PrairieAFRICAN Issue #5 August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture

Page 2 “Coming from an Folklarama is here “I had to drop out underrepresented again. Where would of school because immigrant commu- you be partying? Culture I was always nity and taking a seat playing music, no at the decision-mak- homework” - 70 ing table in the year-old Canadian council, in a time who played 51 A conversation that started in when inclusivity is weeks in a year, only a coffee shop continuing in much needed.” break for Christmas. Diaspora Cafe, wonderful. PoliticsPage 5 MusicPage 9 LifePage 10 Brandon Gets Its First Black City

Sunday Frangi Councillor (Councilor, Ward 5) he name Sunday Frangi will sales associate, had lost the opportunity be remembered for a very long to represent Ward 5, in 2018, to Mr. Why The Hue And Ttime to come, particularly in LoRegio, in his first attempt, and May’s the city of Brandon and at by-election afforded him another large. Mr. Frangi made history, in May, opportunity to step up as councillor as one of the ten ward councillors to seat representing Meadows - Waverly but Cry About Bill 64? with the mayor in their deliberations on the Sudanese immigrant thwarted that ne of the beauties of democracy is a partisan campaign sign for votes is so how to make Brandon city better. We chance. He, himself, having lost the that participants and constituents overwhelming that one wonders if the should also add that the newly elected chance to represent the Brandon West Oare free to hold and air contrary government did consult with stakeholders Ward 5 council man is, probably, the riding, in 2019, to the PC candidate, opinions to that of the government before churning out a bill that is so without fear of reprisal or attack. It is detestable first black person ever elected to serve . Councillor Sunday Frangi The Nielson Global Trust against this backdrop that the current that reported that 65% of print as city councillor in the entire history who flew the Liberal flag then was behemoth opposition to The Education parents, readers typically take some of the city, at least, as far as records can very grateful to the people of Meadows Modernization Act otherwise known as teachers, form of action after viewing show (CBC). Mr. Frangi, a healthcare - Waverly who voted “strategically” Bill 64 can be better appreciated. One can school a newspaper ad. worker, defeated Gordon McRae, at for him. The Sudanese-born politician hardly go anywhere these days without board the just concluded by-election to fill in joins Mayor Rick Chrest on the board coming across a lawn sign denouncing trustees, for former council man, John LoRegio, of the Brandon City Council, and we, Bill 64 and with all manner of innovation and now, Advertise who stepped down on health grounds, at Prairie African, say congratulations - some simple; others complex. The signs city after serving for over 7 years. McRae, a to Mr. Sunday Frangi for achieving which now dot every single street like councils continued on page 7 with us

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prairieafrican.com PrairieAFRICAN 2 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture August, 2021 Folklorama August 6 - 8 2021 - The Importance Of Keeping

Culture Alive The Caraballo band in 1975 s Folklorama restarts this of Manitoba” a promise to return to the usual format goers.” Folklorama is usually scheduled August, after ending its and was to be a one-time event marking by next year. The board was already for two weeks in August every year to Arunning streak due to the Manitoba’s 100 years, by bringing looking at July 31st to August 13th, for celebrate the cultural and ethnic heritage Coronavirus pandemic that necessitated various cultures together to colour the next year’s event, and one hopes the of all immigrants. As contained in the a cancellation of last year’s event, the event. Since then, immigrants who pandemic would have become a thing of organizer’s vision statement, the idea is annual festival actually relaunches with reside here in the city of Winnipeg the past with normalcy taking root again. to promote “the ethno-cultural diversity a new format this year. Like most other come together, yearly, to put up displays Meanwhile, the organizers have made of Manitoba through entertainment world events affected by the prevailing showcasing their mastery of cultures sure to leave no stone unturned in their and public celebrations of culture and times, this year’s festival, which the where they emigrated from and better quest to entertain a growing number of education.” The festival contributes organizers have christened “One Multi- appreciate the diversity that is Canada, festival goers who are becoming restive. to the city’s economy, each year, as Cultural Fusion Event” will be held or, in this case, Manitoba. The two-week Ms. Cotroneo, in a news release, said that the number of tourists who grace the online between August 6th - 8th and event, which usually takes place in they are “thrilled to be able to deliver a performances continue to increase. broadcast from the Burton Cumming’s August, provides festival goers with unique Folklorama experience to festival Theatre. According to the Folklorama various colorful options as they sample website, cultural performances have both cuisine and arts in addition to been grouped by continents of the world. being entertained by exotic dance Beginning August 6th, performances will forms from the participating countries. showcase African and Asian cultures, It has since grown to an annual festival and migrate to the Americas on August with the longest-running streak - 50. 7th before rounding off with European The organizers say over 40 pavilions themed cultural performances on the 8th are set up each year with an average of August. Arrangements have also been of 400,000 visits. Last year’s festival made to stream these performances live which should have been the 51st on YouTube. You can see a complete edition was cancelled and replaced by schedule online on the organizer’s a community scavenger hunt. That was website. For a festival that began timidly, the first time in 50 years that festival in 1970, the annual Folklorama festival goers were denied the opportunity has indeed come a long way. Even the to comingle in a festival setting - organizers never saw that coming. it the same fate befell other notable had no spine and no future at inception Manitoba festivals like the Dauphin but went on to become the world’s Countryfest and the Ukrainian Dance longest-running multicultural festival Festival. According to news monitored (CIOFF). The Folklorama festival was on the CBC, the executive director in started, in 1970, “as a Centennial Folk charge of the festival, Teresa Cotroneo, Festival sponsored jointly by the City blamed the current pandemic for of Winnipeg and the Folk Arts Council taking this year’s event online with

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The Main Express band in 1978 - PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture 3

1486 Regent Ave West, Winnipeg, MB 204-944-6600 JPToyotaRegent.com 4 PrairieAFRICAN - understanding our roots, promoting our culture August, 2021

