May 19, 2012

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Fashion & Highlights from HJA 2012 – Part2

May 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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Fitzroy Gordon President, of G98.7 received the Heritage and Youth award. Fitzroy  has more than 20 years of experience in Canadian broadcasting, including roles as a sports reporter, talk show host, R&B/Gospel music host, television call-in show host, and President/CEO of GCI Radio (a carrier of international live sports, talk and music programs). He is well-known for his 19 years as host of CHIN Radio’s “Dr. Love Show”. His looked polished in his tuxedo!           Celina Rayonne Caesar-Chavannes and husband Vidal Chavannes arrived at the event in fine style. Celina was the 2007 recipient of the Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award. She wore an elegant teal blue fitted gown which showed off her curves. Vidal donned a sleek, notched lapel tuxedo.             Candice Bromfield, former Miss Jamaica World Finalist, looked stunning and ultra glamorous in a coral, breezy gown from Holt Renfrew’s with matching accessories.  She was moved and inspired by Roland Martin’s keynote speech. She thought  the evening was uplifting,  positive and energizing.             Garnett Manning is a motivational speaker and Mentor.   He is the Founder of Garnett Manning Youth Leadership Foundation. He thought the atmosphere was incredible and inspiring. A regular guest at the Harry Jerome Awards he was motivated by what Roland … [Read more...]

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Fashion & Highlights from HJA 2012 – Part1

May 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Photo by Jason Beeston

What a Stunning Evening! The Harry Jerome Awards 30th year anniversary was a tremendous success; it was an all encompassing celebration. A sensational extravaganza filled with exciting and memorable moments and performances that entertained and engaged the audience. In addition to being a spectacular event, it was a great atmosphere for networking and reuniting with friends, family and acquaintances. The event was a sold out affair filled with distinguished attendees and keynote speakers. It was a phenomenal experience of the power of a community coming together. The gala was hosted by Marci Ien and Farley Flex, with keynote speaker CNN strategist, radio and TV personality Roland Martin. The evening honoured and awarded Black Canadians who have demonstrated commitment and success in a variety of fields including: Academics, Arts, Media, Entertainment, Athletics, Business, Community Service, Health Sciences, Leadership, Professional Excellence, Entrepreneurship, and Technology and Innovation. The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is the premier national awards gala in the African-Canadian community and a coveted symbol of achievement. I had the privilege of speaking to guests and award recipients about their thoughts regarding this world class gala event. Everywhere I looked, I couldn’t resist settling my eyes on another unique and fashionable outfit that represented the personal style and swag of the individual wearing it. It was like being in a room full of brilliant, … [Read more...]

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30 years of the BBPA’s Harry Jerome Adwards

April 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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“Never give up” was Harry Jerome’s motto.  (www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees) When you take a look at his life and his accomplishments it is easy to see that he did his very best to live up to that motto whenever he could. He was a stellar example of the phenomenal achievements that can be reached when one pursues excellence on a consistent basis. He was a true model of how someone can, through sheer determination, overcome and conquer the utmost hardships and discouragement; rebound from disappointment and quiet the naysayers. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1940, Jerome was naturally athletic and excelled in various sports, but soon became well known for his speed. It’s not hard to imagine the challenges he would have had to face during the 50’s and 60’s as an African – Canadian competing all over the world, but despite this he excelled in track and field by running and breaking the Canadian record for the 220 yard sprint that was previously held for 30 + years by Percy Williams. He went on to break and meet several records during his running career.  Unfortunately, he was also plagued by several injuries that could have prevented him from achieving his personal goals. He pulled a muscle during the 100 metre semi-finals during the 1960 Olympics in Rome which resulted in his inability to compete in the finals, and then in 1962, he tore his left thigh muscle in the Commonwealth Games in Australia, and it was thought that his injury would prevent … [Read more...]

