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Then Harlem,

NY 1910

Now Toronto,

ON! 2010

100 years later

B H M E v e n t L i s t i n g s

Inside: 2010 BHM Calendar

Feature: Just Call Him the Mack Interview with NSBE Executive Director Carl Mack

Where to Dine

2

Share Your

Victorious

Legacy

Everyone has one. What‘s yours?

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Did we miss your BHM event? Not sure where to go for BHM? Want to advertise in upcoming issues? Want VL recording your events? Visit. Www.victoriouslegacy.com Why the Cover for 2009? Each word on the 2009 introductory collectors edition cover was carefully selected to tell a story from the beginning of the word ―Dream‖ right to the end ―Change has Come.‖

Visit www.victoriouslegacy.com for the full 2009 cover

story

READERS COMMENTS:

I am so glad this is finally here. My children are 17 -33yrs old. Do you know how many times I have phoned around the city in February looking for events to take them during black history month? No one ever seemed to know, not even Share Newspaper could tell me. About 10 yrs ago I was again looking for an event and ah-ha, the obvious place to call would be the Ontario Black History Society. I should have gotten the answer and to my surprise THEY did not know of anything happening in the city. Thankfully that is now going to be a thing of the past.

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CONTENTS Your 2010 SMART GUIDE to Events

Black History Month Edition

Welcome Page 5

Ontario Wine: Ours to Discover? 8

Toronto Smart Renaissance 13

Black History vs Black Future 14

BHM Event Listings 25

2010 BHM Calendar 32

Whose Turf Is It? 34

2010 Dining Guide 37

Profiles: See Heather Seaman 34

Northern Rush in Diamond Country 46

Inside this issue: Feature: Just Call Him the Mack: NSBE Executive Director pg 18

Battle of the Smart Phones: Shopping pg 22

Mailing Address: 1215-33 King Street, Toronto, Ontario Info@victoriouslegacy.com

All the Buzz about Carole‘s Cheesecake pg 38

Editor‘s Note: Page 5

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5

A

Welcome to Bienvenue A

Editor’s Note

SMART GUIDE 2010 CONTRIBUTING CAST:

Sara Beasley Business Development Drew Young Web Development Kerry A. Thomas Editor-in-Chief

Carneice Swaby Associate Managing Director Vanida Savory—Photographer

Roy Virtue Photojournalist Kaylea McCarron—Writing Contributor

Mark Stoddard—Art Contributor

Beginning 2010 and the ensuing years, there will be a burst of energy sweeping its way through Toronto and Canada.

The undertone of this energy is that of a New Age Renaissance brewing, overflowing into many areas of the Canadian economy. From Smart Phones to Smart Cars– let‘s face it!

The future from the year 2010 and on means making smarter decisions. It is these decisions that will shape our way of life for the future. Enjoy the 2010 SMARTGUIDE to Black History Month.

K

erry

nn

homas

T

.COM KA. Thomas Editor-in-Chief

The Official

Proclamation for

Black

History Month

From the House of

Commons.

Thanks to the

Honourable Jean

Augustine.

The first

African

Canadian

Parliamentary

Secretary

Vancouver 2010: Hudson Bay Wins the Bid to Design

the 2010 Winter Olympics Gear Over ROOTS

What’s Your Opinion? www.victoriouslegacy.com or

twitter TOMediaStarlet

Photo: Courtesy of Hudson Bay Company and Jamaican Bobsled Team

Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Jamaican Bobsled Team

Nuff people couldn‘t believe! Do you believe now? Can the Jamaicans dominate the 2010 Vancouver Winter

Olympics as they did at the 2008 Japan Summer Olympics in Track & Field?

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n t a r i o W i n e :

u r s t o D i s c o v e r ?

Preparing to consult foreign authori-ties on wine through their various channels always gets me anxious. Eagerly, I will flip directly to the in-dex searching, hoping, for a men-tion: Canada; Ontario; Niagara; ANYTHING!?! Surely, they have heard of ice wine! Forgotten, yet again? A 2008 CIA (Culinary Institute of America) text on loan from the To-ronto Public Library recently gave Canadian wines a modest honor-able mention due to: ―good to great‖ quality; companionship with food; and pricing. We were included with

Greece in the thirteenth chapter under the headline: ‗Up and Coming‘. Acceptance is ours! Or is it? I have worked and played with Ontario wine in Toronto and the Niagara region – managing a small restaurant wine pro-gram; planning and executing annual Ontario wine tours. I am proud and intrigued to see our wines - and their makers - being recognized in the vortex of the American market, which averages around 703 million gallons/year in con-sumption.

We pop up in Wine Spectator for our gorgeous ice wines; hold annual awards and produce publications (i.e. Wine Ac-cess); are filling the web with our opinions - some featuring an inspiring and aggressive Ontario growing pain, known as:

o

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the CIC vs. VQA debate. We are home to breathtaking wine country scenery and a life-style that many tourists pay to see and ex-perience.

Unfortunately, acceptance internationally may no longer be the challenge. Prior to the 1960s, Niagara‘s vineyards were producing native grapes and creating low-quality prod-uct. It took technological advancements, in-cluding grafting; NAFTA; and the upgrading of vines and regulations governing the do-mestic industry, to revolutionize Ontario wine and increase its drinkability, exposure, and profit compared to international wines.

Problem Solved? The current arguments over purity deepen the muddied reputation of our wine, espe-cially for the domestic market. This is the crux of the abovementioned CIC (Cellared in Canada) and VQA (Vinter‘s Quality Alliance) conflict. VQA product is labeled, provincially regulated, and produced from smaller yields of 100% Ontario juice; while CIC brands are usually blended with larger yields and pos-sess foreign-grown (up to 70%) content. The visibility of CIC brands outweighs VQA in the LCBO; they hold large acreage in Ontario; and are the financial heavyweight in the bur-geoning future of the Canadian wine indus-try. Conversely, VQA

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appeals as the ‗white knight‘, cham-pioning purity; however, VQA wines are more expensive to produce, and sell for slightly more. Both sides should work together because al-though these roadblocks are a sign of a growing market coming-of-age in tough economic times, they cur-rently incite more politics, confusion, and distrust in the Canadian client trying to chose an affordable bottle this Valentine‘s Day – often times facilitating the purchase of a well-advertised ‗wine of the week‘ from Argentina or Australia. Could it be that our ‗up and coming‘ status is fleeting, then? I certainly drink and enjoy foreign wine but I remain com-mitted due to the astonishing way we dismiss or refuse our own success. Très Canadi enne! Learning Ontario

wines from our small, yet distinctive regions (Niagara and its sub-appellations; Prince Edward County; Pelee Island; and Lake Erie) is a fas-cinating pleasure. Visiting and tast-ing at the wineries, and meeting the people behind the product, sky-rockets your familiarity and confi-dence with our viticulture in a way a dinner party never will.

