Global Eyes Magazine, Manitoba's African-Caribbean magazine. December, 2013, News, features and interesting stuff - something for everyone and all ages.

1. 4th
QUARTER
December 2013
global eyes
Manitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine
Farewell
Mandiba

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Global Eyes is an independent magazine quarterly publication
devoted to promoting cultural awareness of the African and
Caribbean communities of Manitoba and highlighting the
issues and concerns of these communities. It also aims
at promoting cultural diversity and appreciation. Its
It features articles ranging from the achievements of local,
national and international personalities and general information
that are of interest to the African/Caribbean
community. It offers editorials with African/
Caribbean sensibilities and letters to the editor. The
Magazine is produced under a volunteer editorial
committee that assists with proof-reading, publicity and
IN THIS ISSUE
Regulars:
Briefs
Letter to my children
Global Counselor
Finale of ZIZI’s Story
Community Events
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
2
Black History Moth Events
Monday, February 17, 2014
HISTORY LESSON & WORKSHOP
Location: JAM, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Time: 10:30am-3pm **FREE EVENT**
Cooking, Music, Arts and Crafts… Lunch
provided!
Fun for all ages! Contact: Mavis @
204.257.9665
Saturday, February 22, 2014
BHM GOSPEL CELEBRATION
Featuring: Sheila Raye Charles (dtr of
Ray Charles)
Location: Immanuel Christian Fellowship,
Time: 7:00pm Tickets: $10 (adults) $5 (youth)
Contacts: Rhonda Thompson-Wilson @
204.509.7726
**REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE FOR
PURCHASE**
Saturday, March 1, 2014
BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMMUNITY AWARDS
BANQUET
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098
Winnipeg Ave
Tickets $35 (adults) $20 (students w/ ID)
$15 (child)
Special Guest Speaker: Chief of Police
Devon Clunis
Contact: Mavis McLaren @
204.257.9665
For more information: call Mavis 204
257-9665 or Nadia 204.798.7352 or
email bhmwinnipeg@gmail.
A genuine leader is not a
searcher for consensus but
a molder of consensus.
Martin Luther King, Jr

3. TAKE ONE- Editorial
Reflection
was jailed and condemned to house
arrest several times she would not
eternal rest. On the one hand I think
be silenced. She suffered with
the people of South Africa and the
Mandela. It was her voice that
world were prepared for his
rose above the din and got the
passing due to his lengthy illness
attention of the world. Like
but for the people in South Africa
Mandela, Winnie was a human
particularly those who grew up in
being and she may have made some
the shadows of Mandela’s name
poor judgement and she was
and aura, they could not imagine
thoroughly chastised by the press
the void his passing would create.
and factions of her people in South
He was their angel who looked out
Africa. But did we give up on
for them. He was one they could
Winnie too quickly because of her
appeal to in case of injustices but
transgressions during a time of
to whom would they now turn.
war.
Grandfather is no more. Will there
In spite of all her ups and
be another Mandela could there
downs she remained strong with
be? I believe so but not in this
the fierceness of Harriet Tubman
lifetime.
who had threatened anyone
There is the hope that South
threatened anyone of her convoys
Africa will honor Mandela’s
with death if they did anything to
precepts and not slip into a
jeopardize the rest of the crew. In
destructive path of greed,
war as in love there is always
corruption and indifference as so
bloodshed in the mix. Winnie was
many African Nations have. That
a leader of her people in her own
the path of peace that Mandela
right and she had to balance her
preached will be the path of the
political advocacy with being a
current and future governments, that
mother and raising her children.
Mandela’s legacy will be honored.
My hope is that she picks up
What about Winnie Mandela?
the mantle of Mandela and run with
Little was said about her during the
it. She could be the voice of
funeral procession. Many people
conscience. She could use her
came to know of Mandela through
voice to reach out to the world
Winnie Mandela. She was tireless
when South Africa falters. Long
in her advocacy to keep his name
Life Winnie Mandela. May
in people’s mouths even though she
Mandela Rest in Peace.
Mandela has gone home to his
Nelson Mandela has raised the bar on
leadership on the African continent but
especially he has raised the bar for Black
Africans and has redefined the measure of a
good statesman.
African is undergoing growing pains
and it is painful to watch the atrocities that
are being committed on innocent citizens
including women and children in the fight
for power.
Mandela like his neighbour President
of Namibia could have held on to power
until his 95th birthday feeling that he is
entitled to the sweetness of power since he
had endured so much for the nation but he
chose a path less travelled.
We do not have to look that far to see
how power is used and abused in the hands
of petite dictator-style governance. It is
happening in Winnipeg amongst those who
seek freedom and democracy. When they
get the power they choose to walk the same
path as those in the countries from which
they ran.
With little power to grab some seek to
grab it in community organizations where
they want to throw their weight around, to
believe they know what is best for the
community and no one else has the
knowledge; there are those who feel “it’s
my way or the highway.”
How can we learn from Mandela?
Mandela demonstrated that power comes to
those who share it, those who respect it and
those who are willingly walk away from it
when it is time. Here are the leadership
lessons from Mandela according to author
Donna Rockwell:
1. Courage is not the absence of fear it is inspiring others to move beyond it
2. Lead from the front - but don’t leave
your base behind
3. Lead from the back - and let others
believe they are in front
4. Know your enemy - and learn about his
or her favorite sport (be thorough)
5. Keep your friends close - and your rivals
even closer
6. Appearance matters - and remembers to
smile
7. Nothing is black or white
8. Quitting is leading too (knowing how to
abandon a failed idea, task or relationship)
3
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
3

