Editor
Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Good morning folks
Happy new year! May the year 2019 bring peace, health and happiness to you and your loved ones. Incredible as it seems, Black Ottawa Scene is in its sixth year of publication. When we embarked on journalistic journey in 2013, little did we know that it would take into places previously unknown to us, embraced by the African, Caribbean and Black communities in Ottawa and beyond, as the undisputed monthly digital media voice showcasing the best of our people. For this singular honour we thank all our readers, columnists and contributors, but especially our web designer Elom Tsiagbey, whose aesthetic flair makes Black Ottawa Scene one of the most visually attractive websites in this region.
Our first Top Story of the year is the launch of the much needed African Caribbean and Black Health zone at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, thanks to the efforts of Haoua Inoua and her colleagues at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa and numerous other community workers and advocates. We also bring you the joyous news of the dismissal of the complaint against Justice Donald McLeod, for his involvement with the Federation of Black Canadians, a frivolous and totally unnecessary accusation if ever there was one!
Our columnists continue to do us proud as we head into the new year. Starting with Dr Helen Ofosu who writes about the challenges and benefits of working from home; Richard Sharpe on the exclusion of the Black community by School Boards; and Bishop Jacob Afolabi on the wages of sin. Financial expert Meiz Majdoub guides readers on how to achieve financial and physical well-being, while Maya Bassude documents her struggles with post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Our Interview features community leader and retired Agricultural Economist Des Doran as he provides us with insight into a 35 year career in the public service.
On the Social Scene, we bring you the Kwanzaa festival organised by Jaku Konbit and the Nigerian community’s Christmas celebrations.
Racism continues to rear its ugly head in the Canadian landscape and we highlight new developments with disturbing reports from the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives respectively.
All these ans more in the January 2019 edition. Enjoy!
Here is the report of our December 2018 poll: Are people in small towns happier than those in big cities?
Yes 66%
No 34%
Thank you to all who voted.
And don’t forget to vote in the January 2019 poll: Do you feel stressed out after Christmas?
And keep the Letters to the Editor flowing; do let us know how we can continue to make this publication better.
All the best to you and your loved ones.
Godwin Ifedi
Editor