                                     Association of Manitoba
                                     organized a talk show on May
                                     28th 2009 at the Caribbean
     Dr. Joseph Nnadi & Maurice      Cultural Centre to discuss
         Alexander, panellists       “How can the rise of President
                                     Obama influence change”.
                                     They brought together an
                                     impressive panel to provide          Lystra Kauldher Maiko Watson and
                                     different points of view,                       John Jack
                                     including, Cindy Johnson-
Dr. Brian Archer, Sonya              Gallego, Teacher/Parent,
Williams and Shondell                Shondell Babb, University
Babb
                                     student; Maurice Alexander,
                                     Educator, Sonya Williams,
                                     teacher, Dr. Brian Archer,
                                     Engineer, Dr. Joseph Nnadi,
                                     Professor, Maiko Watson,               Maiko poses with project partners
 Maiko Watson           Members of   Coordinator, Black Youth
 and Cindy            BEAM Board     Internship
 Johnson- Gallego
                                     Program.
    Audience at the Talk Show
                                     Each
                                     participant
                                     gave a
                                     brief
                                     presentation
                                     on the
                                     topic
                                     and
                                     thereafter
                                     responded
                                     to
                                     questions
                                     from the        Some of the students who participated in the program
                                     audience.
                                     It was an
                                     interactive session.                Black youths. “If Obama
                                     The consensus appeared to be could, yes they can.”
                                     that Obama’s win has opened Some of the youths said that
                                     the door of possibilities to        they felt better about
                                                                                                   cont’d p30
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
14
CARICOM ARTS AND CRAFTS
     FIRST ANNUAL SPRING TEA
Caricom Arts and Crafts first annual spring tea got off on a slow
start. While there was no shortage of people willing to participate
in the arts display and arts and crafts sale, community participa-
tion could have been better.
  Caricom is the only Caribbean organization dedicated to           Some of the people who attended the team
promoting Caribbean arts and crafts. Some of its fundraising
efforts goes towards providing an annual scholarship to a Carib-
bean students pursuing post secondary studies.
   The event was successful in that people enjoyed themselves
won some fabulous silent auction prizes and also enjoyed lots of
healthy dainties.
  President Mary Barzey said she is certain that attendance will
be better next year one the community becomes aware of it.


                                                                         Gerrard Agostino was one of the crafters
                                                                    of a different sort, he offered free foot massage
                                                                    and gave out gift certificate prizes for one
                                                                    hour free massage. He is demonstrating his
                                                                    technique on one of the other crafters.
                                                                    Gerrard’s wife, Diane Driedger, participated
                                                                    with some of her visual artworks.

                                                                      Below: Shondell
                                                                      Babb,
                                                                      performed the
                                                                      duties of emcee
                                                                      for the Tea

                                           Mary Barzey,
    Flo R&B Soul Singer lending        President of Caricom
her talents to the Caricom Arts and    arts and crafts welcomed
Crafts first Annual Spring tea. She    and thanked crafters and
was fabulous and left the audience     other supporters for
wanting more.                          showing up.

                                                                                         DJ Dese hugs her husband
                                                                                        who accompanies her on
                                                                                        her Dj gigs. Dese is the hot-
                                              At the left is one
                                                                                        test DJ on the social circuit
                                              of the artists,                           these days. Watch out for
                                              Tessa Singh                               this couple!
                                              McKay, 2nd
                                              year Fine Arts
                                              Student at           THE WORD OF WISDOM
                                              University of        “Your Beliefs Become Your Thoughts
                                              Manitoba who
                                              participated in      Your Thoughts Become Your Words
                                              Caricom Spring       Your Words Become Your Actions
                                              Tea                  Your Actions Become Your Habits
                                                                   Your Habits Become Your Values
                                                                   Your Values Become Your Destiny”
                                                                   -    Mahatma Gandhi
                                                                                Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                                15
Congress of Black Women Promotes Arts
                      and Culture sang some songs from her
                                   recently released album
                                                                           “Sweet Vibration”.
                                                                              The mover and shaker
                                                                           behind this event was
                                                                           Antoinette Zloty, and her team
                                                                           who did a fantastic job to
                                                                           ensure everything went
Congress of Black Women and IWAM                                           smoothly and that people had a
members celebrate with Beatrice at                                         great time.
Prov. Council Awards event at which
Beatrice was honored.                                                         The Second day was taken
                                                                           up with readings by some of
                                                                           the Black writers in Winnipeg
                                                                           as follows: The late, Pauline
                                                                           Nembhard tickled the crowd
                                                                           with stories citing some of her
                                                                           childhood antics which trig-
                                                                           gered a lot of laughter, Nia
                                                                           Dechausay, read some of her
                                                                           spine thrilling romantic poetry
                                        Lorene Mahoney, Lisa Hackett and   that had people fanning them-
                                                Antoinette Zloty
                                                                           selves, Beatrice Watson,
Pauline Nembhard, Nia Dechausay,
Beatrice, Antoinette and Madeline                                          Antoinette Zloty and
Coopsammy - writers                                                        Madeline Coopsammy read
                                                                           poetries and book excerpts
                                                                           with rich Caribbean flavours.
                                                                              The afternoon session
                                                                           introduced the film “Barbara
                                                                           James.” Written by Gerry
                                                                           Atwell, the film was produced
                                                                           by local filmmaker, Winston
                                                                           Moxam, who was one of the
                                                                           panellist discussing how
                                                                           Blacks could become more
                                      Harnet Araya and Norma Walker
                                      Dickens at PCW Awards Gala           involved in the film industry.
                                                                           (Watch out for a comprehensive
    Women having fun at Cultural         The Congress of Black             report from CBW)
          Unity Dinner                Women Manitoba Chapter                             ***
                                      held its first Annual Black              The Congress of Black
                                      Women and the Arts Festival at       Women also held its first
                                      the Winter Club in May 2009.         annual cultural unity dinner.
                                         The two-day event started         The event was similar to its
                                      with a reception on the Friday       regular unity dinner but with a
                                      evening at which there were          little twist. The Congress
                                      cultural performances by             invited representatives from
                                      black women artists: Jennifer        other cultural groups to share
                                      Nembhard played the steel            their culture with participants.
                                      drums and Maiko Watson                   There were representatives
Mr. & Mrs. Sampson at the CBW         accompanied by a guitarist           from the The Filipino, Firt
Cultural Unity Dinner                                                                           cont’d on p17
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
16
LETTER TO MY NEPHEW                                             Indian Dance - Amy Sahai (r)
                                                                               First Nations - Meryle Green(l)
                                         America is slowly regaining its
   In my humble opinion, Barack
                                         position of respect following the
Obama has shown a willingness to
                                         election of President Obama; who
                    advocate in
                                         I must remind you, has only been
                    behalf of not
                                         in office eight months.
                    only Americans,
                                           One of the principal reasons
                    but world peace.
                                         why Julius Caesar, Napoleon and
                    It is important
                                         Adolph Hitler lost the wars is
                    that America
                                         simple: They deployed too many
                    regain it’s
                                         troop in too many places’ at the      Phillipine -Rosie &
                    respect around                                                    Gloria
                                         same time.
                    the world and
                                           Now the US messed up with
                    above all; we
                                         Chiang Kai Chek during WW2
                    must remember
                                         leaving China vulnerable to
that while the President is
                                         communism. The US was forced
primarily a ‘figure head’, there are
                                         to pull out of Viet Nam. There are
many areas in which he can be of
                                         signs that the US would have
influence politically; but he or she
                                         succeeded in Afghanistan; IF
must always have a majority
                                         Bush had not decided to invade
approvals in terms of lawmaking.
                                         Iraq. Too many forces, too many                            Jairo Viafara -
I’m not sure of this; but I think                                                                  Columbia
                                         places. And that’s what I see.
there are not many areas in which
                                         Whenever people that I’ve met
the US president (which is that of
                                         during my travels tried to speak ill
representative of the country) has
                                         of the US; I’d tell them this: There
total command without the
                                         are good people and bad people in
approval of Congress. Among
                                         every society. That would end the       Josh,
those in which the president does                                             Chinese Kungfu
                                         conversation every time; because                         Dr. Jon
set precedence is the right to                                                                    Gerrard
                                         I’m not hired to make political                          Liberal Party
declare or end war.
                                         commentary. I got hired to play                          Leader
  In other words, he or she is
                                         and sing music; period.
basically a figurehead. President
                                         Hope this may help you in your
Barack Obama’s positions are
                                         decisions. My advice; read, read,
definitely bringing adversaries
                                         read. Your mind is your greatest
back to the bargaining table and
                                         asset.
thus raising the esteem of                                                    Congo Line at Unity Dinner
                                         June Pepper Harris
America.