4. Letter to my Children
My dear children,
The world almost came to a
standstill upon hearing the death of
the beloved Nelson Mandiba
Mandela. A father and grandfather to
his people in South Africa he was
blessed with 95 years on this side of
life after spending 27 years of hard
labour. God must have charged
Mandela with the purpose of
becoming the iconic larger than life
figure he rose to become. As,
prophet founder of Baha’i faith
wrote “with fire we test the gold and
with gold we test our servants”.
Mandela was true gold. He has
completed the work he was called to
do, to lead his people from
oppression, hate and segregation to
freedom and forgiveness. Through
his life he demonstrated that two
wrongs do not make a right.
Sometimes we have give up our
grudges for our own good and
for the greater good of the
world. Mandela would be
remembered long after you and I
have moved on. His name will
be boldly whispered in the same
breath as other iconic figures
such as Mahatma Gandhi,
Mother Theresa, Martin Luther
King, and Socrates. Through his
selfless act he has cast a bright
light on all of Africa. One thing
that stands out for me was to see
the beauty and softness of the
place Mandela grew up. It is
not a surprise that Mandela
emerged from such spiritual
field. May his soul rest in peace
and may his lesson be heeded by
those who follow.
Love, mom
Global Counsellor
Dear Global Counselor,
I live next door to my brother
and his wife and they are driving me
to tears each day. My brother is was
my best friend. I brought him to
Canada and sent him to school. We
got along well until he returned home
and married a woman by
arrangement. The woman has turned
our lives upside down. My brother
and I have not spoken in about five
years. I do not get to interact with his
children. He is quiet. He takes up
for his wife and throws me away. I
miss my brother. I am so hurt. What
can I do?
Sad
Dear Sad,
I am sorry to hear of your
sibling woes. Sometimes when
things change we cannot change and
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
4
expect things to be the same.
Your brother might be just trying
to keep the peace in his home.
Is there an elder you can ask to
speak to the three of you? If not,
maybe one of you should move
out from being so close to one
another or try to accept the fact
that even though your brother
may love you, he has a wife and
his first allegiance is to her.
That’s just the way things are.
Detach yourself, have no
expectations of him and let him
be and hope that one of these
days he will realize how badly
he has been treating you and ask
you to forgive him. Until that
time, busy yourself with other
interests, other friends and other
hobbies.
Unity Dinner Big
Success
Kudos to
Dr. June James
and her team
for pulling off
another exciting
scholarship
fundraiser at
the Canada Inn
Dr. June James
on Regent
Avenue. This
year they took audience for a thrilling
space tour and as guest speaker
Museum Animator.... who interactively
delivered a brief history of astronomy.
The evening was fun and entertaining.
The highlight was the awarding of
scholarship to three deserving women.
Kenisha
Calder performed
splendidly as the
evening’s emcee.
Monies
raised will go
towards offering
scholarship to
Kenisha Calder,
women in pursuit Emcee
of their career or flanked by brother &
mother
academic goals.
Kevin Mogk,
Animator,Manitoba
Museum
Dr. Lois Stewart Archer (r) and
Scholarship Winners