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An Interview with MLK award winner Tonya Lee Williams

February 3, 2012 By 2 Comments
Photo by Jeff Hui

Over the past three decades, millions of viewers have witnessed Tonya Lee Williams climb the career ladder and establish herself as a multifaceted entrepreneur. In addition to her many achievements, Ms. Williams was honoured at the 26th Annual Vision Celebration Gala on January 28th, 2012 by the Black Theatre Workshop with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for her significant contributions to the development of Black performing arts.  She has played an instrumental role in advancing black communities and continually promotes much needed attention to artists of color through the ReelWorld Film Festival, in which she founded in 2001. Ms. Williams is best known for her roles as “Olivia Winters” on The Young & The Restless, as Maxine on Vision TV’s She’s The Mayor, as Karen in Lifetime’s Double Wedding, as Ruth in Clement Virgo’s film Poor Boys Game and many other film and TV shows. For more than 35 years she has blessed us with her talents and has illustrated that passion, hard work and dedication are the essential tools to unlock the door to success and maximize every opportunity. First of all, congratulations on your Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. How does it feel to be recognized for your contribution to the development of Black performing Arts? A: It feels wonderful, I’ve been working in this industry for almost 35 years now and it’s an industry that I love and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work in it. To not … [Read more...]

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Let’s Move Forward

July 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Legal team

One summer day, my brother-in-law, Vince, said:  “That’s why I would never hire a black lawyer. I know that you like to support black people, Angela. See what happened, though? I’m telling you: Sometimes it’s better to deal with other people”. The thing is, my brother in law is a proud black man. Moreover, he is a proponent of the positive progression and cooperation amongst our community. He is by no means a “self-hating negro”. To be fair, he may have been responding somewhat viscerally to my earlier description of an interaction with a former mentor who had been less than honest with me. Long story short: I went to the mentor for guidance and he misled me and then attempted to block my progress — the proverbial crab in the barrel manoeuvre. (I will not go into details to protect identities.) Still, Vince’s comment bothered me because I had heard it before from other black friends, acquaintances and family. It was true that a person that I once lavished with respect and admiration proved to be unworthy of both. Yes, that individual was black. Yes, it is human nature to recollect negative experiences with greater intensity than positive ones. Yet, I know so very many intelligent, accomplished, hard-working, diligent black professionals that comments to the contrary irk me. So, my immediate response to Vince was to list several black lawyers who I knew were superior and recognized as such by peers and public alike. It softened his tone, but he was … [Read more...]

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Hope is in the air for Haïti

July 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Last month I went to Haïti to lend whatever help I could as the country continues to rebuild after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. BIM asked me to contribute a piece summarizing my experience there but be quite honest, I couldn’t give anyone a quick retelling of my trip without leaving out hugely significant parts of it. Haïti, more than any other place I’ve visited, can’t be fully understood by anyone who hasn’t experienced it. That’s just one of the reasons I feel so blessed to have been able to go myself, and in the spirit of “paying it forward” I’ll do my best to share with you some of what I saw, felt, and did while I was away. I traveled with a Toronto-based charity called Third World Awareness (http://www.twawareness.org). Having interviewed one of TWA’s founders a couple of years ago and attended some of their meetings, I did have some idea of what was in store. Still, I was very nervous in the weeks leading up to my departure for this, my first humanitarian trip. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to get used to unexpected power outages at any hour of the day or night, non-flushing toilets, and never quite knowing what time it was (I‘d left my phone at home and wasn’t wearing a watch). I got used to being stared at; I got used to having to ask people to repeat themselves a lot because my French isn’t great and my knowledge of Haïtian Kreyòl is very limited; and I got used to the hot Caribbean sun. (Okay, that wasn’t … [Read more...]

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Micro-Credit Program to Jump Start the Black Creek Business Community

April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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The micro-credit loan-support program, launched one year ago and bestows the residents of Toronto’s Black Creek community with the opportunity to build up their neighbourhood, one business at a time. In recognition of the neighbourhood’s vast potential and cultural richness, and the Black Creek Micro-Credit Program seeks to support small-business incubation and growth by reducing their barriers to financial credit. It is a builder of bridges, operating between the entrepreneurial desires of community members and the opportunities for local business development. Specifically, the Black Creek Micro-Credit Program aims to provide loans of up to $5,000 to entrepreneurs with solid business plans in the at-risk, Jane-Finch community who do not qualify for conventional bank loans. Established in 2007 as a part of the Black Creek Community Capacity Project, the Black Creek Micro-Credit Program partnered with Access Community Capital Fund and Alterna Savings to support individuals in the community who need assistance with business funding and skill development. A micro-credit program is different from ordinary bank loans. Members of the community provide the investment backing for local community members who have sound business ideas but are unable to receive credit from mainstream banks. The Black Creek Micro-Credit Program will contribute to the community by creating employment and opportunities for professional experience. According to Dr. Barry Reider, chair of the … [Read more...]

