Globaleyessummer edition

global eyes
1st
QUARTER
July 2012
Manitoba African and Caribbean Quarterly Magazine

GLOBAL EYES MAGAZINE /SUMMER 2012

June Pepper Harris
Grand Dame of Winnipeg Jazz Scene
at Highway 75 Club

Diversity equals Inclusion

June Pepper Harris – Life, Love and the Bluze
June Pepper Harris and her musical made music in the moment, fresh, exciting and leave you wanting more.
friends rocked Trevor Druxman’s The occasion was June’s CD release party of “Life, Love & The Bluze”
famous Pembina Hotel (Pembie’s April 28, 2012 for which she flew in from Toronto to celebrate.
Jazz & Blues Lounge aka Highway 75 “ I was thrilled to perform before full house, with the swinging Bill
club) with some good old time jazz, McMahon, Walle Larsson
country, blues and a medley of band, with none other than
everything that made it a fine way to the great blues saxophonist Bill McMahon
spend a Saturday afternoon in himself Deano Deane; the
Winnipeg. It was beautiful and amazingly talented blues
uplifting to hear the symphonic singer/guitarist, harmonica
sounds of friends jamming that

Deano Deane, Walle Larsson

player Ms Tracy K
and her swinging
Tracy K
guitarist. The joint
rocked. That’s the way I like it, uh” said June obviously
pleased with the attendance and audience participation.
The audience was treated to free pizza by the owner. The
entire afternoon was a blast – who would have thought
Winnipeggers could have so much fun indoors in the
middle of the day? You had to see it to believe it.

Global Eyes Magazine Summer Edition 2012
2

Reflection
Beatrice Watson
Many parents find it hard to compre- listen to them and have a dialogue
instead of a monologue. WAYNE
hend that the children they bring into A mother can but guide ...
this world have thoughts of their own Our children are much wiser
than we were as children. Today’s then step aside—I knew
and if given the chance will find their
generations are rights based and I could not say, “This is the way
natural calling in life. We all were called
they are well aware of their rights that you should go.”
into existence for a reason and no one
can tell us that reason. We find it and sometimes responsibilities.
We cannot force our children to For I could not forsee
ourselves.
We cannot beat or insult a child into conform to our ideas on what what paths might beckon you
submission to our will. All that you may they should do, what they should to unimagined heights
succeed in doing is suppressing the will become and what careers they that I might never know.
of the child and nothing can be should pursue - those are our
suppressed forever. That will will find dreams not theirs. Many parents Yet, always in my heart
expression one way or the other and with good intention want their I realized
sometimes not in a good way. children to have a life of their That you would touch a star . . .
Recently Creflo Dollar the mega dreams not the children’s dreams. I’m not surprised!
preacher on TV was hauled into the jail This can create chaos in a child’s — Hazel Dyer
after his daughter alleged that he abused life. (This poem was shared by Dr.
her; a claim a second daughter Parents do not always have to Wayne Dyer with Oprah. His
corroborated. have the right answer. It is okay to mother wrote this. Dr. Dyer is a
Children are aware of their rights and say “I don’t know” and show world renowned inspirational
many demand those rights. What do some vulnerability. Those three speaker and he achieved what he
you do when you cannot physically beat words will drive home a big has even though he spent his first 10
a child? You have to reason with them, lesson to our children. years in an orphanage.

The Philosophy of Ubuntu
An anthropologist studying the the candies, sat down, and particularly about the fact that you
habits and customs of an African tribe began to happily munch away. can't exist as a human being in
found himself surrounded by children The anthropologist went over isolation. It speaks about our inter-
Shannon Byfield, Dorrie Barrett, Lili Bitane
most days. So he decided to play a to them and asked why they had connectedness. You can't be human
little game with them. He managed to all run together, when any one all by yourself, and when you have
get candies from the nearest town, of them could have had the this quality 'Ubuntu'—you are
and put it all in a decorated basket at candies all to himself/herself. known for your generosity.
the foot of a tree. The children responded: “We think of ourselves far too
Then he called the children and "Ubuntu"! How could any one frequently as just individuals,
suggested they play a game. When the of us be happy if all the others separated from one another, whereas
anthropologist said "Now!", the were sad?" we are connected and what we
children had to run to the tree, and the Ubuntu is a philosophy of think, feel and do, even at the
first one to get there could have ALL African tribes that can be individual level, affects the entire
the candies to himself/herself. summed up as "I am what I am universe. When we do well and
So the children all lined up waiting because of who we all are." entertain only positive thoughts and
for the signal. When the Bishop Desmond Tutu gave feelings, it radiates out; it is for the
anthropologist said "now", all the this explanation in 2008: whole of humanity." (Thanks to
children held each others' hand and "One of the sayings in our Rashmi Metha who sent this information
ran together towards the tree. They all country is Ubuntu—the essence to Global Eyes Magazine)
arrived at the same time, divided up of being human. Ubuntu speaks
3 3

Zizi the continuing story p20
Subscribe Today Leg Up p19
Name:_________________________________________________________ Feature Story – June Pepper Harris p2
Address:________________________________________________ Feature – RCMP Diversity Officer p25
Postal Code_______________ Local Briefs p6
Phone:_______________________

Email address:_______________________
Battle of the Gospel Choir p19
Support Global Eyes Magazine if you think Editorial p7
we’re doing a good job.
Subscription: $15.00 per year for 4 issues. Underground Railway p8
I Would like to receive upcoming event notices
from the Caribbean/Black/larger community - Global Briefs p9
by email or by phone (YES/NO)
Revisiting the work of Richard Wright p10
Mail cheque/Money Order to: Global Eyes Magazine
671 Rathgar Avenue, CMARD – Racism p12
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3L 1G6 Neil’s Poetry p14
Global Eyes is an independent magazine devoted to
promoting cultural awareness of the African and Immigrant Success Story – p16-17
Caribbean communities of Manitoba and to highlight the
issues and concerns of these communities. It also aims
and promoting cultural diversity and appreciation. Its Artist Studio Tour p22
mandate is to be a quarterly publication featuring articles,
and the achievements of local, national and international Word Scramble p13 NEW
personalities that are of interest to the African/Caribbean
community, promoting healthy living by providing Guess Who p31 NEW
healthtips and recipes as well as editorials with African/
Caribbean sensibilities and letters to the editor. The
Magazine is produced under a volunteer editorial There’s a lot more to read!!!
committee that assists with proof-reading, publicity and
distribution.

IN THIS ISSUE Contributions of Slaves Recognized
In the 18th century France played a significant role in
Regulars: the Atlantic slave trade and the people of the city of
Nantes benefitted greatly from the trade. It made many
Briefs p6 of the people from this city rich as Nantes was a port
Letter to my children p11 through which more than 450,000 African men, women
and children were brought from Africa to work on
Global Counselor p11 plantations in European counties.
In March 2012 the Mayor the City of Nantes opened a
Gaffin wid Buddy p26 memorial to the abolition of slavery and in recognition
of the contribution of slaves to that city’s prosperity
Healthwise 18 today. Officials say that this is unique in Europe
4

GLOBAL
EYES
MAGAZINE

Editor: Beatrice Watson Condolences
Distributed to local businesses, and in GEM’s Regular
Winnipeg and via email to individuals in There have been Contributors
Manitoba and former Manitobans in various many deaths in our
parts of the world.
community since the
To receive Global Eyes by mail please send a
last Global Eyes
cheque for $15.00 to: Magazine in
Global Eyes Magazine February.
671 Rathgar Avenue We take this
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 1G6 opportunity to send
Phone: 204-477-1588 our condolences to Neil Pitamber,
Caribbean Shield
globaleyesmagazine@gmail.com all the families A prolific writer, poet
grieving at this time. and owner, Caribbean
All contents are (c) 2011 and may not be Shield
We hope you find
reprinted without the express or written consent
of the author or Editor.
comfort in the fact
that your loved ones
Out and About were part of your
lives once and that
the memories you
hold would provide
some comfort to you Robin Dwarka, Legal
on dark days. Aid Manitoba
Have faith that one
day you will rejoin
those who have
passed on.
May their souls rest
in peace.
We must embrace
Met this wonderful spirit Cha Cha at the Nigerian pain and burn it as Discipline Counsel
Canada Congress’ (NICCOM) annual mini folklorama fuel for our The Law Society of
2012. He was friendly and willingly shared a couple of Manitoba
his jokes. For ChaCha jokes come naturally to him. journey.
He makes them up on the spot. (Cha Cha poses with Kenji Miyazawa
Dr. Sunday Olujuku, President NICCOM)
5 5