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Photo: Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum. Image: Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

THEN HARLEM , NY 1910 Harlem Renaissance was an era in Black Culture referring to the political, social, cultural and eco-nomical growth among African-Americans after the First World War lasting until the middle of the 1930s Depression. The migration of African-Americans to the northern cities was contributed as a major factor in the birth of the Harlem Renaissance. Between the years of 1919 and 1926, large numbers of Black Americans moved north from their southern dwelling for more urban centers such as New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC. As you can see today the development of Black communi-ties are very strong there. Oprah ring a bell!?! This Black urban migration combined with the forward movement trends occurring throughout the 1920s American society and the rise of a group of radical Black intellectuals all contributed to the particular styles and unprecedented success of Black artists. What began as a series of literary discussions in lower Manhattan (Greenwich Village) and upper Manhattan (Harlem) was first known as the 'New Negro Movement.' Later termed the Harlem Renaissance, this movement brought unprecedented creative activity in writing, art, and music and redefined expressions of African-Americans and their heritage.

100 years later

NOW TORONTO, ON 2010 Northern Rush The Underground Railroad was a passage for more than 5,000 Americans who made Canada their new home. Then, the early 1900‘s saw an influx of Black immigrants who worked on the rail-roads and as domestics. 1970‘s saw an increase of Caribbean Blacks migrate to Canada working mainly as domestics under the Trudeau government—making their devotion between old-school Blacks and the Liberals very strong even with our conservative nature. From that time until now, Black Canadians have made tremendous strides from recognition of the Canadian Government for Black History Month, to the Bicentenary Commemoration for the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 2007, to the sweeping of troubled neighbourhoods, to the birth of the first African Canadian School, to the arrival of 10,000 black engineering professionals. The Toronto SMART Renais-sance is underway. Like the gold rush, the Northern Rush has begun. We have our history to thank for that!

TORONTO SMART Renaissance

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Black History 1910—1930 Harlem, NY 1910 Arguably the start of the Harlem Renais-sance after more than 2 million African Ameri-can move from the south after the civil war. Also the start of The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP). An Organization that Carl Mack our feature story was Executive Director, 80 years after its inception. 1917 Jamaican-born Marcus Garvey arrives in Harlem and founds the United Negro Improve-ment Association, an organization that urges Blacks to unite and form their own nation. 1917 Between 10,000 and 15,000 African Americans join the Silent Protest Parade, marching down Fifth Avenue in complete si-lence to protest violence against Blacks. 1921 Langston Hughes's great poem "The Ne-gro Speaks of Rivers" is published in Crisis. 1923 Harlem's largest and most famous caba-ret, the Cotton Club, opens.

Black Future 2010—Future

Toronto, ON

2010—Over 10,000 African American Engi-neering Professionals to Toronto for NSBE Convention. The largest number of Black Pro-fessionals to visit TORONTO. 2009—President Obama is sworn in leaving the nation in tears for hope of change. President Obama calls Canada the New Economic North. 2009—St. Lucian born, journalist and commu-nity activist Gwyn Chapman formed the first ever Canadian Black Caucus to inspire and motive youths. 2009—Author Austin Clarke wins Toronto Book Awards Prize for his novel ―More‖ and in 2002 the Giller Prize for his Novel ―The Polished Hoe.‖ 2007— What was to be a protest on Queen‘s Park grounds with Black Panther leader Shab-baz, sparking security alerts and major con-cerns, turns out to be more media than protes-tors lead by Black Youth Taking Action. Shab-baz is banned from entering the country.

Then vs Now 100 years later!

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1922 The first major book published on the Har-lem Renaissance appears by Claude McKay's novel Harlem Shadows published by Harcourt, Brace. The Harlem Stride Style, a new way to play the pi-ano was created during the Harlem Renaissance, helping to blur the lines between the poor negros and socially elite negros. Jazz greats like Duke El-lington, help make this new cultural explosion at-tractive as white and world nations became en-thralled with Black culture. 1923 The National Ethiopian Art Players produce Willis Richardson's The Chip Woman, the first drama by a Black playwright to appear on the Broadway stage.

1930’s The stock market crashes, setting off the economic downturn known as the Great Depres-sion. This cooled down the burst of growth until the late 60‘s early 70‘s when a new era of Black social ac-tivists took stage, such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King. 1935 Harlem is the scene of a major riot sparked by anger over discrimination by white-owned busi-nesses.

2007 Completion of the Michael Lee Crystal at the ROM. Michael Lee Chin donates $30 million to the ROM for the Michael Lee Crystal extension of the Royal Ontario Museum. 2006 DJ Carl Allen and artist Carl Cas-sell, opens Harlem Restaurant. T.O.s most esteemed Black-owned dine in res-taurant and lounge. 2006-2015 Rexdale revitalization. My home town once known for gang vio-lence between bloods and crips will be going under the city facelift to be ready for the 2015 PanAm Games. It‘s also an area known for old money. 1986-2009 Hip Hop and R n B artists, work hard to make a name in Canadian Music, with Maestro Fres Wes selling over 300,000 records. The most of any Canadian Rapper until 20 years later with Drake. Degrassi High Kid turns Su-per Rap Star. Bringing Toronto and Hip Hop artists to a new level. 2005– present Toronto is quickly grow-ing to become known for its art, fashion, architecture, designs & nightlife.

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The CIA asserts association of the Ontario wines with the culinary world is a structure we can build on. Culinary professionals showcase our wines daily, some onsite at the wineries. Aware-ness of our privilege to meld domestic foods and wines, it is hoped, will encourage Ontarians to take their education while on vacation in their own backyard. The irony that I encounter more ig-norance than interest when mentioning local wine selections in Toronto, ‗across the pond‘ from Niagara, inspires me to continue my own experience; promote education; and advertise by invit-ing the non-believer on my next wine tour. (The author, Kaylea McCarron, is a Hon. B.A. Grad in History and English Literature who manages a bistro in Toronto‘s entertainment district and freelances on topics of academic and personal interest. She also organizes and executes wine tours to promote interest and education in Ontario‘s wine industry. )

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Beauty in the City Smart Beauty Tips:

Make no mistake, this winter will be over before we know it! Now is the time to slowly get your mind, body and spirit in line to be your best this summer. Living the life you love, takes devotion to yourself and discipline. Start small and grow gradually each day. I've decided for this year, to break my total body makeover in 4 quarters (3 months each). My first quarter is focusing on mental strengthening, it is easy for me to loose focus; then it‘s emotional balance, followed by spiritual balance; finally values—to ensure what I do falls in line with my values. Eating more grains, such as couscous, hemp seeds and brain foods like fish oils, helps to keep the mind strong. If the world is cleaning itself by going green? Why shouldn‘t you with your body?

Winter/Spring Trend Watch Women Makeup Tips: Fresh, clean & sophistication is the look this winter. Minimalist Beauty! Trend: Metallics have found its way back again, but I would say if you have one of those dresses, like I do, put it to the back of the closest. It‘s all about sleek, sexy, and alluring. Bring back the mystery! Men: It‘s about the suit, anyway you rock it—but dapper neat works best. Beauty Secret: Olive oil, brown sugar and sometimes lemon works great as a body scrub making your skin beautiful and moistened. Be inventive and add your favourite fruits to the mix for your desired scent.

