Editor
Hello all
Summer is finally arrived and I feel all charged and raring to go! There is certainly something about the impact of the sun’s rays on your mood. Right now I am feeling a tingling of anticipation about the upcoming World Cup of Soccer, due to kick off in Brazil on 12 June. Five African countries are represented, the same teams that had featured in the 2010 edition in South Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Soccer analyst Andy Kusi-Appiah takes us on a journey to explore the chances of each of these soccer powerhouses. Provincial Minister Yasir Naqvi launches his campaign for re-election in one of our news stories; politicians with honesty and integrity like him are a rare species and Black Ottawa Scene is pleased to endorse his candidacy.
We were there to join Sierra Leoneans in celebrating the 50th anniversary of their independence, a country that has seen more than its fair share of blood-letting during a protracted civil war, but which is now a bastion of peace and stability. We were there too to join the conversation among men about violence against women, a discussion that is often as painful as it is awkward. The fund-raiser fashion show by the Grandmothers to Ambuyas group was an educational experience, as these dedicated women, all retired from various professions, pursue their mission of raising funds to support grandmothers (Ambuyas) in Africa, who are forced by necessity to raise their grandchildren, in the aftermath of the death of their own children from AIDS.
The Era 21 Networking breakfast has been a feature of Parliament Hill for over five years, thanks to founder June Girvan, who felt inspired to provide opportunities for high school students from Ottawa’s diverse ethnic and racial communities, to interact and learn from established professionals and business men and women, over breakfast in Canada’s seat of government. Black Ottawa Scene was also there to support the global drive to bring back the over 200 girls abducted by terrorists in Nigeria; their heartbreaking story has touched millions of people round the globe. We also welcome young university student Justina Ikwu in what we hope will be one of many guest columns; this time she argues in support of women who choose to remain single. This month’s People Making a Difference include our own Sarah Onyango, mentor, broadcaster and community activist plus Stacy-Ann Morris who makes her family (and us!) proud as she excels at Harvard University.
Our Top Story is all about the glitz and glamour of the very first City Sisters’ Network soiree in Ottawa. City Sisters is an organization with a mission to promote and mentor women interested in starting or growing their own businesses. The fashion show was a hit from the word go and Black Ottawa Scene was pleased to be a part of this great initiative.
Enjoy!
Godwin ifedi
Editor