Local Briefs
Winnipeggers on the film. A surprise ending
Steve Kirton, President of Barbados
celebrate Canada Aid which raises funds for Out of the blue the UN Winnipeg
Multiculturalism Day Barbadian youths attending colleges Chapter learned that there will be
at The Fork and universities said he was pleased
to present the Award to Mr. Griffith as
no more UN Chapters in Canada
With the perfect weather on and chapters will be replaced by
Saturday June 23rd, it celebrates Barbados. fundraising agents with the
Winnipeggers came out in drove mandate to raise $100,000 or
to celebrate Multiculturalism more.
Day. It is an opportunity for all Winnipeg Chapter was quite
Manitobans and Canadians to pleased with its last fundraising
celebrate our rich cultural efforts Local to Global which
diversity and appreciate the topped more than $6,000.00
however, far below the $100,000
contributions various
required.
multicultural groups and
The Chapter members
communities have made to
expressed disappointment at a
Canadian society and to
debriefing meeting called by
Manitoba. There were give-
Chair Mary Scott to figure out
aways, interactive and what to do with the group of
educational cultural displays, live women committed to working for
music and dance performances. the improvement of women’s
Ernesto Griffith Wins lives around the world.
Award “There has been a lot of
DJ Swann is looking for volunteer time and energy
Ernesto Griffith, Manitoba’s, invested in the development of an
writer, singer, filmmaker and Supporters - Are you In? active, diverse and committed
actor, received the Barbados I am DJ Swann, I. I am the leader of group of volunteers here. It seems
Association Charity Ball Award THE STOP USING THE N WORD counterproductive to do away
in recognition of his outstanding movement. As I am sure you are with Chapters in order to raise
work on the Award winning film aware, using the N word is a problem funds,” said Mary Scott.
Billy in which Griffith played the in our communities. Moreover, our The UN Chapter had planned
leading role “Billy” to rave youth are allowing people of other to officially dissolved in
reviews and which received the persuasions to use this epitaph in their September at the Annual General
Manitoba Human Rights regard. I implore you to assist me in Meeting but was told to close the
Commitment Award in 2010 my endeavor to eradicate this specific chapter immediately.
The award was presented at the vernacular from our vocabulary. I “We are now actively pursuing
9th Annual Barbados Charity Ball have started a petition, Stop Using The what our local group can do to
held in Toronto on June 9, 2012 - N Word , on www.Change.org , continue with the important work
a fundraising event to fund created an album, Stop Using The N we are all committed to and
scholarships for Barbadian youths Word !, which is available on iTunes maintaining an active relationship
attending Canadian universities and Amazon.com and a cloud. In the with the global women’s
and colleges as well as in support cloud below you will find some movement.
of healthcare programs in solutions and information on how to If you would like to get involved
Barbados and Canada. with the group when it is
access a ground breaking, youth
Griffith, a born Barbadian and reconfigured you can contact
friendly video.
the late Winston Moxam lead Mary Scott at
http://soundcloud.com/darren-jackson-
Filmmaker in Billy collaborated mary_scott@shaw.ca
swann/sets/stop-using-the-n-word
6

Editorial - Take One People were drinking,
If music be the as well.
Manitoba is festival country and we bobbing their heads to the music
food of love, like there was no tomorrow. No
play on. are fortunate that we never have to
travel very far to enjoy them. Musicians one appeared to be in a hurry to
Music is soul leave as Harris was joined on
food and when sometime have to travel a distance to
access this Prairie Town but Manitobans stage by some of Winnipeg’s old
you get into it you forget the world favourites to jam out a solo tune
and its problems. are music lovers at heart and the
musicians keep on coming back again or accompany her on an
If you did not attend any of the instrument.
offerings of the Winnipeg Jazz and again.
Former Winnipegger, June Pepper Walle Larson and Deanne
festival you have missed Deano were fantastic on the sax,
something special. But if you Harris was one of the people who
returned to Manitoba to launch her CD really getting into the music.
missed the Folk Festival you miss Now that’s what I call good old
something extra-special but you with the help of Cherlyn Thompson her
friend and business partner. fashion music and I could have
would not want to miss sat there all night getting into to
Folklorama, the biggest festival of June hit the scene just before the Jazz
festival as she had to return to Toronto it. There is no stopping June
its kind in Canada where people Harris when she is into her
celebrate their cultures and make to participate in the Toronto Jazz
festival and she gave her audience and groove with the bluze.
some money for their organizations
fans a treat at the Highway 75 Club.
Toast to Guyana at GCO’s 46th Independence Banquet - Dr. Brian Archer
I am indeed honoured to be giving a can see a spirit, a Jumbee, a Backoo, a If it ain’t genuine it could be
toast to Guyana on this her 46th Moongazer or an Ole Higue. All of them fake, canta, or macaro. Guyanese
anniversary of Independence Our are bad, or as the Guyanese would say can school you on the subtle
Guyanese culture and, Guyanese “dem a firetail tings”. differences.
people. For we Guyanese say and do - The rest of the world sees a dragonfly. To our dear land of rivers and
some things which are totally different We Guyanese see a Palmfly plains, land of the…
from everyone else in the world. - A person who eats a lot may be known - Beautiful Victoria Regia
Maybe it is the blending of so many as a glutton. Not in Guyana, yu have a …many waters…six races…the
unique cultures; African, East Indian, laang belly or yu jus huungish. mighty Essequibo, Demerara, and
Amerindian, Portuguese, Chinese, - A debonair man who is popular with the Berbice rivers…the powerful
British, Dutch, and English. Or the ladies may be referred to as a “Ladies’ Cayman…the Giant
fact that we are essentially an isolated man”. In Guyana he is a Sagabuoy. Camoody…the Frisky Hassa…
predominantly English speaking “non- - In Guyana there’s a big difference Melodious Kiskadee…Great
island” island surrounded by the between plain rice, white rice, bare rice, Wallaba…the towering
Atlantic Ocean (North and North and shine rice. Greenheart…delicious
East), Spanish Venezuela (North You too thin, Guyanese call you fine or Pepperpot…potent Piwari…the
West), Portuguese Brazil (South West maaga. Lord be with you if deh double or gigantic Arapaima…the mighty
and South), and Dutch Suriname (East triple it up as in “de gurl jus get fine fine Roraima…and the thundering
and South East); or maybe a fine. You know things are really bad if deh Kaieteur.
combination of all of the above. Some triple it up and add another multiplier like
examples are: “de buoy jus fine fine fine so till” or “de
- A frog in Canada would be a Crapo gurl jus fine fine fine till she pining way”.
in Guyana. You have to be Guyanese to appreciate
- The rest of the world sees a lizard the subtle difference between plain ole
… we Guyanese see a Gangasaka. paggly, paggly paggly, and dosey or
- While Canadians see a ghost, we packoo.
7 7

The Use of Freedom Quilts as Signals and Maps Along the Underground Railway
The Use of
Quilts as Signals and Maps Along the Underground Railway
The Underground Pieces of fabric and thread to visit an exhibition of these beautiful
Railway operated would be painstakingly threads of freedom that emerged from
between 18:40 and transformed into rivers, lakes, one of the darkest periods of African
18:60 and was a trails, houses and other American History.
support network guideposts and landmarks that By Joan Schroeder
dedicated to safe produced colourful quilts used by
passage and freedom the runaway slaves. Quilts also
for slaves. The Fugitive Slave Act
Wedding Bells
served as guidelines for the slave
passed in 1850, had made life Summer is the time for weddings and
preparing to leave. A “plan” of
increasingly miserable for escaped one of those weddings could not have
action was often embedded in the
slaves. The Act gave slave owners happened to a nicer young woman,
quilt. There were signals to let a
the right to hunt down and return Rashima Daniels Williams who was
slave know when to start getting
slaves even when they were on free wedded to Michael Williams witnessed
ready for a journey in the form of
soil. The Freedom Quilt was one by about 200 guests at the Fort Garry
the “Wagon Wheel”. A “Shoofly”
method used, with much success, to Hotel.
pattern was code name for getting
aid slaves in their escape to freedom. Like most brides she looked radiant,
dressed, while “Tumbling Block”
A look at many of the Freedom content and was surrounded by all the
patterns meant it was time to start
Quilts in museums today, while people that are important to her, mom
the Journey. Other symbols also
beautiful works of art, gives one a and dad, her beloved son Trayvon and
helped the slaves survive on their
sense of the horrors of slavery. But great friends and family friends who
journey. The “Star” pattern
these quilts also served a very crucial flew in from Florida, the Caribbean
showed the passage north while a
purpose. They held hidden maps that other parts of Canada.
“Log Cabin” pattern meant
were intricately treaded and patched The Wedding invitation specified a
danger.
into quilts. These maps serve as a black and white theme to match the
The very popular story about
guide to the fleeing slaves and their black and white décor in the reception
Sweet Clara and the Freedom
helpers. room. There were black and white
Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, is a
During these times, whispers were peacock feathers which looked like
true account of Clara, a house
circulated about where a slave might palm trees that it a tropical feel.
slave. After overhearing other
travel to gain freedom. The Caribbean pan music played in the
slaves talk about escaping if they
underground Railway meant background during dinner and guests
had a map, she used scraps to
embarking upon arduous and were entertained by some high energy
quilt a map of the land. Freedom
dangerous expeditions from the dance moves by a professional dance
quilts offered a sense of hope for
South to Canada and the Northern group as well as some very talented
many slaves.
States. From shared stories passed young folks.
These pieces of scraps when put
around by slaves and from together, served as valuable
information gathered on the signposts for the Underground
plantation, slaves knew that their Railroad. The homes and
hope lay north. This valuable businesses of abolitionist along
information had to be documented in the Underground Railroad would
a way that would not attract have been of little use to slaves,
suspicion, and with tools that were had it not been for these
accessible to slaves. Sewing was a freedom quilts to guide them.
creative way to capture directions and Freedom quilts are an important
codes for the benefit of runaway part of the African American
slaves. experience and I encourage you

