Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.                                                                                                                                       

Good morning all

The headlines this month certainly belong to former US President Barack Obama, who last night wowed his Ottawa audience with his insights into his life, career and moving forward after life in the White House. What a gem and role model, not only for all Black people, but young and old everywhere, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or their status in life!

We have other offerings to keep our readers engaged, starting with the appointment of MP Greg Fergus as Parliamentary Secretary, a reward for his diligence and hard work as member of Parliament for Hull/Aylmer. Speaking of rewards, we feature the promotion of Vanessa Kanu to  Chief Financial Officer with Ottawa’s technology giant Mitel. Another accomplishment of note is the election Jan Simpson as the first Black female Postal union chief executive. On a sad note we mourn with the Oriuwa family on the passing of their mother Mama Janet Oriuwa. Our regular columnist continue to make their mark; first with Bishop Jacob Afolabi with his sermon on decision -making, while psychologist Dr. Helen Ofosu takes readers on a journey on marking boundaries between life work in the age of automation. Financial planner Meiz Majdoub advises readers on ways to plan for their children’s education by investing in registered education  savings plans.On a happy note we rejoice with Nkechi and Emma Ukwu family who hosted a Thanksgiving party in celebration of the remarkable survival and recovery of their son Ikechukwu following an unprovoked attack at a local bar seven years ago. Here in Ottawa, we don’t often talk openly of racism, but it is obviously alive and well in Canada’ s national capital with the report of racist graffiti painted on the driveway of a Black family. Thankfully the Black community has rallied around the family and have continued to put pressure on the police and the City of Ottawa to take measures to bring the perpetrators to book. Not surprisingly, as we write, there have been reports of two more similar incidents being investigated by the Ottawa Police.  The report that the Ottawa Carleton District School Board has adopted the United Nations Declaration of the Decade of People of African Descent, should gladden the hearts of our readers. Now we await follow up action from the Board around such issues as Black Youth mental health, systemic racism and more.

Finally in celebration of the 16 June Fathers’ Day, we bring you a collection of poems honouring these gentlemen that have raised and nurtured all of us. Happy Fathers’ Day!

Here is the result of the May 2019 poll: Were you affected by the recent flooding in various parts of Canada?

Yes 0%    No 100%

Thank you to all who voted.  Remember to participate in the June 2019 poll: Did you attend the recent forum in Ottawa with former President Barack Obama?

Wishing all our readers a wonderful month of June.

Godwin Ifedi

Editor