  Remember, I was in Qatar during
the World Trade Conference and
                                                     CBW cont’d from p16
the bombing; and everyone there
was traumatized; there were ‘No-         Nations, Chinese, Columbian,                            Norma &
fly’ laws. I didn’t think I’d ever see   Nigerian and East Indian              Jennifer          Rhonda
my family again. Thank God I was         cultures, who shared through          CBW Arts          Dickens
receiving notices daily through the      performance, presentation or          Festival
Canadian Embassy and even one            songs.                                          Cynthia
from the Prime Minister. I had the          The menu selected re-                        Manswell
opportunity to speak with                flected the cuisines of the                     (l)
                                         various cultures.                               Dr. Beryle
dignitaries from other countries,                                                        Jones and
including South Africa.                     The proceeding was in-                       Mr. Jim
Many people were beginning to            formative and interesting.                      Ogunnoiki
hold the United States and later                                                         (r)
Canada with disdain. So now,
                                                                                 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                                 17
Powerful beyond measure cont’d from p13
complimented how attractive she      on this topic which was                own journey will continue
was but in the same breath told      published. “I wrote myself real. I     because I still have more
her it was strange he found her      realized that I had to learn to        challenges to overcome. As I
attractive since he did not find     swim or sink. I put myself and         continue my journey I am trying
black girls attractive.              my fears out there and that was        to ease the pain of others who
  Michelle said that while she       liberating.”                           may be going through the same
could have accepted with               Michelle asserted that she is        thing,” she said.
understanding her high school        now comfortable in her own skin
                                                                              Finally, she said she would not
experience of racism, the racism     and negotiates life on her own
                                                                            have been where she is today
she experienced at university        terms knowing that she is
rocked her to the very core. I       powerful beyond measure.               had it not been for those who
was angry and my anger turned          The process of accepting her         supported her, people like John
to self-doubt.”                      authentic self and being comfortable   Jack and other members of the
 I fell in love with the first man   in her own skin were difficult but     community who saw her as a
who told me he loved me. The         she is at a much better place now.     competent human beings and
relationship was doomed              “I have accepted the beauty of my      gave her opportunities to share
because I clung too tightly.         authentic self.,” she said adding,     her knowledge and talents. She
“That was not a solid basis for      that she recognized as human           said many times she did not feel
a relationship. My weakness          beings we are really never there and   she deserved the praise that was
was revealed to those around me      conscious there will always be         heaped on her but that helped to
and I could not hide it any          areas of growth and strength that      carry her through the tough
more.”                               need bolstering.                       times. Michelle is currently
 Michelle said she read W.E.         “I find greatness in others and show   completing her Master’s degree
Du Bois book on the Souls of         them their power. We are cele-         in Education.
black Folks and wrote a paper        brating greatness tonight. My
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
18
RECIPES                           African Peanut Soup                 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar.
                                                                        Place the chicken pieces and
FROM AROUND                         Ingredients
                                                                        pig’s foot in a large stew pot
                                    2 tablespoons olive oil
    THE                             2 medium onions, chopped
                                                                        and pour water in to cover. Add
    WORLD                           2 large red peppers, chopped
                                                                        salt. Bring to a boil and skim
             bon apettit                                                fat. Simmer for 1 hour.
                                    4 cloves garlic, minced
                                                                         Add meat, cassareep, onion,
                                    1 (700g) jar passata
                                                                        brown sugar, chiles, cinnamon,
                                    2L (3 pints 10 fl oz) vegetable
                                                                        cloves, and thyme. Bring to a
Barbecued Chicken with              stock
                                                                        boil and simmer, partially
Fresh Mango Salsa                   1/4 teaspoon black pepper
                                                                        covered, for another hour.
Ingredients                         1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
                                                                        Remove the cloves and
4 (100g) skinless, boneless         (optional)
                                                                        cinnamon and discard. Stir in
chicken breast fillets              170g (6 oz) crunchy peanut butter
                                                                        the vinegar.
salt and freshly ground black       85g (3 oz) uncooked brown rice
                                                                        Ingredients
pepper to taste                     Directions
                                                                        1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil                Heat oil in a large stockpot
                                                                        2 cups butter
2 cloves garlic, peeled and         over medium high heat. Cook
                                                                        4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
minced                              onions and peppers until
                                                                        3 cups all-purpose flour
1 (2cm) piece fresh ginger root,    lightly browned and tender,
                                                                        4 eggs
minced                              stirring in garlic when nearly
                                                                        1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 mangos - peeled, stone            done to prevent burning.
                                                                        1 tablespoon almond extract
removed and diced                     Stir in passata, vegetable
                                                                        2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cider vinegar         stock, black pepper and chilli
1 teaspoon white wine               powder. Reduce heat to low
                                                                        Directions
4 tablespoons chopped fresh         and simmer, uncovered, for 30
                                                                        Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
coriander                           minutes.
                                                                        (205 degrees C). Lightly grease
Directions                            Stir in rice, cover, and simmer
                                                                        and flour one 9 or 10 inch
  Preheat barbecue for high heat,   another 15 minutes or until rice
                                                                        bundt pan.
and lightly oil cooking grate.      is tender. Stir in peanut butter
                                                                        By hand with a spatula cream
  Rub chicken breast fillets        until well blended, and serve.
                                                                        butter and sugar together until
with salt and pepper. Cook on
                                                                        light and fluffy. Add eggs all at
hot barbecue for 10 to 15
                                                                        once and beat well.
minutes on each side, until no      The Caribbean                       Sift the flour and the baking
longer pink and juices run          Pepper Pot                          powder together. Add to butter
clear. Remove from heat, set        2 chickens, cut up in pieces (2-    mixture along with 1 cup of the
aside, and keep warm.               1/2 pounds each)                    milk. Continue to beat well
  Heat oil in a medium frying       1 pig’s foot or chicken feet        (the batter will be doughy).
pan over medium heat, and           2 teaspoons salt                    Add the remaining 1 cup of
sauté garlic for about 1 minute.    3 pounds beef/pork tenderloin,      milk along with the vanilla,
Mix in ginger and mangos, and       cut into bite-size pieces           and almond extracts. Pour
cook 3 to 4 minutes, until          1/2 cup cassareep                   batter into the prepared pan.
mangos are tender. Pour in the      1 lg. onion, finely chopped         Bake at 400 degrees F (205
cider vinegar and white wine.       2 tablespoons brown sugar
Season with salt and pepper.                                            degrees C) for 1 hour. Reduce
                                    2 chile peppers, seeded, diced      heat to 350 degrees F (175
Stir in coriander, and remove       1 2-inch piece stick cinnamon
from heat. Spoon over the                                               degrees C) and continue baking
                                    4 whole cloves
barbecued chicken to serve.                                             for 15 minutes longer.
                                    1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
                                                                          Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                          19
In your backyard
                                        NIGERIA-CANADA
                                        CONGRESS OF
                                        MANITOBA
                                        (NICCOM)
                                        expected to give new immigrants a
We are Nigerian-born immigrants         pool of local (Canadian-born) and
(and Canadians of Nigerian              international mentors while the
heritage) working closely with          local mentors in our midst learn
our Canadian-born locals/friends        more about other cultures in the
to make good things happen in           course of promoting equity,                Allan Wise Liberal
our community. We realize that          fairness and justice in the
                                                                                   Nominee Winnipeg Centre
working closely with our                world….to know more, visit: http:/
Canadian-born friends will              /niccom.org
engender an enduring community
spirit. Spread across the province of
Manitoba,we have all resolvedtomake
our “home” (Manitoba) an inviting
place for all immigrants, especially
immigrants from Nigeria. But we also
realize that as Canadian citizens,
it is our duty to ensure that new
immigrants and struggling locals
have a community resource like us.      Nkechika Modozie, Sherry Wilkinson,
This ‘win-win’ arrangement is           Kenny Daodu, Val McIntyre
                                        Standing l to r: Sunday Akin Olukoju,
    Provincial Council of               Tope Otubusen, Gboyega Aiku, Phil           In the next general election
                                        Bawa. - NICCOM Executive
 Women Makes a Difference                                                       Allan Wise, a community builder
    in the Community                       Justin Trudeau’s visit               and activist will run against Pat
                                            created in Winnipeg                 Martin NDP, MP, Winnipeg
                                            Anita Neville had to turn away      Centre, for that seat.
                                        people from her evening with Justin          Recently Wise capitalized on
                                        Trudeau held at                         Justin Trudeau’s visit to Winnipeg
                                        the Crescent-                           on the invitation from Liberal MP
                                        wood Commu-                             Anita Neville, and organzed a
                                        nity club in                            fundraiser at the East India Com-
                                        October. The                            pany. The event was well attended
                                        event was                               and Justin Trudeau did not have
The Provincial Council of                                                       words enough to describe Allan’s
                                        packed with
Women of Manitoba, Inc. held its        Liberals and                            suitability for the riding.
3rd annual gala and fundraiser          people curious                               Winnipeg Centre has a large
honouring individual and federate       about Justin                            immigrant, refugee population
members for their service to the        Trudeau. He did                         which Allan knows very well,
community on July 16, 2009.             not disappoint.                         since he himself was came to this
The women honoured in 2009              He hugged grandmothers and made         country as a refugee from Iran
                                        time for most of the people present.    many years ago.
are: Dianna Busie of the
                                        He took time to listen and pose for         Allan got choked up when
                        cont’d p30      pictures.                               talking about his past.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
20
Forest People’s Crafts Fundraises for Kenya
                          Grandmothers
On May 2 , 2009, Pauline Kunz of the Forest People’s Craft organized a fundraising concert for
         nd

                       Kenya Grandmothers which was held at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People
                       at The Forks.
                          Many prominent Winnipeg musicians volunteered
                       their talent for this worthy event. Pauline has been
                       working hard for many years trying to make a
                       difference to the lives of those she left behind. She
                       carries strictly fair trade items in her store. She travels
                       back to Kenya once or twice a year to meet the artisans
                       whom she supports by buying their art and crafts at
                       the fairest price possible.                                 Maureen Hemphill
                         As a businesswoman, Pauline makes time to speak
                       about the grandmothers and the work they do. She willingly tells stories of
                       their struggles to survive each day. She has held several fundraising events
for the grandmothers who now depend on her help in a big way. She volunteers to do speaking
engagement about poverty in Kenya to raise awareness of some of the
issues facing people, especially older people.
  Tracy Koga, TV star volunteered her services to emcee the event.
Former Minister of Social Services, Maureen Hemphill spoke about the
importance of the work Pauline is doing. Hemphill saw first hand how the funds
                                               raised were used to help the
                                               grandmothers and their
                                               grandchildren. Hemphill has been a
                                               strong supporter of Forest People’s
                                               Crafts for many years.