8

Global Briefs
LESRA MARTIN LITERACY
Creflo ADVOCATE
Lesra Martin, famous lawyer Martin is an avid advocate for
Dollar who helped to free Hurricane literacy.
Carter, wrongfully jailed for a
Arrested crime he did not commit was in
Winnipeg in April to give a hand
Creflo Dollar, to Literacy Partners of Manitoba.
founder and Martin has made a point of
pastor of the giving back to the community
Atlanta-based megachurch World because the community of a few
Changers International, was arrested hippies from Toronto made him
recently and charged with simple what he is today. They took him
battery and child cruelty after he out from Brooklyn New York and
allegedly attacked his 15-year-old set him on a path of higher
daughter. She claims her father threw education which has allowed him
her to the ground, punched her in the to become the successful lawyer
face, and hit her with a shoe, according that he is today.
to the police report. On the 911 tape, Carter gave a presentation at the
she also said that “it was not the first Centennial Library about the
time it’s happened.” Dollar’s 19-year- importance of literacy and
encourage those adult learners
old daughter backs up her younger
who have mastered the art of
sister’s claims. Mr. Dollar denied all
reading and writing and encourage
charges.
others to do the same

Rashima, Trayvon and Michael
Williams pose for the camera

9 9

African American Authors – Revisiting the Works of Richard Wright
He was abandoned by think of his expressions. It is ostracized many times. He edited The
his father, a former reported that he wrote the story Left Front, a communist publication,
sharecropper, at an early while being bored in his class The New Masses, The Daily Worker,
age. He was raised by at school. The story was and The New Challenge. His book
his mother who was a published in three instalments “Native Son”, published in 1940 was
school teacher. As a by a local black newspaper his first novel and earned the prestige
young child, born on a called The Southern Register. of being the first Book of the Month
plantation, he This would be the start of selection by a black American writer.
developed the art of Richard Wright’s political and His autobiographical work, The Black
writing, bred and nurtured by his personal writing career that saw many Boy, published 5 years later, vividly
and cultural experiences and sensitivities. books, essays, short stories and explored his early life, family conflicts
Richard Wright became a renowned articles published until, and and racial discrimination by his white
black writer, and gained international even after, his death in 1960 at employers. Other novels include
recognition as a significant literary and the age of 52. In 1938, Richard “White Man Listen, 1957, and Long
political figure. But he had little honour Wright received national Dream in 1958.
in his own country and critics felt that he acclamation after he released On the political front, Wright was a
had become disconnected from his “Uncle Tom’s Children, a member of the Communist party but
African Roots. collection of four short stories his support for their rigid philosophy
Richard Wright was born September which dealt with fictional waned. He however, continued to
4th 1908 in Roxy Mississippi, the accounts of lynching and for adhere to leftist dogma after leaving
grandson of a slave. He experienced the which he garnered the the communist party. When he moved
untimely death of his uncle at the hands prestigious Guggenheim to Paris in 1947, he continued his
of whites. When he wrote his first short Fellowship. political activism on a more
story, entitled The Voodoo of Hell’s As editor and contributor of international level. His Novel “Black
Half-Acre” At the tender age of 15 several publications, Richard power” was a fictional work dealing
years, he did not get much support Wright was fearless in the with the growth of new African
from his family or his classmates, expression of his conscience, nations. His novels dealt with issues of
many of whom didn’t know what to expressions that would see him poverty, race and disenfranchised
people on an international level.
Before his death, Wright had
Can’t find a salon to do become an internationally renowned
justice to your hair? writer and left behind several
unfinished works. One of these; A
Look no more! Father’s Law, was published as
recently as January 2008. Wright wrote

Les Touche Salon
about life as he saw it and felt it at a
time when intolerance was at its
will send you satisfied everytime height. Even though Wright became a
French citizen, this in no way should
have been held against him. Today his
4-555 Balmoral Ave contributions to black history are being
Hours: Mon. - Sat. revisited and it is about time. He left a
9 a.m - 7:00 p.m. legacy that will forever shed light on
Phone: 947-5830 the African American experience as
captured by the imagination of a
literary genius.

By Joan Schroeder
10

Regulars
Letter to my children
hair for a special
occasion might be afro texture — I had no intention of
fine but making it appearing in the film. I felt I was an
a permanent objective observer and really just
lifestyle is setting wanted to highlight a growing
us up for serious movement. (Of the 50 or so women I
health problems struck up conversations with randomly
later on in life. on the street, the vast majority had
My dear children, Black hair is beautiful and gone natural within the last three
unique. In all of the kingdoms of years.” She said being part of the film
I read an editorial in the New York the Creator there is no hair like the
Times recently which left me smiling. It forced her to examine her own feel-
Black hair except maybe for the ings about her hair than ever before.
was by a prominent British Nigerian sheep - just a little . Instead of
documentary maker Zina Saro-Wiwa, the She said that this returning to roots
appreciating the gift we have, we hair is like an evolutionary process
daughter of famous Nigerian author Ken try to be like every one else. If The
Saro-Wiwa. Her documentary, among Black women, not an angry
Creator wanted us to be like movement but more an awakening to
Transitions shines a light on the quiet everyone else we would have had
revolution of the come back of natural self and to their health.
straight hair. “Demonstrating this level of self-
hairstyles. “When I set out to make a docu-
What a relief. Hopefully black women acceptance represents a powerful
mentary about black women who evolution in black political
would stop killing themselves with the are “transitioning” — cutting off
various chemicals we use to keep our expression.” It is time. It is beautiful.
their chemically straightened hair May you be one of those women.
hair straight. Maybe straightening one’s and embracing their natural kinky Love, mom

Global Counsellor
Dear Globacounsellor,
know anything about Rastafarian young for that. Older women maybe
I am a 25 year old white Canadian but as far as I can tell there is no have to settle but you can find
girl and my boyfriend is a 32 year old such rule about marriage. What someone who shares your beliefs and
Rastafarian Jamaican born man. We’ve do you think I should do, I am values so cut your losses and be on
been going out for about three years assuming you understand this your way. A man who gets angry
and practically live together. The culture better than I do. Thank easily does not impress me either.
problem is my boyfriend does not you for your help.
believe in marriage. He says it is
against his religion. I think this is a Seeker
way for him to not commit to me fully. Dear Seeker,
Some say the glass
I believe in marriage and when I tell I don’t understand Rastafarian is half empty, some
him I think we should split up and go religion but clearly there is a say the glass is half
our separate ways he gets really mad problem here. This man is not
and I think one of these days he will prepared to give you what you full, I say, are you
hit me. I told him I have three crazy want. I think you have to find
brothers who will kill anyone who someone who will. Don’t settle going to drink that?
harmed me and I think that’s what for anything less than what you
keeping his hands to his side. I don’t are looking for. You are too
11 11