Prairie ongratulations to the Canadian team even in death? I know he led by example by AFRICAN currently at the Tokyo Olympic games Our Mission teaching black people what they need to know. - understanding our roots, promoting our culture C – among them many of our brothers and sisters supposed to feature stories of black, African, What do you know? Brother man, know thy is published by - doing us proud by showcasing their skills; and people of colour prominently across the roots. Page 6 some of them winning medals also. They have prairies, first, and then the rest of Canada And in sports, Cameroon’s Francis Ngannou R Yeast Communications Inc. now joined a long list of black people who and the world. This is our own. In Brandon, looks set to defend his UFC belt, through generations have shown that they are we scored another first - the election of the or is he? The forces that be in the organization talented just like anybody on the planet. first black city councillor to the board of the seem to be pulling all the strings. See page 11 A people are the sum total of their actions. city council, in addition to the first black also “In case you missed it” (below), is where we Available at: As black or African peoples, what actions do elected to the school board trusteeship in the present various successful African and Black we take on a daily basis to improve our lot? It same city. Are things beginning to change over people who continue to do us proud in spite of Community Centers is true that we all have to work but going to there? Why not hear from the horse’s mouth the discrimination they face. Remember, “All Local Libraries work alone will not make the white, Asian, or on page 5? that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that Gas Bars East Indian see you as an equal. I don’t mean Bill 64 should be the most popular bill out good (people) do nothing” (Edmund Burke). Local Sports Shops that you don’t best them in the office, of course there today. What is it all about and why are There must be something new that we can do Hotels you do but lack the results to show for it. Black people denouncing it? Some say the timing is to dissuade racists amongst us. Racism is not Ethnic Grocery Stores people are so loosely connected that other races very suspicious. We asked some experts for a fight that one person can fight alone. I need Convenience Stores can see. A prominent east Indian entrepreneur their opinion on page 7. you and you need me. We need each other. Local Businesses once told me, when I was gearing up for this Folklorama is here again, thank God, we Let’s push each another. project, that it wasn’t going to work because have something to look forward to in terms of Finally, my gratitude goes to the many Black African people are not united like them and socials and festivals unlike last year when it and African entrepreneurs and philanthropists even if they start now, can never catch up with was cancelled outrightly. Where will you be who continue to show their support for what them. I’ll keep his name secret. We all need partying? See page 2. we do. As usual, it is with much pleasure Coverage Map to up our game. We need to forgive, help, and In light of the shattering news of discoveries and pain that I salute your courage. Africans Winnipeg appreciate each other going forward. True, we of unmarked graves near sites of Indian (Blacks) are a great people, and great people Brandon may never catch up with the east Indian, but Residential Schools, we tried to trace their communicate in proverbs: “Even as the archer Steinbach we have nothing to lose by trying. history, at least in Manitoba. We know the loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the Portage la Prairie Brandon seems to have the spotlight in this victims but who are the real culprits? Page 8 bow that remains in his hands.” We salute you. issue, don’t ask me “why?” Prairie African is Why is Frederick Douglass still an enigma [email protected].

Printers In case you missed it Derksen Printers SundayFrangi Mohammed Ahmed Long before became the first black is a rising star in the Civil Rights city councillor to be Canadian and world Movement was elected to the board athletics.Mospeed, born, and even Circulation of the Brandon city as the Somali-born beforeMorais, George Ndungu council in, possibly, athlete is called, Greene,Pinnock Edward Ajayi over a century. Mr moved to Canada and co thought of Kenny Amore Frangiachieved this at the age of 11 and writing The Porter, Naman Patel feat in May’s by-election by defeating all has since represented Canada at the World Lee Williams fought for the right to work other contestants for Ward 5 councillorship Championships where he won Bronze in at the railway company. He was one of the position. He had served as a volunteer for the 5000m, Silver (5000m & 10000m), first sleeping-car porters who looked after Photographer his party and was campaign manager for the at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, passengers in the 1930s and 40s. Williams Niyi Adetola Liberal candidate in . Frangi and Gold at the Pan Am Games in 2015. fought CN Rail and his union for fair graduated from University of Manitoba Ahmed is one of Canada’s medal hopefuls treatment and better wages culminating in and hails from South Sudan. at the Tokyo Olympics. He’s 30. an end to unfair practices by 1964. Creative Adviser Douglas K. Wanyoike Nigerian-born Tito North York, - Paediatrician and Daodu is a Pediatric born sprinter, Khamica community leader, Surgeon at Alberta Bingham, is one of the Dr. June James, Children’s Hospital athletes representing was the first Black For Advert placement, in Calgary. Tito Canada at the Tokyo woman admitted to inquiries and is the first black Olympics. The former the University of subscription, woman pediatric Canadian national- Manitoba School call (204) 952-8578 surgeon practising in level gymnast has won of Medicine. She

Canada (APSA). She attended University medals for Canada at the Pan American also served as president of the College or of Manitoba medical school and Games, Commonwealth Games and the of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba completed her residency and fellowship World Championships. Bingham won (2003-2004) and the Manitoba Allergy Email the editor in Calgary. She co-developed a project in silver in the 4×100 m relay, in 2019, at the Society, as well as chairperson of the Tanzania focused on adolescent gender Pan American Games in Lima, and bronze Allergy and Immunology Section of the

Richard Elendu and reproductive health and researched in the same event at the 2015 games in Manitoba Medical Association. She is a childhood pneumonia in Nigeria. . She’s only 27 member of the Order of Manitoba (2004). [email protected]