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Seattle is slowly getting used to a quieter, less rumbled

city. The Remnants of the Mack, Carl Mack that is, current Executive Director of National Society of Black Engineers; leaves an echo not just yet faint in their memory, which will be hard considering February 12th, is Carl Mack day in Seattle. A man who stood taller than its corporate buildings, whose words sliced deeper than that of a samurai knife from one of the Wu Tang Clans and known for shutting down a freeway. Carl the Legendary Mack, a man known for his conviction in self, humanity and beliefs, has become known for abridging his out-spoken free-willed nature to defend equal rights and ridiculing injustice. You would not want to be the one standing on the opposite side of him for the latter. VL SMARTGUIDE interviews Carl Mack on his past and why the National Society of Black Engineers, the largest convention for Black Professionals, chose Toronto as their destina-tion for the 2010 convention bringing to the city 10,000 Black business professionals. We‘ll see if Queen‘s Park and Border Security Control issues high alert memos around as in the case of Shabbaz‘ visit to Toronto 2007 after claims of being an anti-Semite. The two most definitely do not compare but the question still has to be asked even if just for fun!?1? We begin the VL SMARTGUIDE phone interview probably with me doing too much talk-ing. Carl is at home in Virginia after mountains of snowfall that we are yet to receive here in Toronto pretty much snowed him in. ―We had a heavy snowfall out here,‖ says Carl in his deep, strong American accent. My guide of smart questions to ask is on my laptop screen as we begin the interview by paying a journalistic visit to his childhood. Carl was born and raised in Jackson Mississippi as the middle child among two brothers, growing up in a double parent home of labourers. His mother worked in a car factory, and his father worked at a peanut house serving theatres with peanuts and popcorn. Neither one ever went to college. Ultimately, when he was in grade 4 or 5 he reminisces, his mother divorced his father due to his heavy drinking and continuous fighting with ‗mom,‘ he recants. ―I always want to help mom,‖ he says in a voice that echoes the sound of love with the innocence of young Mack, as his deep voice softens a tad thinking of his mom. ―Mom said to me she needed to leave him, she didn‘t want us to get hurt,‖ explains Mack as the reason for his parents divorce. The rift between a father and his children especially his sons can grow when the right words of communication are not exchanged or en-gaged.

Experience Our Culture!

BHM LivetheLife!

Just Call Him the Mack

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There is a book called Souls of My Brothers that high-lights famous African American men sharing their story of growing up distant from their fathers and how, if at all, they found their way to peace in their life, their fami-lies and with their father. Mack acknowledges that he didn‘t really maintain a re-lationship with his father until his final years and for-gave him for what he thought his father should have been. ―My brothers on the other hand always had a close re-lation with father,‖ points out Mack. Mack takes a moment to continue his thought of ac-counts between his brothers closeness to their father and the reason why. ―My two brothers are more forgiv-

ing than I am is part of it. The other part is they had a lot in common with him. He used to drink and they used to drink.‖ ―I am John Mack‘s son,‖ says Mack as a matter-of-factly when asked what he shares with his father. ―In terms of stubbornness,‖ he proudly adds and I‘m sure with a smile on his face as he recognizes the father-son Mack bond. ―When he makes up his mind about whatever, that‘s were he is. I like that about him. I learned to like a lot about my father. History taught me too that my father, grew up in some difficult times. I love my father more today, because I have a greater respect for him and with life as you grow up, parent‘s di-vorce for whatever reasons. My father has passed for 10 years now,‖ shares Carl. Mack remembers the first real father figure role model in his life when his mother eventu-ally entered into a new relationship. ―He was a huge inspiration to me,‖ says Mack as he appreciatingly remembers the most positive beautiful young Black man to enter his life. Mack was about him like people about Obama today. ―He once asked me while in high school – what are you gonna do after high school? – I said I don‘t know. He said, I know that you are gonna fail.‖ That was devastating coming from him says Carl remembering how that he made him feel. ―If you don‘t have a plan for success, that means you auto-matically have a plan for failure‖ says his stepfather. ―And so I began to plan my life out and plan for success. ―Going to college and graduating were the big ticket items like that,― says Carl, fired up with the passion he received from his early lesson. When you fast track Carl‘s career from the NAACP to now the Executive Director for the National Society for Black Engineers, a role he has held since 2006 you‘ll find he aligns himself with organizations that have forward movements.

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So why Toronto for the first ever international destination? Toronto is its largest international member and received great support since inception by Dewayne Shirley, an engineering U of T Alumni now living in Texas. ―NSBE is a student run organization and they began to realize there are a number of organizations who wanted to advance Black folks in technology. And these members were second class citi-zens. But when they went to career fairs, financial support, scholarships and those inter-national members began to complain and rightfully so. We needed to move away from lip service and provide membership for internationals,‖ explains Carl. While we had the right numbers of support for NSBE to select Toronto as their first inter-national stop, the convention almost didn't happen. In the planning process after To-ronto‘s successful bid for the convention, NSBE requested certain items to be part of their conventions such as meals that caters to Black culture, this was denied by the Metro To-ronto Convention Centre along with many other obstacles that caused a 30% drop out rate of NSBE sponsors. VL spoke with the VP of Sales and Marketing from the Metro Conven-tion Centre, John Helton, who says ―Toronto is so multicultural, and this is reflective with MTCC‘s own kitchen staff working fulltime. We have to make a commitment to keep peo-ple employed when you have a team.‖ ―There were corporate sponsors who said we shouldn‘t come to Toronto and that back lash was huge. I backed off; for the corporate community, the largest supporters of us, be-gan to fall off. We could loose numerous sponsorship and the students still said ‗oh well—we are still going‘ as devastating as it will be for the organization this year. In the long run it will prove to be a pivotal, creative, bold and courageous move to come to Toronto. It won‘t be long before a conference in Africa or wherever we have members,‖ says Mack. Mack credits Councillor Michael Thompson for his endless efforts for the success of the 2010 NSBE Convention from March 31st—April 4th, here in Toronto. For more about this story visit. www.victoriouslegacy.com

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L I V E

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What tasty Jamaican restaurant is serving

up this delicious ackee & saltfish dish with

plaintain, banana and cold slaw?

See page 37 for answer.

Y o u r g u i d e

f o r w h e r e

t o s h o p ,

e a t a n d

e v e n t s

h a p p e n i n g

f o r B l a c k

H i s t o r y

M o n t h i n

T O R O N T O

G T A , a n d

v a r i o u s

o t h e r c i t -

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way to keep in touch with friends, business

and social networks.

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L i v e t h e L i f e !

BHM2010 Black History Month Event Listings

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BHM MONDAY, FEBRAURY 1

ST, 2009

Event: Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People Location: 165 Front Street E Notes: Presents El Numero UnoBy Pam Morde-cai Directed by Ahdri Zhina Mandiela (Info 416-862-2222 or lktyp.ca. (Ongoing to Feb 25) TUESDAY, FEBRAURY 2

ND, 2010

Event: Caribbean Tales Youth Festival Location: William Doo Auditorium 45 Willcocks St. City: Toronto

Notes: Ongoing to February 26th, 2010. A

unique screening series of classic & contempo-rary Africentric films, aimed at high school & uni-versity students & educators. Event: "Beyond the Rhythm" Art Exhibition presented by the Association of African Cana-dian Artists Location: Toronto City Hall, City Hall Rotunda, 100 Queen St. W City: Toronto Time: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm Notes: Ongoing to February 10

th, 2010. ―Beyond

the Rhythm‖ is a visual art presentation celebrat-ing survival and accomplishment beyond the bounds of hardship and sorrow. Call 416-392-7542. Event: 'The Spirit of Harriet Tubman' Location: City Playhouse Theatre 1000 New Westminster Drive City: Vaughan