                                                                                       CBW continued
                                          Kenny Daodu at Unity
                                          Dinner
                                                                          Maiko Watson flanked by her
                                                                          guitarist (r) and a fan (l)


  2nd Floor
  Forks
Market, 204-
943-3995




                                                                    (ltor)Jean
                                                                    at Unity Dinner
                                                                    Hon. Jennifer
                                                                    Howard
                                                                    Unity Dinner
                                                                    Pam McNeil &
                                                                    Rita Austin,
                                                                    GCO Reps
                                                                    Dr. Jon Gerrard,
                                                                    (r)Leader of
 Jean leads the
                                                                    Liberal Party of
Congo line dance                                                    Manitoba
                                                                                         cont’d on p30
                                                                      Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                      21
cont’d from p
Caribbean Organizations of           school system. There were
                                     discussions on how to combat         have faced back home in the
Manitoba and one of the forces                                            Caribbean or Africa.
behind the activities.               racism. The need for more
           ****                      mentors from the community
Intergenerational Conflict           was one solution pointed out.
  This full-day forum was            One of the youths said that a
held the day following the           mentor could be a person from
cultural evening on November         any race. The youth said when
14, 2009 at the Cultural Centre.     she was in school her white
 The key words spoken                teacher would call the only
according to emcee Diane             black teacher in the school if
Dwarka, were “listen”                the teacher was having
“communication.”                     problems with her. She said
According to some of the             she does not believe in that
youths, there is a breakdown in      because the black teacher may
communication between the            not have had anything to do
older and the younger                with her before.
generation within the Black            Mr. Duane Brothers, VP of
and Caribbean community and          Seven Oaks S.D. spoke about
that needs to change.                some of the issues he faced
  Parents have to try and            growing up in the West End
understand the reality and           and being the only person of         Pastor Lane, Duane Brothers, Fatima
context of their children’s lives    colour in most of his classes.                     Ali Baba
and must not try to raise them       Questions of identity plagued
as if they are living in the old     him throughout his school
country, said Pastor Lane.           years because he was of mixed
The oldest presenter on the          ancestry and very fair-skinned
panel Mr. George Atwell              and had not much in common              George Atwell, strachan, Robin
became emotional when he             with the few Caribbean                            Dwarka
related a story from his             children who were around.
boyhood. He said one day he          Brothers said his mentors were
and his dad were driving in a        white teachers who believed in
car and he told his dad that he      him more than he believed in
knew how the world was made.         himself.
He said his father stopped the       Brothers said the school
car and said, “son, tell me how      population has changed for the
the world was made.” He said         better. It is more diverse but he
he started to tell his dad about     said racism in the school is still   Darryl Stevenson,
the stars, circles, galaxies. His    alive. He also advised parents       Mavis McClaren
father gave him his full             not to try to raise their children
                                     the way they were raised in the      Bev Cook, Dancer
attention. Mr. Atwell said his                                            volunteered to
father made him feel important       Caribbean because the reality        teach people to do
and worthy of his time by            in Canada is different and           the hip hop dance
listening to him.It is something     asked them to listen more to         during the Carib-
                                     their children and let them feel     bean cultural
he will never forget.                                                     celebrations.
  During discussion, many of         they are being heard. He said        Here Bev is doing a
students said they faced racism      students face different              demonstration of
                                     challenges from what they may        this high-energy
and discrimination from both                                              dance style.
students and teachers in the
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
22
KWANZAA
                                    IN THE MIX
                                    descent to have set foot in
Congress of Black Women                                                   Coalition of Municipalities
                                    Canada. A navigator and
(Mb.) Chapter Invites you to a                                                against Racism,
                                    interpreter, Da Costa is
CELEBRATION of Kwanzaa                                                     Discrimination and Hate
                                    documented to have travelled
Place: Wolseley Family Place,       extensively throughout the                Crime Workshop
691 Wolseley Ave                    Atlantic Region in the late
Phone: 788-8052                                                           City of Winnipeg invites
                                    1500s and early 1600s. He
Date: Sun. December 13, 2009                                           you to the above workshop on
                                    often acted as an interpreter
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.                                           December 10th at the Clarion
                                    between the French and the
Entry fee for adults $5:00.                                            Hotel, Polo Park from 9:00
                                    Mi’kmaq.
Please call 775- 4378 by Dec.       The Mathieu Da Costa               a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6, 2009, with your name and         Challenge highlights the              If you are interested in
number of people attending          contributions made by              combatting discrimination in
    Government of Canada            Canadians of Aboriginal,           Winnipeg City call for more
 launches 2009–2010 Mathieu         African or other backgrounds       information and about registra-
     Da Costa Challenge             to the building of Canada. The     tion etc. call Kwabena Osei-
                                    contest is open to youths          Bonsu at 986-4167.
Young Canadians are invited to
                                    between the ages of 9 and 18
participate in the 2009–2010                                              NICCOM Party
                                    and accepts submissions in the
Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, a                                          Come and have a fantastic time
                                    following categories:              of great African and Canadian
national writing and artwork
                                         · Original literary work,     music. delicious African
contest for youths that
                                             such as an essay or       cuisine, superlative
promotes a greater
                                             poem, in English or       entertainment and creative
understanding of Canadian
                                             French; and               performances.
history and diversity. Through
                                         · Original work of art,       Venue: The Royal Canadian
this contest, young people are
                                             such as a painting, a     Legion Hall
asked to research and
                                             computer-generated        1755 Portage Avenue,
demonstrate how Canadians of
different ethnic backgrounds                 image or a sculpture.     Winnipeg, MB
have shaped our country’s           Winners will be chosen in each     Date: Saturday, December 19,
history. “In discovering the        category for three age groups      2009
                                    (9–12, 13–15 and 16–18).           Time: 6:00 pm
stories and characters of our
                                    Additional honours include the     Ticket: $10
past, we develop greater
                                    Mathieu Da Costa Parks             Call: 275-7664, 415-1537,
respect for one another and                                            995-4464
increase our understanding of       Canada Award – given to the                     ****
Canadian history,” said Jason       three best submissions
                                    featuring the contributions of a      CCOM New Year’s Eve
Kenney, Minister of
                                    National Historic Person of                    Dance
Citizenship, Immigration &
                                    Aboriginal, African or other                    ****
Multiculturalism. “This contest
provides an excellent               background to the building of
                                    Canada – and the Public               You’re invited to St. James
opportunity for young people                                           Parent Support Network Holiday
to conduct research into the        Choice Award, which gives
                                                                       Lunch on Dec.16, 12-1:30 pm at
exciting lives of the individuals   Canadians the chance to vote       Westwood Community Church,
who have laid the foundations       for their favourite entries.       401 Westwood. RSVP
of our diverse society.”            Contact Jill Ritchot, Com. Off.    swalters@wrha.mb.ca by
                                    Jill.Ritchot@cic.gc.ca; 204-       RSVP Dec.8.
Mathieu Da Costa is believed
                                    984-1149 (The Forks )
to be the first person of African
                                                                         Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                                         23
Lola’s Beauty
                              Gallery &
                                  Supplies
                               (Winnipeg, MB)
 Lola’s is a full-service salon and beauty product supplier. Lola’s
carries a wide variety of human hair and synthetic wigs, extensions
  and add-ons (i.e. ponytails, twists and jumbo braids). They also
    offer a range of hair care products. Lola’s is the largest hair
   extension centre in Manitoba and is the exclusive supplier of
              Leisure Curls products for Western Canada .
                       Online ordering is available.
                             567 Portage Avenue              African
                                                              Music
        Black History
           Month         Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G2               and films
           Award                                         African dresses,
                                                            headwear
          Winner!!!      Telephone: 204-772-3506            and more

                             Fax: 204-774-2269
                    Email: lolas@lolasbeautygallery.com
            Website: http://www.mts.net/~lolas/product.htm
                                     Come in to LOLA's browse..
                                            ask questions
Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
24
HAPPY 6OTH BIRTHDAY TO CHIEF ISAAC
                  ADE OMONIYI her husband is beside                                her
It was a community celebration                         healthier than he had been for a
of family and friends. There                           long time. Speeches from
were people who travelled                              friends and especially his
from several parts of Canada                           children attest to the wonderful
and even from the USA to                               person he is. For his family
spend this evening withChief                           having their father and husband
Isaac Omoniyi. There were                              back to his old self was like a
also people from the medical                           blessing directly from God to
profession who assisted in




                                                       them and they expressed their
Isaac’s recovery and kidney                            thanks profusely.
transplant.                                            The evening was fun, there were
They were not only celebrating                         dancing, money baths (that is
his birthday but also it was a                         where people stick money on each
thanksgiving to Almighty God                           other – mostly American dollars, I
and to his younger brother who                         don’t understand that but it is part
willingly donated one of his                           of the African culture) as a reward
kidneys to his older brother that                      for dancing or participating. Food
gave him a new lease on life.                          was deliciously African.
    In sharing his story and
thanking his friends and family
for their steadfast support, Chief     Can’t find a salon to do
Omoniyi became emotional. He            justice to your hair?
sees his recovery as miraculous
and God having a hand in it.              Look no more!
He claimed that he is feeling

                                      Les Touche Salon
younger now than before which
he attributes to the younger
kidney in his body.
                                        will send you satisfied everytime
   The evening was orchestrated
by his beautiful daughters who
appear to be staunch members of               4-555 Balmoral Ave
daddy’s fan club. His lovely wife,            Hours: Mon. - Sat.
Grand Dame of the beauty business,             9 a.m - 7:00 p.m.
Lola, shared the spotlight with him            Phone: 947-5830
and one could clearly see how
radiant and happy she was that
                                                         Global Eyes Magazine December 2009
                                                                                         25
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a
Global Eyes New December 2009a

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Global Eyes New December 2009a

  • 1. global eyes December 2009 Magazine See p See page What’s Else is Inside: Regulars: Global Briefs, Global Counsellor, Gaffin wid Buddy, Healthwatch, In your backyard, Letters to my Daughter, Mishmash, Poetry Cafe, Take-One, Zizi - rigamarole, Winnipeg Highlights, and much more....
