Godwin Ifedi Editor
Godwin Ifedi
Editor

Good morning all

As I begin this piece, I can see the sun gloriously shining and my favourite bird feeder already hosting a couple of the regular avian visitors my family welcomes every year at this time. Yes, at long last, after what has to be Ottawa’s longest and coldest winter, spring has “sprung” ! One may ask, what is it about the spring that brings so much joy in the hearts of the people?  Many will say it’s the rays of sunshine which warm both your body and soul; others may  claim it is the disappearance of snow and ice, which for people born and raised in hot climates, represent the worst that Canada, a great country otherwise, offers. Regardless, it appears the promise of new beginnings, the ability to go for a walk without those stuffy and suffocating winter coats, hats and gloves, represent a freedom that our bodies and our spirits cherish. It is in the spirit of this new freedom that we bring you the May edition of Black Ottawa Scene.

First off, is the Afro-Caribbean Cotillion ball, superbly organised by Susan Lavertu, introducing young proteges and cavaliers to the larger community in an impressive display of glitz and glamour. Then there is the excitement of the interview with our own Sarah Onyango, volunteer extraordinaire, mentor and community activist. The seminar on human trafficking hosted by Algonquin College was an eye-opener for me. Did you know that ninety per cent of human trafficking in Canada is home grown? And I always associated this criminal behavior with foreign mafia types smuggling under-age girls into Canada and forcing them into the sex trade. Go figure!  The article by my friend Mohammed Said gives voice to the excellent work done by the  Children’s Aid Society and what each one of us can do to support children at risk of violence and neglect in our community. Yasir Naqvi, MPP and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, continues to excel as he is acclaimed by the Ottawa Centre Liberal riding association as its candidate for the next provincial election. As most of you know, Yasir is a great champion, supporter and promoter of Ottawa’s black community and it is no surprise that his nomination has been selected as Top Story for this edition.

All this and more in the May edition of Black Ottawa Scene. Please keep the mail feedback coming, we love to hear from you, our readers. Enjoy!

Godwin Ifedi

Editor