Black History Month

Event Listings Time: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm Notes: A one person play written and performed by Leslie McCurdy, Info: 905-882-7469 Event: Film Screening: Nollywood Babylon as part of WinterCity Location: 150 John St (at Richmond St. W) City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm Notes: Directed by Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal. Nollywood Babylon is a feature documentary about the explosive popularity of Nigeria's movie industry. NFB Mediatheque. WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURY 3

RD, 2010

Event: Lab/Exhibit Combo Lesson: Royal Ontario Museum - Early Black Ontario and the Underground Railroad Location: ROM City: Toronto Event: Historian of Ontario's African-Canadian Heritage Location: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm Notes: Featuring Karolyn Smardz Frost Location: Papersmill Theatre, 67 Pottery Rd City: Toronto Time: 7:30 pm

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Event: Youth Federation of Students Location: Price Family Cinema - Accolade East - York University, 4700 Keele St. City: Toronto Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Notes: In honor of Black History Month, the York Federation of Students (YFS) presents a Lecture/discussion with Professor and Civil Rights Activist Angela Davis. Info: vpequity@yfs.ca or call 416-878 Event: Spirituality & Justice The Experience of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Location: University of Toronto, Hart House Room City: Toronto Time: 6:30 pm Notes: Info: zoe.dille@utoronto.ca THURSDAY, FEBUARY 4

TH, 2010

Event: Conference: Combating Hatred in the 21st Century: Legal Remedies Location: 89 Chestnut Conference Centre, 89 Chestnut St. City: Toronto Event: University of Toronto Students Union Location: Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor Street W. City: Toronto Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Notes: In honor of Black History Month the University of Toronto Students' Union (UTSU) presents a Lecture/discussion with Professor and Civil Rights Activist Angela Davis and Pro-fessor Melanie Newton, Event: Conference: Africa's New Frontier: Innovation-Technology-Prosperity Location: Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, City: Ottawa Notes: (Ongoing to Feb. 5). Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Event: Big Voices - New Voices Location: The Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St. (Bloor & Yonge) City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm Notes: Austin Clarke and George Elliott Clarke introduce New Voices Yvette Trancoso and Stacey Marie Robinson who join author and journalist Dalton Higgins for a discus-sion about being black and writing in Canada. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

TH, 2010

Event: Book Talk with Austin Clarke Location: St. Jerome's University, Siegfried Hall, (University of Waterloo Campus) 290 Westmount Road North City: Waterloo, ON Time: 7:30 pm Event: EVOLUTION OF GOSPEL MUSIC by Toronto Mass Choir Location: Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham Road, Scarborough. City: Toronto Time: 8:00 pm Notes: Info: tmc.ca Event: Screening the Caribbean: Friday Night Film Series Location: Room 201, Bricker Academic Building, Wilfred Laurier University City: Kitchener Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Notes: FREE (except two screenings to be held on Feb. 5 and Mar. 3 at the Princess Cinema). Event: Film Screening: Nollywood Babylon as part of WINTERCITY Location: 50 John St (at Richmond St. W) City: Toronto. Time: 7:00 pm Notes: NFB Mediatheque Event: Theatre Archipelago presents 'I Marcus Garvey' by Edgar Nkosi White Notes: (Ongoing to Feb. 6) Info: 416-750-1764 Ext 1

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Event: City of Barrie BHM Events with motivational speech by Cabbie Richards Location: City Hall Rotunda City: Barrie Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Notes: Info: 705-739-4299 SATURDAY, FEBRAURY 6

TH, 2010

Event: North Kipling Community Centre Black His-tory Month Celebration Location: 2 Rowntree Rd. City: Toronto Notes: Info: 416-394-8679 Event: WinterCity presents Carnaval Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street City: Toronto Time: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm Notes: Including the award-winning mas band Tribal Knights; the Afro-Brazilian percussion group Maracatu Nunca Antes stilt dancers and more. Event: Black History Month Documentary Film Fes-tival Location: 102599 Grey Road 18, RR 4, Grey Roots Museum & Archives City: Owen Sound Time: 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm Notes: (Ongoing every Saturday and Sunday through-out February) Grey Roots additional events Event: HSDC Black History Month Kick-off Location: 400 McCowan Road, Ground Floor, TCHC Recreational Room (Eglinton East/McCowan Road & Danforth Avenue) City: Toronto Time: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Notes: Info: 416-45-1613 or info@hsdconline.org. Event: Celebrate Excellence at the 14th Annual Rev. John C. Holland Awards Location: Michelangelo‘s Banquet Centre,

1555 Upper Ottawa St. City: Hamilton

Notes: Tickets/Info. 905-527-5651 or 905-381-0264. Event: YMCA Greater Toronto Celebration of History, Culture and Life Location: North York YMCA, 567 Sheppard Av. E. City: Toronto Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Event: Bob Marley Birthday Tribute 2010 Location: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St W. (southeast side of Queen & Dovercourt) City: Toronto Time: 9:00 pm - 3:00 am Notes: Info: 416-537-0803 Event: Film Screening: Nollywood Babylon Di-rected by Ben Addelman Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W City: Hamilton Time: 7:00 pm Event: Buns of Steel Marathon Survive 4 Haiti Location: 662 Pape Ave, Riverdale Church Time: 12 pm -3 pm Notes: $20.00 per marathon (UNICEF) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

TH, 2010

Event: Theatre Archipelago presents 'I Marcus Garvey' by Edgar Nkosi White Location: William Doo Auditorium, New College, University of Toronto, 45 Willcocks St. City: Toronto Time: 2:30 pm Notes: Info: 416-750-1764 Ext 1 Event: Eldon House 175 Lecture Series Location: 481 Ridout St. City: London, ON Notes: Celebrating Black History Month University of Western Ontario Faculty of Education Doctoral candidate Claudine Bonner presents stories of "home" Info: 519-661-0333. MONDAY, FEBRAURY 8

TH, 2010

Event: Obsidian Theatre Company presents Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage Location: Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street E

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City: Toronto Notes: (February 8th – March 6th) Historian Dr. Karolyn Smardz Frost, a Governor General's Awardee and author of I've Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad is a top 20 finalists for TVO's 2010 Best Lecturer Com-petition. The top 10 finalists will be announced to-day. Keep up-to-date on the TVO website. Info: office@obsidian-theatre.com or 416-463-8444. Event: Documentary Screening: Black Soldier Blues Location: TVO (TVOntario) Time: 10:00 pm Notes: American soldiers stationed in Australia during the Second World War found a warm wel-come – unless they were Black. Sixty years after the war, American and Australian veterans recall the often painful experiences of U.S. Black soldiers stationed in Australia. in the time of the country‘s White Australia policy. TUESDAY, FEBRAURY 9

TH, 2010

Event: Documentary Screening: A Walk to Beautiful – Canadian Premiere Time: 10:00 pm Notes: TVO (TVOntario), Directed and produced by Mary Olive Smith and Amy Bucher Event: "Black Experience in Cinema‖ Location: Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm In Conversation. 8:30 pm - Special Screening "IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT" Notes: Celebrate with African-Canadian award winning filmmaker, Clement Virgo WEDNESDAY, FERBAURY 10