In Your Back Yard
15 Years and Going CMARD Coffee House on Racism
Premier Greg Selinger and
Strong Healthy Living, Seniors and
Neither rain nor sleet could have Consumer Affairs Minister Jim
stopped the supporters of the Rondeau presented 10
Horace Patterson Foundation’s outstanding Grade 12 students
(HPF) annual fundraising walk-a- with the Premier’s Healthy
thon from participating its 15th Living Award for Youth at a
year’s walk a thon on Saturday ceremony at the Legislative
June 4, 2012 at the St. Vital Park Building:
which raised more than $2000.00 The working group of The Canadian
that will go towards the scholarship Betelhem Chala, Elmwood High Municipalities Against Racial
fund to help students with their School, Winnipeg; Discrimination (CMARD) composed of
Michelle Coupland, Boissevain representatives from a cross section of G
post-secondary studies.
School, Boissevain; and NGOs including, the Manitoba
Diehards were walking with their
Israa Elgazzar, Kelvin High Human Rights Commission and Dept. of
umbrellas and raincoats but they Canadian Heritage, that operates under
School, Winnipeg;
made it. the umbrella of the City of Winnipeg
Marie-Rose Hanyurwim-fura,
Even though you did not walk, Equity and Diversity Committee headed
Nelson McIntrye Collegiate,
you can still make a pledge to the by Councillor Mike Pagtakhan held its
Winnipeg;
Foundation that would go towards first Coffee House style conversation
Brayden Harper, Kildonan East about racism at Sam’s Place in May 2012
the scholarships. Collegiate, Winnipeg; with invited guests from community
Last year the Foundation offered James Harper, Dakota Collegiate, organizations and government
9 scholarships and each year the Winnipeg; departments. The speakers were: with
amount increases because the Keith Johnson, Teulon Collegiate, special greetings from Mr. Jerry Wood,
Foundation is able to generate more Teulon; Chair of the Manitoba Human Rights
fund through its fundraising efforts. Emily Klekta, Swan Valley Commission Board. The goal of the
“Our vision is to offer larger evening was to raise the racism topic with
Regional Secondary School,
scholarship amounts to more youth informed research followed by
Swan River; discussions among participants. It was
each year,” said the President, Mrs. Alana Robert, St. Mary’s a successful first attempt. Mr. Osei-Bonsu
DaCosta. Academy, Winnipeg; and who staffs the CEC Committee
Jeremy Ryant, West Kildonan promised there will be more such coffee
Immigrant Stories Collegiate, Winnipeg. houses on racism in the future.

IWAM - Immigrant Women’s
Association of Manitoba Inc. and
Sarsvati Productions have partnered “These young Manitobans are
to produce Immigrant Stories making a difference in many ways,
which will be staged September 20 from the promotion of physical
and 22, 2012 at the Asper Centre activity, healthy eating and
for Theatre, 4 00 Colony Street. prevention of chronic disease, to
Jackie Halliburton and Denyse Lambert
Funding for this project was helping prevent bullying, addictions (above) Counc. Mike Pagtakhan speaks
provided by New Horizons and gang participation,” with Jerry Woods MHRC Chair.
12

Life Without Black People - The Annual List of Inventions
MARRIAGE POTENTIAL
Einstein said that we only use 10% of our intellectual capacity -
Unknown
likewise, we only use 10% of our potential in marriage. Darkness all around you,
We can develop the 90% Light fading away,
1. Be prepared to adapt wisely to changes. I can’t see my own feet front of me,
2. Work on yourself not your spouse. Lights turning off once in time,
3. Common goals and values are needed. I’m alone in cold lonely place.
4. Commitment to growth is essential.
5. Develop communications skills. When I breath out,
6. Use conflicts creatively. I can see my own breath,
7. Show appreciation and affection for each other. In coldest of the night,
8. Agree on gender roles. Darkness doesn’t scare me,
9. Cooperate and work as a team. Only my fears does.
10. Strive for sexual fulfillment.
11. Manage money well. I can hear footsteps,
12. Be effective parents, 24 hours daily. Coming closer and closer,
13. Learn to make decisions wisely. I can hear my heart beat,
14. Learn to deal with anger and frustration. I know I’m not alone.
15. Be a part of a couples’ growth group.
16. Evaluate your marriage periodically. Something truly out there,
17. Communicate, communicate and communicate. My eyes can’t not see,
18. Save some of your kisses for the after the wedding reception. Is not unknown.
By Samantha Duncan, Winnipeg,
19. Do not associate with too many divorced persons or you may Manitoba
get into the “Divorce Cluster” Group.
20. Love, even when you do not understand each other.
WORD SCRAMBLE
Guess Who Contest Winner Synnu
olycdu
Congratulations to Lisa Hackett
who was the first of many callers to lerac
phone in with the correct name and yogfg
information about our first winner wamr
of the Guess Who contest!
oolc
It was a photograph of Audrey nywdi
Gordon the former Executive
Director of the Multiculturalism
ncaruhrie
Secretariat. Many of you would olyecn
have dealt with Audrey during your erspurse
funding application process and ahli
also you might have caught her
bringing greetings at cultural Thanks to Royle Derbitsky,
niar
functions on behalf of the Financial Planner at Investor’s All these words have
Department of Multiculturalism. Group for donating the prize. something to do with the
And here is what Lisa won!
weather
13 13

POEMS FROM THE HEART by Neil Pitambar

EPIC
STRANGE
Her knees were swollen There is a fire underneath my PRIME
(It’s not so much I meant to stare) eyelids
Her eyes glowing softly Have to stay closed to keep my
awe A head full of space debris
Under birds’ nest of wet black hair From spreading over you A mouth of thin sour saliva
Lightning in her wake I remember when we were small, And frothy-sweet foam...
Swinging from cloud to cloud and An archer’s elbow or tendonitis
In jungle dense thick of night How you dreamt it all
The long and tall Round out the usual syndromes...
She moves her mouth... I closed my eyes tight
The shorter end of things fell
Suffers me little to smile about upon you To draw a diaphragm
’Invite me s’in for a ‘pot of tea?’ When you withdrew (your My pen finger felt too supple
Releasing my grip on the knob breath) Red ink dried to rhino purple
I motion, ‘Yes,’ but reluctantly... It doesn’t feel the way I used to
This body
LYFE These bones
If there really is some conduit The borrowed sense of freedom
From futility to hope An atomic scope of cryptograms
I’ve a Vonne feeling in my Gut With
Where there are mirrors No trail(okya) to send me home...
There will be smoke... Prime is who I am
Have so many things I speak of And not the others...
So many questions left starved
You may
If I pursue what will happen
even fall in my memory
When the problems’ solved?... Living on and on to never fail me
Will we reap or rape like kings Falling and failing
The impoverished mounds of Were so differently alike, tell me INFINITE
Covet-cious mouth and mind? Will you have me live on too...?
Will you agree Earth is sinking Joyce to the world!
When we had juice in our veins
Something comes from Nutting!
Hopeless-sapiens incipient to And the audacity (!) to complain
I swear listening to you is as excruciating
Disintegration by own design? Were re-bells with whistles, too!
As keeping wake while James peddles on
Place your own fut- in -ure mouth Until the day He returned for you
A finer point of madness with Finnegan
Divide the idea as much you like And wouldn’t let me come along
Featherless paratroping with im-prosition...
(But I’ll be soon along...) Ran past two just yesterday but metaphor
You can wash the truth with a lye
Waste of time, Eliot? (Not a waste of land)
An alternate spelling yet so alike... All tax collected put towards our future syn
Twitchbells, bells, bells fallen on the porch
Optimystic prefers the pace of sinking sand...
MENTAL CRASH Good hell-th stricken hard by amor fati-gue
(strum) I knew it wouldn’t last A slavepiece due its restricted use of colour
...Sitchin in front the looking glass (strum) Currie is spicy (Radioactive? Don’t believe!)
I have found A-liss a-tlas(t)... ...She knew before they could I cannot sleep at the edge of the sea
But there is a sign marked ‘No Wake’
She’s not same as she used to be tell Though ask anything of me
Too much time has passed Every night contusions swell Do not ask me for anything
Now she’s a girl I Nibiru... Every night confusion swells As having given you much thought
The whole systems’ crashed She had a system crash... I have found the con- in -template...
I knew it wouldn’t last... (strum)
I’ve never made it ‘past’
14

Are We There Yet?
off of the Euro 2012 soccer This summer as we go around the
A lot has been accomplished within Province and our city Winnipeg,
the last century with regard to making tournament in the Ukraine
should serve as such a reminder taking in the sights and sounds and
the world we live in more humane and enjoying the many attractions and
more tolerant of the diversity of us that we are not there yet. Aluta
ontinua…the battle continues. festivities that come with the
humans. It has been no easy feat, and season, let us be grateful for what
we owe a lot of the successes in this Keeping things in perspective
however, we definitely still have has been accomplished here. Let us
area to the sacrifices of past and present bask in the warmth of the season
day advocates for social justice. reasons to celebrate how far we
have come. Generally speaking, and of the many good people of our
We all have the natural tendency to city. We must however never forget
relax after every success, to rest on our the world has become more
accepting of diversity. Most to continue to be advocates of truth,
oars, so to speak. However, there are justice and equality for all, and
always those incidents time and again people in civilized societies are
more willing to embrace the never tire of picking
that should at least serve the purpose of up our arms
reminding us that the battle for social differences of others, and more
willing to work together for the whenever the need
justice for all can never end. We must arises.
keep the flame burning, keep speaking common good. I find this to be
out against injustice and advocating for the case for many Manitobans. I
the equality of all human beings. The am told that this was not the case
recent incidents of racism at the kick two or three decades ago in
By: Lara Badmus
Manitoba.