5. Mark your Calendar
Hello everyone, it’s Mimi. I
wanted to inform you of my first
published work as an author (in
process) and its upcoming book
launch. The book is entitled, “I’m an
addict: In bits and pieces”. It is an
autobiographical memoir that
addresses my experience with drug
addiction, sexual exploitation,
childhood sexual trauma, domestic
violence and the apprehension of my
children by child and family services.
It follows the first five years of my
decision to move forward from these
things (I plan to write two more books
to follow). It includes a selfreflection/study guide in the back as
well as a listing of suggested reading
material. I have attached a picture of
the cover page.
I would be grateful if you would
forward this email to any contacts that
you feel would be interested in such a
read.
The book launch is set for April
2, 2014 at 7pm at McNally Robinson
(1120 Grant Avenue). Thanks/
Megwetch.Mimi Shamin Brown
BSW Student
Are you looking for an exotic or unique shopping adventure? A one of
a kind item to own to give? Check out the Forest People Crafts at The
Forks’ Market. You can find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, wood
carvings, batiks, clothing and other crafts individually hand made in
Africa and the Americas by people living in forest communities. When
you buy from Forest People Crafts you are helping forest people support
their families. We’re on the 2nd Floor #226 of The Fork’s Market, One
Forks Market
Wanjoki Connection – Action Request
Jambo/hello to all our friends and supporters! We have received news from
Kenya of hard times for two of the women there who work with us in both
Forest Peoples” Craft, our registered Fair Trade Shop in the Forks Market
and in our poverty action group Wanjoki Connection.
One of these women has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She has
very expensive treatments facing her. The other one, also a single mom, lost
her cow when it died giving birth. She depended on that cow to help feed
her children and grandchildren. Both are in urgent need of small donations to
get them through these crises and continue their productive lives.
Please help with your contribution that you can take to Pauline in the shop
on the 2nd Floor , Forks Market or mail to forest Peoples’ Crafts #226 One
forks Market Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4L9. If you would like to
receive up to date information about the project please include your email
address.Asante Sana/thank you very muchForestpeoplescrafts.ca
Wanjokiconnection.org
5
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
5

6. Students Breaking Barriers
The recent Gay-Strait Alliance
Conference that was held at the
Victoria Inn, more than 600 students
of all orientations attended to make
it a meaningful and fun day.
The organizers ensured that all
washrooms were gender-neutral and
it appeared to work well.
In June 2013 the Attorney General
and Justice Minister amended the
Human Rights Code to include
Gender Identity as one of the protected grounds.
More and more Manitoba youths
are embracing youths of different
orientations and offer support in
Gay-straight alliances which are
popping up in many schools.
Students who fall outside of the
male-female category are being
considered and their issues and
concerns taken seriously in forums
like this.
Of the more than 600 students who
attended there was about one percent
student from visible minority backgrounds.
Poems by
Neil Pitamber
HISS AND HEARSE
Lying in the shadow of wood and pea‘Sex more weeks to Spring?,’ she laughs
“It doesn’t take much to get you going—
”
‘A lot less than it takes for you to last!’
We were like the jaws
Of a bear trap, awkward pause—?
“Where’s my Secretary Bird?,’ I ask
“I have a snake in garters on my bed
And she won’t unfurl at all!”
‘I was about to suggest to you
She says, ‘yours barely has life to
crawl!’
Dovetailed into the perfect crunch
(Why couldn’t I have been ‘cloverleafed’?)
‘You look am-aging!!,’ I balked at her
She stood quiet, in disbelief…
Jared Starr, Conference Coordinator
Manitoba Musician Making a Difference in the Congo
Minister f
Immigration and
Multiculturalism
Province of
Manitoba held a
reception at the
Legislature for
an information
evening with
Darcy Ataman,
CEO and
Founder k Make
Music Matter
and cofounder, Peter Frantz, adjunct
profess of sculpture and drawing at
Towson University in Baltimore and
cofounder Panzi Foundation USA a
non profit organization that addresses
the conflict in the Democratic Republic
of Congo and assists Panzi hospital in
Bukavu, Kibvu Province of DRC.
Mr. Franz is the primary artist and
curator of a continuing series of
exhibitions entitled: Peace should not
be this fragile – a Portrait of Panzi
Darcy has been working with
abused women in the eastern DRC to
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
6
PRIME ORDEAL
New moon after midnight
Dash from death by frost
Under rule of new moon
(years?)…yeah…
Flowers haven’t woken as yet
As silt croons for the salt tide
World worse for wear
And all I can hear
Is the flit of my eyes…
Have all the time I need now
The only thing I can get down
Won’t stay down tonight (or day)
We were not built for wear
Crichton’s words in my ears
But will ‘life’ find a way?…
Darcy Ataman (l) and Peter Franz (r)
contd on p10

