Semaji September 2017

Semaji Black Community Resource Centre

Supporting Youth, Building Communities, A Holistic Approach Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017

Inside This Issue

2 A Word From The President Semaji Has Now Increased By 4 Issues!!! See Below for The New Semaji Release Schedule 3 COMMUNITY -Word from The President Continued -Ti any Callender: City Councillor Candidate Upcoming Schedule for Volume 13 (2017-2018) 4 JUSTICE -Quebec Systemic Discrimination and Racism Hearings Issue 2: November -- Release Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 5 HEALTH -Queen Elizabeth Health Complex Issue 3: December -- Release Date: Tuesday, January 2, 6 COMMUNITY 2018 -Community Events

7 COMMUNITY Issue 4: February -- Release Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 -Community Events Continued Issue 5: March -- Release Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2018 8 HERITAGE -Canada’s Black Walk of Fame Issue 6: May -- Release Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 9 LEISURE CLUB -Historical Word Find Issue 7: June -- Release Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 -Cozy Up With This Book!! -Stay Tuned!!! Issue 8: August -- Release Date: Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Opinion: Quebec Systemic Discrimination and Racism Hearings Should Be Open By Yvonne Sam (Chairman of the Rights and Freedoms Committee) Originally Published in The Montreal Gazette, September 18, 2017 Testimony has a greater impact if government does not want the leen Weil and the Quebec one can see and hear the person exercise to be transparent. Human Rights Commission testifying. The hearings are an have indicated that local opportunity to heighten public When the consultation was consultations will be held awareness. announced in July, all Quebecers behind closed doors, hidden were urged to participate, with from the eyes of the media and The Quebec inquiry on the hearings being touted as an the citizenry, away from the systemic discrimination and occasion to nd tangible and public setting that was racism has yet to begin hear- permanent solutions to the expected by the public. ings, but what’s already issues at hand. Now we learn apparent is that the Couillard that Immigration Minister Kath- According to a spokesperson Continued on Page 4...

for Weil, “The people who wish to hearings behind closed doors be heard will be heard.” must be for the benet of the rights commission, as they are not But by whom? helpful to the victims. for October 2018. That does not Weil herself has pro ered the The decision to hold closed-door leave much time for implementa- defence that privacy will ensure hearings may additionally be tion of any recommendations. that those testifying will feel open because the province is unwilling to relaying their experience. to stir up debate as was evoked by It is not too late for the govern- the Bouchard-Taylor hearings on ment to clean the slate, for at the No way! Poor say! reasonable accommodation a end of the day the objective is to decade ago. have a better Quebec, where Systemic racism concerns the racism and discrimination would denial of political, economic and Certainly, testimony has a greater be sent into remission. social opportunities to individuals impact if one can see and hear the on account of their race or ethnic person testifying. For those who The closed doors should be background. Marginalized groups do not feel the impact of systemic opened wide, so there is nothing who regularly deal with discrimi- discrimination and racism, and to hide. nation, mistreatment and unfair may not even know it exists, treatment are used to not being hearing testimony as relayed by heard and, above all, not being media could be educational. It is taken seriously, and may view challenging to see a problem or testifying behind closed doors as barrier if it is not within our lived an extension of that attitude. experience, or to comprehend its urgency. The hearings are a good Let us not forget that there are opportunity to heighten public many who already have little faith awareness of these issues. in the government and its previ- ous handling of racism and The second phase of the inquiry, discrimination, and now are called open to the public, begins in upon to sit behind closed doors to November and features the testi- discuss their su erings and injus- mony of experts and transmission tices. This is similar to the fox of some of the issues raised by declaring that he is now a vegan working groups that are to focus so that he can oversee the hen on specic areas, like education house. The history of the belea- and employment. Why would only guered Human Rights Commis- some of the issues be given prior- sion, mandated to oversee the ity, rather than have them all hearings but currently embroiled addressed? in its own issues, speaks volumes in itself; if it had, over the years, Of further concern is the fact that done a better job of carrying out the government intends to release its functions, this public consulta- the ndings along with an action tion may have not been needed. It plan in the spring, just months shy seems as plain as falling rain that of the general election scheduled Testimony has a greater impact if government does not want the leen Weil and the Quebec one can see and hear the person exercise to be transparent. Human Rights Commission testifying. The hearings are an have indicated that local opportunity to heighten public When the consultation was consultations will be held awareness. announced in July, all Quebecers behind closed doors, hidden were urged to participate, with from the eyes of the media and The Quebec inquiry on the hearings being touted as an the citizenry, away from the systemic discrimination and occasion to nd tangible and public setting that was racism has yet to begin hear- permanent solutions to the expected by the public. ings, but what’s already issues at hand. Now we learn apparent is that the Couillard that Immigration Minister Kath- According to a spokesperson