Guyanese Cultural Organization celebrates Annual Tea

Dressed for tea - Mrs. & Mr
Samppson

Guyanese Tea is an annual affair love and care that we all can use What more can make a birthday
where people get dressed up as Mr. & a bit of every now and then. At more special to a mother? We hope
Mrs. Sampson (r) up and join their this year Tea Mrs. Doris Kitt Mother Kitt lives to see quite a few
fellow Guyanese and other friends to a celebrated her 80 something more birthdays in great spirit and
cup of delicious tea and goodies birthday and she had the health.
properly served by volunteer tea birthday song sung for her and a
pourers. It gives that special touch of kiss from her eldest son Calvin.
15 15

Helzi Sy - An Immigrant Success story
My first encounter with Hlezi was as
an Employment Counsellor with
Immigrant Women Employment
Counselling Service. She came to do a
presentation to the clients of Immigrant
Women’s Association of Manitoba,
Inc. Hlezi was impressive, highly
qualified and articulate. The mention of
her name in the African community
elicits commendations such as “very
brilliant,” “very qualified”, “very
successful in her field.” These are not
over-dramatic statements. Hlezi is all
of that and more. She is quiet,
unassuming and there’s a definite air of
humility about her and her soft
spokenness draws one in. My second
encounter recently I learned she is the
Manager, Sector Research and
Analysis at Agriculture Canada where
she was recently recognized for
reaching her 15 year milestone with the
federal public service.
Hlezi was missing in action for a few years. I learned she had moved to Mexico but now she is back and I
accidentally bumped into her and the rest is history. I suggested an article and she willingly agreed. I hope her
story will inspire you to reach your life goals.
BW: How long have you lived in BW: Do you have a family here? the counsellor I met with asked me to
Canada? HS Husband and 2 kids plus lot apply for a position with them. I did, got
HS: 23 years of relatives throughout North the job and stayed there for 2 years.
BW: What is your country of Origin? America Because my degree is in Agricultural
HS: Zimbabwe BW: How often do you go back Economics, I stayed plugged into that
BW: Why Canada? home to visit family and friends and network through the Manitoba Institute
HS: At the time, the International when it’s time to leave, how do you for Agrologists. At one of their meetings,
Development Research Centre (IDRC), a feel? I met a manager from the Royal Bank and
Canadian organization, was giving HS Every couple of years. It’s networked my way into a job with the
scholarships for graduate studies and the U hard to leave loved ones but I also bank. Again, I worked for RBC for 2
of M had the program I wanted. I also look forward to coming back to my years. That whole time, I kept an
happened to meet the gentleman who later home and family here in Winnipeg updated resume in the Public Service
became my advisor when he came to especially when I travel alone. Commission database. One day I got a
Zimbabwe so that made my choice a little BW: I know you currently work for call to interview for a market analyst
easier. the federal government. For many position. It was only for six months but I
BW: Sounds like you came with a immigrants landing that first job is very still left my permanent RBC job for the
Bachelor’s degree, was it recognized? difficult, what nuggets of experience term because I knew that would be my
HS: Yes I went into a Masters can you share for their benefit? foot in the door. Once I was in the
program with a Zimbabwean degree HS: My first job was with federal government, I had access to a lot
BW: What was the most challenging Immigrant Women’s Employment more job openings so I applied and
adjustment you had to make in your new Counselling Services (IWECS). I eventually landed a permanent position.
country? went there seeking help to look for a BW: So networking is important.
HS: The cold! job. Towards the end of my meeting,

16

Having a mentor was key to her success
HS: For me, networking is the most
important tool I use whether I’m looking for rather than operational which is from where you left off in terms of your
a job or looking to move up. We need to where I’m at right now. career development – what is the secret? Is
help each other as a community. Ask for BW: What kinds of supports it competence, luck, excellent qualifications
help, and if you have a bad experience once would you need to get there? or being at the right place at the right time?
with asking for help, try someone else. Do HS: A mentor is key, career HS: All of that. I am very grateful that
not overlook Canadian friends and plan and varied work assignments. after a five year absence I made a smooth
colleagues, they are very supportive. BW: How can immigrants help transition back to work. I get support from
BW: What is the most satisfying job each other in the area of work? my husband and kids first and foremost,
you’ve held so far? There are many people looking for but I also have colleagues and friends who
HS: My favourite job by far was at work outside of their fields because have supported me by keeping me abreast
IWECS. There is nothing more satisfying their qualifications are not of opportunities. When the opportunities
than helping another immigrant find their recognized. Do you have any tips to presented themselves, I made sure that I
way and become successful. I still run into share? was as prepared as I could be.
former clients and some of them have HS: For the most part, as BW: What is the most rewarding about
become very successful. immigrants, we have to get living in Winnipeg?
BW: Do you see the glass ceiling and/or Canadian qualifications. Even HS: The strong bonds I have formed
the colour bar to reaching your career goals? when you come highly qualified with friends and family. I always think of
HS: Regardless of where you are, there from your own country, investing in it as having my Diaspora family here in
will always be narrow minded and open six to nine months at a community Canada in addition to the family I left in
minded people. I try to seek out open college might mean the difference Zimbabwe.
minded people as coaches and mentors who between full employment (working BW: Do your children like living in
will lead me to opportunities where my in your area of specialization) and Canada, do they ever talk about the
competencies are valued. This is not to say under employment (doing work for extended family?
that there have been no obstacles in my which you are over qualified). The HS: They do. They were born here so
career path, just that I choose not to dwell on other suggestion I have is to be Canada is their home. We visit family or
that. Instead I focus on the opportunities I willing to take an entry level they visit us so the children do talk about
have had and on learning from successful position just to get your foot in the them, and to their relatives.
immigrants. door. Once you are in, work hard BW: Does Canada/Winnipeg feel like
BW: Recently you chaired a very to get to where you think you should home? Or do you still feel like an
important conference in the federal public be. immigrant?
service? How did you land that role and what BW: You were missing in action HS: Yes it feels like home. Winnipeg
did you learn from it? for some time would you like to tell is the place I have lived the longest as an
HS: I was co-emcee for the National us what took you away and what adult.
Managers Community Professional brought you back? BW: Thank you so much for this
Development Forum. This is an annual HZ: My husband was on a work inspiring conversation. All the best in
event for federal public service managers assignment in Mexico and I was able future years to you and your family.
across Canada. To be emcee, I had to to take a five year leave of absence.
submit an expression of interest. After being We came back for two main reasons.
short listed, I was interviewed by a four I needed to carry on with my career
person board. I had to make an impromptu and I was not able to do that fully in
presentation to the board. At the end of the Mexico even though I did have the
interview I had to provide the names of three opportunity to work briefly. We also
people who had seen me speak in front of came back, to Winnipeg specifically
large groups of people. This last part was because we consider this to be our
important because the forum I emceed was home in the Diaspora. We could
attended by 1100 managers. have easily gone to other parts of
BW: That is very impressive. Where do Canada. The opportunities were
you see yourself in the next five years in your there but we are very attached to our
community here. Yes, despite the Jocelyn Beaudette (Director, Program
career? Planning and Administrative Policy
HS: I would like to be in senior cold. (laugh) Integration) presents Hlezi Sy (Manager,
management in the next five years, where I BW: Yes, Winnipeg grows on us. Sector Research & Analysis) with her 15
am focusing more on strategic type issues It seems that you have picked up year Service Award.
17 17

