Editor
Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Good morning folks
As we enter the month of May, our thoughts begin to linger around summer vacation plans and a welcome respite from what has been an unusually harsh and lengthy winter. But first and foremost, our thoughts go out to the thousands of Canadians who are at risk of losing their homes from the severe flooding that has affected many towns in the various provinces. Mothers’ Day is coming up on Sunday, 12 May, but surprise, surprise, for the first time since the inception of this publication, we did not receive any submission on this important celebration from our readers! Be that as it may, Black Ottawa Scene wishes all mothers everywhere a joyous, wondrous Mothers’ Day and thanks for the loving care you’ve given and continue to give to your children.
Our Top Story is easily the election of Rawlson King as the first Black Councillor in the 150 year history of the City of Ottawa. Our community is very proud of this singular achievement and we at Black Ottawa Scene hope that this is only the beginning of making our political and governance structures inclusive of Canada’s diverse races, cultures and religious affiliations. Speaking of people making history, we congratulate Kaycee (Kelechi) Madu on his election victory and being appointed as Alberta’s Minister for Municipal Affairs, the first Nigerian-born person to hold a cabinet position in Canada. We also carry a special feature celebrating our favourite police officer, Debbie Miller, as we rejoice in her long-awaited promotion to the rank of Inspector. Way to go, Debbie! Speaking of awards, we report on the special leadership award to Margaret Tucker by Lions Club International. Pride of place goes to the annual Healthy Lifestyles seminar organised by Black History Ottawa and ten other African and Caribbean community organisations. On another health front, we report on the launching of the Black Mental Health project by Ottawa Public Health. On the Social page, we congratulate Mary Boyo on her 60th birthday, which she celebrated with family and friends with a special gala.
In the special features page, we bring you the most recent census numbers from Statistics Canada, showing an upsurge in the country’s Black population, plus another interesting piece from MacLeans, highlighting how race and immigration are shaping Canada’s political discourse and could well have a significant impact on the October 2019 federal elections.
All these and more in the May 2019 edition. Remember to take part in the May poll: Were you affected by the recent flooding in various parts of Canada?
Here is the result of the April 2019 poll: In the wake of the recent Ethiopian air crash, are you now afraid of flying?
Yes 34% No 66%
Thank you to all who voted and to those who sent letters to the Editor.
Wishing you and your loved ones a productive and enjoyable month of May.
Godwin Ifedi
Editor