2 Semaji Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 A Word From The President Black Community Forum Semaji By Dr. Clarence S. Bayne Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 President of BCRC

leadership in the community, Editor Ashlie Bienvenu especially during crisis and on matters a ecting the community as a whole The Network Coverage (June 16 2016). Contributors Dr. Clarence Bayne Yvonne Sam Because the Forum is based on the Ashlie Bienvenu The Secretariat of the Black Com- network leadership framework, it is rich munity Forum in information and covers the entire range of human needs and social The Secretariat of the Black Commu- programming and development across nity Forum is a permanent administra- Layout/Design Ashlie Bienvenu diverse ethnicities: parenting, health, tive structure created by the recom- mental health, education, employment mendation of the Val Morin Black and employability, human rights and Forum of 1992 and re-armed at the freedoms, economic development, Forum of June 16 2016. It represents political representation at the munici- the members of the Forum, which are pal, provincial, and federal levels of the non-political, voluntary sector society, strengthening of families, chartered organizations that provide BCRC strengthening of organization struc- services to the Black communities; 6767 Côte-des-Neiges, Suite 497 tures, literacy, crime prevention, that subscribe to the founding Montréal, Québec, H3S 2T6 Tel: (514) 342-2247 anti-racism and anti-proling, arts and principles and protocols set out in the Fax: (514) 342-2283 culture, creative tourism, etc. Many of 1992 Val Morin Black Forum as its organizations have been providing [email protected] modied by the June 16 2016 Forum www.bcrcmontreal.com services to the community and contrib- of organizations; and whose missions uting to the development of Montreal and mandates are aligned to the and Quebec societies for approxi- priorities determined by consensus in mately fty or more years. The Union the community and adopted at the How do I submit articles to be submitted to United Church is like the spinal cord General Forum. our quarterly Semaji newsletter? Articles for from which has sprung many inter- submission are accepted 30 days prior to publication. Issues are published September, connected agencies and relationships. The activities and responsibilities of December, March and June. Email It is celebrating its 110 anniversary. The the Black Community Forum are [email protected]. If you are submitting UNIA is older than 50 years. The carried out by the Secretariat located photos please send a jpeg with credit. Quebec Board of Black Educators in a designated community organiza- How do I add/remove my Semaji subscrip- (QBBE), the Black Theatre Workshop tion space and whose charter/ letters tion? Send an email to [email protected] (BTW) and the QBBE are with us for 45 patent and mandate it is to engage in requesting or removing subscription. Please put years and counting. Each year for in subject line “Add” or “Remove”. Changes to activities that develop and strengthen subscription will be done within 48hrs. approximately 40 years the QBBE has community based organizations. tutored and provided accreditation Currently, the BCRC provides the day opportunities for more than 150 youth to day administrative services and If you have any comments or requests please each year in the English School system facilities. The BCRC, whose mission contact Ashlie Bienvenu at of Montreal. That is, between 6, 000 and mandate are based on a holistic [email protected] to10, 000 youth over 40 years. community development approach, has been carrying out this function Resolution creating the Secretariat since 2000 through a sub-committee of the organization called the “BCRC It is the resolved that the Forum may Black Leadership Forum”. This has been act through its secretariat to mobilize renamed (since June 16 2016, Black and activate the social and political Community Forum) the ”Secretariat of legitimization of organizations serving the Black Community Forum”. the community. It does so with the support of key organizations and The Secretariat of the Black Commu-

Continued on Page 3...