7. Human Rights Commitment Award Winners 2013
Joseph Durrant Olsen receives award
for his mother from Robin Dwarka
Betty Hopkins, LEAF Chair
Congratulations to the winners of
the Annual Human Rights
Commitment and the Sybil Shack
Awards which honors those who
have promoted human rights within
their community.Congratulations to
the winners of the Annual Human
Rights Commitment and the Sybil
Shack Awards which honors those
who have promoted human rights
within their community.
Each year the event is
sponsored by the Manitoba Human
Rights Commission (MHRC),
Canadian Human Rights Commission
(CHRC) and the Manitoba
Association of Rights and Liberties
(MARL) Each year the event is
sponsored by the Manitoba Human
rights Commission, Canadian Human
Rights Commission and the Manitoba
Association of Rights and Liberties
(MARL).
The 2013 winners of this
prestigious Commitment award
went to Manitoba League for
Persons with Disabilities
(MLPD) which was accepted by
Jim Derksen
Claire Simpson and Jim Derksen
and Claire
who are actively involved in the
Simpson
organization. As Mr. Derksen
receives award
recalled he was on the ground
for MLPD
floor in advocating for handitransit. Imagine where we would
be without a handi-transit. Betty
Hopkins, LEAF (Legal Education
Action Fund) Chair for her
commitment to human rights and
in particular equality rights for
women, Professor of Family
Studies at the University of
Manitoba Dr. Joan Durrant’s
award was accepted by her son
Jonah Durrant Olsen who read his
Megan Fultz receives award from Yvonne
mother’s acceptance speech in
Peter, MHRC Chair
which she said “the young man
you see before you did not even
exist when I began my work”.
The Sybil Shack Award
dedicated to youths in the
promotion of human rights work
went to The Gay Straight Alliance
Group of Gray’s Academy and
Megan Fulz an indomitable young
woman of many talents and skills.
Co-presidents of the Gay Straight William Pitch and Anne Binder accept award
from Rebekah Enns
Alliance Group William Pitch
7
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
7

8. Tribute to Nelson Mandela by Godfrey Smith
aka Smitty
Wrong should not replace the Wrong
And here you sit
And here you stand and there in
South Africa our Prime Ministers and
notables went to pay homage!
Wrong should not replace the wrong
The lesson and the message of great
personalities, in historical events is that
“wrong should not replace the wrong”
When Dr. Martin Luther King, in his
fight for racial equality in America said
“everyman has something to die for; and
any man who wouldn’t die for something
is not fit to life”, he meant and he means
wrong should not replace the wrong.
In the Holy Bible, the new testament
– Jesus Christ of Nazareth in his “Sermon
on the Mount”, said, if someone slaps you
on your right cheek, give him also your
left cheek, he meant and means wrong
should not replace the wrong.
And Mahatma Gandhi fought the
British domination in India with his
“peaceful disobedience” tactic said “the
weak can never forgive.” “Forgiveness is
the attribute of the strong,” and again he
cited that, “an eye or an eye only ends
up making the whole world blind.” He
meant and means wrong should not
replace the wrong.
Mandela Mandiba Nelson was a
man of wisdom and knowledge.
Like his predecessors before him,
Mandela knew that wrong should not
replace the wrong.
He did not entertain white
domination and he did not entertain
black domination. Wrong should not
replace the wrong.
Wrong should not replace the
wrong is an empirical fact and South
Africa under Mandela was an historical
fact – that wrong should not replace the
wrong. This is the lesson well learned
and the message should be the sounding
echoes we should whisper to the
generations not yet born. Wrong should
not replace the wrong.
Well done Mandela, well done
and history has already absorbed you.
A Black History Month
EventFebruary 16, 2013
Musac - Larry Stracha - Artistic A
Black History Month Event</
strong>February 16, 2013
Musac - Larry Strachn - Artistic
Director
Crossroads Orchestral music by
black Composer
When: Sunday, February 16, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Where? Shaw Performing Arts
Centre - 2, Forks Market Road
Tickets going cheap: $15 adults,
$10.00 Students
Available at McNally Robinson and
at the door
For Reservations call - 204-5042185
Please come out and support this
event and our community talent
******************
Healthy
Recipe
Main Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes: 3 cups, chopped
Chicken stock: 6 cups
Congraulations to LEAF Manitoba Stellar Volunteers Leek: 3, chopped
Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp (optional)
Mel and Maxine McCrae were Butter: 1 tbsp
pleasantly surprised when they
Salt
were recognized at LEAF
Directions:
Manitoba’s Annual Person’s Day
1. Heat butter in a frying pan. Add
Breakfast on October 18, 2013
sliced leeks to the pan and cook for a
with a gift.
couple of minutes.
Maxine is still a member of
2. Add sweet potatoes and chicken
LEAF’s Board and has been the
broth to the pan. Season with salt.
Breakfast Chair in the past. Mel
3. Reduce heat to low. Cover and
has been volunteering for many
simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally
years on the Breakfast Committee
until cooked.
and working closely with LEAF
4. Let the soup cool for a while then
Chair Betty Hopkins to raise funds process in a food processor until
for the organizations.
smooth.
5. Garnish with fresh ginger before
serving.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
8