HEALTHWISE
Fruit Salsa and sugar until onion is a deep 1 navel orange, unpeeled
brown color, 15 to 20 minutes. and sliced 1/4 in. thick
· 1 basket of strawberries*
Reduce heat to medium; add 1 star fruit, sliced width-
· 1 ripe avocado* wise (1/4in).
garlic, chile pepper, ginger, and
· 1/2 of a big melon*
curry powder. Stir constantly to Method
· 1 red bell pepper
incorporate, about 5 minutes. In a large punch bowl, combine the
· 1 little red onion
Increase heat to medium-heat mandarin wedges and their juice,
· 1 clove of garlic
and stir 1 can vegetable broth mango, strawberries, pineapple and
· the juice from one lime
into the onion mixture. Scrape maraschino cherries. Add the
· a little bit of salt
up any vegetables or curry coconut extract, mixed essence,
First, wash everything except the
powder stuck to the bottom of bitters and rum. Refrigerate for at
onion. Remove skins, seeds or any
the pot with a wooden spoon. least an hour.
other inedible bits. Cut everything
Add lentils and remaining 1 can
into small pieces, all about the size Pine Tarts
of vegetable broth; cook until
of your little fingernail. Mix all the
pieces together in a bowl. Pour on 2 cans crushed pineapple
the lime juice. Put the garlic in a Sugar - depends how sweet you want it
garlic press and squeeze it into the 1 large egg
bowl. If you like it hot, you can add Pastry
1/2 of a jalapeno pepper, chopped 1 lb (16 oz) flour
very fine. Salt to taste, remembering 1/2 lb (8 oz) of Crisco shortening
that most chips are salted. Method
Drain most of the liquid from the
Vegetarian Offering pineapple in the cans, then empty the cans
lentils are tender, about 30 into a pot. Add sugar till the sweetness is
Curried Lentils minutes. Stir cilantro into lentils desired to your taste.
before serving. Boil the pineapple on a medium fire until
Ingredients the juice is absorbed but the fruit is not
dry. Stir often to avoid burning. Put aside
1/4 cup canola oil Caribbean Rum Punch to cool.
1 large onion, diced Recipe. Prepare the pastry: mix the flour and
2 carrots, peeled and diced Ingredient: shortening together until the mixture
salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 14-ounce can mandarin becomes crumbly like bread crumbs.
1/2 teaspoon white sugar orange wedges with juice Then, as you mix with your hands, add
3 cloves garlic, minced 1 small mango, peeled and small amounts of ice cold water as needed,
1 fresh chile pepper, minced chopped or and knead until the flour mixture becomes
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 cup frozen ripe mango soft and doughy.
3 tablespoons curry powder 1 cup fresh or frozen Break off 1½ inch balls and roll out into
2 (14 ounce) cans vegetable broth, strawberries, sliced thin rounds.
Put an amount of the pineapple mixture
divided 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple
in the center of each round, and then close
1 cup lentils chunks
the pastry over the filling to form a
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or 1/4 cup maraschino cherries triangle-shaped tart. Use a fork to pinch
more to taste 1/2 tsp. coconut extract the corners shut.
1/4 tsp. mixed essence Beat the egg in a bowl and brush it on top
Directions
2 tsp. Angostura bitters of the pine tarts.
Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over 1 cup dark rum? Put the tarts in an oven preheated to
medium-high heat; cook and stir 2 cups passion fruit 350Â°F, and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or
onion, carrots, salt, black pepper, 4 cups ginger ale or ginger beer until done.
2 cups sparkling white
18

Leg Up Nominate a Girl
The United Nations has declared
October 11, 2012 to be the First
“International Day of the Girl”
Laurel Wright, Monica
to provide an opportunity to
Rhiney and Violet Clacken
Battle of the Gospel Choirs Pilgrim Baptist (PB)
recognize young women around
the world as important citizens
Mr. George Church of Winnipeg,
Jarvis, and powerful voices of change.
sponsored its first annual
Pastor, PBC The Manitoba Status of Women
with mentor “Battle of the Choirs”
in March 2012 as its
will be holding a special event,
P a s t o r
Cornish contribution to Black hosted by the Minister of Family
History. Five choirs Services and Labour, to
registered but four got celebrate this important
cold throats at the last occasion. We are seeking
minute leaving one choir nominations for girls ages 12 to
standing - Pilgrim 17 from across the province to
Baptist Choir and the participate. Twenty girls will be
natural winner of the selected to join us for a fun and
competition.
interactive day that will feature a
Conducted by Mr. Bruce keynote speaker(s), local
Tynes, the choir, entertainment, and the
Pilgrim Baptist Choir entertained the audience opportunity for the girls to
to a half hour of great interact with members of the
singing and received on Legislative Assembly. There is
the spot vital coaching no cost for the selected young
from the three judges of
women and their chaperones to
the event: Cynthia Wahl,
Stuart Sladden and Dr. attend. Nomination deadline is
Charles Horton. August 15, 2012. Please visit
http://www.gov.mb.ca/msw/
The audience was also index.html to download
introduced to Mr. nomination forms or call the
George Jarvis, the new Manitoba Status of Women at
pastor of PB Church who
(204) 945-6281 for more
handed out prizes to the
winning choir as well as information. Call Today.
Judges
to Pastor Layne and
Pastor Cornish with 2nd
and 3 rd prizes a
respecttively. Pastor
Jarvis recognize Pastor
I learned that when you are
Cornish as his spiritual willing to make sacrifices
father and mentor for for a great cause, you will
more than 10 years. One never be alone, because
and all are welcomed to you will have divine
attend services at the companionship and the
Church. support of good people.
Cynthia Wall, Stuart Sladden and Dr. Charles Horton Corretta Scott King
Officer Sheppard and
Sandra Housen
19 19

Zizi - The Continuing Story
Zizi tried to get her head around all it come from him and it will” loved to bake and growing boys
that she was hearing. She felt as if she Okay. Well why don’t we go love to have treats and she made
was standing of shifting sands of beliefs over to Brenda to see the boys. I sure they had better treats than
and that the people around her were like miss them. They keep me store bought treats.
shadows going in and out of shades. grounded and I’ve been getting “The boys will be very happy
Her head was spinning. Her only reality phone calls - they want me to tonight. They’re Canadians - love
was Leyroy. She knew whatever he told come over or they want a sleep to eat out. We’re old time
her was true and that he was truly over. Maybe we’ll go and bring Guyanese and prefer our own
watching her back. them back with us.” cooking”
What is the involvement with Mr. “That’s fine with me. Me and “Sometimes we need a break
Daniels and Johnny? Was Mr. Daniels the boys could play some from the kitchen. I am looking
playing her or was he a double agent. computer games” forward to seeing the boys”
Zizi’s active imagination was working “What about me - when you Zizi told Leyroy the plans
overtime dreaming up all kinds of guys get caught up with that changed and he was excited about
scenarios. thing, I cease to exist.” it too. He loved pizza and who
“Why didn’t Danny let on that he “Well, what’s wrong with doesn’t Zizi thought.
knew Johnny?” you learning to play the games - “I’ll spilt the bill with you Zizi.
“Beats me.” Leyroy said rubbing his get involved man” When you take me there they treat
chin thoughtfully “I’m sure there’s a “We’ll see. I’m going to us like Royalty and I’d like to
good reason. Danny is a straight up phone Brenda now and see if return the favour.”
guy. I trust him with everything I got.” she’s going to be home before “When you put it that way, how
“Me too and I hate myself for we start making grand plans.” can I refuse. Thank you Ley. I
questioning what this could mean?” Zizi made the call and Brenda think it’d be good for us to spend
“That’s natural” was excited that they would get some time with the boys - they are
“So what do we do now?” together. Zizi decided that so much fun and I feel like my old
“Let’s wait and see for a while... instead of going over, she’d self when I am with them.”
something’s gonna give and people will invite them all at Boston Pizza, “Would it be okay to bring my
start talking” the boy’s favourite and then son along as well?”
“My gut feeling is to go straight to afterwards they can go to their “Of course I want to get to
Danny and ask him what’s going on house for desserts. She knew know him a lot better.”
that I need to be in the loop.” Brenda always have something “He thinks the world about you,
“Don’t think that is a good idea. Let sweet at the house because she just like his dad.”

