Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Good morning folks
Hope you are having a good summer, especially now that pandemic restrictions are being gradually lifted. Here is praying that you have all received your vaccinations and that you are continuing to take measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. The statistics about vaccine hesitance is troubling, with the Black population lagging behind other demographic groups in percentage vaccinations. Our community certainly needs to gear up and take this important health protection measure for ourselves and encourage our loved ones to do the same.
. For the August 2021 edition, we are continuing our annual salute to the 2021 graduates. On this theme, we feature high school graduate and school valedictorian, Nwigwe Osiagwu as our Top Story for the month. We also carry stories of other graduates in this edition.
Equity and diversity are trending these past year and for our Interview, we bring you our conversation with Suzanne Obiorah, Director, Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development with the City of Ottawa.
The appointment of Cameroon-born Amina Gerber to the Canadian Senate is big news indeed; Prime Minister Trudeau is making good on his promise to make the Upper Chamber reflective of the country’s diverse population. Another story about the establishment of a Foundation in honour of Abel Mengistab is a significant legacy for the young upcoming community leader and advocate, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident involving a city bus. Another story making the news is the election of Ivory Coast-born Kassim Doumbia as New Brunswick’s first Black Mayor, another milestone in Canada’s history.
Here is result of the July 2021 poll: Were you surprised by the news of mass graves with hundreds of indigenous children from Canadian residential schools? Yes 33 % No 67% Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the August 2021 poll: Are you watching the Tokyo Olympic games ?
All these and more in the August 2021 edition.
Stay blessed.
Godwin Ifedi Editor