9. CommunityLeaders paytheirtributetoMandela
NigerianSingers
Chanian singers
9
The Ethiopian hall on
Selkirk Avenue was packed
with diverse African nations
and friends of the African
community including Mayor
Sam Katz, MLA for Logan and
Minister of Multiculturalism
and Literacy Ms Flor
Marcelino, representative of
the Liberal Party and many
representatives of the African
communities e.g. Nigeria,
Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia,
Sudan, Congo, Sierra Leone,
and Zambia .
Nalinini Reddy gave a
stirring rendition of the South
African National Anthem while
Strini Reddy’s tribute brought
home the struggles that were
launched in Winnipeg to free
Mandela.
Born and raised in South
Africa and was himself a
refugee of that country in the
60’s Reddy provide needed
perspective of the numerous
people who were involved in
the Mandela freedom fight.
Members of African
community celebrated
Mandela’s life African style
with songs of praise and dance
of the ancestors. Even though it
was a sad time, Mandela
received a hero’s send off to
Youth Representative
join those who have gone before.
The evenings proceedings
was adorned with pride of the
legacy of an African son to whom
all can look up to and speak of with
respect, love, admiration and yes a
man of peace and wisdom.
Quote
Don't find fault, find a remedy.Henry
Ford
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
9

10. Artist Talk
Yisa Akinbolaji, Winnipeg
Artist of Nigerian descent often
described as the African Picasso
upped the ante at his last show
wich was held at the Framing
and Art Centre in St. Vital where
he not only exhibited his new and
exciting works but also presented
an artist talk which absorbed the
audience on Akinbolaji’s journey
from a novice to the professional
artist he is today.
Akinbolaji was influenced
by Pablo Picasso’s work. However at first glance at some of the
Master’s work which to the
untrained eyes appear to be
childlike, made him think that he
could draw better than Picasso.
He soon realized that in
order to manipulate one’s art one
had to understand and abile to
execute the principles of drawing
and must have a feel for the art.
Akinbolaji’spresentation
was lively and speckled with
humour throughout aided at times
by his loving wife Catherine who
prompted his memory on important details he might have overlooked.
His new works are fresh
and inviting with bold colours a feast for the eyes and
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
10
Exhibition
PASSAGES CANADA
GEARS UP FOR BLACK
HISTORY MONTH
Manitoba Musiciancont’d from p6
ACOMI Pres Andre Dombe and Pres of
Congolese Org presents gift to Mr. Ataman
For Black History Month,
Passages Canada will be
connecting with over 150 school
and community groups across
Canada with their Black
Canadian Volunteer speakers.
They will share their stories of
heritage, identity and achievement
inspiring a younger generation to
explore their own roots.
In addition, Passages
Canada’s beCOMING Canada
Video series, the latest education
tool, features 23 bilingual
interviews, that are available
online and as a DVD,
underscoring Canada’s defining
diversity, with stories from
refugees arriving from war-torn
countries to those of longstanding citizens who can trace
their Canadian ancestry back
many generations. The videos
complement Passages Canada
growing Story Archive which
now counts over 200 profiles
from around the world.
help them reintegrate into society after
disfiguring rape crimes against them
leave them with conditions that make it
difficult for the women to live normal
lives. Since 2007 Make Music Matter
has been using music to engage,
education and foster leadership in
communities affected by extreme
poverty and conflict and tries to enrich
the lives of women and youths with
music.
Many people, mostly of African
countries and in particular DRC
residents here in Manitoba attended the
event and voiced their own concerns
about the level of violence against
women in that part of the world.

11. C
E
C
Ca
hr
i
M.
r
Dv
al
i
O
k
li
o
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r
Kamta Roy Singh
Singh’s Journey Inspires Audience
Kamta Roy Singh, Guyanese Canadian businessman was
the guest speaker at the Citizen Equity and Diversity
Annual Open House on December 4, 2013 at City Hall
Council Building.
Singh spoke about his journey to Canada and to where
he is today and the lessons learned. He was candid and
shared from the heart how went to a front counter serving
personnel to the owner of more than four coveted Tim
Horton’s franchises which could readily serve as a model
for those who aspire to great things. First you have to be
humble and trustworthy.
Singh said when he landed in Canada “on August 26,
1989 I arrived with $ 27: 00 Canadian dollars. The taxi
driver charges me $77:00 dollars. I was immediately
broke.” The Taxi driver unloaded him on the highway but
changed his mind since the only way he could be paid was
by taking him to his destination. The following day thanks
to the generosity of his uncle he boarded the Greyhound to
Winnipeg and he has been here ever since.
He gave the audience a brief geographic sketch of Guyana,
South America neighbours to Brazil, Suriname and
Venezuela and compared its multicultural mosaic to
Cont’d on p15
11
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
11

