Posts in category Special Features

Story inspired by her deep desire to know what life was like for the indigenous people of her home country… Special to The CONTACT Caribbean literature has gained an exciting new addition with the release of a historical fiction novel by Vincentian writer, poet and journalist Peggy Carr. Set in the Caribbean in the pre-Columbian era, SHAPE OF A WARRIOR is a captivating tale about the indomitable spirit of a young adventurer and her unlikely friend in the battle-centered world of the indigenous Kalina people. Written for a young adult audience, the coming-of-age story is told in soaring language about …

This year, 2020 did not unfold quite the way it should for members of West Can Folk Performing Company. Before COVID-19 struck, the group set out an elaborate project to conduct workshops on Afro-Caribbean folk dance, drumming, singing and storytelling work across the community and involved as many associations and organizations as possible and end with a massive community-wide exposition themed, Afro-Caribbean Folklore in Quebec, but it was not to be. However a number of workshops outdoors, via videoconference and as of late in-person classes at their Cultural Arts Center located at 7419 Harley Avenue Montreal. Among the group that …

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada ruling in 1939 Today, those of us who are Black know that the struggle for basic rights as citizens can be as frustrating as it is demeaning for those living in a society in which almost all aspects of life is predicated on race and racism. As such, it’s not unusual for simple everyday interactions with police, other institutions of authority or even businesses can lead to unintended situations. So it was on the evening of on Saturday, July 11, 1936, when Fred Christie a 34 year old Jamaican born Canadian together with two friends …

I begin this tale from Trinidad. My wife Adiylah and I had just returned to Canada from Trinidad in mid-January 2020. We were on an extended 7-week trip to Trinidad. My mother celebrated her 101st birthday on December 1st, 2019. It was also an opportunity to complete a few interviews for my dissertation. Michael Cooper of Pan Land (steelpan business entrepreneur); Rudy Moore, (lifelong pan advocate); Winston De Souza (relative an original member of Flamingoes of the 1950s). Since 2012, Adiylah and I had moved to Toronto from Montreal, where I began a pursuit of studies at York University. The …

DEAR SANTA I don’t want much this year—just a little bit of the community cohesiveness that is evident in the accomplishments of Black Nova Scotians. My travels to Nova Scotia in early November included one unforgettable evening. I was seated with seven powerful, stimulating, influential Black Women, gathered to absorb the insight, humor and gems of wisdom of President Barack Obama. Not only was Obama exceptional in his sharing of pearls of wisdom on climate change, the state of the union, and the future; he was human, humorous and humble—all with passion. He articulated our dreams as real possibilities. O …

Egbert Gaye Every year as the holiday season rolls around, Moses Martin, the man they call Gedian Fyah Moses, feels compelled to tell his story… one of hard work and fighting adversity to find success in business and in life. Always, his story leads to Swag City, the store he built from nothing and Jah=One, the clothing line that started him on the road to self-reliance. “It’s a continuing journey,” he told the CONTACT in a recent sit-down. “A journey that has a lot of ups and downs, but one that I chose to make from as far back as …

13 years of professional basketball. Still standing, still winning Egbert Gaye Joel Anthony looks back at a professional career that spans 13 years so far, 11 in the NBA, that included being a two-time World Champion with Miami Heat, playing legends such as Lebron James and Dwayne Wade, also representing Team Canada as well as winning back-to-back FIBA Americas League championship and Argentinean championships with San Lorenzo of the Argentine professional league (Liga Nacional de Basquet). Today, the 37-year-old sees the time fast approaching when he will put that illustrious basketball career away for good. And he’s comfortable with that. …

Annual tournament and birthday celebration coincide Contact Staff It was a rousing day on the course as dozens of players gathered at The Falcon Golf Club in Hudson on September 13th for the annual Dr. Oliver Jones Music and Community Outreach (MCO) Fund Golf tournament. The event was followed by a reception, which doubled as an 85th birthday celebration of Dr. Oliver Jones, allowing guests to share a scrumptious meal catered by Chef Peter Webster and his team and highlighted by a session on the piano by the legend himself. Also, prizes were handed out to those who excelled on …

Two Year-Old Jordan A foster home is being sought for Jordan, a two-year-old toddler with a good disposition. He is generally a happy, playful and sociable toddler who smiles a lot and is always excited to interact with children his age upon meeting them. Jordan has a good daily routine; he eats well and sleeps through the night. Born prematurely, Jordan lags in meeting his milestones in terms of speech and is on the waiting list for speech therapy services. Jordan needs the care and attention of any two-year-old. He can be a little stubborn with occasional temper tantrums, but …

Sticks and Stones expressed his exhaustion with the mechanics of public shaming. Rosie AWORI As a comedian, Dave Chappelle has been one thing and that is consistent. The iconoclast, has consistently offended and in between laughs given commentary on the socio-political landscape in the world. His latest comedy special, Sticks and Stones is no different. What is different is the cultural climate. Presently, the cancel culture has steered dialogue in a more politically correct and safe way. But Dave won’t have it. He picked the most controversial topics and discussed them and as a comedian would, made jokes about them. …