  • 2. Global Briefs 9th Grader Impresses from the previous regime. For Guyana shines in Scientists some Americans he could gender equality never do enough because he is In a recent global gender Tony Hansberry, a 14 year old black and they are having a equality survey, males and student of Darnell Cookman hard time accepting his leader- females are more ‘equal‘ in high school in Jacksonville ship. Guyana than in many other Florida, presented to a group of There are reports that Obama countries.Guyana ranked 35 out experienced physicians a new has received more than 400 death of 134 countries in a World way to sutre patients threats since he took office. Economic Forum (WEF) gender undergoing hysterectomies. For reasonable thinking equality report. The technique reduces surgical Americans they like what he is However Guyana rated 86 in time for minimally invasive doing to get the economy and economic participation and hysterectomies. Hansberry people’s health back on track. opportunity. In health and presented the project at the Good job after Year One in our survival, Guyana scored full regional science fair and placed books. marks. It shared No. 1 with 38 second in the senior grade 9-12 division, allowing him to Hunger Strikes other all, Iceland, Finland, Over nations. compete in the state finals. Ethiopians Again Norway and Sweden topped the Hansberry’s project got the Is the international commu- list while in the Caribbean; attention of University of nity teaching Ethiopians to fish countries ranked higher than Florida faculty who invited him or they just present the fish Guyana are Trinidad and Tobago to present alongside physicians caught in their waters to tide -19, Barbados -21, Bahamas- 28 during their medical education them over rough patches? Of and Cuba- 29. The lowest ranked week last April. the $3.2 billion of US aid to country is Yemen at 134. Hansberry hopes to become a Ethiopia since 1991, 94% went Suriname is ranked at 79. neurosurgeon one day. to food delivered there rather (Guyana-Barbados Newsletter Oct.09) than grown locally or imported from the region, said the aid group, according to BBC news. Local Briefs Maiko Watson Debut CD “Food aid offers temporary Sweet vibration relief and has kept people alive Maiko Watson released her first in countless situations, but CD under her own Indie Label - Hansberry demonstrating his does not tackle the underlying Labeame Records, to critical ac- techniques to doctors causes that continue to make claim at one of Toronto’s popular people vulnerable to disaster nightclubs, The Rivoli, with a per- formance of some of the tracks President Obama’s year-after-year,” wrote an from the album. One Year Anniversary Ethiopian blogger. Maiko was backed up with The American Press has vocals from Bahiyyih her sister been out for blood. President and Sahara Mcdonald, a member of the former Sugar Jones Band. Obama is expected to be a It was a great event with many miracle worker and like their Winnipeggers in attendance. You instant fast food provide a can listen to some tracks here: quick fix to the American http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ problems which he inherited maiko-watson/id316648191 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 2
  • 3. Take One GLOBAL Many of us black parents preach to our children to be twice as good as their Their competition should always be against their last effort not against white counterpart to succeed in this some white person. There will always EYES country. It is like a mantra. The result is our children may work harder, but be white peers who are better than, brighter than or work harder than our get no where. What if they can only black children and there will always MAGAZINE be as good as their white counterpart, doesn’t that count? Although the black be black children who are smarter than, brighter than and work harder child may measure up with his white than white folks. That’s life. More Global Eyes Magazine aims at peers they may still feel inadequate importantly let us create fertile because they do not surpass their white grounds for our children to grow and promoting cultural diversity with peers. appreciate learning, to understand particular focus on Black and We tell our children to be role models themselves and what makes them Caribbean cultural identities to for those who follow, to break down excited. The rest will come naturally. create greater understanding be- barriers and open doors should they be We have to help them live their best tween these cultures and the larger the first to enter into a particular lives that are in sync with their cultural communities. profession or corporation. It is an unfair authentic selves. Global Eyes Magazine is pub- burden for black children who may feel lished four times a year by Global that the success of the entire black race Playwright in Residence Eyes Publishing , 671 Rathgar rests on their shoulders. If they fail then Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L they fail the race. 1G6, Canada. Although there are no statistics or It is prepared under the direction documentation to prove that blacks must be better than, work harder than of an Editorial Committee. and do everything better than their Subscription is available for white counterparts in the workforce in $15.00 a year. Each issue will be order to be successful the belief has delivered to your door. persisted unexamined. Global Eyes Magazine welcomes While it is true that blacks face news, letters, art and freelance discrimination and racism in the articles of interest. workplace, there is need for research Bahiyyih Watson (middle) in her to show how this racism manifests itself debut role in a stage play perform- Payments can be made in either and what are the causes. ing in a Trilogy of Toronto Theatre Canadian or American funds Could it be because we expect Scene Fringe Show, Schmoozers payable to Global Eyes Magazine discrimination therefore we find it? Do and Plagiarism - written and we try to become team players and try produced by Bobby del Rio. Her 671 Rathgar Avenue role - a self-absorbed diva. to fit into the culture of the workplace Winnipeg, Manitoba or do we have greater allegiance to R3L 1G6 representing our own race. Bahiyyih Watson was chosen email: globaleyes@mts.net When we enter the workplace, there by the anitafrika dub Theatre is a culture that most people have to housed in a beautifully reno- Subscription Form adapt to even white people. Resisting vated 1400 sq. ft. loft in Toron- Name: that culture because of race or other to’s Liberty Village, as play- loyalties could be to that individual’s wright in-residence. Address: detriment. As a playwright in residence, Should we continue to make our Bahiyyih will be mentored and Postal Code: Canadian black children feel less than, guided through a rigorous should we continue to pass on the process of bio-myth-solo crea- Tel: burden of representing the entire race tion and is expected to write and Email: when they walk out of the door each produce a solo act. Bahiyyih Payment/donation enclosed day, should we continue to preach the “better-than-sermon?” I suggest we put said she is excited at the pros- ($___________) down that load right here and tell our pect and feels fortunate to be Thank You. children to give their best at all times. given the opportunity. Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 3
  • 4. Letter to my daughter My dear daughter, The important thing on this Life is for living and I journey through life is to see No one is sure of tomorrow. encourage you to live each day challenges as opportunities to We can only be certain of the fully. Give yourself permission grow and learn. No one was moment we have, the moment to take reasonable risks and born knowing everything. It is we live and it is those moments trust your instincts because that through mistakes we learn that are pregnant with creative in the end is your best guide. what we do not know and forces of the universe. Strive always to have peace believe me there are many You are more powerful of mind. One of the ways to things we do not know but the than you think. All you have do this is to surround yourself joy of learning, growing and to do is to take the reigns and with people who are positive developing our human do what you have to do. It and encouraging and not those qualities, intellect, decision starts with one step followed who strive to put a damper on making and spiritual qualities by another step and the rest is your ideas or those who find make mistakes seem like gold. history as they say. every opportunity to put you Many people fear mistakes and Love, mom down. You do not need that. hold themselves back, never Those people become a drain realizing their full potential. As Deficiency motivation on your psyche. Positive one philosopher puts it, they doesn’t work. It will lead people naturally lighten up the die with their music still in to a life-long pursuit of atmosphere and keep them. try to fix me. Learn to everything in perspective and Seize what you can of appreciate what you have they always see a light at the today and don’t put off what and where and who you end of any tunnel. you can do today for tomorrow. are. Dr. Wayne Dyer Global Counsellor Dear Global Counsellor, fine. We are happy spending sexist? I don’t want our time together. However, about relationship to end that’s why I I am a 22 year old white male five months ago she started want to deal with this in a who is in love with a 21 year wearing extensions that culturally sensitive way. Please of girl from African Canadian covered her entire head. Her help me find the words to tell heritage. I love her lot and own hair is under that. It is her I love her just the way she everything about her. When I very difficult for me to get was and I love her natural hair first met her she grew her hair used to that. I get stuffed up. and the feel of it. in a short afro-style and it was At first I thought that style was Afraid beautiful. She resembled a just for an evening out but this model showing off her long is it. I don’t like the feel or Dear Afraid, graceful neck. I was instantly smell of the extension. I do not You’re right to be afraid this is attracted to her when I saw her want to touch it. I miss my a touchy subject It could be a in class. I pestered her for a girlfriend’s real hair which is lose-lose proposition but at the while before we started dating. absolutely beautiful. How can end of the day if you are honest We’ve been dating for close to I tell my girlfriend how I feel and you love your girlfriend a year. Everything was going without sounding racist or for her blackness then your cont’d on p5 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 4