Nahlah Ayed’s Kockout Book-launch
Nahlah Ayed, author of “A Thousand of the province and said Win-
Farewells” and CBC reporter who covered nipeg is home to her and it is
most of the Middleast news from the field, always a pleasure to be back.
packed the house at McNally Robinson Ayed read beautifully and
recently at her book launching event. answer questions from the
Former Winnipegger and former audience from a platform on
Churchill High student, Ayed’s ties to the floor leading up to the
Winnipeg remains strong with her parents Children’s Section.
and only brother for whom Winnipeg is The books at the store were
still home. sold out and many left bearing
Ayed spoke like a true Winnippegger IOU’s with Ayed’s signature.
who appreciate the beauty and diversity Terry MacLeod was the MC
for the book launch.
20

21 21

Helma Rogge Rehders and Artists’ Studio Tour
“If you enjoy original art, gentle Fresh original performance art at H
waves and sun-drenched sandy beaches, when you see the expansive array of one-
RogueRaiders Studio, hot from the
Helma Rogge Rehders, painter and fire enamel jewellery from of-a-kind jewellery (there are no less than
longtime IWAM member, can suggest Nepenthé Studio and a new five different studios and galleries to
to head to collective choose your treasure from).
Manitoba’s The artists of The Manitoba Interlake
Interlake for of four
the 11th artists Wave Tour are looking forward to showing
Annual at The off their original art to you. It’s a perfect
Wave W oodshed way to kick off summer on June 9th and
Artists’ Show. 10th!
Studio Tour, There www.watchthewave.ca for maps and
September 1 directions.
to 11th 2012. is
More than 30 something
studios and for
galleries will everyone!
welcome you for a visit to see how their Add a painting to your art
artwork is created. Whether it’s pottery, collection, prepare for winter with
sculpture, fabric or fibre art, glass,
paintings, jewellery, or wood, you’ll get a cozy hand-spun or woven cozy
personal look at how it all comes hat and mitts, test drive a fine
together. Meet the artists and be treated hand-made guitar, enjoy original
to the whole experience on this free self- wood fired pottery, glamorous
guided tour. hand-dyed silk scarves or a
But that’s not all! This year, the mirrored light house. If you like
Wave welcomes two new studios -
figurative art by Thora Barnett and “bling”, you’re heart will throb
watercolours by Rosemary Miguez.

Winnipeg Soroptimist
International Gives Rules to Live By
Awards If you open it - CLOSE IT!
purpose is to improve the quality If you turn it on - TURN IT OFF!
of life of women and children If you unlock it - LOCK IT BACK!
locally, nationally and globally If you break it - FIX IT!
through lobbying, volunteer work If you can’t fix it - CALL SOMEONE
and financial support. For more WHO CAN!
information contact If you borrow it - RETURN IT!
siofwpg@soroptimist.net If you use it - TAKE CARE OF IT!
If you make a mess - CLEAN IT UP!
Each year Soroptimist International of If you move it - PUT IT BACK WHERE
Winnipeg recognizes women and girls YOU FOUND IT!
L to R: Maya Viner, 2nd place
who have made a difference in their If it is out of place - PUT IT WHERE IT
Women’s Opportunity Award
community especially in helping other winner, Sharon Taylor, Ruby BELONGS!
women and girls reach their potential. winner, Deborah Turner, 1st If it belongs to someone else - GET
place Women’s Opportunity PERMISSION TO USE IT!
Soroptimist is part of an international Award winner, and Megan If you don’t know how to operate it -
professional and business women’s Dufrat, winner of Violet DON’T USE IT!
service group whose fundamental Richardson Youth Volunteer If it doesn’t concern you - STAY OUT OF
award IT!
22

Congratulations to Guyanese Cultural Organization’s 2012 Awardees

l to right Johnson Cameron, Cindy Cameron(graduate) Mr. David Winston Roberts, graduated with Rudy Small Guyanese
Jayden Cameron, Desroy Cameron, Leroy Cameron and a Phys Ed Degree, University of Manitoba who lives in Regina
Keira Cameron with his proud mother Gloria Roberts Sask. came for the
(holding the plaque) event.

Lois Stewart
Archer, Derek
Dabee and
Dr. Brian
Archer who
delivered the
Toast to
Guyana

Rita Austin flanked by her son, left) daughter and US son-in-
law
The Guyanese cultural Organization
of Manitoba held it’s annual
independence banquet and dance at the
Victoria Inn on May 26, 2012. The
guest speaker was Mr. Richard Cloutier
of CJOB Radio Station. Mr. Cloutier
tried his tongue at Guyanese
vernacular and had the crowd roaring
with laughter.
Two Guyanese were recognized for
their outstanding achievements - Mrs.
Cindy Cameron who completed a
Bachelor of Social Work Degree and
Rita Nedd (r) grand-daughter Devina (Centre) Mr. David Roberts who completed a
and daughterRaquel (l). Devina gave the Vote Anne Deuwarder and daughter Bachelor of Physical Education.
of Thanks. Sammy Duncan

23 23

The Immigrant Women’s
Association of Manitoba Inc. held
it’s 5th annual Multicultural
Expo at the Cross-Ways in
Commons in April 2011.
There were more than 75 partici-
pants in attendance.
There were presentations on
community resources available to
immigrants including, Second
Stage Housing, Human Rights,
Immigrant Refugees Community
Organizations of Manitoba and an
interactive physical fitness
exercise that a person can do at
home using the weight of their
own bodies to build muscles and
resistance by Pritpal Pachu.
This was followed by cultural
presentations from; India,
Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.

Dancing and
drumming

Ms Pachu - classical
Indian dancer

Group dance with the
Rwandan dancers

Sharuka Sambanthan
beautiful R&B singer
Arts and Crafts
24

Meet the RCMP’s Cultural Diversity Officer in Manitoba
have a deeper
An RCMP member understanding of the
with 19 years of communities they
service is “D” serve.
Division’s first Cpl. Ogungbemi
Cultural Diversity will continue to
Officer, dedicated to actively promote
working closely with cultural awareness
members of visible not only among
minority communities community members
served by the RCMP and their leaders but
throughout Manitoba. also among “D”
Cpl. David Division RCMP
Ogungbemi assumed members through
the role in September workshops,
2010 and is based at presentations and
Manitoba RCMP training sessions.
headquarters in He continues to be
Winnipeg. regularly involved
He has traveled to rural and urban events, such as the annual Afro- with the Commanding Officer’s
Manitoba communities, including Caribbean job fair at Elmwood Advisory Committee on Cultural
Thompson, Steinbach and Elie, to hear School, the Manitoba Umuna Diversity. He can be reached by
the concerns of visible minority Igbofest cultural celebration, e-mail
community members and service the Congolese Association’s (Dave.O.Ogungbemi@rcmp-
providers and their ideas on enhancing International Women’s Day grc.gc.ca) or phone at (204) 983-
police services. He is a member of event, as well as Muslim, 2494 for any inquiries, concerns
several cultural and advisory committees Ukrainian, Rwandan, and or events related to cultural
within the province. Aboriginal cultural events. issues, gang awareness and
He continues to research, analyze and He has also attended Chinese RCMP history and recruiting.
identify public safety gaps within visible and Hindu Cultural events, the by Sue Murray, RCMP
minority communities with the goal of Council of Caribbean Communications
preventing and reducing crime and Organizations of Manitoba
victimization. He also liaises with all Honorary Service Awards, the
immigrant settlement services in Citizen Equity Youth Role
Manitoba. Model Awards, the Women of Diversity is not
Cpl. Ogungbemi has been developing Distinction Awards, along with
rapport with visible minority a refugee settlement workshop, about how we
communities by opening lines of human smuggling differ. Diversity
communication, building trust, getting to presentations, and an anti-gang
know and understand their cultures, conference in Thompson. He is about
listening to their concerns, and raising also plans to reach and network embracing one
awareness of how the RCMP works. with other ethnic community
Building strong relationships with the groups in the near future. another’s
people of Canada is fundamental to our Recognizing that Manitoba’s uniqueness.
success. immigrant population is
Ola Joseph
To that end Cpl. Ogungbemi has growing, RCMP “D” Division
attended many cultural and educational is ensuring that its members
25 25

Gaffin wid EARTH DAY
Buddy CELEBRATION
Summa time an de living is
easy. My favourite time a de
year. OMG we bin getting
desert heat lately ah doan
mine it atall because soon dat
damn cold would be pan us
again. Right now me a getting ready fuh some
limbo dancing cultural fix and sampling foods
me neva taste before. Me talking bout
folklarama. Meh neva get tired a seeing limbo
done right, it is really nice and bring back
memories of back home. At the forks
When we wuz kids I even used to do di ting
but meh get old and stiff easy to break. We
people like ourselves soh much dat we just
hang around ow own pavilion. It is nice dough
because it is like a lickle reunion, you get to
see some people at least once a year to gaff an
ting. I look forward to dat.
The Canadian people who come to de
pavilion are so nice and happy and some a dem
can eat peppa moh dat Caribbean barn people.
I watch dem pouring hat peppa on roti and
curry or rice and curry like dem pour ketchup.
Dese must have som’n else in dem. It’s unreal.
It’s nice to see people fram different
backgrounds, races, cultures getting along and
having a good time but how can we keep de
spirit going all year roun, how can we bruck
through the ice on de lake. All in all I tink we
making headway wid de intapersonal racial
situation but the institutions remain in tack and
need a different strategy. Nuff already let’s
enjoy summatime an all it gat to offa.