Calistus Ekenna London,Ontario-born Barbadian-born is, arguably, the Abimbola Ajomale is Keith Sandiford who first black person a Canadian sprinter of specialises in social to be elected to the Nigerian parentage. history of the 19th Brandon School The California-based and 20th centuries is Division Trustee athlete won bronze in an avowed Historian board. An addiction the 4x100m event, at andProfessor co-ordinator for the 2016 Olympics, emeritus at the Dakota Ojibway Child & Family Services, in Rio de Janeiro, and is part of Canada’s University of Manitoba where he taught for Calistus holds a masters in Social Works 4x100 meters relay team, at this year’s over 30 years. One of the pioneers of the from the University of Manitoba and Tokyo Olympics, which includes Jerome historical sociology of sports, Sandiford believes that “Good decisions are made Blake, Gavin Smellie, and Andre de Grasse. chaired the Teaching Advisory Committee Richard Elendu is an advocate for racial equality and social when diverse voices that reflect the He has also participated in the World from 1986 to 1993, and received the Gold change in the community. various communities within our city are Junior Championships. The Academy of Crown of Merit from the Government of represented at the decision-making table.” Art University student is 25. Barbados in 2004. August, 2021 PrairieAFRICAN 5 Community

Centres Save Your Time Inc. Bring

We take the hassle out of life. So you Immigrants can spend time on things that matter. Together. - Sunday Frangi 204-402-0069 he name Sunday Frangi will new life, and I lived mostly in Winnipeg. be remembered for a very long Brandon is my home now, I moved to [email protected] Ttime to come, particularly in the Brandon about three years ago. Getting city of Brandon and Manitoba at large. elected to city council was not my first Mr. Frangi made history, in May, as involvement in Canadian politics. In 2019, one of the ten ward councillors to seat I was a campaign manager for the Liberal with the mayor in their deliberations on candidate in Brandon East, and later ran how to make Brandon city better. We as candidate for Brandon West under the should also add that the newly elected Liberal party. Also, during my time at Ward 5 council man is, probably, the the University of Manitoba, I served as first black person ever elected to serve a volunteer for the Liberal party in the as city councillor in the entire history local branch. I started as a volunteer, then ...we deliver anything locally. of the city, at least, as far as records can became a full party member, and, down show (CBC). Mr. Frangi, a healthcare the road, I decided to run. worker, defeated Gordon McRae, at What does it mean to you to be a the just concluded by-election to fill in councillor of the Brandon City Council, well. We couldn’t celebrate because of the my friends were allowed to come around. for former council man, John LoRegio, being an immigrant and a black man? pandemic. Oh my God. I can understand how you who stepped down on health grounds, To be honest with you, it means more That doesn’t sound interesting at all, feel about that. Let’s say you only put after serving for over 7 years. McRae, a than one can imagine, coming from an and that means only a limited amount the celebration forward, hopefully we sales associate, had lost the opportunity underrepresented immigrant community of people can participate. can celebrate when normalcy returns. to represent Ward 5, in 2018, to Mr. and taking a seat at the decision-making That’s right. Things are beginning to look good now. LoRegio, in his first attempt, and table in the council, here in the city of And, we Africans, we like to support Yes, hopefully. May’s by-election afforded him another Brandon, in a time when inclusivity is one another especially when we’re What will give you the greatest joy opportunity to step up as councillor much needed to reflect the needs of our succeeding like this, we like to come going into the council chamber? You representing Meadows - Waverly but community. So, it really means a lot to me together, but the covid situation has not know you’re going to be in the minority the Sudanese immigrant thwarted that to be elected the first black councillor at made that possible. when you guys meet. chance. He, himself, having lost the this time. That’s right. We couldn’t celebrate. We I look forward to getting to know the chance to represent the Brandon West Has it affected your life in anyway since couldn’t do anything. Only two or three of rest of the councillors better. Meeting in- riding, in 2019, to the PC candidate, you became a public figure? Reg Helwer. Councillor Sunday Frangi Yes, my life has changed in that I see who flew the Liberal flag then was very myself becoming a role model to many grateful to the people of Meadows - aspiring young immigrants out there. Waverly who voted “strategically” I see myself becoming a voice to many for him. The Sudanese-born politician voiceless community members out there. joins Mayor Rick Chrest on the board Yes, this change has affected my life of the Brandon City Council, and we, positively. at Prairie African, say congratulations Have you had any regret since you to Mr. Sunday Frangi for achieving this joined City Hall? great feat. Check out the full interview Not really, I have no regrets at all, only we conducted with the ground- that I got elected during the covid-19 breaking councillor on our website lockdown and as a result have been prairieafrican.com. Below, are excerpts working from home. Apart from that, no, of that interview. I have no regrets whatsoever. I’m looking Once again, thank you for accepting to forward to serving our people, not only in come on our platform, Prairie African. Meadows-Waverly but the entire city of We identify with you as, arguably, the Brandon. first black person to be voted into the You mean you have been working from Brandon City Council for, possibly home since your election? over a century now. For the benefit of Yes, everything has been virtual since our readers, can you please introduce my election. In fact, my swearing-in was yourself sir? done virtually. It was just last week that My name is Sunday Frangi. I’m originally we met in-person for the first time, and I from Sudan, I grew up in Sudan. I came claimed my seat in the council chamber. Sunday Frangi to Canada about 17 years ago seeking I got to meet with some councillors as PrairieAFRICAN 6 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture August, 2021 Frederick Douglass = Racial Equality of leadership within and established The North Star, an anti- an all-black division that fought on the the Black community, slavery newspaper. His autobiography, Union side during the American civil sacrifice for the cause Narrative of the Life of Frederick war. Douglass also actively supported of emancipating the Douglass, an American Slave (1845), women’s suffrage, and held several public Black man, and his received positive reviews, and circulated offices. approach to the whole all over the US, and was translated into Douglass was a firm believer in the issue of slavery and other European languages. He also equality of all peoples, be they white, segregation, Douglass authored My Bondage and My Freedom black, female, Native American, or is the man. After (1855) and followed that up with Life Chinese immigrants. escaping from slavery and Times of Frederick Douglass (1881). in Maryland (a 24 hour Following the Civil War, Douglass Tel: 204-925-5914 “walk” to freedom), remained an active campaigner against Douglass became a slavery. However, the US Supreme Court national leader of the decision on Scott v. Sanford (1857) abolitionist movement in which the Supreme Court held that in Massachusetts and in Dred Scott who had found himself, by New York. He believed providence, in the free state of Wisconsin in racial equality, and after his owner, Sanford, had taken him unlike other activists, there, was still a property of his owner f all the stories of Black people did not sideline the angered abolitionists, and led Douglass to in slavery and segregation, the women in his fight, and was also quick make a prophetic declaration that, “This story of Frederick Douglass, to mend fences with former slave owners very attempt to blot out forever the O as long as they crossed over to the other hopes of an enslaved people may be one the first African-American nominated for Vice President of the United States side. Douglass was quoted as saying, ”I necessary link in the chain of events (Equal Rights Party), an Intellectual, would unite with anybody to do right and preparatory to the complete overthrow Abolitionist, Speaker, Writer, Journalist, with nobody to do wrong.” He believed of the whole slave system.” And four Teacher, Social Reformer, and Statesman, in forging alliances even with the enemy years later, the North and South would is the most captivating for a number of as long as they could reason in dialogue. go to war, leading Abraham Lincoln reasons. Yes, there are other prominent A self-educated Douglass would go on to proclaim the Emancipation Act, in Blacks like W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus to teach other slaves, in secret, because 1963, declaring all slaves in the South Garvey, Booker T. Washington, George he believed that, “knowledge is the free. Douglass will go round the north Washington Carver, Carter G. Woodson, pathway from slavery to freedom.” He canvassing for Black men to be enlisted to Malcom X, Martin Luther King senior and wrote several books including three fight on the Union side. He even had his junior, and Sojourner Truth, but in terms autobiographies, gave several speeches, two sons join the 54th Infantry division, Sunday Frangi person will help me relate better with I mean you’ve started working very T.S. AUTO SERVICE LTD each and everyone of my colleagues. It hard already. You’re not just looking will allow me more space to address the at your ward now. Instead, you’re 571 Sargent Ave issues facing the people that I represent in taking interest in matters that affect a broader perspective. Meeting virtually immigrants and you’re speaking up (204) 505-7278 Winnipeg, MB. has its ups and downs, so, I really look and letting them know how it affects forward to things getting back to normal. you as an immigrant as well. We really (204) 583-5374 R3B 1W6 What are your plans for the residents encourage that of our representatives. of Ward 5 which you represent? Yes. My plans, as a councillor for Ward 5, is Having said that, do you have any Safety Inspection to use my voice to defend the interest of plans to deal with racial inequalities in the thousands of people that I represent. our province? If so, can you share them Engine Repair And also, being the voice, I intend with us? to defend the interest of community- Yes. It is a very challenging problem. based organizations. I’m talking about Racial inequality is the biggest challenge Transmission immigrant communities that are based in our province, and it has been supported here in Brandon. I’ll give you an example, by many decades of failure to address it during our first in-person meeting the adequately. We are at cross roads today, Car Detailing issue of demolishing Park community therefore, to address racial inequality, center was tabled before the councillors. mistakes of the past must be admitted I used my voice to help abort that plan to and as well must be acknowledged. Tire Repair demolish it because a community centre People have to really dialogue presently benefits immigrants. It is so important without prejudice. About a year ago when to immigrant communities. Community the issue of George Floyd arose in the centres bring immigrants together. When US, for the first time, here in Brandon, it comes to celebrating our cultural people came out to support the protests diversity, these community centres against systemic racism. I was one of help immigrants and I’m glad that my the speakers at both rallies organized by colleagues voted 8 out of 10 in favour of the Black Lives Matter, here in Brandon; rehabilitating the community centre. that’s my background. I am vocal against Oil Was this community centre in Ward 5? racial injustice. A lot of people ask me No, it wasn’t even in my ward. It was “Sunday, now that you’ve been elected Change in Ward 1, but I have to support it to the city council is that the end of your regardless of what area of the city it is in voice being heard? I said no this will $29.95 because I know the importance of having strengthen my voice even more. This is community centres. a very sensitive issue that needs to be That is good. That means you’re addressed. Some people say it’s a thing of already firing on all cylinders then. the past; but that’s not true. It’s something continued on page 8 Visit us today! Recipes from Ethiopia made with love for Winnipeg families