TH, 2010

Event: Exhibition: Posing Beauty Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W City: Hamilton Notes: (To May 9, 2010) Posing Beauty examines contemporary understandings of beauty by framing the notion of aesthetics, race, class and gender within art, popular culture, and political contexts.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH

, 2010 Event: International African Inventors Museum Location: The Canada Science and Technology Museum 1867 St. Laurent Blvd City: Ottawa Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Notes: (Ongoing to Feb. 14) Event: A Loyalists Tale with Doug Robinson as Shaymus Gunn, ―Pioneer Story Teller‖ Location: Studio One, Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William Street North City: Chatham ON Time: 7:00 pm Notes: "A Loyalist's Tale": Travel from the American Revolution, through the Loyalists' settlements, to the beginning of the War of 1812, with this first person story of struggle, courage, and friendship in early Up-per Canada. Refreshments included. Info: 519-354-8338. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

TH, 2010

Make it a night to celebrate! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

TH, 2010

Event: Urban X-posure: SoWhatChuSayin’? Location: The Brigantine Room, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W City: Toronto Time: 2:00 pm Notes: A multi-platform event focused on conscious wordsmiths and raptivist rhymers for social change Event: Good Hair Location: Harbourfront Time: 6:30-8:30 pm Notes: Good Hair, explores the dynamics to Black Hair. Watch the film and then be part of the discus-sion led by a panel: Ruth (Strictly Roots) and Buster (Amorphous) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14th, 2010 Spend the afternoon visiting some of the restau-rants mentioned in the guide. Perhaps, cheese-cake!!!!! Then watch: Documentary Screening: In-visible City, 10:45 pm.

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Event: City of Toronto Historic Museum - Hosts a re-enactment of Mary Ann Shadd Cary Location: Mackenzie House (82 Bond Street, (2 blocks east of Yonge St., south of Dundas Street East), City: Toronto Time: Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00 pm Notes: McKenzie House, Toronto. Info: 416-392-6915. Learn about Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first woman to publish a newspaper in Canada. Her newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, included arti-cles about the anti-slavery movement and advice to Blacks interested in moving to Canada. TUESDAY, FEBRAURY 16

TH, 2010

Event: RBC Celebrates Black History Month Location: Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto City: Toronto Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Notes: Join Jennifer Tory, Regional President, RBC and special guest panelists: Donna Walwyn, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP, Toronto Justice Faith Courtney Betty, Student. RSVP required by emailing Juliet.lie@rbc.com or calling 905-286-7183. Event: Documentary Screening: Walter’s War Location: TVO (TVOntario) Time: 9:00 pm Notes: A tale of bravery and success, of friendship and prejudice, Walter‘s War tells the true story of Walter Tull (O.T. Fagbenle), the first black officer to be commissioned by the British army during the First World War. WEDNESDAY, FEBRARUY 17

TH, 2010

Event: Voices of the Diaspora… Gullah Voices! Location: Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street W. City: Toronto Time: 8:00 pm Notes: Presented by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale.

Event: Book Talk with Rona Arata author of Working for Freedom, a Story of Josiah Henson and Courage and Compassion, Location: Central Library, 1 Atkinson Street, Rich-mond Hill (Yonge Street & Major MacKenzie Drive), Ontario. City: Vaughan Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Notes: Info: 905-884-9288 THURSDAY, FEBRAURY 18

TH, 2010

Event: Book/Readings: The Hanging of Angélique Location: Royal Ontario Museum Level 1B Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm Notes: Author Dr. Afua Cooper and director-writer Nadine Valcin includes viewing of the film, Fire and Fury Info: 416-586-5797. Event: An Evening with Dan Hill Location: Showplace Peterborough 290 George St. N. City: Peterborough Time: 8:00 pm Notes: Info: 705-742-7469 Event: Black Students Conference ―Choosing Success‖ Location: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education 252 Bloor Street West City: Toronto Time: 8:30 am – 3:20 pm Notes: Conference for students in grades, 10 and 11. Admission only be pre-registration from 30 designated TDSB secondary schools. Info: 416-397-3138. FRIDAY, FEBRAURY 19

TH, 2010

Event: Toronto Poetry Slam Location: Drake Hotel Underground 1150 Queen St. W City: Toronto, Ontario Time: 8:00 pm

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Location: Humber College North Campus - Rm. B308, 205 Humber College Blvd. (near Finch and Hwy 27) City: Toronto Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

TH, 2010

Event: Writing How You Speak (Miss Lou 2022, Remixed) Location: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the To-ronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St. (Bloor & Yonge) City: Toronto Time: 7:00 pm Notes: Black Hipster and hip hop culture with host Garvia Bailey in discussion with writer and actor Trey Anthony and author and journalist Dalton Hig-gins THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2010 BHM Shopping FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

TH, 2010 and 28

th, 2010

Event: COBA (Collective of Black Artists) Diasporic Dimensions World Premiere! Location: Fleck Dance Theatre Time: Feb. 26 – 27 at 8 pm & Feb. 28 at 3 pm SATURDAY, FEBRAURY 27

TH, 2010

Event: UWI Inaugural Toronto Gala Location: Four Seasons Hotel 21 Avenue Road City: Toronto Time: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm Notes:416-214-7578 uwi@adriaanassociates.com SUNDAY, FEBRAURY 28

TH, 2010

Event: Eastview Community Centre BHM event Location: Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre, 86 Blake St City: Toronto Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Notes: Abbotsford's Black History Month

L i v e t h e L i f e !

Event: Book/Readings: Home in Glory Land Spe-cial Event for Black History Month with Karolyn Smardz Frost Location: Royal Ontario Museum Level 1B Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre City: Toronto Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Notes: Info: 416-586-5797 Event: Northern Terminus Journal Launch Location: Grey Roots Museum & Archives102599 Grey Road 18, RR 4 City: Owen Sound, ON Time: 1:30 pm Event: Film Screenings, including Kirikou et la sorcière (Kirikou and the Sorceress) Location: 150 John St (at Richmond St. W) City: Toronto Time: all day SUNDAY, FEBRAURY 21

ST, 2010

Event: Black History Month Event themed "YOUTH, FAMILY, COMMUNITY" Location: Grand Bacchus Banquet Hall and Confer-ence Centre, 2155 McNicholl Avenue (Kennedy and McNicholl) City: Toronto Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Notes: Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC), the TNT Eagles, and Second Chance Foundation with Keynote Speaker Deputy Chief of the Toronto Po-lice Service, Peter Sloly, Info: ovotecanada@rogers.com. Event: Beth Emmanuel church Annual Black History Month Celebration Location: Holiday Inn, 864 Exeter Road City: London TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

RD, 2010

Event: Racialized Poverty and Education: Meet-ing the Challenges of Social Inclusion for All with Dr. Grace-Edward Galabuzi

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

University of Windsor: Afrofest (until Feb 6)

First Friday's Networking Ocean 49 Restaurant 6pm The Evolution of Gospel Global Kingdom Ministries, Scarborough7pm

Drum Til You Drop (Kuumba) 1:30pm Saidah Baba Talibah DJ Skate Nights: The (Real )Soul on Ice (8-11pm)(Harbourfront)

Drum Til You Drop (Kuumba) 1:30pm Food demonstration: Jamaica’s national dish: ackee and saltfish (Kuumba at Harbourfront)

Pay-it-forward Day Book Talk: With Author Rona Arat Central Library 1 Atkinson Street 10—11 am

