Editor
Good morning all
Black Ottawa Scene is three years old! In October, 2013 when we set out on this journey to establish Ottawa’s very first Black digital news magazine, we knew we were sailing into uncharted waters. Following on the heels of the closure of the standard-bearer newspaper The Spectrum, we knew it would be a hard act to follow in the footsteps of pioneer journalist and writer, Ewart Walter. Three years later, Black Ottawa Scene has grown in leaps and bounds, and is now one of the most authoritative voices of Ottawa’s Black community. Kudos to our entirely volunteer-based team: Youth Editor Kika Otiono, Associate Editor Annette Ejiofor, Reporter and Columnist MacAndrew Clarke and of course, our biggest supporter and mentor, our very own indomitable community leader, Sarah Onyango. And a big shout out to all our guest columnists: Dr. Helen Ofosu and Andy Kusi-Appiah, among others.
Top Story for October is the well-deserved City Builder award by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson to one of our foremost spiritual leaders, Rev. Joseph Kiirya. More awards reported are the Order of Canada to renowned author Lawrence Hill; and the Ontario Arts Foundation Artist Educator Award to Jamaal Rogers. A must-read is our special profile of Guinea-born Canadian Olympic hurdler Sekou Kaba, who made his debut at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Our Interview features a conversation with retired RCMP Officer, Calvin Lawrence. Our Black Lives Matter movement continues with a piece by Sulaimon Giwa titled: Policing, anti-Black racism, and the politics of White victimhood. Our Youth In Action team weigh in with features by Ililli Ahmed and Melena Awaju. Our Community Profile showcases the St. Lucia-Ottawa Association led by the seemingly indefatigable Toni Francis.
On the Social scene, we feature Anita Dorothy Harris as she celebrated an incredible 100th birthday. Black Ottawa Scene salutes this amazing woman. Happy birthday Ma and wishing you many more!
All these and many more as we celebrate our third anniversary. And don’t forget to take part in our October poll on whether to ban door-to-door sales.
Here is the result of the September poll:
If you won $5 million in the lottery, what is the very first thing you would you do?
Change your name, address and phone number 0% Tell your boss to take that job and shove it 10% Buy a new house 20% Buy a new luxury car 0% None of the above 70% Spend, spend, spend 0%
Thank you to all who voted. Remember to keep the letters to the Editor coming. Your feedback keeps us on our toes and helps us improve the quality of our publication.
Stay blessed!
Godwin Ifedi
Editor