Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo

Good morning folks

As we enter the month of March, 2025, we are beginning to digest the results of the Ontario Provincial election, held just two days ago. Unfortunately, due to tight timelines, we at Black Ottawa Scene are unable to analyze the results to determine how many candidates of African, Caribbean and Black heritage were elected. That said our publication will continue its tradition of championing the need for our elected representatives to reflect the actual demographics of this country, of which Black people are an important component. The fact remains that “Black Lives Matter!”

The March 2025 edition is naturally dominated by news about the February 2025 celebrations of Black History Month (BHM) in Canada’s national capital. The celebrations were spearheaded with the launch on Saturday 1 February at the National Arts Centre, our top Story for the month. We also bring you BHM celebrations from Carleton University, Ottawa YMCA, Ottawa Church of God, African Caribbean Association of Ottawa, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Ottawa Wellness Resource Centre, Government of Canada, rounded off with the Global Community Alliance gala. Standing out on its own was the very first health seminar hosted by the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors’ Club.

Our guest columnists continue to provide us withe their insightful contributions: Asaju Tunde and Sandro Ferreira on the impact of the economic sanctions against Canada by lunatic-fringe U.S. President Donald Trump.

We also bring you news of the appointment of Canada’s first Black Parliamentary Poet Laureate Chimwemwe Undi.

Here is the result of the February 2025 poll: Do you plan to attend a Black History Month event this February? Yes 75% No 25%. Thank you to all who voted.

Remember to vote in the March 2025 poll: Do you have a family doctor?

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and enjoyable month of March 2025.

Godwin Ifedi, Editor

This edition of Black Ottawa Scene is funded in part by a grant to Black History Ottawa by the Ottawa Community Foundation.