Dine-In & Delivery on DOORDASH, UBER EATS PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture 7 and SKIP THE DISHES Bill 64 are all opposed to it and suspicious of government’s intentions at the same time. Gojo Restaurant How do people band together, even across partisan lines, to denounce a government Recipes from533 Sargent Ave. 204-615-0785Recipes from Ethiopia, made with love Ethiopia made 204-615-0785 bill that promises to move our educational with love forgojorestaurantwpg.com system forward, far beyond the dark Winnipeg families OpenDine-In 7 days/week & Enjoy our signature vegetarian recesses of where it currently sits? What Delivery combo and many beef, lamb is contained in the 16-part document that Skip The Dishes, it elicits so much hue and cry to the extent Doordash, & and chicken dishes that it has now assumed a personality of its own? Like I said earlier, if one didn’t look Uber Eats Open 7 days a week carefully enough, there’s the tendency to think that Bill 64 was a candidate standing Dine-In & Delivery on 533 Sargent Ave, Winnipeg, MB for a federal or provincial election. That DOORDASH, UBER EATS and SKIP THE DISHES asked to explain how, Mr Frangi said that “having a school board does help immigrant is how widely publicized the bill has become, albeit, negatively so. But let’s look at communities and as such immigrants should resist the bill, especially as it plans to the facts on ground regarding this polarizing bill: 1. Bill 64 is set to replace the The eliminate the role of school board trustees. Even though the provincial government has Public Schools Act, The Education Administration Act and The Community Schools since launched a website to try to clarify the imperatives of the bill and, by so doing, Act. 2. The restructuring of the current 36 English533 Sargent school Ave. 204-615-0785 divisions into 15 regions. 3. clear “misconceptions” arising there from, it does seem that the initial reaction to the bill The French Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobainegojorestaurantwpg.com (DSFM) will remain as a separate Open 7 days/week has overshadowed the government’s best efforts. Meanwhile, the government, through board. 4. The possible sack of elected trustees in the other 36 school boards since it its education minister, claims the wide opposition to the bill is “politically motivated” proposes to merge them into one single board to be run by the Provincial Education (CTV News). Whatever the case, it is clear that the provincial government needs to do Authority (PEA). 5. The introduction of the School Community Council to be made more in terms of carrying the people along, especially in matters that affect children. up of parents and guardians to work with the school administrator in regards to the In another development, the discovery of a total of 966 unmarked graves of residential welfare of the school and its students; and many more. Having enumerated the above school victims on the grounds of former residential schools in Saskatchewan and proposed changes to Manitoba’s education system, one would think that a bill that British Columbia have continued to generate interest with the Manitoba government saves the government so much money, in terms of administrative costs, might be a pledging good thing but the concomitant effect of that restructuring might lie in the fact that $2.5 million some may lose their jobs or positions, for example, the current school board trustees towards the SUPE who are likely to remain in their positions for another year. Since there is a provision D’S RMA search for A R in the bill for an executive comprised of parents and guardians, we might see some L K unmarked L E of them return but in another capacity. Mr. Calistus, a social worker who doubles as I residential T a school board trustee in the Brandon School Division argues that, “most community M school members do not really know what the bill entails because of the copious nature of graves HALAL MEAT the bill” and says the government is seeking to have total control over education, a within the form of “power grab.” Also, a councillor in the city council of Brandon, Mr. Sunday province (204) 947-9558 Frangi, thinks that the bill is no good and advises Africans and all black immigrants (Canadian Offering a wide variety of ethnic foods & products to stand against it. He says “it will negatively affect immigrant people’s lives.” When press). Good Choice Auto Centre ABBEY’S AUTO SERVICE 731 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB. R3G 0B3 162, Dumoulin St. (204) 775-2886 Off Provencher Blvd Email:[email protected] Cell: (204) 997-4990 (204) 222-5854 Winnipeg, MB. R2H 0R1 • Approved Safety Inspection Safety Inspections • Foreign & Domestic Auto Repairs Certified Safety • Car Sales & Services AC Tune Ups Center • Foreign & Domestic Cars Tire Changes

