Black Ottawa Scene is a volunteer-driven and volunteer-managed online monthly photo-news magazine published out of Canada’s national capital city and showcasing events organized by persons of African descent, or in which they play a pivotal or leadership role. This population is comprised of individuals who are of African, Caribbean or Black parentage or descent, regardless of their skin pigmentation. We endeavour to cover cultural and national festivals, educational and health forums and conferences, social and religious celebrations, events within the diplomatic circuit, plus personal stories such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, community awards, graduations, and business innovations and other events that would interest our readers. A monthly feature is a one-on-one interview with one individual who has made or is making a difference in changing the lives of our community for the better. Finally, we encourage our readers to send topical articles or pictures for publication, subject to the Black Ottawa Scene’s policy on such submissions. And of course, your feedback through letters to the Editor is invaluable in helping us make your visit to our website worth your while. Note: Black Ottawa Scene does not pay any remuneration for articles or photographs submitted for publication. Contributors do so in a volunteer capacity.
Please note that we require that letters to the editor should have the full name, contact address and phone number of the writer. Anonymous letters will not be published.
Godwin Ifedi Editor Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Godwin Ifedi has been a Settlement Counsellor with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) since 2013, assisting and supporting newcomers in adapting to a new life in Canada.He is a well-known figure in Ottawa’s Black community and beyond as a social justice advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations. He is the immediate Past President of Black History Ottawa, a registered Canadian charitable organization dedicated to promoting the heritage and contribution of people of African descent to Canada. He is also a former President of the Nigerian-Canadian Association of Ottawa. Godwin also served for several years on the Community and Police Action Committee (COMPAC), which addressed problems between the Ottawa Police Service and the city’s diverse populations.
In 2014, he was appointed by the Government of Ontario as a member of the Council of the Ontario College of Teachers, where he served as Chair of the Editorial Board of their journal: ProfessionallySpeaking. He had also served a member of the Council of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. In addition, he had served on the Boards of Directors of the Ottawa Social Planning Council and the Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association. Godwin is the recipient of a Certificate of Recognition in 2001 from the Government of Canada for outstanding volunteer work, and the 2011 United Way Community Builder award. His name is inscribed on the City of Ottawa Wall of Inspiration, for excellence in volunteer work, community outreach and civic engagement.
Godwin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa, and had worked variously as Senior Occupational Therapist and Unit Manager in various health institutions in Canada and Africa. He is the Founder and Program Coordinator of the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club, a self-governing social and recreational organization for older adults, with a mission to assist and support its members in maintaining healthy and fulfilling lifestyles. On 22 February 2025, Godwin was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Government of Canada, for outstanding volunteerism and community engagement.
You can reach Godwin at: [email protected]. Please note that all letters to the editor should include the full name, and contact address and phone number of the writer. Please note: Anonymous mail will be discarded.
Thank you for publishing such an informative magazine highlighting events and personalities of African, Caribbean or Black parentage or descent and creating awareness.
Well done Sir/Ma. God will continue bless you. Amen
Thank you for publishing such an informative magazine highlighting events and personalities of African, Caribbean or Black parentage or descent and creating awareness.
You guys are doing a great service to our community and we applaud you.
Thank you bwana. Much appreciated. Godwin