The message conveyed is that “the history and biographical studies. community is only as strong as the sum of its parts” knit together by the 4. That the Forum undertake a operating principles of “collaborative detailed review of the current status unity and existential responsibility.” of Black employment and employability in the Black communities to Responsibilities and functions of measure the changes, if any, that have the Secretariat taken place since 1992. That is, according to recommendation 6.2.1.9 nity Forum is the administrative arm The secretariat is required to carry out of the Val Morin Black Community of the Black Community Forum. It is certain specic functions on behalf of Forum, that “A FORUM BE HELD TO responsible for the day-to-day the Forum. The following are function INFORM AND INVOLVE THE WIDER administration and carrying out of the carried out by the Secretariat for the BLACK COMMUNITY ON ECONOMIC directives and recommendations of Forum: DEVELOPMENT” planning. This is the General Forum. expected to include an investigation 1. The Forum agrees that during crisis of the measured impact of the The Secretariat acts in strict accor- within the Black community, a special initiatives of all levels of government, dance with the purposes, protocols, issues meeting, involving a cross private and public institutions, and and recommendations set down in section of community groups will be social and private entrepreneurs on the Val Morin July 1992 modied by called to determine a policy direction, advancing the objectives of the the June 16 2016 General Forum. to develop a public position, and to Yolande James Task Force to bring These are described in part under mandate its spokespeople. about a full participation of the Black sections 6.5 of the Black Forum Report Communities in Québec Society. In (1992) and under the section with 2. The Forum will create a permanent particular, given Bill 101, the Secre- sub-heading, “Plenary Recommenda- sub-committee of the Forum for tariat is required to pay special tions” in the document “Summary of researching, identifying and preparing attention to representing the needs, the June 2016 Proceedings of the a list of those signicant historic status and future of the English- Forum”. According to the recommen- persons whose contributions to Black speaking Black Communities. dation approved at the 1992 and 2016 arts and culture, Black advancement, General Forums the powers of the world peace, and order and sustain- Secretariat to act is limited by the able development merit recognition following regulation which states that: in a manner consistent with best Canadian practices in toponymy. “the Forum will facilitate the review, description and formulation of the 3. It is proposed that this permanent Community's agenda, but … the sub-committee consist of experts and community organizational structures representatives named from organiza- remain the fundamental units that tions whose mission and mandates carry out the agenda”. involve them in research in social

leadership in the community, especially during crisis and on matters a ecting the community as a whole The Network Coverage (June 16 2016).

Because the Forum is based on the The Secretariat of the Black Com- network leadership framework, it is rich munity Forum in information and covers the entire range of human needs and social The Secretariat of the Black Commu- programming and development across nity Forum is a permanent administra- diverse ethnicities: parenting, health, tive structure created by the recom- mental health, education, employment mendation of the Val Morin Black and employability, human rights and Forum of 1992 and re-armed at the freedoms, economic development, Forum of June 16 2016. It represents political representation at the munici- the members of the Forum, which are pal, provincial, and federal levels of the non-political, voluntary sector society, strengthening of families, chartered organizations that provide strengthening of organization struc- services to the Black communities; tures, literacy, crime prevention, that subscribe to the founding anti-racism and anti-proling, arts and principles and protocols set out in the culture, creative tourism, etc. Many of 1992 Val Morin Black Forum as its organizations have been providing modied by the June 16 2016 Forum services to the community and contrib- of organizations; and whose missions uting to the development of Montreal and mandates are aligned to the and Quebec societies for approxi- priorities determined by consensus in mately fty or more years. The Union the community and adopted at the United Church is like the spinal cord General Forum. from which has sprung many inter- connected agencies and relationships. The activities and responsibilities of It is celebrating its 110 anniversary. The the Black Community Forum are UNIA is older than 50 years. The carried out by the Secretariat located Quebec Board of Black Educators in a designated community organiza- (QBBE), the Black Theatre Workshop tion space and whose charter/ letters (BTW) and the QBBE are with us for 45 patent and mandate it is to engage in years and counting. Each year for activities that develop and strengthen approximately 40 years the QBBE has community based organizations. tutored and provided accreditation Currently, the BCRC provides the day opportunities for more than 150 youth to day administrative services and each year in the English School system facilities. The BCRC, whose mission of Montreal. That is, between 6, 000 and mandate are based on a holistic to10, 000 youth over 40 years. community development approach, has been carrying out this function Resolution creating the Secretariat since 2000 through a sub-committee of the organization called the “BCRC It is the resolved that the Forum may Black Leadership Forum”. This has been act through its secretariat to mobilize renamed (since June 16 2016, Black and activate the social and political Community Forum) the ”Secretariat of legitimization of organizations serving the Black Community Forum”. the community. It does so with the support of key organizations and The Secretariat of the Black Commu-

Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 Semaji 3

The message conveyed is that “the history and biographical studies. community is only as strong as the sum of its parts” knit together by the 4. That the Forum undertake a community operating principles of “collaborative detailed review of the current status unity and existential responsibility.” of Black employment and employability in the Black communities to Responsibilities and functions of measure the changes, if any, that have ...Continued From Page 2 the Secretariat taken place since 1992. That is, according to recommendation 6.2.1.9 nity Forum is the administrative arm The secretariat is required to carry out of the Val Morin Black Community of the Black Community Forum. It is certain specic functions on behalf of Forum, that “A FORUM BE HELD TO responsible for the day-to-day the Forum. The following are function INFORM AND INVOLVE THE WIDER administration and carrying out of the carried out by the Secretariat for the BLACK COMMUNITY ON ECONOMIC directives and recommendations of Forum: DEVELOPMENT” planning. This is the General Forum. expected to include an investigation 1. The Forum agrees that during crisis of the measured impact of the The Secretariat acts in strict accor- within the Black community, a special initiatives of all levels of government, dance with the purposes, protocols, issues meeting, involving a cross private and public institutions, and and recommendations set down in section of community groups will be social and private entrepreneurs on the Val Morin July 1992 modied by called to determine a policy direction, advancing the objectives of the the June 16 2016 General Forum. to develop a public position, and to Yolande James Task Force to bring These are described in part under mandate its spokespeople. about a full participation of the Black sections 6.5 of the Black Forum Report Communities in Québec Society. In (1992) and under the section with 2. The Forum will create a permanent particular, given Bill 101, the Secre- sub-heading, “Plenary Recommenda- sub-committee of the Forum for tariat is required to pay special tions” in the document “Summary of researching, identifying and preparing attention to representing the needs, the June 2016 Proceedings of the a list of those signicant historic status and future of the English- Forum”. According to the recommen- persons whose contributions to Black speaking Black Communities. dation approved at the 1992 and 2016 arts and culture, Black advancement, General Forums the powers of the world peace, and order and sustain- Secretariat to act is limited by the able development merit recognition following regulation which states that: in a manner consistent with best Canadian practices in toponymy. “the Forum will facilitate the review, The Next Black Community Forum description and formulation of the will be held at the end of October. 3. It is proposed that this permanent Community's agenda, but … the Updates will follow in the next sub-committee consist of experts and community organizational structures issue of Semaji (November). representatives named from organiza- remain the fundamental units that tions whose mission and mandates carry out the agenda”. involve them in research in social

Ti any Callender: City Councillor Candidate We recently received news youth groups, and became that we are starting to see a If you would like to discover that the Director General of the laureate for the Black higher representation of more about Ms. Callender the Côte-des-Neiges Black History Month Round Table. Blacks and women in politics and her campaign go to: Community Association, We are very happy to see a is a step in the right direction. http://www.equipedeniscode Ti any Callender, will be woman from the Black rre.com/candidate/ti any-- running for the position of community callender? City Councillor for the representing Côte-des-Neiges electoral her community Voting for the Montreal district. Ms. Callender has a in politics. As elections will happen on long history of engagement we’ve seen in November 5, 2017. For more with the Black Community of the past, politics information go to: Montreal, going back tend to center http://election- approximately a decade. She around White montreal.qc.ca/index.en.html has worked with the BCA males. There- since 2010, worked with fore, the fact