An Evening with Dan Dill Showplace Peterborough 8 pm

SHOP BHM

SHOP BHM

BHM Concert with World Voices Choir 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa 3pm

Visions of Science Youth Science Club info@vosnl.org

Racialized Poverty and Education Humber College North Campus 11:30 am—1 pm

Emerging Voices: Writing How You Speak Toronto Reference Library 6pm

Children’s Museum Black History Month Celebration 21 Whamcliffe Rd South, London 5-8 pm

Cooking Demonstration of Caribbean Vegetables: Lawrence Heights Community Centre 1-7 pm

Eastview Community Centre BHM Event 86 Black Street 1—4:30 pm

Kuumba is a festival at Harbour-front. Where you see Kuumba or Harbourfront it refers to one in the same. Visit.www.victoriouslegacy.com

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31 Beyond the Rhythm: 8:30 am—4:30pm City Hall Toronto –Rotunda (until Feb 10)

Tourism Toronto and Ontario Science cen-tre Present: Northern Lights (on-going to March 2)

Operational Black Vote North York Civic Centre 6-9 pm

Family Day National Flag Day of Canada

BHM 2010 SMART GUIDE CALENDAR

Canada Post Unveils William Hall Stamp

Spirituality & Justice: Martin Luther King Jr. Malcolm X Experience University of Toronto Music Room 6:30pm

Rastafari Then and Now: Message from Jamaica 6-7pm (Kuumba) Create Your Own Super Hero 1-6pm

Lincoln Alexander Day Obsidian Theatre Company presents Intimate Apparel 27 Front Street East

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.COM

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

University of Windsor: Afrofest (until Feb 6)

First Friday's Networking Ocean 49 Restaurant 6pm The Evolution of Gospel Global Kingdom Ministries, Scarborough7pm

Drum Til You Drop (Kuumba) 1:30pm Saidah Baba Talibah DJ Skate Nights: The (Real )Soul on Ice (8-11pm)(Harbourfront)

Drum Til You Drop (Kuumba) 1:30pm Food demonstration: Jamaica’s national dish: ackee and saltfish (Kuumba at Harbourfront)

Pay-it-forward Day Book Talk: With Author Rona Arat Central Library 1 Atkinson Street 10—11 am

An Evening with Dan Dill Showplace Peterborough 8 pm

SHOP BHM

SHOP BHM

BHM Concert with World Voices Choir 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa 3pm

Visions of Science Youth Science Club info@vosnl.org

Racialized Poverty and Education Humber College North Campus 11:30 am—1 pm

Emerging Voices: Writing How You Speak Toronto Reference Library 6pm

Children’s Museum Black History Month Celebration 21 Whamcliffe Rd South, London 5-8 pm

Cooking Demonstration of Caribbean Vegetables: Lawrence Heights Community Centre 1-7 pm

Eastview Community Centre BHM Event 86 Black Street 1—4:30 pm

Kuumba is a festival at Harbour-front. Where you see Kuumba or Harbourfront it refers to one in the same. Visit.www.victoriouslegacy.com

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5 4 3

17 18 19 20

25 26 27

13 10 11 International African Inventors Museum Canadian & Technology Museum Ottawa 9 am—5 pm

Tourism Toronto and Ontario Science cen-tre Present: Northern Lights (on-going to March 2)

BHM 2010 SMART GUIDE CALENDAR

One Love Comedy Show 8:30-11:00pm (Kuumba) Rise Up: Youth Dance Crew (Kuumba) Create Your Own Super Hero 1-6 pm

Good Hair Panel Discussion 6:30-8:30pm (Kuumba at Harbourfront)

Spirituality & Justice: Martin Luther King Jr. Malcolm X Experience University of Toronto Music Room 6:30pm

Conference: Combating Hatred 89 Chestnut Confer-ence Centre

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WHOSE TURF IS IT? When it comes to downtown restaurants catering to Bay Street, Toronto‘s version of Wall Street, Chris Mills is definitely the man with a master plan as he heads up The Woodbine Entertainment Groups Turf Lounge.

Woodbine Entertainment Groups operate the Woodbine Horse Racetracks, the Casino, Wood-bine Mall and more. I personally grew up riding the horsies in Woodbine Mall for birthdays and sometimes enjoying the racetracks with my mother for Sunday afternoon betting. You learn very quickly how to ride like a jockey without being on the horse. In fact, visit the race tracks any time of day and you‘ll see it very populated with Black people riding horses, one of our favourite pas-times especially for men. I recently was there while waiting for a friend to finish work not too far from the race tracks. I was going to browse the mall but then had the nostalgic moment from youth and decided to check out the tracks instead. I had a great time, all by myself, meeting people, learning about the horses, how to place bets, visiting the lower level to see your horse up close and personal. I left with same amount money I went in with before betting, $10 bucks. ―The group‘s pillar for corporate mandate is to support local charities, development of youths, Sick Kids Hospital, United Way, not-for-profit organizations focused on community building, practicing sound corporate values that respects the environment & personal rights. It is non-unionized but the employees get many privileges,‖ says Mills. This was important to him before accepting his new career role after Canoe Lounge and Delta Chelsea Scarborough. Within his first year of starting, Turf Lounge saw their highest profit to-date as Mills did an Obama style take-over of the restaurant, cleaning house immediately leaving behind a few key staff and rebuilt from there, with amended menus that proved beneficial when it came down to the num-bers. WEG offers perks where all employees receive a payout after expenses, recipients of a hand-some percentage of their pay based on position, usually equaling two weeks pay. With benefits like that its no wonder people don‘t leave their post at Woodbine, making it an envi-

ronment with very little turnover rate with job postings as recent as December 2009. .COM

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As the oldest sporting club in North American; Woodbine Entertainment Group recently cele-brated its 180th anniversary in the summer of 2009. The Queen of England is expected to make her appearance here for the 181st anniversary. In addition to the Turf Lounge, the Woodbine Entertainment Group also has another sports bar in Vaughan, off Rutherford, in its name, WEGs Sports Bar, a state of the art restaurant and off-track betting facility. It seems the Woodbine Group is thinking forward while facing a declining interest in horse racing. ―Their foresight to find new ways to package sport with other possibilities such as hospitality is proving to enhance their vitality,‖ says Mills. For some time now Councillor Rob Ford, CORD and WoodbineLive have been working on a mul-timillion dollar revitalization plan. It will be developing the Rexdale area, my hometown, with new malls, sports facilities, entertainment district, residential areas to be marketed more of a tourist destination. The GTA deal with developers, as written in the Toronto Star, Laurie Monsebraaten is a massive revitalization is in partnership with Baltimore‘s Cordish Group. In the end what does all this mean? When it comes to downtown Bay Street, the entire district knows that on Chris Mills Turf, he and his team guarantee you service, an expansive menu that also includes female friendly picks such as their beet salad. When it comes to Rexdale, whose turf is it? Sorry Bloods and Crips, its Woodbine Entertainment Group. Either you get on track with the race or are left behind.

Donate to UNICEF Canada for Haiti Survivors.

There are currently 200,000 casualties with the number growing everyday.

