Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
The month of February was easily the busiest Black History Month ever in the city of Ottawa, with over fifty events on what is the the shortest month of the year. Testimony to the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and the indefatigable work of the national capital’s top heritage organization, Black History Ottawa. Big shoutout to to BHO President June Girvan, Board members Sarah Onyango, Joanne Robinson, Jean Marie Guerrier and yours truly (Godwin Ifedi). It’s no surprise that our Top Story is the BHO President’s award to iconic human rights lawyer Lawrence Greenspon. We also report on the other BHO 2021 Community Builder awards.
As Ottawa moves to lift pandemic restrictions, popular columnist Andy Kusi-Appiah argues the wisdom of the relaxing of lock down rules at this time. Writer and music pundit Kevin Bourne weighs in with his piece about Ottawa becoming “more Black” in 2020., while Pastor Bassey Ekong continues his religious crusade about God never failing in his promise.
Good morning folks
Troubling news about an increase in far right groups in Atlantic Canada; Montreal police charged with radial profiling; a report about correctional officer Levan Francis, awarded over half a million dollars against the BC government; increase in hate crimes in Ottawa; all demonstrate once again that anti-Black racism is alive and well in Canada.
Here is the result of the February 2021 poll: Are you concerned about the side-effects of the Covid 19 vaccine?
All these and more in the March 2021 edition of your favourite community news magazine.
May you and your loved ones stay blessed.
Godwin Ifedi Editor