12. Gaffin wid Buddy
A Community Champion Gone Too Soon
Hassan Salah was one of
earliest migrants from Ethiopian
What happens now? Christmas is
and was the prime movers and
here again and I’ m not sticking
around. I’m heading to warmer clime shakers of the Ethiopian
community. He was a benevolent
of the Caribbean shoes. I haven’t been
leader, a generous contributor and
home for years and I decided it’s time
a great communicator. He is
to experience a good ole fashion
described by members of the
Christmas. Jus tinking bout it mek me community as a good friend, a
so excited - de hot sun, green grass,
father, devoted husband and father
people milling round de market wid
to his own children.
fresh, fresh fruits and vegetables wid
Anyone
fresh fruits and vegetables, de
who knew
hucksters by the market hustling dough
Mr. Salah
fuh family and fried from fuh dem
knew he
from ovasees, free smiles low class
was a man
Mon most of all I’m looking
who could
forward to drink wata in me mout to
represent
taste dat black cake, ginger beer,
the interest
chowmein curried chicken, roti,
of his
community
chocolate tea on Christmas morning.
and was
I’m gonna have it all.’
not afraid
Checking out de neighbours in the
to speak
front yard an ting, de rum punch
the truth,
competition and tasting which leave
said his
you feeling good and tipsy but I
wife
andastand people drink de stuff daily
Zahra
fuh breakfast so I gat to act
Mr.
responsibly – yeah man living de
Salah
fridge dis year – have a white
was a
Christmas.
jovial,
kind
person
and was
personally known to me and with
each encounter will be greeted
with the Ethiopian style greetings
of kissing both cheeks and the
conversation would not end
without a lot of laughter.
Hussein - Youth Presenter at Nelson
Mandel’s Memorial.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
12
Global Eyes congratulates Helma
Rogge-Rehders, a long time
member of the Immigrant
Women’s Association of
Manitoba, Inc. who recently won
the first Prize for in the Poetry
category in the Winnipeg Free
He was
also known as
the Falafel man.
Together with
his wife Zahra,
they owned the
Falafel Pyramid.
In the summer
months his
Falafel van was
stationed on
Broadway and during festivals at the
Forks and other locations he would be
there selling the most delicious
samosas. He was a businessman with
a heart.
Hassan passed away what
seemed to many as suddenly as it was
not common knowledge that he was
ill. His passing shook the community
in a big way.
Hassan came to Canada in the
1960’s and helped to found the
Ethiopian Society of Manitoba and
was in fact its founding president. He
was an avid advocate for the rights of
this people, a person to whom
community members could seek out to
help them solve their problems.
Like most leaders he had his
admirers and those who did not agree
with his point of view.
He was proud of his Ethiopian
heritage and was a hard worker. She
said he worked at many jobs before
finally opening his own business
including being a Taylor. He is
survived by his loving wife and
children, Toffic, Ahmed, Mubarick,
Muna and Melina. May his soul rest
in eternal peace.
Press Annual
writing competition. Helma
is also a
prolific visual
Artist.

13. Congress of Black Women Celebrates Annual Kwanzaa
Many Winnipeggers especially Black
folks have not tuned into this awesome
celebration of Black Culture and history –
Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is a spiritual and cultural but
non religious celebration which occurs
each year between December 26, and
January.
This seven-day celebration honors
seven distilled principles that ground
Blacks in their African roots to sprout
leaves of success and positive living. the
seven principles of Kwanzaa are
contemplated and discussed on each of the
days: Day 1. Umoja means unity. Day 2.
Kujichagulia means self-determination.
Day 3. Ujima means working together. Day
4. Ujamaa means supporting each
other.Day 5. Nia means purpose. Day 6.
Kuumba means creativity. Day 7. Imani
means faith, especially faith in
ourselves.Even though the celebration is
afrocentric the principles can be applied to
anyone from any culture as a way of life.
The celebration was started by Dr.
Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of
the Department of Black Studies at
California State University, whose
frustration with the lack of direction and
hopelessness of Black youths in the heady
days of the 60’s, came up with this brilliant
idea of Kwanzaa - Swahili word for First
fruits and encouraged blacks to get
involved and honor the tried and true
principles upon which their ancestors built
their lives. Today millions celebrate
Kwanzaa world-wide.
Each year for the past 20 years the
Congress of Black Women of Winnipeg
have celebrated Kwanzaa to bring the
community together for a common purpose
or remembering. The each of
However for logistical reasons the
CBW compresses the seven days to one .
This year’s event was held at the
Caribbean Community Cultural Centre.
More than 120 participated including lots
of happy children who received gifts, food
and drinks and music.
13
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Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
13