When one door closes another door opens;
but we so often look so long and so We all have a responsibility to our environment and to
regretfully upon the closed door, that we do practice walking softly upon the earth and to treat it
not see the ones which open for us. with care for the generations that follow. Earth Day
Alexander Graham Bell gives us a chance to reflect and think about how we
treat our world.
26

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27 27

Dr. Steve Kirby and Derek
Gardner Trumpeter

Audience Participation.

Janet Cross
Bonanza year for attendance at
HPF Jazz Fundraiser
It was a bitter sweet fundraiser and her role as Public Relations Officer
for the Horace Patterson for the Foundation to pursue other
Foundation Annual Jazz concert interests.
fundraiser. There was record The Board expressed its sadness to see
participation this year and it was her leave but wished her well in her new
also the time to say goodbye to a undertakings.
longtime member of HPF. Janet Cross said HPF will always be close
Cross said goodbye to Winnipeg to her heart.

intensive production process and in duration; the victims are treated as
some are still reaping the harvest of though they were commodities; total
affluence and power to this day. power is exercised over the victim,
Book of Interest Europeans produced sugar in the although only temporarily.” In 2007, half
Author - Sidney W. Mintz Caribbean islands and Brazil for of Brazil’s 5,877 workers freed from
chronicles in his book Sweetness export back to Europe using African slavery — many of them indigenous —
and Power: The Place of Sugar in slave labour. In 1619, the British worked in sugarcane cultivation.
Modern History. brought both slaves and sugarcane to Harvesting sugarcane is so arduous that
Many of those from the Caribbean their colony in Jamestown, but
workers can become physically broken
countries and African continent sugarcane would not grow in
understand the bitterness of sweet Virginia. Determined to satisfy their
after just 10 or 12 years.
sugar that we now enjoy in sweet tooth, the British took over Paradoxically this sweet tooth
overabundance. Most might not know Barbados soon thereafter and addiction of most Western countries is
that there was a time when even the established sugar plantations. responsible for many untimely deaths
aristocrats of noble birth could not Interestingly enough although and chronic diseases. According to
afford this then delicacy until as you legalized slavery has long been research sugar consumption grew from
would see in this book that African abolished, sugarcane is still almost an estimated 2 percent of the British
people were used as slaves to drive universally produced with unjust diet in 1800 to an estimated 14 percent
production and to create a cheaper labor conditions, including modern-
a century later. Sugar now makes up 20
product that even the lower class day slavery. In Brazil, a study found
percent of the American diet. Today
could enjoy. Of course the producers that, “Modern-day slavery ... is short
had basically free labour in a labour cont’d on p29
28

most Americans see sugar as a your typical easy breezy novel Book of Interest cont’d from p28
necessity, but most of our ancestors format so it might be a bit culture, it would be informative
lived entirely without it. difficult to get into but for those reading.
The book is written from an who are interested in history and
anthropological perspective and not
29 29

Multiculturalism Day At the Forks JAMAICA 50 - AN INTER-
NATIONAL CELEBRATION
see backpage

On Tuesday, June 26 at 7:30 PM at the
Jamaican Association of Manitoba
Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Avenue,
Carmen Nembhard hosted a reception to
welcome the Hon. Derrick Kellier, M.P.,
Minister of Labour & Social Security of
Jamaica, and H.C. Sheila Sealy Monteith.
They urged the community to participate
in Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of
Independence activities - a message they
are taking across Western Canada. Hors
d’oeuvres and refreshments were served
free of charge. Jamaicans came out in
Large crowd gathered at the Forks record number in support of this event.

Sheila Sealy Monteith, Jamaica HC to
Canada poses with Carmen Nembhard,
Honorary Counsul
Below is Hon. Derrick Kellier (centre)
Heidschnucken dancers Minister of Labour and Social Security for
Jamaica

Some participants at the recent reception held at the
Jamaica Cultural Centre.
30

First Black Canadian
IN THE MIX
Comedy Tour HORACE PATTERSON FOUN- Guyanese Organization of
DATION Manitoba, is holding its annual
The first all-black Canadian “Celebrating Youth, Education & family picnic at duck curry
comedy tour “The underground Culture” competition at Crescent Park off
Comedy railroad with four Presents 20 YEARS OF Pembina Highway on Saturday July
outstanding cast of four handsome EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA 14 starting at noon. If you have
men: Andrew Searies, of Montreal, under the patronage of Hon. never been to one make it this year.
Patrick Haye of Mississauga, BECKY BARRETT. The curry is sweet, sweet enough to
Ontario, Daniel Woodrow and host Features: “International African bite yuh tongue. You eat for free.
Rodney Ramsey of Montreal who Inventors Museum” Exhibit; *****
was the host of the show passed Keynote Speaker: Rod Hill – The Congress of Black Women of
through Winnipeg in March this former NFL & All Canadian CFL Manitoba is sponsoring its annual
year. The show’s tag line is to raise player Unity Dinner on October 20, 2012 at
awareness and break down barriers Date: Saturday, September 22, the Canad Inn, Transcona
one laugh at a time. 2012 Cost: $65.00 Tickets available from the Congress
As the original Underground Venue: Lombard Office at 46 Princess Street.
Railroad gave freedom and All net proceeds will go towards Call 775-4378 for more information.
opportunity to oppressed African youth scholarships
Americans many years ago, The
Underground Comedy Railroad tour JAM 50 Celebration East Indians of the Caribbean
introduced the voice of Black JAM Inc. invites you to its 50th According to Dr. Martin Jagdeo
Canadians, who have limited access Independence Anniversary Boodhoo who spoke on the occasion of
to the mainstream media, to our banquet and dance celebration Indian Arrival Day which
fellow citizens. Setting off during Sat August 4, 2012 at Victoria Inn commemorates the day East Indans
Black history month, the tours 1808 Wellington Ave. were brought to the Caribbean to take
objective was to give centre stage to Cocktails 6:30 ; Dinner 7:00 p.m. over where the slaves left off on
one of the countriy’s visible Ticket - $50.00. Come all! plantations but as free men and women,
minorities’ talents. five characteristics of the East Indian
Local comedienne Aisha Alfa
was the opening act but could have
Guess Who migrant that helped them to adapt and
settle in the Caribbean:
easily been the main event. The girl 1. Their unfailing adherence to a
was funny, funny. Ms Aisha Alfa religious conviction in the Almighty
was at the Comedy club recently 2. The quest to discover and to know
opening for NY Comedian Reese oneself for the liberation of his soul or
Waters where she was fantastic. I atma, was a driving force for both
think Alfa has a great career in spiritual and material enlightenment;
comedy. Alfa personalizes her 3. Closely-knit family unity that was
jokes using rich materials from her largely influenced by tradition and the
ethnicity. need to stick together for survival was
A GEM reader suggested we include equally significant factor.
a “guess who “ feature where people 4. The love and care of one’s neighbours
will be asked to guess the person in or Jahaji (brotherly love)
Ms Aisha the photograph and what they did
Alfa 5. Care of the environment. Though
that was important to the
community. early Indians lived in logies and mud
Phone in your answer - the first floors with bare necessities, hygiene
person who calls with the right was a predominant consideration in
answer will receive a surprise gift. their daily lives.
S Phone: 477-1588
31 31

Bangalesh Dancer, Aboriginal Hoop Dancer

Multiculturalism Day 2012 Drum Cafe
at the Forks
canopy enjoyed by a signifi- Yellow River Chinese Association
The Manitoba Association of
Rights and Liberties (MARL) cant crowd comfortably Inc
under the leadership of Cindy seated in chairs provided, that Drum Cafe, Heidschnucken
stayed for the entire event Dancers
Murdoch, Executive Director,
and its numerous volunteers which lasted for four hours Nepali Cultural Society of Manitoba
celebrated Muliticulturalism Day from noon to 4:00 p.m. The Royal Scottish Country Dance
particpating groups this year Society of Winnipeg; Bengali
and Manitoba’s diversity at the
Forks Market. were: Indonesian Dance Association of Manitoba; Summer
Several groups participated and Group; Canada-Bangladesh Bear Dance Troupe; Cubanism,
Association of Manitoba Inc. Buena Clave
had cultural booths under the

32

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