  • 5. cont’d from p4 sincerely will come through Eldest daughter of Gertrude that construction of the museum Start off by reassuring her how and Alix Jean-Paul, wife and has begun and is expected to be much she means to you before mother of two, Angela stressed completed by the year 2012. asking her to get rid of the Angela outlined some extension. Explain how it of the benefits to having impacts your health in terms of the museum here in Winnipeg. For starters not being able to stand the the museum will create scent of extensions and how it between 150-200 full prevents you from being fully and part time jobs. She intimate with her. Of course said being bilingual will you might have to accommodate be integral to the her on some occasions when recruitment process. she wants different look and The core concept of feels that the use of extensions this museum is to be a might do that for her. I am place where human Alix Jean Paul (Angela’s father), Ms sure she will come around even Angela and Mr. Cassie (Angela’s husband) rights will be explored if she resents you saying that at in the broadest sense. It first. I strongly believe that several times in her talk, the will be a place that will nothing is better than the truth need and desire for multiple encourage, engage, educate, and if this relationship is going perspectives in the vision and promote and deepen our to go forward it seems as this is content of the museum. She understanding of human rights. an important hurdle to be urged the black community to Canadians will be given the overcome as it can make or get in on the ground floor. She tools to help fight racism and break your relationship. suggested that the Black discrimination and to accept community should see the each other, she said. national historic links this Rather than exhibiting artifacts Blacks urged to museum can foster and explore the focus will be about telling get involved in partnerships with the museum. the story - the plan is to include Even though the museum will an action theatre to demonstrate Human Rights be located in Winnipeg, it is a the past with an eye on the Museum national museum encompassing future. It will be a place of Blacks need to get involved in all of Canada and will strive to interest to everyone interested in the development of the reflect the histories and stories of human rights from the scholar to Canadian Museum for Human all Canadians, the positive and community activists, Rights, for their voices to be the not so positive ones. She government to NGO’s. heard and included in the said the museum will be broad in Angela said that the museum is national conversation, was the scope and will include a science expected to attract more than message Angela Cassie, guest and teaching component as well 250,000 visitors annually. Many speaker at the Guyanese annual There are important black of the visitors will come from banquet held in May 2009. stories that should be included in outside of Winnipeg, hence the Director of Communication the museum such as the de- need for warm welcoming and Public Engagement of the molishment of Africville in 1967. communities. There will be Canadian Museum for Human At the present time our opportunity for those with Rights, Angela works with a collective memory, experiences business acumen to enter the team of 11 people to make the and sense of identity as Blacks tourism industry as well as public aware of the human are not adequately represented opportunities for those in the rights museum and how they and reflected in society, Angela arts and culture sector to can become involved in its said. become involved in writing progress. Angela informed the audience and telling cultural stories. cont’d on p6 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 5
  • 6. Community in Action One of the pourers serving tea The Guyanese community held its annual spring tea at the St. Anne’s Anglican Church. The event was well attended and there was an abundance of delicacies served with the per- fect cup of tea or coffee. In addition there were home made breads, sweet breads, sugarcakes and other delicacies of the old country for sale. Pourers are usually culled from each community organiza- tion. It is an honour to be asked to be a pourer. Cultural events such as these help to cement the community and pass on the cultural practices to the younger generation. Blacks - cont’d from p5 Happy holiday to you all: “There is need for more Angela said. Hanukkah stories of the Sylvia Hamilton Angela pressed the community to Christmas Black Mothers, Black start having conversations in this regard so that black history and Solstice Daughters genre - about early segregated schools in Nova black voices will be heard and seen Yule Scotia, about prominent black alongside the other histories in Luut’aa historic figures such as Portia Canada. Tojko-taisi White and Viola Desmond.” A museum of such depth and Kwanzaa Stories could be told about breadth costs money and Angela Ghambar Maidyarem many of our contemporary said there is need for more dollars Feast of Saraf local heroes. “It is for you to to help bring this dream to reality Here’s wishing you find bring these stories to the and it is also an area where Blacks a reason to attention of the museum,” could make their contribution. celebrate and be joyful. Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 6
  • 7. CHILDREN RIGHTS Goodbye to a Community Champion CELEBRATED - Phyllis Clarke UN Convention for the rights On September 22, 2009 at the of the Child celebrated 20 especially her life partner and Seven Oaks Hospital Phyllis left best friend, Fitz, who will miss years on November 20. Many to cherish her memory her countries throughout the world her presence the most. May God husband Fitz Clarke; her give you the strength to face each celebrated this day. But what children Anselm, Ann, Arlene, have we done for children day. and Anthony; beloved sisters lately? Have 20 years produced Gloria, Jean, Mona, Marva and a more equitable world for Elon; grandchildren Jacob and young people? Bryson. Children are faced with many Quiet and unassuming Phyllis problems which far too many was one of the salts of the countries are not taking as Caribbean community. Wherever seriously as they should: there was work to be done, she increase in trafficking of boys would lend a hand if she could. and girls, child labour A beautiful soul whose including using children as trademark was that winning soldiers, still largely practised smile, she dressed elegantly in in many of the developing and clothes that graced her model- developed world, parental like figure. She also loved to poverty, physical and sexual dance and was seen at many abuse of children within their of the community banquets own families, etc. and socials. It is true that there are many The Calypso Association positive developments that organized a concert in the benefit children - there are more summer to support the family Fitz and laws to protect children, and it was well supported by the son, Anselm Canadian government took steps community and entertainers to curb sexual tourism by who donated their time to show pedophiles and to offer protection their love. In thanking the of children within homes through audience her son, Anselm said legal instruments, crack down on “everyday I spend with my pornography. There is more to be mother is a good day”. It was done. One of the best things simply touching. countries could do is ending Global Eyes extend our Community participation child poverty. The ripple sympathy to her family effects would be tremendous. Wade Kojo Williams Calypsonians, dancers chaired the event and singers in support of the Clarke family Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 7
  • 8. Many Waves one Sea - Multiculturalism Day in Manitoba Amanda Manitobans came out in large representatives of the Lee, Steering numbers at the Forks to celebrate ethnocultural communities. Committee Multiculturalism Day on June This year religious traditions set member up spiritual tables to share their Below: 27th, 2009 in spite of the rain attendees which caused the event to move faith to those who wish to learn. and indoors. These include: Baha’is, Hindu, Nigerian Lieutenant Governor the Islam and the Sikh religions. dancers (NICCOM) Hon. John Harvard and Her Honour Lenore Berscheid attended as well as various government representatives. The all day event was filled with cultural activities, storytelling, henna hand painting and the William Whyte Powwow Dancers which open the ceremonies with drumming and dancing. This is the third annual Multiculturalism Day celebrations Members of organized by a Committee of the William Whyte Pow headed by City Councillor for Wow Point Douglas Mike Pagtakhan. Dancers Members of the Committee ** Indian include government officials and Dancers Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 8
  • 9. Death forces the question of life’s purpose Death for orces life’ purpose e’s In the small community such control and fear of death itself, the danger of losing our as Caribbean/Black in some of us may even cultural heritage in Winnipeg Winnipeg to have had more experience a crisis of faith – may be seen as being than six deaths including June especially if we think that threatened by the loss. Springer, Pauline Nembhard, persons who died were good Global Eyes remember our Dr. Claudia Wright, and Phyllis people. sisters and brothers at this time Clarke in Winnipeg, two sisters Whether we are aware of it of the year. We remember their from the Eritrean community or not, these events impact us contributions and the difference and sister from the Nigerian at some level. Death comes they made to our community community, close family and like a stranger each time it hits life and wish them God’s speed. friends of members from back us. Even though we are all On the positive side, with home with an 12-month period aware and conscious that death the realization that life is could take a heavy toll on is something we all must go fleeting, loss can produce a members. They grieve. through, it comes as a shock to sense of growth and cohesion Grief is part of the universal us nonetheless. As our within communities. When we human experience. Our community age our trips to the heal it means we have put responses are complex, funerals will be more frequent. things into perspective and multifaceted and individual. As a community we grieve know that for some things such Physical manifestations of the loss of the old guardians of as death, there are no answers. grief include, fear, anxiety, our culture. We grieve because We accept that and use the panic, hypersensitivity, we are not sure their work will opportunity to make the most pessimism, depression, self- continue. Many of our children of our own lives and do the concern, imaginary illnesses, not participating in community things that really matter to us. fear of abandonment, loss of life as much as we would like, Important Resource for Youths A Touch of Africa The Manitoba Securities skills, including school Opening November 16 2009 Commission is pleased to teachers, Girl Guide/ Boy at Portage Place Mall 2nd announce the launch of a new Scout leaders, etc. Floor (Next to the MTS resource for instructors called Free copies of the guide can be Store - close to Hangers) Make it Count: An ordered online at For more information, Instructor’s Guide to Youth www.makeitcountonline.ca; or please call 801-7028 Money Management. This free by calling 945-1513 in Dealers in handmade gift resource will help mentors Winnipeg. items from Africa focus children on making wise For more information about the Jewellery, Wood Carvings, choices with their money and Make it Count program, Musical instruments, Tables, includes: contact: Ainsley Cunningham, Chairs, Soap Stone • lesson plans Manitoba Securities Sculptures, Batiks etc. • teacher tips Commission, 945-4733 in There is never time in the future • activities/exercises Winnipeg. in which we will work out our The guide will be of interest to salvation. The challenge is in Education is not a preparation anyone who plays a role in for life; education is life itself. the moment; the time is always teaching children valuable life now. James Baldwin John Dewey Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 9
