Good morning folks
Happy happy February to you and your loved ones! Our Top Story for this month is the launch of the 2023 Black History Month on Saturday 28 January at the National Gallery of Canada, an event attended by a sold-out audience of over 350 people. Preceding that was the Martin Luther King Jnr Day, hosted by Ottawa’s DreamKeepers. We also bring you reports of the Orthodox Christmas by the city’s Ethiopian community and the Kwanzaa hosted by Jaku Konbit.
Our Interview features a conversation with iconic community leader Andy Kusi-Appiah. Ketcia Peters shares her story of Black History Month with a personal testimonial, while veteran writer Ewart Walters weighs in on the refugee crisis in the USA. Leading community activist Richard Sharpe sends a farewell message to federal public servants, as he moves to another career with the Ontario provincial government. Retired professor Obi Maduakor shares an inspiring poem about his memories of time gone by.
All these and more in the February 2023 edition. Here is the result of the January 2023 poll: Did the winter snow-storm affect your Christmas travel plans? Yes 40% No 60%. Thank you to all who voted. Here is then poll for February 2023: Have you attended, or will you be attending a Black History Month event this February?
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy Black History Month.
Godwin Ifedi Editor
This edition of Black Ottawa Scene is partially funded by the Trillium Foundation.
