Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning all
Using Black people to depict the monkeypox virus
We are also deeply concerned by the manner in which Black people are depicted in the mainstream media. Take the recent outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and North America. According to the World Health Organisation, “monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae”. As such, it can afflict anyone anywhere in the world regardless of race or ethnicity. It is therefore mindboggling to see major news media such as CBC and CTV using pictures of Black children to depict this global affliction. Surely, it is logical that in reporting outbreaks from Europe and North America, images should reflect the populations of those regions? Or is the media implying that the populations of these regions are mostly Black? Such stigmatization feeds into the anti-Black racist rhetoric that has been a feature of Canadian media’s subtle misrepresentation of people of colour.
The thunderstorm
These past two weeks have been dominated by the unprecedented thunderstorm that devastated parts of Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, and parts of western Quebec. The resulting loss of electricity for several days caused serious hardship to residents with schools, workplaces and roads closed, traffic lights non-operating, food spoilage and ten deaths reported to date. According to reports our city and province had not experienced anything like this before; the ice storm of 2013 and the thunderstorm of 2019 pale in comparison to this natural disaster. Our condolences to those who lost family members and our gratitude to the emergency services plus the numerous volunteers who stepped up to assist and support their neighbours and even total strangers. That is the spirit of what makes our city a uniquely kind and compassionate place to live.
Black candidates – Ontario Provincial election 2 June 2022
As we go to press, the various parties are in the final lap of their campaign for the election for the Ontario legislature. In the May 2022 edition, we posted the profiles of all Black candidates from the three major political parties: Liberal Party, New Democratic Party and Conservative Party. Our goal is to increase the representation of Black politicians at all levels of government: municipal, provincial, and federal. While each of us may have our preferences, we urge every reader who is eligible to go out and vote. Not voting is not an option in our view. As the saying goes, if you want to see change, get involved. Every vote counts and it is no use complaining about the failings of government if you do not make your voices heard and you can do so via the ballot box. So please go out there and vote for your favoured candidate.
In this edition
Our Top Story for June 2022 is yet another award for our Associate Editor Kika Otiono, this time from the American Urological Association. Way to go Kika! We know the best is yet to come!
Another story we are pursuing is Ketcia Peter’s insight into the challenges facing our seniors as Canada’s elder population continues to grow. her piece: “About our elders – The white rabbit hole” is a must-read in this edition. Professor Obi Maduakor entertains us with another delightful poem: ” Breathless Takeoff”, while reporter Vive Akugha brings us a report on the 2022 Healthy Lifestyles seminar plus her review of the movie: “Happiness Ever After.” We rejoice with Jephtée Elysée on her appointment as Associate Executive Director with CESOC (Conseil Economique & Social d’Ottawa Carleton / Economic and Social Council of Ottawa Carleton). We also feature our conversation with Rabah Musa, Operations Manager Nisa Homes Ottawa.
We also rejoice with all Black fathers on the celebration of Fathers’ Day on Sunday 19 June. Thank you for nurturing and going out of your way to support your spouses, partners, and children.
We trust that these and other and other stories will keep you engaged during the upcoming summer season.
Here is the result of the May 2022 poll: Do you support the campaign to provide the same benefits to Black and other international students fleeing the war in Ukraine as Ukrainian-born refugees? Yes 83% No 17%. Thank you to all who voted. Do remember to vote in the June 2022 poll: Were you affected by the recent electric power blackout in Ottawa and other parts of Ontario and Quebec?
Please donate to Black Ottawa Scene Finally, a plea to our readers to support Black Ottawa Scene by making a donation to support your favourite newspaper. Your donation will go a long way in sustaining the cost of production, website maintenance, travel costs, and more. Consider giving $20, $30, or $50, whatever you can afford. You may donate by e-transfer to: [email protected], or by clicking on the DONATE button at the top of the page.
Wishing you and your loved ones the very best of the summer season.
Godwin Ifedi Editor