Everybody talks about our friendly and courteous service Thank you for choosing Good Choice Auto ...See you soon! Thank you for your business PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 8 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture On Residential Schools The rom 1831 when the Mohawk Indian Residential Presbyterian Church, and later, the United Church. Poet’s School, in Brantford, Ontario, opened its doors to Brandon Residential School, located in Brandon, was F1997 when the Marieval Indian Residential School, opened in 1895 and closed in 1972 (77 years) and was operated Corner in Saskatchewan, closed its doors is exactly one hundred and by three organizations at different times: the Methodist Church, sixty-six years. In that time frame, it is believed that over the United Church, and the Roman Catholic. “Comrades-in-arms” 150,000 Indigenous children were admitted in those schools, Churchill Residential School, located in Churchill, opened against their free will, and recent events have shown that a great in 1964 and closed in 1973 (9 years) and was operated by the Surging ahead every now and then proportion of that number were likely abused either sexually or Canadian government. Blazing your exploits is the common man physically, not forgetting the emotional abuse they continue Cross Lake Residential School, located in Norway House, Your Don-Quixotic maneuvers to face. It is hard to pinpoint the exact number of students Cross Lake was opened in 1912 and closed in 1969 (57 years) Have all been learned who attended those schools against their will and even more and was operated by the Roman Catholic Church, the Indian difficult to count the number of those who lost their lives as a and Eskimo Welfare Commission, and the government at Leaving our shores you’ve resurrected result of physical or sexual abuse. It is against this backdrop various times. The very words of our great legend that the shattering discoveries of unmarked graves, belonging Elkhorn Residential School, located in Elkhorn, opened To fight and run away to Indigenous children becomes worrisome, especially as those in 1889 and closed 1949 (60 years) and was operated by the So you can fight another day graves have been located within the precincts of the schools, Anglican Church. the latest being 751, on the grounds of the Marieval Indian You will recall that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Amandla! The masses echo Residential School, the last Indian Residential School to close cast doubt as to the correct number of fatal victims of the Those who listen say it’s apartheid its doors in modern times. Earlier, 215 unmarked graves were Indian Residential School system as shady records have now But now, distortions discovered at another school site belonging to a mission- confirmed. (sources include the CBC and NCTR) Nameless. operated Indian Residential School, in British Columbia, prompting the Manitoba government to pledged $2.5 million Surely, you’ve not deserted us towards the search for unmarked residential school graves in You have gone ahead to prepare the province. Officially, there were 139 residential schools And on your coming tis true operating in the area now known as Canada (this is different We shall cry uhuru from the schools operated in the United States) but unofficially, AKIN’S the number seems to be far more than that given that many Arise! Great compatriots were day schools, and some were clandestinely operated. Of Hold your heads aloft this number, Manitoba had 14 residential schools. Here, we Even in the thick of battles take a look at the 14 residential schools that were operated in In a cleft stick you surged on. Manitoba (including dates opened and closed), their locations, AFRICAN Poetry is a natural way of expression in and the organizations that operated them. Africa - which is the source and origin Assiniboia Residential School, located on Academy Road, RESTAURANT of poetry. How has your poetry evolved? in Winnipeg, was opened in 1958 and closed in 1973 (a period Now you have an opportunity to showcase of 15 years) and was operated by the Roman Catholic Church. your creativity. Send your poems or wise Birtle Residential School, located in Birtle, was opened in & BAR sayings to the editor at: richardelendu@ 1888 and closed in 1970 (82 years) and was operated by the prairieafrican.com.

