Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning folks
Welcome to the June 2021 edition of your favorite newsmagazine. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 15 months since the start of this dreaded pandemic. And yet here we are today, a country badly shaken but still standing strong. The vaccinations are rolling out and they are certainly making a difference.
Our Top Story for this month is the amazing Ottawa Black Seniors’ Virtual Active Living Network project, an inspirational partnership with Jaku Konbit and Flo’s Seniors, which has provided so much needed support for our seniors; from providing healthy meals to virtual recreational and health fitness activities. Big shout out to JK President Ken Campbell and Flo’s Seniors President Joanne Robinson.
Another landmark was reached with the appointment of Chazou-Essindi as Equity and Diversity Director at the National Arts Centre. Other news to watch are the appointment of Randell Adjei named Ontario’s first poet laureate and the brief arrest and detention of a retired Black judge in Vancouver, proof that no-one is safe when it comes to police racial profiling.
Our columnists keep doing us proud: Andy Kusi-Appiah on the domination of the English language in our culture; Helen Ofosu on changing jobs during the pandemic, and an update on the Anti-Racism Secretariat by Suzanne Obiorah. Rev Bassey Ekong urges us to “Believe in your heart” , while newcomer Charles-Henri Oyima renders a heartfelt poem on isolation, based on his lived experience. Associate Editor Kika Otiona returns after a lengthy absence with an insightful analysis of the Nigeria-Biafra war.
All these and more in the June edition of your favorite news magazine.
Here is the result of the May poll: Do you believe Canadian police is as racist as police in the USA? Yes 83% No 17% Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the June poll: Are you satisfied with the measures by the various levels of government in Canada to manage the Covid 19 pandemic?
A reminder to all our readers to get their vaccination whenever it becomes available. We owe it to ourselves, our families, friends and colleagues to do everything in our power to stay safe and well during these troubled times.
And finally, Black Ottawa Scene wishes all fathers a wondrous Fathers’ Day on 20 June. We salute your dedication in raising and nurturing your children and supporting them to be the best they can be. Bravo!
Stay blessed and enjoy your summer!
Godwin Ifedi Editor