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International Women’s Day: Celebrating African Canadian Women

March 8, 2011 By 4 Comments
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When I reflect on what International Women’s Day represents for many, it can be expressed in this single verse. “We know that we are walking in footprints made deep by the confident strides of women who parted the air before them like the forces of nature that you are.” This powerful proclamation is taken from the beautifully penned poem, titled, “We Speak Your Names” by re-known, best selling African American  author and poetess, Pearl Cleage.  She recited and presented the entire poem for the first time for the world to hear at Oprah Winfrey’s Auspicious Legends Ball in 2006. As Canadians and the world rise to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Women and voice the concerns surrounding the disparities that still remain for many across the globe, March 8th, 2011 marks the centenary anniversary of International Women’s Day. The Editor’s at Black Ink Magazine found this to be an opportune time to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of African Canadian Women over past 100 years. In the story of women’s rights, African Canadian Women possess several pages of living histories and accomplishments worthy of recognition. These luminaries are women who have transformed our lives, experiences and empowered us through their grace, dignified perseverance, vision, drive, personal aspirations, cracking the ‘glass ceiling’, social consciousness and liberation by confronting the struggles for equality and pursing personal and … [Read more...]

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The Real McCoy: Michael Duck – a “Sure Shot” to make Black History

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Mike-Duck-June-2010_FI

When one hears the story about Michael Duck, founder and president of A.C. Dispensing Equipment Inc. and inventor of the SureShot® Dispenser, a few inspirational phrases come to mind like Never give up. . . . Stay connected to yourself and . . . Maintain a sense of wonder! In the Beginning . . . Duck was born in 1957 in Neptune, New Jersey, the middle child of a family of five children. As a student, he “hated” school. His family was not well off, and he remembers wanting to be a garbage collector, because the “garbage man” would be able to pick up all the cool stuff left on the curb and then sell it. In addition to this, he demonstrated business savvy, Duck possessed an innate talent for doing things mechanical. He loved to build and fix. In 1973, the Duck family relocated to Nova Scotia. He quit school in grade 10 and worked as a stevedore along the Halifax waterfront, earning a great income; but the onset of automation technology resulted in him losing his job. An attitude of constructively defiant self-determination outweighed any feeling of frustration during this period.  In fact, it enabled him to be humble enough to ask for help. Duck and his wife got married in 1976, at the age of 18, and turned to his father for help in finding employment. This act of humility created the opportunity for him to work at Baxter Dairies as a general helper. The opportunity also came with a decrease in pay to $3.50 per hour, along with some racism from his … [Read more...]

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Women’s Enterprise Canada: WE CAN Do the Impossible

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Lisa_Small

There’s a powerful proverb that says, “If you direct your children in the right path, when they are older, they will not depart from it.” For Lisa Small, Entrepreneur, Talk Show Host, Founder and Executive with Women’s Enterprise Canada, she credits her parent’s strong work ethic, unwavering commitment to family and their entrepreneurial zeitgeist, as the blue print and foundation on which she forged into her professional life. “I am not used to talking about myself, “says the mother of three modestly, “ I have been working since the age of nine with my mother who introduced me to Avon, while my dad joined the forces of Mary Kay when they came to Canada in 1970. Blue and pink were the colours of my early experience to the business world.” Says Small reminiscently. Lisa Small has flourished to be a tour-de-force professional and community spokesperson as a talk show host for one of Toronto’s most established community radio stations, a business women and an advocate for empowering women to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship and community building. Lisa’s professional history is a credit to her savvy people skills and drive for excellence – having managed over 14 retail companies, 3 major Airlines and starting her own enterprise, e-Pictures Productions (e-PicPro) a graphics animation firm.  Credit it to an “Ah Ha” moment or a fundamental awakening to realize her dream of entrepreneurship, it was during her journey to … [Read more...]

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