Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Good morning folks
The big story for September is the upcoming federal elections. There is much at stake for Canadians in general and Black Canadians in particular. So it is no surprise that our Top Story features renowned Ottawa Black community leader, Fred Sherman’s take on the issues, especially as they affect our community. We also feature the profiles of all Black candidates from the four major political parties.
In addition, we have a report on the nomination of Liberal Party’s Yasir Naqvi, a long-time friend and indomitable supporter of Ottawa’s Black community in the national capital region and beyond. Black Ottawa Scene wholeheartedly endorses and supports Yasir in his bid to represent Ottawa Centre in Canada’s parliament. We also endorse the candidacy of Black community leader, Lyse-Pascale Inamuco, who is running for the NDP in Ottawa Vanier.
On the whole, however, Black Ottawa Scene wholeheartedly places its support for Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada. This is our acknowledgement of his government’s extensive engagement with Canada’s Black population, through consultations and funding of Black-centred programs and projects. Thanks largely to efforts of MP Greg Fergus, in his capacity as leader of the Black Parliamentary Caucus, these funds are now reaping benefits for Canada’s Black businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Trudeau’s handling of the covid pandemic, although shaky at the beginning, steadfastly built up its momentum, to the point that Canada’s vaccination rates now rank among the highest in the world.
Iconic Black community leader Richard Sharpe analyses the significance of Canada’s first official Emancipation Day, through the lens of the murder of George Floyd by US police officers. We also bring you stories of the exploits of Black Canadian athletes in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympic Games.
Here is the result of the August 2021 poll: Did you watch the Tokyo Olympic games? Yes 75% No 25%. Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the September 2021 poll: Do you plan to vote in the upcoming federal elections?
All these and more in the September 2021 edition of your favourite news magazine. Stay blessed.
Godwin Ifedi Editor