4 Semaji Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017

...Continued from Cover

for Weil, “The people who wish to hearings behind closed doors justice be heard will be heard.” must be for the benet of the rights commission, as they are not But by whom? helpful to the victims. for October 2018. That does not Weil herself has pro ered the The decision to hold closed-door leave much time for implementa- defence that privacy will ensure hearings may additionally be tion of any recommendations. that those testifying will feel open because the province is unwilling to relaying their experience. to stir up debate as was evoked by It is not too late for the govern- the Bouchard-Taylor hearings on ment to clean the slate, for at the No way! Poor say! reasonable accommodation a end of the day the objective is to decade ago. have a better Quebec, where Systemic racism concerns the racism and discrimination would denial of political, economic and Certainly, testimony has a greater be sent into remission. social opportunities to individuals impact if one can see and hear the on account of their race or ethnic person testifying. For those who The closed doors should be background. Marginalized groups do not feel the impact of systemic opened wide, so there is nothing who regularly deal with discrimi- discrimination and racism, and to hide. nation, mistreatment and unfair may not even know it exists, treatment are used to not being hearing testimony as relayed by heard and, above all, not being media could be educational. It is taken seriously, and may view challenging to see a problem or testifying behind closed doors as barrier if it is not within our lived an extension of that attitude. experience, or to comprehend its urgency. The hearings are a good Let us not forget that there are opportunity to heighten public many who already have little faith awareness of these issues. in the government and its previ- ous handling of racism and The second phase of the inquiry, discrimination, and now are called open to the public, begins in upon to sit behind closed doors to November and features the testi- discuss their su erings and injus- mony of experts and transmission tices. This is similar to the fox of some of the issues raised by declaring that he is now a vegan working groups that are to focus so that he can oversee the hen on specic areas, like education house. The history of the belea- and employment. Why would only guered Human Rights Commis- some of the issues be given prior- sion, mandated to oversee the ity, rather than have them all hearings but currently embroiled addressed? in its own issues, speaks volumes in itself; if it had, over the years, Of further concern is the fact that done a better job of carrying out the government intends to release its functions, this public consulta- the ndings along with an action tion may have not been needed. It plan in the spring, just months shy seems as plain as falling rain that of the general election scheduled Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 Semaji 5

Queen Elizabeth Health Complex: New Status as “Super-Clinic” By Ashlie Bienvenu health after this directive, “the QEH - The MUHC Department of Board of Directors, the QEH Family Medicine. Foundation and other bodies - A dental clinic aliated with and individuals in the commu- the McGill University Faculty of nity joined forces and decided Dentistry. We are pleased to announce to take matters into their own - Health services, such as chiro- that, as of September 11th, hands by forming the Centre- practic, nutrition, dietetics, 2017, the Queen Elizabeth West Community Health Corpo- physiotherapy, osteopathy, Health Complex (QEHC), which ration (CWCHC).” (QEHC) This audiology and aesthetic medi- predominantly serves the new not-for-prot organization cine. Anglophone community in allowed for the continuation of -Provides in-home nursing NDG, has been given the status acute care services in the services. of “super-clinic.” (CBC News) community. -Mental health services. “Ensuring ready access to both -Complementary and alterna- medical and alternative health “The Queen Elizabeth Health tive health care services: services, the QEHC is an attrac- Complex, under the manage- acupuncture, massotherapy, tive option to avoid the over- ment of the CWCHC, is there- homeopathy, etc. (QEHC) crowding, delays and other fore a reincarnation and a new inconveniences so often experi- legal form for a century-old Please visit the QEHC website enced in hospitals and CLSCs.” community institution. Its (http://www.qehc.org/) for (QEHC) mission is to provide ecient, more information. readily accessible medical The QEHC has a long history of services, complementary and Also, within the next month, service to the community, since alternative therapy, as well as stay on the lookout for a new “1894 when it used to be the emotional and mental health page on the BCRC website Montreal Homeopathic Hospi- services that will contribute to (http://bcrcmontreal.com) tal,” (QEHC) situated on McGill improving the health of our which will feature links and College Avenue. The hospital community in accordance with information to health care was later moved to Marlowe the policies and guidelines of resources in the community. Avenue, its current NDG loca- the Government of Quebec.” tion, in 1927, when there was a (QEHC) Bibliography demand for more beds and NDG's Queen Elizabeth Health Complex to space. This hospital became The QEHC o ers services such become 'super-clinic'. (August 25, 2017). renowned for their cutting as: CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal edge medical practices and -A walk-in clinic, open 365 days /quebec-health-care-- attentive sta , so much so that a year super-clinic-1.4262321. they were honored with the -A medical specialist clinic: QEHC. Queen Elizabeth Health Complex. name of King George VI’s wife, cardiology, internal medicine, Retrieved from http://www.qehc.org/. Queen Elizabeth. However, the neurology, urology, otolaryn- hospital’s very existence was gology, endocrinology, oph- put in jeopardy when there was thalmology, and a special a government directive, in educational diabetes program. 1995, to cut health care costs -Imaging centre: radiology, through the closure of ultrasound, digital mammogra- “Montreal-area acute-care phy, bone density, and uoros- hospitals.” (QEHC) In the year copy services. 6 Semaji Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017