  • 10. Dinamba inducts two more into the Amaigbo Kingdom supporters of the Dinamba Ms Christine Martin and Dr. organization. Keith Sandiford are the two Dr. Keith Sandiford, Emeritus newest members of the history professor at the Amaigbo family created by the University of Manitoba, Dinamba Intercultural (retired) is no stranger to many Organization which celebrated in the Winnipeg community. ten years of bringing Winnipeg He was honoured for his people together to celebrate the continuing contribution to the Annual Yam Festival. community. Mrs. Jacquie Phills This thanksgiving festival that introduced Dr. Sandiford with is celebrated in Nigeria was a Coles Notes version Dr. brought and being sustained Sandiford’s voluminous largely on the strength of Dr. accomplishments. She Joseph and Christine Nnadi focussed on his humanity. Dr. and their entire family. Each Sandiford she said is a walking Christine Martin dancing with her year it is held in the church hall enclyopedia of the game of husband of the Holy Family Church on cricket and a lifelong student. Archibald Street. For many it He has made significant has become an annual renewal contributions to the cultural of friendship and celebration. resources of the community Dinamba helps to shed light in and to the knowledge of the obscure corners of history through his academic achievers in the Winnipeg papers and scholarship. community and highlight them According to her, he has been in an effort to add to our winning scholarships since age collective resource. 11. Today he is a member of This year the light was shone the Caribbean seniors group on Christine Martin, MBA, and the Barbados Association who has broken down an of Manitoba including others. important barrier in the In accepting the award Dr. Dr. Keith Sandiford and Mrs. corporate world by becoming Sandiford Sandiford said he was very the first black Vice President at pleased to be accepting the Christine Forbes the Manitoba Public Corporation. award but that his wife fabulous MC. She Mrs. Martin, a wife and mother entertained the audi- deserved a special reward ence with some of two children said it was the because whatever he interesting tidbits or support of family and mentors accomplished facts about Yams. she had that helped her along could not have the way. Ms Martin is a role been done model for what hard work can without her. help you to accomplish. Ms After the Martin acknowledged that lady formalities the luck was also in her favour. honorees Christine and her family have opened the been long time members and dance floor. The Play “Yams from heaven” is performed annually at the Igbo Yam Festival. Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 10
  • 11. Council of Caribbean Organizations (CCOM) Keeps Community Spirit Alive The Council for Caribbean James ably orchestrated the Organization of Manitoba, Inc. evening’s program as emcees. honoured 31 seniors by **** recognizing the contributions The Caribbean cultural evening they have made throughout the on October 30, 2009, brought years and the legacy they have out the fun in Caribbean left for those who follow: culture. Sheila Welch, Reginald At the end of the evening Joy Bissoon bringing the anancy Hodge, Ralph McDowell, members were saying “we story alive to a captivated audience Percy Villa Fauna, Patsy need more of this” “Ï had a Grant, Madeline Coopsammy, great time” “I haven’t laughed Lloyd Coopsammy, Lionel as much in a long time.” Welch, Lillian Prima, Ken It was an evening dedicated Manswell, Cynthia Manswell, to celebrating new additions to Kathy Huggins, Joan the culture and remembering Hopkins, Jeff Sutherland, what it was like in the old days Fitzroy Clarke, Eula and recreating them for the Matheson, Esme Stewart, benefit of the younger circle dance Adeline Sutherland, Diane generation. The evening Dwarka, Dennis Scott, included folksongs, limbo- The event was free of charge Deacon Gladstone Davidson, dance lessons, hip hop dance and included delicious Cynthia Joseph, Cecil Grant, less, retelling a brer anancy Caribbean foods. Casper Shade, Jacquie Phills; story beautifully performed by Members called on CCOM to Lil McDowell and probably the Joy Bissoon, riddles, and plan similar evenings two or oldest senior within the jokes. Joy also led the three times a year. Winnipeg Caribbean audience in a few Parang While it is a desirable goal, Community, Mrs. Iona songs, a special genre of the community must know that Gaskin fondly known as Mama Spanish influenced folk songs the people who do the work Gaskin. particular to Trinidad which organizing, cooking and **** has a strong Spanish presence cleaning are volunteers. They Post-secondary Scholarship to this day. Some people got do it because they believe in awards were given out to up and salsa around the room community development and Tamika Joseph, Alice Charles, to the Latin rhythms as these solidarity. These events need Tessie Jordan and Jellisa songs were sung. This was community participation to be Pilgrim. followed by a set of traditional successful and sustainable. *** folk songs such as Matilda, CCOM urged its members to The Caribbean Cultural Day Oh Day Oh led by Lola involve their childrenin these Centre was packed with a Hibert of the Jamaica Folk activities to give them a sense mixture of old and young at the Ensemble. of their culture and identity. It Council of Caribbean The stage was open for is one of the most important Organization of Manitoba’s those who wished to contribute gifts a parent can give to their 2nd Annual Awards Banquet and did they ever contribute. children.“When you know which honored 31 seniors and The more cheers and laughter a where you came from you can offered financial scholarships joke received the more move forward in the future to four deserving students. encouraged the person was do with more confidence and self- Camille Vaughan and Alexis another one. The evening went worth, said Margaret Strachan, by very quickly. President of Council for Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 11
  • 12. Pictorial of 2nd Annual Awards Banquet Seniors honoured Em c e es A l e x i s J a m e s & C a m i l l e Va u g han (l) Kathy Huggins awardee and Margaret Strachan CCOM President Shades of Ebony Dance Group The two One of Winnipeg’s foremost soul young girls singers, Florence Oramasionwu aka are the “Flo” performing for the seniors. Flo grandchil- had rushed from a recording session dren of at the studio to perform. She sang and Patsy and returned promptly to continue work Dr. Cecil on her second album. Best wishes Grant with that Flo. playing the steel drum Mavis McLaren CCOM board member, raises her glass to the seniors Mama Gaskin flanked by daughter Heather (l) and Carmen Nembhard(r) Members of the audience at awards dinner Scottish contribution of Caribbean culture Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 12
  • 13. CCOM Scholarship Winners Proud Parents (l to r)Tamika Joseph, Alice Charles, Tessie Jordan and Jellisa Pilgrim Alice Charles poses with parents Your’re powerful beyond measure “Our deepest fear is not that we her. She attributed this to her are inadequate. Our deepest fear heritage. She made it known is that we are powerful beyond that she was always proud of measure,” Michelle Jean Paul her black heritage she just Burnet, guest speaker at wanted to be like her other CCOM 2nd Awards banquet friends to be included and quoted Marianne Williamson, accepted. an inspirational speaker. She said once a Filipino dated Daughter of Haitian immi- her but she always had to meet grant and Russian Mennonite, him in the back lane when they Michelle grew up in Mennonite were going out but after they church and attending French broke up and he started dating Immersion schools. She is the white girls, she learned that youngest teacher ever to become they were being invited home a Vice Principal of a school just to have supper with his parents said. “I faced covert and systemic early into the relationship. after five years of teaching. racism which threatened to While she valued intellect her Michelle is beautiful, smart, and cripple me.” Michelle said many biggest stumbling block was an overachiever of biracial people had no idea about the her outward appearance. heritage. But in spite of all the struggles she was going through Michelle spoke from her heart privilege she enjoyed of being because she wore a facade as a as if she was telling her story to raised in a middle class family, good, strong girl. However, loving grandparents. caring parents, outshining others inside she felt sorely inadequate. “I was frustrated about the one in school academically, she still She said her self-esteem took a thing I wanted that I could not felt inadequate and not quite as dive because she did not feel as control. I could not control how smart, as funny or as beautiful as beautiful like the other white girls people saw me. So I started to her white peers. friends. She knew she could focus on the things I could She decided to share her never be like them. Michelle said control in my life which was journey to wholeness with the that during high school many of my studies.” audience. her white girlfriends were having Michelle said that she met a “It was a lonely journey for me dates and boys were confessing young man whom she knew in during my school years because their love to them but no one was high school at university and he no one looked like me,” she confessing their undying love for cont’d on p18 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 13
  • 14. Black Educators Association of Manitoba (BEAM) Helps to Make a Difference for Minority Youths The Black Educators Association of Manitoba organized a talk show on May 28th 2009 at the Caribbean Dr. Joseph Nnadi & Maurice Cultural Centre to discuss Alexander, panellists “How can the rise of President Obama influence change”. They brought together an impressive panel to provide Lystra Kauldher Maiko Watson and different points of view, John Jack including, Cindy Johnson- Dr. Brian Archer, Sonya Gallego, Teacher/Parent, Williams and Shondell Shondell Babb, University Babb student; Maurice Alexander, Educator, Sonya Williams, teacher, Dr. Brian Archer, Engineer, Dr. Joseph Nnadi, Professor, Maiko Watson, Maiko poses with project partners Maiko Watson Members of Coordinator, Black Youth and Cindy BEAM Board Internship Johnson- Gallego Program. Audience at the Talk Show Each participant gave a brief presentation on the topic and thereafter responded to questions from the Some of the students who participated in the program audience. It was an interactive session. Black youths. “If Obama The consensus appeared to be could, yes they can.” that Obama’s win has opened Some of the youths said that the door of possibilities to they felt better about cont’d p30 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 14
  • 15. CARICOM ARTS AND CRAFTS FIRST ANNUAL SPRING TEA Caricom Arts and Crafts first annual spring tea got off on a slow start. While there was no shortage of people willing to participate in the arts display and arts and crafts sale, community participa- tion could have been better. Caricom is the only Caribbean organization dedicated to Some of the people who attended the team promoting Caribbean arts and crafts. Some of its fundraising efforts goes towards providing an annual scholarship to a Carib- bean students pursuing post secondary studies. The event was successful in that people enjoyed themselves won some fabulous silent auction prizes and also enjoyed lots of healthy dainties. President Mary Barzey said she is certain that attendance will be better next year one the community becomes aware of it. Gerrard Agostino was one of the crafters of a different sort, he offered free foot massage and gave out gift certificate prizes for one hour free massage. He is demonstrating his technique on one of the other crafters. Gerrard’s wife, Diane Driedger, participated with some of her visual artworks. Below: Shondell Babb, performed the duties of emcee for the Tea Mary Barzey, Flo R&B Soul Singer lending President of Caricom her talents to the Caricom Arts and arts and crafts welcomed Crafts first Annual Spring tea. She and thanked crafters and was fabulous and left the audience other supporters for wanting more. showing up. DJ Dese hugs her husband who accompanies her on her Dj gigs. Dese is the hot- At the left is one test DJ on the social circuit of the artists, these days. Watch out for Tessa Singh this couple! McKay, 2nd year Fine Arts Student at THE WORD OF WISDOM University of “Your Beliefs Become Your Thoughts Manitoba who participated in Your Thoughts Become Your Words Caricom Spring Your Words Become Your Actions Tea Your Actions Become Your Habits Your Habits Become Your Values Your Values Become Your Destiny” - Mahatma Gandhi Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 15
