Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning folks Hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well as we along with the rest of the world continue to battle this unrelenting Covid 19 pandemic. As we head into the colder winter months, we at Black Ottawa Scene have practically had to re-invent ourselves as community events dry up and we adhere to the public health directive to keep our physical contacts with other people to a minimum. But we have been successful in bring you news and commentaries that relate to Ottawa’s Black community.
One of our city’s favorite community leaders, Neema Mugela is our Top Story, with her Excellence award from AfroGlobal TV. Neema is of course well known in the national capital as founder and leader of SIFA choir and champion for people afflicted by sickle cell disease. Bravo Neema!
The past month has been dominated by the Police but not for all the right reasons. First the break-up of peaceful demonstrations by Black and indigenous people by Ottawa Police. Then there is the damning report about rampant racism in the RCMP, the condemnation by the Human Rights Commission of racial profiling by Quebec Police; rounded off by the conviction of Toronto police officer for assaulting and blinding an innocent Black man. Plus the unfortunate rift in the Community Equity Council, a group with a mission to engage the Ottawa Police with minority and racialised communities. All these and more in this edition.
From the guest columnists we have Bob Dawson with his piece on leadership in the National Hockey League, while psychologist Helen Ofosu gives expert advice on work transitioning during the pandemic. Robin Browne weighs in with his piece on white privilege arising from the acquittal of the cop involved in the death of Abdi Abdirahman. Regular columnist Andy Kusi -Appiah provides his own insight into the impact of Covid 19 on minority communities.
Canada is still feeling the fall out from the Black Lives Matter movement; the latest is the move to change names of towns and institutions named after former slave owners such as Goulburn and Russell. Stay tuned as there will be more to come on this topic!
All these and more in the December edition.
Here is the result of the November 2020 poll: How are you coping with Covid 19?
Quite well: 33% Just Getting by: 22% I’ve had enough!: 45%
Remember to participate in the December 2020 poll: Are you confident the Covid 19 vaccine will bring the pandemic under control?
All the best of the Christmas and holiday season to you and your loved ones.
Godwin Ifedi
Editor