14. Culmination of the story of ZIZI so far.
Zizi found out she was three
months pregnant after bouts of
unexplained unrelenting vomiting and
nausea that she had to go and see her
doctor. She thought it was one of those
nasty flues that was going around but
both she and Leyroy were pleasantly
surprised at the news.
“OMG” she had exclaimed “How
can this be?”
“That’s for you to figure out” her
doctor had joked are we looking at
another immaculate conception here?
”You know what this means?” Leyroy
said grinning from ear to ear like the
cat who stole the last piece of cheese.
What?
“We’re getting married asap.
Don’t want my child to be born
outside of the law besides you know
we black men get a lot of bad press
for being dead beat dad. I’m not going
to be that statistics”
“You’re such a dad already”
“To the best mom in the world.
We – you and me -” he pointed back
to forth to him and Zizi “are going to
make beautiful children and having a
child with you makes me the happiest
man alive”
Later that evening Leyroy went
down on his knees the old fashioned
way and formally asked Zizi to be his
wife.
“Let me think..... YES” She said
without skipping a beat
“My heart was in my hand when
you took that nano second to respond”
They both laughed and hugged each
other.
“Not too tight Lee, a baby’s in
here now”
“I’ve got to tell my cousin
Brenda, phone mom and dad and the
rest of the gang. She sighed happily “I
am so excited Leyroy, so happy to be a
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
14
mom”
”I know” he held her close.
“Don’t want to reign on our
parade but what about work?”
“I’ve have to tell Sgt
Daniels to put me on a desk job
until my Mat Leave and ask for a
few more years off to see how I
feel.”
“Sounds good.”
A few days later Brenda,
Leyroy and Zizi in Brenda’s
living room laying out the draft
of their wedding plans – social,
invitations, shower, and venue
dress the whole shebang.
“Let’s keep this small and
tasteful among close friends and
family, please” Zizi said.
“How small” Brenda
asked?
“Sixty Max. I think we can
afford to feed that much people.
I’m not in favour of social,
maybe a shower but I don’t want
to us to kill ourselves. I want us
to have a good time.”
“Okay, I can work with that
but I think a social will be nice
for those who are not going to
be invited – people from the
community, your work and so
on”
“I think that sounds
reasonable Zi” Leyroy agreed.
“Leave it to me and Leyroy
to make the plans. You young
lady take care of your belly”
Zizi hugged and gave
Brenda big kiss on the cheek
“What would I do without my
big cousin. Thank you so much”
They had approximately six
months to cover all the grounds.
Brenda being a professional
organizer pinned down dates
and the clocked started ticking.
Over the next few months Zizi and
Brenda with the help of a couple other
women put together a beautiful
package, booked the Fort Garry Hotel
for the Wedding reception, and planned
a successful social in two and a half
months which raised about $10,000
through silent auction and attendance.
Brenda prepared an elaborate snack for
the occasion and everything went
unbelievable smoothly. People Zizi
never knew showed up for the party
and she had a great time dancing and
meeting people.
Zizi was a beautiful bride even
with her belly which had become very
visible. The happiness Leyroy and she
shared was obvious in their faces.
November 3, 2013 was the day she
became Leyroy’s wife. A dream she
had thought would have never been
realized. Leyroy’s son was the ring
bearer and Zizi felt motherly towards
the beautiful boy. They were a family
and he was part of it, she felt.
“I have to keep pinching myself Zi.
I thought my life was over when you
were not in it. I thank God for leading
us back together.”
“I feel the same way Lee, this was
meant to be. I promise the be the best
wife ever and to keep our love fresh as
long as I live”
“And I promise to be the best
husband and to thank my lucky stars day
and night for you. I never want to mess
this up. You are my life my wife” he
had whispered to her as they took that
first dance. “You will be my sweetheart
forever”
Zizi and Leyroy went on to have
two more children in success and Zizi
stayed off work. She loved being home
and greeting Leyroy with freshly bake