Right Price Sunday Frangi Right Place that still exist till this day. In this country, hard and trying harder to fit into a hopright unfortunately, you get profiled based on system that was never meant for us. We Right Choice the colour of your skin, your religion and must continue to do the best we can to . . C-Store where you come from. Many of us have get involved. Yes, change is coming to 204-887-5966 experienced that in one way or another. Brandon. A lot of people here in Brandon So, we have to acknowledge the mistakes are open to change because they are tired 833 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB. R3A 1M6 of the past. We have to be willing to talk of seeing the same faces every year. But openly that it does exist, and it has to stop. also, change comes with a lot of work. Great Opportunity for an Experienced Enset Derivatives Foods What advice will you give to the We have to get involved and work hard (Kotcho and Bulla) Baker and Preparation Worker. Liberal government of Justin Trudeau to be accepted by the rest of Canadians in in bettering the lives of Canadians, politics. So, getting elected to city council Shopright Ethnic Foods is looking for an experienced and reliable Enset especially immigrants? does not encourage me that people’s Derivative Foods (Kotcho and Bulla) Processing and Preparation Worker. The The Liberal government of Justin Trudeau values have changed. No, it has not position is full time (40 hours a week) and requires the following qualifications: has been trying to do the best they can changed. There’s still more to do because 1. A minimum of 3 years of experience in processing Enset Derivative Foods, for Canadians. But we need more from I live here, and I can tell a lot of people including Kotcho and Bulla processing and preparations in a licensed and the government in terms of providing are skeptical about putting someone like verifiable commercial setting. more resources for immigrants to be me into the city council. Recently, we able to succeed, whether in business or worked hard to elect one of our own into 2. Being able to process various Enset plant derivative foods with cleanliness and any aspect of community building. More the school board of trustees for the first consistency. resources need to be made available to time. He is probably the first black to be The position may require sorting out different Enset Plant derivative products. immigrants, especially, African and Black so elected. immigrants. When you look round the How do you hope to tackle substance 3. Being able to lift 20 to 40 lbs packages frequently and on a regular basis. country today you see lots of communities abuse which seems to be ravaging your 4. The position requires attention to details and proper food processing and have benefitted from Canada’s resources, city? handling. but you see the percentage of Black The reason I talk about substance abuse 5. The person must be willing to organize and clean the work area before, during, and African immigrants benefitting is a lot is because I see the downtown as and after processing and preparing the foods items and derivatives. very low. So we need this government the face of every city. But when you to do more. We need this government drive through downtown Brandon, to 6. This position is full-time (40 hours per week) with a starting wage of $13.75 to to allocate more resources to black and have a coffee or to grab a bite, it is like $14.00 per hour. African immigrants. a ghost town. Less fortunate community 7. The prospective employee must be willing to work various shifts, including With your election as a city councillor, members involved in substance abuse overnight shifts. do you think black immigrants have dot the horizon, and it is widely agreed now been accepted in Canadian that substance abuse is the leading cause Please email your cover letter and resume to the Manager, Mr. Alemu Abire, at: politics? of crimes everywhere. In Brandon, it is [email protected] Let me be honest with you Richard, I’ll an issue that requires the collaboration If you have further questions, please call Mr. Alemu Abire at (204) 887-5966. say not yet. Remember, we are working of all three levels of government, and it visit prairieafrican.com for full story August, 2021 PrairieAFRICAN - understanding our roots, promoting our culture 9 Music Is The Food Of The

- Bobby Hobson Soulobby J, as he’s generally called, Impressions between has been into music for over 1968-69; the name Bfive decades now. If there is was later changed to someone who knows a thing or two about the G.I. Brass in 1971. music, Bobby is arguably the right one. According to Bobby, Born Robert James Hobson, in Aruba, the group would later about 70 years ago, Bobby moved to St. merge with Ellie Matt Kitts where he had his primary education to become Ellie Matt at St. Kitts Nevis Grammar School. “By & the G.I. Brass, in choice, I dropped out of school because I 1972, and he remained was more interested in playing music and with the band touring never had time for my homework.” Bobby the island of St. Kitts said he was so encapsulated in music that and other islands in the he did neglect his schoolwork a lot to go Caribbean, spending watch a neighborhood band play, and, one most of the time in the day, the drummer let him play the drums US Virgin Islands until after rehearsals and even taught him a few 1974 when he moved Bobby Hobson beats and “that was, basically, how my to Canada. “When I drumming career started,” he said. Bobby got back from touring, played at the St. Charles hotel which was of the venues we performed at include, ended up failing his GCE but would go on in 1973, my immigration papers arrived a local hangout for musicians.” It was the Grant Hotel, MontCalm Hotel on to play music full time joining his first band just when the band (Ellie Matt & the there that Bobby said he met Mickey who Pembina, Curtis Hotel, down Henderson at 16. “I remember, Cromwell Bowry, an G.I. Brass) was getting popular.” Bobby played guitar with the Caraballo band. Highway, Assiniboine Hotel, on west elder in the community, invited me to sing would arrive the shores of Canada, in “He liked my performance on drums Portage Ave, Airliner Hotel on Ellice at a community event, I performed there April 1974, with his talent. “I got into and invited me to join their band in the Ave and many other venues in the city.” and became an instant sensation on the my first band, here in Winnipeg, shortly summer of 1975. That was where Bobby The Caraballo later changed its name to island.” Bobby said he then joined The after I arrived. It was called the Bridge would thrive as a musician becoming, the Main Express band and Bobby said Bertie Brothers Band, in 1967, playing band - they named it after the bridge at first, the lead singer for the band, and he remained the front man as the band the percussion and conga drums. He also BDI on Jubilee. I got hired as a drummer, when the drummer left, he became both also had some showing in town. “We played the drums and sang for The Group within months of my arrival, and we the drummer and the lead singer. The played at two pavilions in Folklorama – Caraballo band, one of the most popular the Afro-Caribbean and the Trinidadian bands in the 70’s, played reggae, calypso, pavilions until I strained my vocal cords. funk, soul, pop and top 40 music. Their I had to go through speech therapy at the popularity and demand for their stage St. Boniface Hospital.” I also remember, performances gave them the opportunity my sister made me a nice little stage to be booked for 51 weeks out of the year, outfit when I was to perform on the CKY only taking a break for Christmas. Some TV station’s weekly and local talent visit prairieafrican.com 10 PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture

offee or tea? That was the question my parents popped whenever Ca visiting neighbour or relative came by our house back home in Africa. This was long before I came to know the Coffee or Tea? words inflation and market. I came from a middle-class family, and we always - Meet the proprietors of Diaspora Cafe had the finest of coffee and tea at home - I sometimes experimented by adding was so nostalgic, it quickly reminded in the middle of the pandemic. “Initially, Diaspora Cafe - how wonderful. On how both. Brands like Horlicks and Nescafe me of home - clean, middle-classy type the idea came out of nowhere,” contin- they were able to come up with the financ- or Lipton and Tetley are still fresh on my environment with the attendant art that ues Jason, “Keisha and I both love es for the cafe, the couple said “when mind and sometimes when I came back reminds you of the tropics. I immediate- coffee very much. We often frequented we started looking at financing, we got from school, and it was raining, I helped ly fell in love and wanted to know how coffee shops and cafes for years on end some pushbacks from the banks” who myself to a cup of coftea - if there was Keisha and Jason achieved this urban (laughs).” The couple narrated how they told them that a cafe was an unpredict- such a word - but I mean one of able business. Finally, my numerous experiments as a they were able to secure child growing up. My siblings financing and Keisha can recall almost all my experi- stumbled on their current ments and they sometimes location, on Marion taunt me by telling my children Street, which used to be some of them. I literally tried an ice cream shop; and everything - trust me - I made the rest is history. It took my own chocolates and lattes them about six months by freezing powdered milk from conception to setup, and Milo or Bournvita in our from Spring 2020 to early high freezer. I made sure to Winter of the same year. put them away, out of reach On the name and how it of my mom, who was want to came about, the couple go to the refrigerator at any said the name “Diaspora” time. Funny enough, she never came up as encompass- saw any of my fridge experi- ing African people and ments - she heard of them the whole diaspora – but never found one; I guess whether it be Caribbean, I must’ve been very discreet. American, African, or Long before I came to know Black Canadian - the idea Nestea, I had made my own is to provide an umbrel- iced tea by pouring water into la for all black people to my unfinished cup of tea and sweetening cofftea melting pot they call Diaspora discovered Negash coffee, in Niverville, unite and have a space that they can go it with sugar or honey, sometimes both, Cafe. They have a wide varietea (no pun an African coffee roaster and supplier, to. “Our space is open to all people, but and transferring it into one of those cute intended) of coffee and, of course, tea to and came up with the idea. They said we want Black people to feel at home plastic bottles before shoving it into the choose from - the spiced mocha, milo they were “actually wishing” they could when they come here. We don’t just have back recesses of our tall freezer which frappe, cocoa tea, hibiscus tea lemonade, “go to a place, have a latte or cappucci- an inviting atmosphere for Black people was in my mom’s room. I even made lattes, cappuccinos, drip coffee, french no but also have some Jamaican patties but the actual businesses that we work lots of ice-cream at home then, by using presses, & pour-overs made exclusively or samosas or some Caribbean desert to with - our coffee comes from Ethiopia, condensed milk, if you know what that from a Diaspora Blend. They also have go with it.” If only wishes were horses. Negash coffee, our rum cakes are from is, I’m not sure people around here some patties to go with it. Curious as “If you go to Starbucks or go to all these K&S Grill, our mini-Jamaican patties know what that is. I remember all these to how an immigrant couple from the other places, they don’t have that right?” from Pretty Baked, another Barbadi- suddenly because I visited Diaspora Caribbean discovered a cool spot in the Jason asked rhetorically. So, Keisha and an enterprise here in Canada. You can Cafe on Marion Street and I drank their heart of St. Boniface to situate a cafe, I Jason became magicians, they somehow really see that we’re in sync with other cocoa tea which I thought was a master’s decided to engage Keisha and Jason to turned their wishes into horses and ran black-owned businesses and we follow level compared to one of my experimen- share their dream with me. “It all began with their vision - a conversation that all health and safety guidelines.” Diaspo- tational teas growing up. The ambience with an idea” they said, “a simple idea” started in a coffee shop continuing in ra Cafe is open 7 days a week. PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture 11 Will Francis Ngannou Be Allowed To Defend His UFC Belt? eigning UFC heavyweight champion of the world, Cameroonian Francis Ngannou looks set to take on the world’s best and stake a claim to the Rpound for pound title, stuff that legends are made of. Ngannou, a rising star in the UFC, is believed to be the future of the organization. The Cameroonian only became a mixed martial artist a little over 7 years ago and made his UFC debut about 2 years later, after a harrowing ordeal from Batie, Cameroon to France. The current UFC heavyweight champion who hitch-hiked his way to , France spent two months in a Spanish jail (for illegally crossing the border) and had to sleep in the gym in Paris, an upgrade of the Parisian streets which he converted to his home for a period. The Batie-born Cameroonian knocked out his opponent in his first fight in the UFC octagon and since then has become a household name in the organization and among the fans. Ngannou who has since defeated the likes of , , , , , Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Anthony Hamilton, Bojan Mihajlović, and , all via finishes, had gone back home with gym equipment to negotiate for a property where he intended to set up a