.COM

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The Scoop About ―Whose Turf Is It?‖

Apparently, CORD mentioned in the previous article stands for Community Organizing for Re-sponsible Development. A coalition of about 35 community groups. Groups like these, apparently formed from marginalized neighbourhoods in cities like Los Angeles, and Dublin Ireland, exist where residents have negotiated special agreements with developers before projects have be-gun.

This CORD group in Toronto have been knocking doors all over Rexdale spreading the word about the future development. Their objective is to gather enough residents to negotiate what is called a ―community benefits‖ deal with developers guaranteeing respectable living in terms of job, housing, child care and more. See website www.victorisoulegacy.com for more info.

For this meeting, CORD managed to rally 500 residents, an unprecedented number of community supporters who showed up to have their voices heard.

"I don't know when we've had such a large community gathering like this in Rexdale," said Robert Koil of the Rexdale Ethno-Cultural Seniors Association as written by Toronto Stars Laurie Moon-sebraaten.

Sickle Cell Miracle Network The first organization in Canada to open an accessible facility catering to the needs of families living with the sickle cell disorder. On November 6th, 2009, the SCMN and community supporters gathered for this historic moment in Canadian history. The afternoon was moving with speeches by Dr. Joan Lesmond, with the steel pan harmony by Suzette Vidale in the presence of Gwyn Chapman; John Tory; Pauline Christian; Singer, Victor Crowl; and many more.

SMART GUIDE to Community

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SMART GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS & DINING

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CAROLE’S CHEESECAKE

Whenever I am in America, the Cheesecake Factory is always one of my must visit restau-rants. Here in Toronto, it‘s Carole‘s Cheese-cake Café located in the heart of Yorkville. It‘s not only delectable, offering an array of great food options, they serve the best vege-tarian soups and fresh wraps, which is great for lunch or dinner.

Ella, Manager of Carole‘s Cheesecake Cafe and her team of friendly servers, enjoy serving cus-tomers with a smile because they know the secret to Carole‘s Cheesecake that has everyone coming back for more. This well designed, quaint location at 114 Cumberland is serving up cheesecake by the numbers. They have cheesecakes, which are gluten-free and sugar free mak-ing these tasty treats safe for calorie reduced diets and Diabetics who‘ve first consulted their phy-sicians; giving the Cheesecake Factory a run for taste and value. With Valentine‘s Day around the corner, this is a must visit place for any occasion, be it birthdays, weddings, dates, social gather-ings or corporate functions. I recommend stopping here for a tasty treat before going to see one of the amazing performances for Black History Month. Carole‘s Cheesecake Cafe is your own kitchen away from home, serving the best cheesecake in town with your meal. What‘s the secret to their success? ―Having a great mentor who is there through thick and thin, who loves and re-spect the entire team,‖ says Ella.

Save 10 % for the

Month of February

when you redeem

this coupon! (416)849-1499

Coupon Expiry Date:

03/01/10

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NORTH Upscale Epiphany Restaurant 4000 Steeles Avenue West, Woodbridge Ontario (905) 856-5008 Randy’s Patties 1569 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto Ontario (416) 781-5313 SOUTH Harlem Restaurant 67 Richmond Street East (416) 368-1920 Ackee Tree 170 Spadina Avenue, Toronto(416) 866-8730 (Queen and Spadina) Dinners Corner 3 Gloucester Street, Toronto Ontario (416) 929-7031 (Yonge and Gloucester) Ethiopian House 4 Irwin Avenue, Toronto Ontario (416) 923-5438 (Yonge and Wellesley) Turf Lounge 330 Bay Street, Toronto Ontario (416) 367-2111 (Bay and Adelaide) Adelaide Street Pub 340 Adelaide street West, Toronto Ontario (416) 977-6800 (Adelaide and Peter Street) Carole’s Cheesecake Café 114 Cumberland Street, Toronto Ontario (416) 849-1499 EAST The Real Jerk 709 Queen Street east (416) 463-6055 WEST Granny`s 2545 Hurontario Ave West, Mississauga Ontario

SMART GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS & DINING

BHM Dining Toronto Style (and surrounding cities)

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Adelaide Street Pub, offers the best experience, for play work and fun. Their big screen TV‘s make this place popular for group parties and sports, while their smooth R & B mix makes you remember what‘s been missing.

SMART ART Artwork Below: Mark Stoddard

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The Truth about Politics There is only one truth about politics whether we like it or not and that is - it exists. The kind of car we drive, how fast we drive it, the food we eat, the parties we go to, the education we pay for, the kind of health care we receive, where we live, how we live and how we travel is all dictated by politics. Bills and Acts are passed that regulates corporations, businesses and institutions to operate within their governing mandate which then creates the life in which we exist in. WHY VOTE? Once the importance of the above is recognized, the importance of voting becomes clearer as there are only two real options. If we don‘t vote, well, all the above gets to tell us how to be, what rules to follow, how to act, where we live, where we play and on and on. With voting there is a platform to stand on when speaking up for our human civil rights. It‘s that simple! We are heard at the decision table and when we come with numbers it helps to bring changes to our community. Politics Suggestion: This fall will be the 2010 Municipal election. If you‘ve every wanted to find out about politics, now is the best time. Call up your local councillor, or if you don‘t like that Councillor go to your next closest councillor, or better yet, you and your friends create your own platform and run for office. Age is not a limitation once you are over 18. Nothing is impossible to achieve.

SMART GUIDE to Politics

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Top Voters Picks for the

2010 Municipal Election Adam Giambrone Deserves his kadoodles, for being the youngest TTC Chair Commissioner. Pros 1. He‘s good for putting in the hours and his youth will give longevity. 2. Liked by many in the community and council. 3. Has been involved with the community for some time now, especially

for Caribana. Cons 1. Why are TTC‘s fares rising, while not giving us extended travel time like Vaughan and Mis-

sissauga? George Smitherman Pros 1. After coming out as first homosexual MPP in Ontario

helping to spark the ‗coming out party‘ of many other Toronto professionals. He‘s coming from a back-ground as the Minister of Health in the first McGuinty cabinet, before becoming Minster of Energy and In-frastructure in the second cabinet then leaving that post to run for Mayor.

2. With a heavy follow-up of gay Torontonians who do control a large wealth of the city, he starts the race off in the best standings.

Cons He‘s been tied to the e-health scandal where tax payers dollars went to overpaid consultants who did no work at all. But Garnett Manning, a former Brampton City Councilor has put his hat in the race to run for Brampton Mayor, as the first Black Mayor. To share your views on politics or this story visit www.victoriouslegacy.com

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Evelyn Mukwedeya was born and raised in the city of Mutare, Zimbabwe and immigrated to Canada when she was 5 years ago. She grew up having a great appreciation for the Sciences and the Arts. On the Science side, her sib-lings and her would play with science kits and travel with their parents to see some of the geological and natural features near their city. On the Arts side, Evelyn grew up read-ing literary works from Zimbabwean and other African writers as well as Western classics. She also studied and performed classical musical instruments, clarinet and the piano. Read more at

victoriouslegacy.com

As an Educator, Lloyd McKell wants to make a difference! Inspired by the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people to improve their own lives and the lives of others, he draws strength from that. In particular, he is motivated by youth who have dreams about achieving excellence de-spite obstacles, and who work hard to achieve those dreams.