15. Roti and curry with spinach stew or
back at work and having to run here
and there to pick up kids and eating left
overs all the time. Zizi felt she wanted
to keep her options open. Leyroy
supported whatever made her happy
but let it be known that he does not
mind being the sole bread winner and
he loved to be greeted by a relaxed
wife when he returns from work not
one who is as stressed as he is. “Let’s
pray about it” Zizi had said to Leyroy
since they had also joined a
neighbourhood spiritual community.
Canada’s multiculturalism. He
acknowledge Nelson Mandela’s
passing as the death of a mentor,
role-model and others like him
such as Mahatma Gandhi and
Mother Theresa who fought for
equality and peace.
My first job was at 7-eleven
“I also had two other jobs
during the same time, one was a
janitor and the other as a care
taker. After working for three
Months at seven eleven I was
hired and start working at Tim
Horton’s on Dec 6, 1989. Being
Congratulations to
President Michelle Bachelet on employed after a year I was
promoted to a Manager. During
her Second Big Win in Chile
those days racism was a lot
Michelle Bachelet, 62, the centremore prominent than today. For
left candidate, smashed some records in
being re-elected president of Chile with a example in my store there were
new majority coalition comprising of
31 employees of which 29 were
four parties on November 17, 2013 with Caucasian and the other
more than more than 62% in the second vote, Vietnamese and myself. I
the highest proportion of votes any
quickly learn you as an
presidential candidate has won since 1989.
individual must accept racism as
Daughter of an air force general who
a challenge to be stronger,
along with Michelle was tortured by
wiser, and move on in life.
General Augusto Pinochet’s regime, the
paediatrician rose to political power in
2000 as Minister of Health and in 2002
she became the first woman to hold the
port folio of Minister of Defence which
led her up to being elected as Chile’s first
female president in 2006.
Bachelet is well loved and
respected by the masses if the public
approval of 84% is to be believed and
her being the first woman to be reelected
again after a mandatory leave of office.
Chile’s constitution does not allow a
second successive presidential term.
Ms Bachelet, generally regarded as sabbatical, since Chile’s
a warm and maternal figure, left office in constitution does not allow a
January 2010 with the highest level of
second successive presidential
public approval of any Chilean president, term.
84%, and with both her international
“Those of us who want
stature and Chile’s considerably
change are in the vast
enhanced. She is the first president since majority,”said President Bachelet
1952 and the first woman to be re-elected in her victor speech
– that is, elected again, after a mandatory
15
Instead of being a complainer he
became a helper. “After I finished my
shift, instead of going home, I offered
to help in other areas e.g. clean the
floor wash the dishes after having
staff members train me to do these
chores.” Over a six month period
Singh had mastered every job at Tim
Horton’s without a cost to his
employer. He also helped the owners
with office work and in so doing
learned the administrative side of
running the business. He had put
himself in a category all by himself
for no one else knew what knew.
“When it was time for the owners to
go on vacation and needed someone
to look after the business, I was the
one chosen because of 31 employees I
was the only one with the required
knowledge.
Fast forward to 1992 when the
owners Gordon and Lorraine Cave
retired from Tim Horton’s they
recommended Singh for the position
of District Manager successfully
managing more than 150 staff for the
Head Office.
Singh is the envy of many who
want to be where – owner of four Tim
Horton franchises and the only
Caribbean national he is but may not
want to travel the same path as him.
“Racism still exists, and jealousy still
is there, however you can make a
difference instead of complaining of
obstacles.
Singh received a resounding
applause
for his
story as
many in
the room
appeared
to
resonate
with his
words.
Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
15

16. IN THE MIX
Did you know you can get help in
sorting out your options to solve
legal problems facing you, what is
the next step you should take? Even
though the clinic staff can not
represent you they can help you
represent yourself in court
To find out more about how the legal
Heal Centre can help you call: 204258-3096 or email them at
selkirkclinic@legalhelpcentre.ca.
The main office is at 393 Portage
Avenue (Portage Place Mall).
You can also reach them at their
Selkirk Outreach Monthly Clinic at
485 Selkirk Avenue.
Lola’s
The Congress of Black Women of
Manitoba is sponsoring its 5th
Annual Cultural Awareness
Workshop: Diversity and the
Media,” February 18, 2014,
Tuesday 8:30-4:30, Viscount Gort
Hotel. For more information please
call 204-775-4378.
Mark your Calendar: June 28th
2014, evening for the first Global
Flair: A multicultural Fashion Show.
Congratulations
Off the Beaten Path: Violence,
Mr. Ayodele Akenroye, who was recently
Women and Art Exhibition „h
called to the Bar after completing his
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memostudies at University of McGill. Her has
rial Boulevard „h Off the Beaten
also accepted a position as Associate
Path: Violence, Women and Art is
Lawyer with Boudreau Law Firm
a compelling exhibition curated
Ayodele Akenroye is an Associate
and organized through Art Works
Lawyer at Boudreau Law where he
for Change. an organization
whose mission Info: 204-786-6641 practices in all areas of law. His experience
includes conducting due diligence and title
review, preparing legal opinions, drafting
and reviewing energy and First Nations
related agreements, including revenue
sharing agreements for First Nations clean
energy projects, joint venture agreements,
software license and intellectual property
agreements and shareholders’ agreements.
Mr. Akenroye has previous litigation
experience in criminal law, human rights
law and civil ligation and has provided legal
advice and opinion on Manitoba Human
Rights Code, the Criminal Code of
Canada, and Corruption of Foreign Public
Official Act. He has taught courses as a
Teaching Assistant in McGill University,
Montreal, Canada. He also has
international experience having worked for
United Nations affiliated organizations in
the area of international criminal law,
peace and security, promotion of the rule
of law, human rights and democracy
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Global Eyes Magazine December 2013
16
Quote
Be the chief but never
the lord.Lao Tzu