Editor
Good morning folks
It took ten years but the good people of Canada finally gave Stephen Harper and his Conservative cronies the boot at the October 19 federal elections. Repudiating his cold-hearted, arrogant and cynical brand of xenophobia and divisive fear-mongering, the voters overwhemingly reclaimed Canada’s traditional values of compassion, fairness, inclusiveness and respect for the rule of law. Justin Trudeau’s decisive victory, has brought a breath of fresh air to Canada’s otherwise stifling political landscape. Which brings us to this month’s Top Story: the election of the first African-Canadian Member of Parliament in the national capital, in the person of Haitian-born Greg Fergus. We also feature the election of the country’s first Somali-Canadian MP, Ahmed Hussen in York South-Weston.
We follow this with the 40th anniversary of the Ottawa Church of God, one of Ottawa’s oldest Black churches. Then there is the report of the 1st Annual Black Canadian Business Summit in Ottawa, something of major significance in the city’s economic landscape. On the social scene, we bring you Gwen Madiba who is renowned for her fashion pedigree and she does not disappoint in her recent Safara fashion show. The Nigerian community gathered with families and friends to celebrate country’s 55th independence anniversary early in October, while Miguel Des Armas and his quartet, thrilled his audience with his unique brand of Afro-Cuban music at the Shenkam Theatre. Seemingly, this edition is full of “first timers”, as Diaspora News brings you the exciting story of Africa’s very first female commander of a naval vessel, Zimasa Mabela, this time from South Africa.
Continuing on this theme, first time guest columnist Janice Walz , muses about the plight of refugees in Canada., while Associate Editor’s In Perspective, brings a fresh narrative on stopping the cycle of violence against women. Youth Editor, Kika Otiono follows with a flight of fancy, with her very first feature article on what she would do if she had the power to change the world.
Peggy Taillon continues her humanitarian work with a golf fund-raiser for women in rural Kenya, while the YM-YWCA Ottawa continues its tradition of celebrating Citizenship Week with testimonials, art exhibit and music. Our monthly interview features community leader, Elcho Stewart who is the President of the Network of Black Business and Professional Women.
All this more in the November edition. Enjoy!
Godwin Ifedi
Editor