He‘s also motivated by those who stand up for fairness and justice in our community or in our world. Mr. McKell currently holds the position of Executive Officer for Student and Community Equity at the Toronto District School Board. His professional experience is in community development, equity and inclusive schools training, and administration. ―Our city and our country need good teachers and good school principals, and other educators from all back-grounds who can motivate children and youth to succeed.‖ Read more at www.victoriouslegacy.com.

―I was born here in the great City of Toronto and I was brought up in a very supportive and active family who instilled in me the love of God, hard work, and the pursuit of creativity.‖ With a background as a violinist as an Ontario Merit Scholar at Unionville High School of the Arts, this coming September will be his 4th year in engineering at the University of Toronto.‖ It does not make sense to pass through life without doing and being the best at every-thing you undertake for the betterment of humanity. That is the only legacy you can leave,‖ says Forde.

Read more inspiring words from Andrew at victoriouslegacy.com

SMART GUIDE to Education

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Heather Seaman Knows her Structures

Heather Seaman is the host of Roger TV show ―Structures‖: highlighting and show-casing many of Toronto‘s historic buildings and architect. Born in Montreal to Carib-bean parents from the Commonwealth of Dominica. Her parents have lived in Canada for over 50 years in a predominately Jewish and Gaelic neighbourhood, and were one of the only black families. When growing up she and her siblings were active taking lots of lessons. ``My sister , brother and I were always doing things like dance, hockey and piano. I remember Saturdays being in the car changing clothes in the back seat to our figure skating clothes, even getting up 5 am in the morning for figure skating,`` says Heather. She has a Degree in education from Concordia University with speciali-

sation in English as a second language. Heather taught in Montreal and completed a post graduate diploma in Radio and Broadcasting from Seneca College. She is inspired by events in the commu-nity, especially the Black community doing things to inspire people to make changes in their own lives. ―Even social issues in the news just inspire me to approach things differently,‖ says Heather. Before hosting Structures, Heather performed on cruise ships, and currently hosts a political show on CPAC. You can catch Heather on Structures at 6:30pm and re-airs six times per week. To see more about Heather‘s story visit. www.victoriouslegacy.com.

McConnie Providence is the Man Conducting Things Born a musical genius in the Caribbean, McConnie as he prefers to be called is a pianist and orchestra maestro. He has been a frequent performer in Jazz Festivals in Gadanz Poland, Prague in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and appeared in The Noting Hill Carnival in London for four consecutive years (2005-2009). His concert experience includes Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam for the past fifteen years McCon-nie toured with Kenyan super star Singer Afbulawe and Ghanian Master Drummers Ibrihim Bar-Ilfose-Ensemble for three months in Germany, France, Italy and Spain they have recorded for EMI-Sony, and Pendulum Records Canada. McConnie also appeared at the Leeds Musical Festival, Manchester and Liverpool. In 2005 McConnie received The Four Season Festival Artist Award at the Roy Thompson Hall Toronto and in 2003 he received the prestigious Dr Nathaniel Dett Award of Merit presented at the Anton in Dvorak Mu-seum in Prague. In 2006 McConnie was invited by students of the University of Begin in China, as a special guest he performed for students who heard him perform during their summer vacations in The Czech Re-public, Poland and Slovakia. In 2008 McConnie was invited to perform in Helsinki by a group of travelling Finnish students who had heard McConnie play at a concert in Madrid, they persuaded him to come to Finland.

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Secrets of the Handshake Many cultures have their own custom handshakes to seal the deal so to speak. In certain Asian cultures, it‘s the hands together like you‘re praying followed by a bow. Westerners have the hand-shake, that depending how weak or strong determines your character. The Daps, is dear to Black culture. It was most prevalent during the civil rights movement and with Black Panthers represent-ing Black Power. When daps were exchanged it was a way to say you ‗see eye to eye,‘ ‗on the same page.‘ Today it still means the same to Black folks as well, respect, zeen, cool, down, ay-ight. It‘s a way to say you‘re cool peeps. Hence why you see President Obama and Tiger hand out Daps, saying ‗we cool‘ as in ‗we good.‘ I got you! It was a way to weed out those who were against Black culture versus those for it. If someone refused the daps or squirmed, you knew right away. Watch out!! Today it has become a trend but in it all, remember its meaning. Warning, don't try and go against the Daps. If you are in business and get a daps or give a daps and turn out to be against your word, that is consider a disrespect.

What‘s the DAPS all about?

SURVIVE 4 HAITI Buns of Steel Marathon Boot Camp Fundraiser. Saturday, February 6th, 662 Pape Ave. www.bunsofsteelbootcamp.com

Register online.

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NORTHERN RUSH IN DIAMOND COUNTRY Canada has gained ground when it comes to Diamonds. The continent itself is filled with many natural resources from springs, forestry, in some areas farming, oil, as well we are known for technology. In Ontario, our communications net-works is known for efficiency, affordability and among the best in the world. Ac-

cording to the 2005 CIC: Facts & Figures, Canada is ahead of the United Sates in digitization, maintaining its position to other industrialized nations at almost 100% . Canada also has the longest terrestrial fibre optic network In the world with its state of the art de-sign, manufacturing capabilities and construction methods. We are also known as a mining na-tion. Hence the beef with Native Indians. Back to the Diamonds. Ever since the first diamond was found in 1991 at Point Lake near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories, northeast of Yellowknife, a native Indian land. Mining compa-nies have started popping up. What‘s good about Canadian diamonds is they are not ―blood diamonds‖ and they are etched with a polar bear trademark. Even singer Avril Lavigne apparently couldn't resist wearing $50,000 worth of Canadian diamonds at the 2003 MTV Awards in New York. What else are we known for? Talent: Many of the worlds top comedians, Jim Carey, Mike Myers , Russell Peters and Tom Green hail from Canada. Artists such as Deborah Cox, Glen Lewis, Tamia, and most recently Drake have created dents in the music industry from their talents. Animation—It is said singer Elton John received millions from the McGuinty government when the Premier announced its $1.1 billion ―Next Generation of Jobs Fund‖ which focuses on investing in digital media. Eltons‘ partner‘s company (Canadian company) is producing the computer-animated musical Gnomeo and Juliet, for which Starz, California-based received CA$23 million to create/preserve jobs.

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Currently there are 4 main diamond mines listed below: The Ekati

Opened: 1998

Location: 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife,

Ekati is owned by Australian mining conglomerate BHP Billiton (80 per cent) and by prospec-tors Charles Fipke and Stewart Blusson (20 per cent).

The Diavik,

Opened: 2003 Location: 100 kilometres southeast of Ekati, Diavik is owned by Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (60 per cent), a Yellowknife-based sub-sidiary of Britain's Rio Tinto PLC and Toronto-based Aber Diamond Corp. (40 per cent). The Jericho Opened: 2006 Loation:400 km northeast of Yellowknife. The mine is owned by the Toronto-based Tahera Diamond Corporation Snap Lake-4 I Opened: 2007 Location: the Northwest Territories about 220 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, This company is owned by De Beers. FYI : According to the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship NAFTA signed by Canada, the United States and Mexico with the goal to increase trade among the three nations.

Hidden GEMS: Toronto Toronto is home to many hidden gems that even residents are not aware of. I hope this guide will share with you these hidden gems, from food, talent, music, art, architecture, and night life, it‘s all here in TORONTO.

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