  • 16. Congress of Black Women Promotes Arts and Culture sang some songs from her recently released album “Sweet Vibration”. The mover and shaker behind this event was Antoinette Zloty, and her team who did a fantastic job to ensure everything went Congress of Black Women and IWAM smoothly and that people had a members celebrate with Beatrice at great time. Prov. Council Awards event at which Beatrice was honored. The Second day was taken up with readings by some of the Black writers in Winnipeg as follows: The late, Pauline Nembhard tickled the crowd with stories citing some of her childhood antics which trig- gered a lot of laughter, Nia Dechausay, read some of her spine thrilling romantic poetry Lorene Mahoney, Lisa Hackett and that had people fanning them- Antoinette Zloty selves, Beatrice Watson, Pauline Nembhard, Nia Dechausay, Beatrice, Antoinette and Madeline Antoinette Zloty and Coopsammy - writers Madeline Coopsammy read poetries and book excerpts with rich Caribbean flavours. The afternoon session introduced the film “Barbara James.” Written by Gerry Atwell, the film was produced by local filmmaker, Winston Moxam, who was one of the panellist discussing how Blacks could become more Harnet Araya and Norma Walker Dickens at PCW Awards Gala involved in the film industry. (Watch out for a comprehensive Women having fun at Cultural The Congress of Black report from CBW) Unity Dinner Women Manitoba Chapter *** held its first Annual Black The Congress of Black Women and the Arts Festival at Women also held its first the Winter Club in May 2009. annual cultural unity dinner. The two-day event started The event was similar to its with a reception on the Friday regular unity dinner but with a evening at which there were little twist. The Congress cultural performances by invited representatives from black women artists: Jennifer other cultural groups to share Nembhard played the steel their culture with participants. drums and Maiko Watson There were representatives Mr. & Mrs. Sampson at the CBW accompanied by a guitarist from the The Filipino, Firt Cultural Unity Dinner cont’d on p17 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 16
  • 17. LETTER TO MY NEPHEW Indian Dance - Amy Sahai (r) First Nations - Meryle Green(l) America is slowly regaining its In my humble opinion, Barack position of respect following the Obama has shown a willingness to election of President Obama; who advocate in I must remind you, has only been behalf of not in office eight months. only Americans, One of the principal reasons but world peace. why Julius Caesar, Napoleon and It is important Adolph Hitler lost the wars is that America simple: They deployed too many regain it’s troop in too many places’ at the Phillipine -Rosie & respect around Gloria same time. the world and Now the US messed up with above all; we Chiang Kai Chek during WW2 must remember leaving China vulnerable to that while the President is communism. The US was forced primarily a ‘figure head’, there are to pull out of Viet Nam. There are many areas in which he can be of signs that the US would have influence politically; but he or she succeeded in Afghanistan; IF must always have a majority Bush had not decided to invade approvals in terms of lawmaking. Iraq. Too many forces, too many Jairo Viafara - I’m not sure of this; but I think Columbia places. And that’s what I see. there are not many areas in which Whenever people that I’ve met the US president (which is that of during my travels tried to speak ill representative of the country) has of the US; I’d tell them this: There total command without the are good people and bad people in approval of Congress. Among every society. That would end the Josh, those in which the president does Chinese Kungfu conversation every time; because Dr. Jon set precedence is the right to Gerrard I’m not hired to make political Liberal Party declare or end war. commentary. I got hired to play Leader In other words, he or she is and sing music; period. basically a figurehead. President Hope this may help you in your Barack Obama’s positions are decisions. My advice; read, read, definitely bringing adversaries read. Your mind is your greatest back to the bargaining table and asset. thus raising the esteem of Congo Line at Unity Dinner June Pepper Harris America. Remember, I was in Qatar during the World Trade Conference and CBW cont’d from p16 the bombing; and everyone there was traumatized; there were ‘No- Nations, Chinese, Columbian, Norma & fly’ laws. I didn’t think I’d ever see Nigerian and East Indian Jennifer Rhonda my family again. Thank God I was cultures, who shared through CBW Arts Dickens receiving notices daily through the performance, presentation or Festival Canadian Embassy and even one songs. Cynthia from the Prime Minister. I had the The menu selected re- Manswell opportunity to speak with flected the cuisines of the (l) various cultures. Dr. Beryle dignitaries from other countries, Jones and including South Africa. The proceeding was in- Mr. Jim Many people were beginning to formative and interesting. Ogunnoiki hold the United States and later (r) Canada with disdain. So now, Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 17
  • 18. Powerful beyond measure cont’d from p13 complimented how attractive she on this topic which was own journey will continue was but in the same breath told published. “I wrote myself real. I because I still have more her it was strange he found her realized that I had to learn to challenges to overcome. As I attractive since he did not find swim or sink. I put myself and continue my journey I am trying black girls attractive. my fears out there and that was to ease the pain of others who Michelle said that while she liberating.” may be going through the same could have accepted with Michelle asserted that she is thing,” she said. understanding her high school now comfortable in her own skin Finally, she said she would not experience of racism, the racism and negotiates life on her own have been where she is today she experienced at university terms knowing that she is rocked her to the very core. I powerful beyond measure. had it not been for those who was angry and my anger turned The process of accepting her supported her, people like John to self-doubt.” authentic self and being comfortable Jack and other members of the I fell in love with the first man in her own skin were difficult but community who saw her as a who told me he loved me. The she is at a much better place now. competent human beings and relationship was doomed “I have accepted the beauty of my gave her opportunities to share because I clung too tightly. authentic self.,” she said adding, her knowledge and talents. She “That was not a solid basis for that she recognized as human said many times she did not feel a relationship. My weakness beings we are really never there and she deserved the praise that was was revealed to those around me conscious there will always be heaped on her but that helped to and I could not hide it any areas of growth and strength that carry her through the tough more.” need bolstering. times. Michelle is currently Michelle said she read W.E. “I find greatness in others and show completing her Master’s degree Du Bois book on the Souls of them their power. We are cele- in Education. black Folks and wrote a paper brating greatness tonight. My Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 18
  • 19. RECIPES African Peanut Soup 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Place the chicken pieces and FROM AROUND Ingredients pig’s foot in a large stew pot 2 tablespoons olive oil THE 2 medium onions, chopped and pour water in to cover. Add WORLD 2 large red peppers, chopped salt. Bring to a boil and skim bon apettit fat. Simmer for 1 hour. 4 cloves garlic, minced Add meat, cassareep, onion, 1 (700g) jar passata brown sugar, chiles, cinnamon, 2L (3 pints 10 fl oz) vegetable cloves, and thyme. Bring to a Barbecued Chicken with stock boil and simmer, partially Fresh Mango Salsa 1/4 teaspoon black pepper covered, for another hour. Ingredients 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder Remove the cloves and 4 (100g) skinless, boneless (optional) cinnamon and discard. Stir in chicken breast fillets 170g (6 oz) crunchy peanut butter the vinegar. salt and freshly ground black 85g (3 oz) uncooked brown rice Ingredients pepper to taste Directions 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil Heat oil in a large stockpot 2 cups butter 2 cloves garlic, peeled and over medium high heat. Cook 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder minced onions and peppers until 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 (2cm) piece fresh ginger root, lightly browned and tender, 4 eggs minced stirring in garlic when nearly 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 mangos - peeled, stone done to prevent burning. 1 tablespoon almond extract removed and diced Stir in passata, vegetable 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons cider vinegar stock, black pepper and chilli 1 teaspoon white wine powder. Reduce heat to low Directions 4 tablespoons chopped fresh and simmer, uncovered, for 30 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F coriander minutes. (205 degrees C). Lightly grease Directions Stir in rice, cover, and simmer and flour one 9 or 10 inch Preheat barbecue for high heat, another 15 minutes or until rice bundt pan. and lightly oil cooking grate. is tender. Stir in peanut butter By hand with a spatula cream Rub chicken breast fillets until well blended, and serve. butter and sugar together until with salt and pepper. Cook on light and fluffy. Add eggs all at hot barbecue for 10 to 15 once and beat well. minutes on each side, until no The Caribbean Sift the flour and the baking longer pink and juices run Pepper Pot powder together. Add to butter clear. Remove from heat, set 2 chickens, cut up in pieces (2- mixture along with 1 cup of the aside, and keep warm. 1/2 pounds each) milk. Continue to beat well Heat oil in a medium frying 1 pig’s foot or chicken feet (the batter will be doughy). pan over medium heat, and 2 teaspoons salt Add the remaining 1 cup of sauté garlic for about 1 minute. 3 pounds beef/pork tenderloin, milk along with the vanilla, Mix in ginger and mangos, and cut into bite-size pieces and almond extracts. Pour cook 3 to 4 minutes, until 1/2 cup cassareep batter into the prepared pan. mangos are tender. Pour in the 1 lg. onion, finely chopped Bake at 400 degrees F (205 cider vinegar and white wine. 2 tablespoons brown sugar Season with salt and pepper. degrees C) for 1 hour. Reduce 2 chile peppers, seeded, diced heat to 350 degrees F (175 Stir in coriander, and remove 1 2-inch piece stick cinnamon from heat. Spoon over the degrees C) and continue baking 4 whole cloves barbecued chicken to serve. for 15 minutes longer. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 19
  • 20. In your backyard NIGERIA-CANADA CONGRESS OF MANITOBA (NICCOM) expected to give new immigrants a We are Nigerian-born immigrants pool of local (Canadian-born) and (and Canadians of Nigerian international mentors while the heritage) working closely with local mentors in our midst learn our Canadian-born locals/friends more about other cultures in the to make good things happen in course of promoting equity, Allan Wise Liberal our community. We realize that fairness and justice in the Nominee Winnipeg Centre working closely with our world….to know more, visit: http:/ Canadian-born friends will /niccom.org engender an enduring community spirit. Spread across the province of Manitoba,we have all resolvedtomake our “home” (Manitoba) an inviting place for all immigrants, especially immigrants from Nigeria. But we also realize that as Canadian citizens, it is our duty to ensure that new immigrants and struggling locals have a community resource like us. Nkechika Modozie, Sherry Wilkinson, This ‘win-win’ arrangement is Kenny Daodu, Val McIntyre Standing l to r: Sunday Akin Olukoju, Provincial Council of Tope Otubusen, Gboyega Aiku, Phil In the next general election Bawa. - NICCOM Executive Women Makes a Difference Allan Wise, a community builder in the Community Justin Trudeau’s visit and activist will run against Pat created in Winnipeg Martin NDP, MP, Winnipeg Anita Neville had to turn away Centre, for that seat. people from her evening with Justin Recently Wise capitalized on Trudeau held at Justin Trudeau’s visit to Winnipeg the Crescent- on the invitation from Liberal MP wood Commu- Anita Neville, and organzed a nity club in fundraiser at the East India Com- October. The pany. The event was well attended event was and Justin Trudeau did not have The Provincial Council of words enough to describe Allan’s packed with Women of Manitoba, Inc. held its Liberals and suitability for the riding. 3rd annual gala and fundraiser people curious Winnipeg Centre has a large honouring individual and federate about Justin immigrant, refugee population members for their service to the Trudeau. He did which Allan knows very well, community on July 16, 2009. not disappoint. since he himself was came to this The women honoured in 2009 He hugged grandmothers and made country as a refugee from Iran time for most of the people present. many years ago. are: Dianna Busie of the He took time to listen and pose for Allan got choked up when cont’d p30 pictures. talking about his past. Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 20