Community Events and Information community

Continued on Page 7... Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 Semaji 7

community

...Continued From Page 6

Word Find Answers from Last Issue

N D O N Y P X J F T Z E S C W V Z P W M H D K S I E T I O U Z C F N Y T I B G B O X Z F K Q D Y Q S T Q J T P G F Q Y I R Y C K R T V Y W C M M J Y D S M G G I T W Z A G X A E X B M S T U W U K X D G Q W T N J S L W E T H M A P Y A R C P W X V M Z I J O V I V Y H O U V D I F C O A T T E Y W D F K X B M V H J T R R U R S H F O U G G Y W Q J C K G A Y T Y S I G D A H E N C P H B W D N E L V J C Q P F M A A E D Y K I A J Y S M A Y Z J R L J P R J M S U R W O V R H C P B V F E T R H T D K J S N R T I B I D O U Y A N N T S K G N H M T K B S W C N I D L M N I V Y F F A J I A A J O V P R R U B N P R L Q P E R C N J Y M C S M S W E I N Z O O Y R A I Y E X R K C U G Y Y G B N P E U V F W I R V N A M C U D E C P P B Q K U P P T K F X Z W Q D O M V V M S A V S S T Z W T N U L W V I O L A D E S M O N D W P E T B F Z T F O V T S T F O L G L A W L F R O U J R D V K E K C P I W L S Y G A T F X W I S J O E Q L Y H I D V X C M Y K O W Z E F V N W A W O H N N V L R A I A R N W O U F U W A A F A W G E N N B Q T R T C A N O I T A N I M I R C S I D L A I C A R A H Q C X U L C X K I Q R X I G H B F S Z Z V D H G A T D A L J Q T W S D V Z I R Q A M V J B N 8 Semaji Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 Canada’s Black Walk Of Fame: Oliver Jones By Ashlie Bienvenu

It seems appropriate to dedicate this and Biddle recorded an album that caught heritage article to Oliver Jones, as he recently the interest of Jim West, a record producer performed in Little Burgundy at the for the Jazz label, Justin Time. Jones, in a trio renaming of Sainte-Cunegonde Social with Biddle and Bernard Primeau, recorded Centre, into the Oliver-Jones Centre. The numerous songs. However, as Jones’ solo renaming was to honour a talented and career took o , he was unable to devote his Cunegonde Social Centre, Jones gave a renowned musician; time to Biddle’s speech in which he declared he was however, the honour club. He played “passing the baton to the next genera- was also due to his in Jazz festivals, tions.” (CBC News) He also used this speech dedication and went on tour to give hope to the children who come commitment to his around the from less inuential homes and neighbour- hometown, Little world, and hoods. He uses himself as an example that, Burgundy. Oliver recorded over if you work hard enough, it does not Jones has led a very 15 albums. matter which walk of life you come from. amazing life, from his (Ware & (CBC News) childhood as a Gagnon, 2016) prodigy, to his Therefore, even though Jones is set to performing and Jones also retire, his memory, legend, and good recording points in his taught at works will live on in Little Burgundy and, career, to the growing Laurentian more generally, Montreal. Indeed, his name fame and subsequent University, in will live on in Little Burgundy, through the world tours, and to his 1987, and newly named Oliver-Jones Centre, which recent retirement. However, throughout McGill University, in 1988, until his retire- provides services to the St. Henri/Little all of these milestones, Jones has stayed ment in 1995. He was given many honours Burgundy community. His hard work and true to his roots and remained a promi- and awards, such as the PROCAN award, for dedication will always serve as an example nent inuential gure in his community. his contributions to the world of Jazz, the to children to follow their dreams, no Oscar Peterson Award, the Golden Ducat, matter their circumstances. Born on September 11, 1934, in Little Knight of the Ordre national du Québec, Burgundy, Montreal, to Barbadian parents, Ocer of the Order of Canada, Governor Jones had an early anity for music. General’s Performing Arts Award, and the Bibliography Considered a child prodigy, Jones was Martin Luther King Jr. Award, for his contri- Jazz legend Oliver Jones gives another 'last' performance after playing the piano in the Union United butions to the Black community in Canada, community centre renamed in his honour. (September 17, 2017). CBC News. Retrieved from Church at the age of ve, and playing in especially Montreal. Jones announced his http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/oliver-jones-little- Café St-Michel at the age of nine. He later retirement, originally, in 2000. He decided to burgundy-1.4293790. went on to play at clubs, one of which was continue touring in 2002 and continued the famous Rockhead’s Paradise. During with his music career until 2016, where, at Ware, E. & Gagnon, A.J. (October 6, 2016). Canadian Encyclope- his childhood Jones was tutored in the tenth annual International Jazz Festival, dia: Oliver Jones. Historica Canada. Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/oliver- classical piano by Madame Bonner, and he announced his retirement due to health jones-emc/. later by Daisy Peterson Sweeney, the sister issues. Jones hoped that there would be of Oscar Peterson. Jones later went on to young Jazz musicians to pick up the torch tour the United States with a show called after him. (Ware & Gagnon, 2016) the Bandwagon. (Ware & Gagnon, 2016) One such young musician, who was inspired Jones worked in Montreal until approxi- and supported by Jones, is the seventeen mately 1963, until he moved to Puerto year old Montrealer, Daniel Clarke Bouchard. Rico with his family to become the music This young piano prodigy credits Jones as director for the Kenny Hamilton Show being his mentor and says that “It's really Band. Jones returned to Montreal in 1980 changed [his] whole career, being able to be and began to collaborate with Charles around [Jones] and have [his] career Biddle. They performed around Montreal, progress with his watchful eye.” (CBC News) in bars and clubs, before opening a club of Jones has made an impact on many young their own, the Biddle’s Jazz and Ribs, now musicians from the Montreal Black Commu- called the House of Jazz, for which Jones nity. In fact, at his performance this past was the in-house pianist. In 1985 Jones month, at the renaming of the Sainte- Volume 13, Issue 1 September 2017 Semaji 9

