"There's a lot of opportunities that's going to happen over the next 18 months," [Bill Zakarow] added. He, however, could not give a definitive figure on what percentage of the businesses that have already submitted proposals were actually black-owned or Caribbean-owned. TO2015's procurement director said additional opportunities will come on stream by the end of October, as there will be an information session to discuss a large category of spending that is called "overlay". This includes services for portable toilets, fences, landscape, lighting and seating. "They made certain commitments when they went down to the Caribbean to get our votes so that Canada would get the games so all we're asking them to do is ensure that they fulfill those commitments and that there are economic benefits that do flow to the Caribbean," [Courtney Betty] said. "Realistically, the ship has sailed and we weren't a part of it," he added.
An exhibit, curated by well-known photographer Michael Chambers, entitled "Bathurst Stripped" is celebrating the history of a street in Toronto that was home to many immigrants from the Caribbean. Chambers has produced a photo-based installation of a barrel. This piece recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of the new immigrants and "The Barrel Children." A recent photo of Linda Carter who was the first black model in Canada to achieve prominence in the 1970s wraps the barrel which is filled with items such as corned beef, books and toys - things sent back to families in the Caribbean.
"Was talking about how we keep our creativity flowing with a group of friends around a kitchen table last winter. Visiting friends from Sri Lanka mentioned that they organise regular readings to encourage themselves to write fresh work and connect with likeminded types. Very ol' skool approach. WRITE ON! was born that nite," says Akhaji Zakiya, the founder, producer and host of the series. "We'll also have an open mic part of the showcase and a panel discussion exploring how we can support Black queer art and culture. We've also commissioned a special spoken word piece, #IAmAnAfrican, by co-host Naomi Abiola to celebrate our achievements," she said. The other cohost of the evening is triple threat Twysted. With a repertoire that is expanding to include short stories and plays about women loving, [Zakiya]'s work has appeared in several publications, including "The Great Black North - Contemporary African Canadian Poetry" (Frontenac, 2013) and "Does Your Mama Know? - An Anthology of Black Lesbian Coming Out Stories" (Red Bone Press, 1997).
Kuumba [Koo-oom-bah] is the Swahili word for creativity. It's also Harbourfront Centre's Black History Month celebration that educates, enlivens and entertains with local and international artists from the African and Caribbean diaspora. Festival highlights include the Voices from Days of Slavery exhibit featuring the audio testimonials of former slaves, the thought-provoking play Man2Man exploring black male sexuality, a hilarious Ebony & Ivory Comedy Bash ($15) pitting white and black comedians against each other, and a high energy Beat the Street Dance Showdown ($10) featuring Toronto's hottest street dance teams. The grand re-opening of Miss Lou's Room will also be a highlight for kids and their families, little ones can gather and listen to some of Toronto's best storytellers weave tall tales of adventure, mystery and intrigue with fabled Anancy stories (Caribbean folk tales).
Last Wednesday (August 25) politicians, friends and family came out to Toronto's west end to celebrate the official unveiling of the 'Jean Augustine Park'. In paying tribute to Dr Augustine, deputy mayor, Joe Pantalone, and councillor, Mark Grimes, reminded the audience that during her tenure in the House of Commons, Dr Augustine was instrumental in getting funding from the Federal Government and making a reality the Toronto Linear Park System, in particular the Mimico Linear Trail, which is adjacent to the new Jean Augustine Park. This year Augustine became the first Grenada-born person to receive Canada's highest national honour. She was among the 57 Canadians named by Governor General Michaelle Jean to receive the Order of Canada - the country's highest civilian award.
Three local non-profit groups, the African Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), and Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre (WHIWH) hosted an event called Black Queer Resistance: "Are We Unified in the Fight Against Homophobia?" during Pride Week in Toronto, Canada.