  • 21. Forest People’s Crafts Fundraises for Kenya Grandmothers On May 2 , 2009, Pauline Kunz of the Forest People’s Craft organized a fundraising concert for nd Kenya Grandmothers which was held at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People at The Forks. Many prominent Winnipeg musicians volunteered their talent for this worthy event. Pauline has been working hard for many years trying to make a difference to the lives of those she left behind. She carries strictly fair trade items in her store. She travels back to Kenya once or twice a year to meet the artisans whom she supports by buying their art and crafts at the fairest price possible. Maureen Hemphill As a businesswoman, Pauline makes time to speak about the grandmothers and the work they do. She willingly tells stories of their struggles to survive each day. She has held several fundraising events for the grandmothers who now depend on her help in a big way. She volunteers to do speaking engagement about poverty in Kenya to raise awareness of some of the issues facing people, especially older people. Tracy Koga, TV star volunteered her services to emcee the event. Former Minister of Social Services, Maureen Hemphill spoke about the importance of the work Pauline is doing. Hemphill saw first hand how the funds raised were used to help the grandmothers and their grandchildren. Hemphill has been a strong supporter of Forest People’s Crafts for many years. CBW continued Kenny Daodu at Unity Dinner Maiko Watson flanked by her guitarist (r) and a fan (l) 2nd Floor Forks Market, 204- 943-3995 (ltor)Jean at Unity Dinner Hon. Jennifer Howard Unity Dinner Pam McNeil & Rita Austin, GCO Reps Dr. Jon Gerrard, (r)Leader of Jean leads the Liberal Party of Congo line dance Manitoba cont’d on p30 Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 21
  • 22. cont’d from p Caribbean Organizations of school system. There were discussions on how to combat have faced back home in the Manitoba and one of the forces Caribbean or Africa. behind the activities. racism. The need for more **** mentors from the community Intergenerational Conflict was one solution pointed out. This full-day forum was One of the youths said that a held the day following the mentor could be a person from cultural evening on November any race. The youth said when 14, 2009 at the Cultural Centre. she was in school her white The key words spoken teacher would call the only according to emcee Diane black teacher in the school if Dwarka, were “listen” the teacher was having “communication.” problems with her. She said According to some of the she does not believe in that youths, there is a breakdown in because the black teacher may communication between the not have had anything to do older and the younger with her before. generation within the Black Mr. Duane Brothers, VP of and Caribbean community and Seven Oaks S.D. spoke about that needs to change. some of the issues he faced Parents have to try and growing up in the West End understand the reality and and being the only person of Pastor Lane, Duane Brothers, Fatima context of their children’s lives colour in most of his classes. Ali Baba and must not try to raise them Questions of identity plagued as if they are living in the old him throughout his school country, said Pastor Lane. years because he was of mixed The oldest presenter on the ancestry and very fair-skinned panel Mr. George Atwell and had not much in common George Atwell, strachan, Robin became emotional when he with the few Caribbean Dwarka related a story from his children who were around. boyhood. He said one day he Brothers said his mentors were and his dad were driving in a white teachers who believed in car and he told his dad that he him more than he believed in knew how the world was made. himself. He said his father stopped the Brothers said the school car and said, “son, tell me how population has changed for the the world was made.” He said better. It is more diverse but he he started to tell his dad about said racism in the school is still Darryl Stevenson, the stars, circles, galaxies. His alive. He also advised parents Mavis McClaren father gave him his full not to try to raise their children the way they were raised in the Bev Cook, Dancer attention. Mr. Atwell said his volunteered to father made him feel important Caribbean because the reality teach people to do and worthy of his time by in Canada is different and the hip hop dance listening to him.It is something asked them to listen more to during the Carib- their children and let them feel bean cultural he will never forget. celebrations. During discussion, many of they are being heard. He said Here Bev is doing a students said they faced racism students face different demonstration of challenges from what they may this high-energy and discrimination from both dance style. students and teachers in the Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 22
  • 23. KWANZAA IN THE MIX descent to have set foot in Congress of Black Women Coalition of Municipalities Canada. A navigator and (Mb.) Chapter Invites you to a against Racism, interpreter, Da Costa is CELEBRATION of Kwanzaa Discrimination and Hate documented to have travelled Place: Wolseley Family Place, extensively throughout the Crime Workshop 691 Wolseley Ave Atlantic Region in the late Phone: 788-8052 City of Winnipeg invites 1500s and early 1600s. He Date: Sun. December 13, 2009 you to the above workshop on often acted as an interpreter Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. December 10th at the Clarion between the French and the Entry fee for adults $5:00. Hotel, Polo Park from 9:00 Mi’kmaq. Please call 775- 4378 by Dec. The Mathieu Da Costa a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 6, 2009, with your name and Challenge highlights the If you are interested in number of people attending contributions made by combatting discrimination in Government of Canada Canadians of Aboriginal, Winnipeg City call for more launches 2009–2010 Mathieu African or other backgrounds information and about registra- Da Costa Challenge to the building of Canada. The tion etc. call Kwabena Osei- contest is open to youths Bonsu at 986-4167. Young Canadians are invited to between the ages of 9 and 18 participate in the 2009–2010 NICCOM Party and accepts submissions in the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, a Come and have a fantastic time following categories: of great African and Canadian national writing and artwork · Original literary work, music. delicious African contest for youths that such as an essay or cuisine, superlative promotes a greater poem, in English or entertainment and creative understanding of Canadian French; and performances. history and diversity. Through · Original work of art, Venue: The Royal Canadian this contest, young people are such as a painting, a Legion Hall asked to research and computer-generated 1755 Portage Avenue, demonstrate how Canadians of different ethnic backgrounds image or a sculpture. Winnipeg, MB have shaped our country’s Winners will be chosen in each Date: Saturday, December 19, history. “In discovering the category for three age groups 2009 (9–12, 13–15 and 16–18). Time: 6:00 pm stories and characters of our Additional honours include the Ticket: $10 past, we develop greater Mathieu Da Costa Parks Call: 275-7664, 415-1537, respect for one another and 995-4464 increase our understanding of Canada Award – given to the **** Canadian history,” said Jason three best submissions featuring the contributions of a CCOM New Year’s Eve Kenney, Minister of National Historic Person of Dance Citizenship, Immigration & Aboriginal, African or other **** Multiculturalism. “This contest provides an excellent background to the building of Canada – and the Public You’re invited to St. James opportunity for young people Parent Support Network Holiday to conduct research into the Choice Award, which gives Lunch on Dec.16, 12-1:30 pm at exciting lives of the individuals Canadians the chance to vote Westwood Community Church, who have laid the foundations for their favourite entries. 401 Westwood. RSVP of our diverse society.” Contact Jill Ritchot, Com. Off. swalters@wrha.mb.ca by Jill.Ritchot@cic.gc.ca; 204- RSVP Dec.8. Mathieu Da Costa is believed 984-1149 (The Forks ) to be the first person of African Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 23
  • 24. Lola’s Beauty Gallery & Supplies (Winnipeg, MB) Lola’s is a full-service salon and beauty product supplier. Lola’s carries a wide variety of human hair and synthetic wigs, extensions and add-ons (i.e. ponytails, twists and jumbo braids). They also offer a range of hair care products. Lola’s is the largest hair extension centre in Manitoba and is the exclusive supplier of Leisure Curls products for Western Canada . Online ordering is available. 567 Portage Avenue African Music Black History Month Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G2 and films Award African dresses, headwear Winner!!! Telephone: 204-772-3506 and more Fax: 204-774-2269 Email: lolas@lolasbeautygallery.com Website: http://www.mts.net/~lolas/product.htm Come in to LOLA's browse.. ask questions Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 24
  • 25. HAPPY 6OTH BIRTHDAY TO CHIEF ISAAC ADE OMONIYI her husband is beside her It was a community celebration healthier than he had been for a of family and friends. There long time. Speeches from were people who travelled friends and especially his from several parts of Canada children attest to the wonderful and even from the USA to person he is. For his family spend this evening withChief having their father and husband Isaac Omoniyi. There were back to his old self was like a also people from the medical blessing directly from God to profession who assisted in them and they expressed their Isaac’s recovery and kidney thanks profusely. transplant. The evening was fun, there were They were not only celebrating dancing, money baths (that is his birthday but also it was a where people stick money on each thanksgiving to Almighty God other – mostly American dollars, I and to his younger brother who don’t understand that but it is part willingly donated one of his of the African culture) as a reward kidneys to his older brother that for dancing or participating. Food gave him a new lease on life. was deliciously African. In sharing his story and thanking his friends and family for their steadfast support, Chief Can’t find a salon to do Omoniyi became emotional. He justice to your hair? sees his recovery as miraculous and God having a hand in it. Look no more! He claimed that he is feeling Les Touche Salon younger now than before which he attributes to the younger kidney in his body. will send you satisfied everytime The evening was orchestrated by his beautiful daughters who appear to be staunch members of 4-555 Balmoral Ave daddy’s fan club. His lovely wife, Hours: Mon. - Sat. Grand Dame of the beauty business, 9 a.m - 7:00 p.m. Lola, shared the spotlight with him Phone: 947-5830 and one could clearly see how radiant and happy she was that Global Eyes Magazine December 2009 25