Test Your Knowledge With This leisure club Historical WordFind Puzzle!!

O R C H N X Y G C O X B B V L Z N WordFind Words L D P C O O P S S G C Z Z A J Q V B J I R S Y I E B W O K M Y D Q G Union United Church P O A U R G Q N N N B Q G W A M U Oscar Peterson Y Z N H E K A O T K W D T S I T H Oliver Jones Jazz L J O C T Y D J B U Q X H T S C N Daisy Sweeney V W X D E Y U R C C S T E D Y W L Piano K Y B E P P J E S N Y F D H S K D N Q A T R T N V B B K N U W W Q C J D H I A V A I R Z N B L Z E E F J U Q N C B E L C O F V D E E F O J X J U S H B O S I Y X M J N L X Y L T N O K Y X T Q P N K F E E S P M B O V Z C B F K Z E R R Y E K D N J I M X Y F M K M K L W T G W K W K N Y P N P C I X L G N L Z I B Q G U Y Y C U S N V I T S U H B

Cozy Up with This Book!!!

A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America, By Shelby Steele. Stay Tuned!!! The Dark Tower (2017). In A Dream Deferred Shelby Steele argues that a second Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew betrayal of black freedom in the United States--the rst McConaughey, Tom one being segregation--emerged from the civil rights era Taylor. when the country was overtaken by a powerful impulse to redeem itself from racial shame. According to The last Gunslinger, Steele,1960s liberalism had as its rst and all-consuming Roland Deschain, has goal the expiation of America guilt rather than the careful been locked in an development of true equality between the races. In four eternal battle with densely argued essays, Steele takes on the familiar Walter O'Dim, also questions of armative action, multiculturalism, diversity, known as the Man in Afro-centrism, group preferences, victimization--and what he deems to be the Black, determined to prevent him from atavistic powers of race, ethnicity, and gender, the original causes of oppres- toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the sion. universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in --Excerpt from amazon.ca the ultimate battle as only Roland can This book can be found at the Atwater Library’s Black Collection. defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

--Excerpt from IMDb Our Resource Guide highlights a variety of non-prot, public and para-public organizations serving the English-speaking Black community

The Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) is an organization that strengthens community capacity by providing professional support to organizations and individuals in need. Our team is committed to assisting visible-minority youth rekindle their dreams and achieve their full potential.

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