gym to enable young Cameroonians actualize their dreams when the UFC announced an interim title bout between his former team mate, Ciryrl Gane (another rising star) and . Ngannou’s team had questioned the rationale of arranging such a fight when the current UFC heavyweight champion is arguably the most active among all heavyweights on the organization’s roster. Among his accomplishments include 7 knockout of the year awards and 6 performance of the night awards. Ngannou who was looking towards a fight against the legendary , who recently moved up to heavyweight vacating his light-heavyweight title in the process, appears to have gotten the short end of the stick, his team had argued. No other UFC champion (whether active or retired) had been treated that way, they claimed. This was the first time two fighters (champion to champion) had agreed to square up in the octagon and the UFC was attempting to pull the plug off it. Ngannou called his proposed fight with Jon Jones “the real deal” and Jones, himself, perhaps, the most decorated fighter in UFC history, and number one (numero uno) pound-for-pound on the list has been training hard to deliver an experience which he promises to be unforgettable (Heavy.com). The former light-heavyweight champion has been training for 17 months now and has put all other possible match ups on hold. The fans are also rooting for this megafight match up, but the UFC is still grappling with the fighters’ purse. For Ngannou, such a match up should produce a favourable pay day and he is not alone in his thinking. Ngannou had questioned, just after the Logan Paul and Mayweather fight, the amount that professional fighters were being paid compared to exhibition fighters and had asked, “what are we doing wrong?” Bones, on his part, has continued to demand a better pay to fight The Predator, and this could be the singular reason why the fight has not been announced, leaving the UFC in a precarious state. Since then, it appears many more fighters have waded into the pay issue, some even threatening to abandon the organization. Since the breakdown in negotiations between the Jones team - Jones even hired a professional negotiator in the person of Richard Schaefer - the UFC had toyed with the idea of matching their new champion with Derek Lewis, a less glamorous encounter, and even suggested Houston as the venue for the event (MMA News). One thing is sure, fight fans would not be looking forward to seeing that fight, any day, given the nature and outcome of the first encounter between the two. It was a drab affair, to say the least. Even though the Black Beast handed Ngannou his last loss, via decision, there was really less activity (by both fighters) during that fight, and fight continued on prairieafrican.com PrairieAFRICAN August, 2021 - understanding our roots, promoting our culture

Players from the Brandon Renegades Cricket Team jubilate after a successful outing last season.

Manitoba Cricketers Canadian Player Consolidate On Profile The Gains Of Last

standings, rather all teams will for the first time in 8 years, a new be playing for the glory of the team was crowned champions Atiba Hutchinson game. They had to reduce the in Manitoba - Sher E Maples Age: 38 Season. Premier Division from 50-overs Cricket Club of Winnipeg ou would not expect bringing with them a positive to 30-overs, the Division One emerged winners of the 30-overs Club: Besiktas growth in the middle attitude, love and passion, recipes from 45-overs to 30-overs, and Premier Division, overtaking Number: 13 of a pandemic, but that for a good cricket season. The the Division Two from 40-overs Cosmos Cricket Club who have Y Position: D. Midfielder was exactly what happened to Cricket association had to think to 25-overs, all in a bid to been at the top of the division Manitoba Cricket last season. outside the box, and make some accommodate all who turned out for seven consecutive years. Height: 1.87m (6ft 2) The league grew from 36 teams, spur-of-the-moment decisions to to play. This abridged version of Also, new clubs like the Brandon Birthplace: Brampton ON in 2019, to 41 teams in 2020. In accomodate the growth. “Issues the league helped to complete the Renegades Cricket Club, formed fact, eight teams were added to like, do we exclude the new season in record time. Though in 2019, now have two teams Youth Clubs the Manitoba Cricket league last teams because of the pandemic there were disruptions, like when in Division 2. This typifies Brampton Braves season, both in the youth and or ride along with the waves the Brandon teams had to forfeit growth in the game of cricket in North Scarborough SC adult divisions. Matches had to be became a constant vacillating their games after an initial health Manitoba, exemplifying the love scheduled closer and in a compact point. Thankfully, we decided for scare in the Prarie Mountain and passion Cricketers bring to Senior Career format to accommodate for the the latter, which is a good thing Health Region. However, one of the game. In an interview with the York Region Shooters 2002 number of games that had to be for the sport of Cricket,” says Ray the surprises of the league, last president of the Cosmos Cricket played. The cricket traffic at the Ramrattan, president of Cosmos year, was a Premier Division Club, Mr. Ramrattan says cricket Toronto Lynx 2002/3 parks grew in leaps and bounds, Cricket Club. But despite the game which ended in a tie, a very can be used to stamp out racism Öster 2003/4 probably because many active uncertainty of a disruption to rare occurence in the game of and ethnic bigotry in the province, Helsingborg 2004-6 people wanted to get outside the 2020 season, occasioned by Cricket. The compact schedule since players come from all over again. The Assiniboine Park saw the then never-ending novel- and shortened format of the the continents of the world and Copenhagen 2006-10 a record 12 matches being played coronavirus pandemic, it was game must have contributed to are from varied backgrounds. PSV 2010-13 on a given weekend, doubling decided that the season be a one- this as all games were highly Manitoba Cricket has existed for the normal 6 that was played off season, that is, a special season competitive. Two games had to 8 years now, and has organized Beşiktaş 2013–21 before the pandemic hit. The city for a stand alone championship. be played on each pitch everyday the league every season. National Team of Gimli got a new Cricket pitch The decision meant that no from June - August, after the Canada U20 2001-2003 too, and new clubs sprang up all teams would be relegated or province had reeled out guidlines Contributions from Ray Ramrattan Canada U23 2002-2004 and Naman Patel. Canada Men 2003-Pres around the province of Manitoba, promoted based on the league for a return to play. Meanwhile,