March, 68, died Saturday, July 20, at Sunnybrook Hospital. He left an extensive record of community involvement, earning the title of “elder”. March, among other things, was the founding-director of the Zero Gun Violence Movement. “He worked tirelessly, at the grassroots level, to inspire people to work together and take action,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor […]
By Roger Gibbs Photos by Dave Douglas Toronto’s East Town Banquet Hall in Scarborough was abuzz with excitement and anticipation at the climax of the 2024 KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals which took place on Sunday, July 28. Held the weekend before the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade every year, this year an enthusiastic calypso […]
By Anthony Joseph Carlton Joseph was not just a name many recognized from the pages of our publication, particularly his insightful column on page 7, but he was also my big brother, mentor, and the unwavering rock in my life. His recent passing has left a void in my heart and the hearts of many […]
By Stephen Weir The celebrations of Emancipation Day were designated a national historic event in 2021. Historically, people of African descent in Upper and Lower Canada marked the abolition of enslavement in 1834 with organized celebrations, giving rise to annual events. In the past, Emancipation Day, often called West Indian Day, highlighted the freedom of […]
Carnival, often mistaken as mere revelry and masquerade, is deeply entwined with a history that spans colonialism, slavery, and religious transformation. Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where pagan festivals honored mythological deities. This tradition was later adopted by the Roman Catholic Church and celebrated across Europe before making its way to […]
By Stephen Weir Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival festivities kicked off with a colourful celebration at the Blue Jays’ home game on Friday, July 26. This marked the third consecutive year that the team hosted a Caribbean-themed event at Rogers Centre. The evening began with a lively pregame ceremony featuring members of Epic Carnival Mas, who ran […]
The JN Group, through its subsidiaries JN Money Services Limited and JN Cayman, has launched the I Support Jamaica Fund to provide crucial support for Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Beryl. The JN Foundation is overseeing the fund, which also has backing from the governments of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Donations will primarily aid in […]
According to a recent Payments Canada study, over 13% of Canadians have encountered payment fraud in the past six months, a similar rate to the 14% reported in 2023. This persistent issue has made Canadians wary of payment scams, affecting their payment behaviors and increasing caution when dealing with bills and financial communications. Fraud and […]
Former residents and descendants of the historic Black community of Africville are outraged after a violent incident during their annual reunion in Halifax last Saturday. The shooting, which occurred during the 41st Africville Family Reunion, left five people injured and cast a dark shadow over the event, which is meant to celebrate the community’s history […]
The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Dresden, Ontario, hosts an annual Emancipation Day celebration that highlights hope and freedom, marking the end of slavery in Canada and underscoring the ongoing quest for inclusivity and equity. Henson, a Methodist preacher, escaped slavery in the United States and arrived in Canada on October 28, 1830. Although […]
