Catch da Flava April 2005 www.catchdaflava.com Volume 10 Issue 2 Youth and Student Newspaper Produced by the Regent Park Focus Fifty Years of Black Activism Civil Rights and the Meaning of Malcolm he Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's is often told as a simple tale of passive Tnon-violent demonstrators winning the hearts and minds of the American public and tri- umphing over seemingly insurmountable forces of evil. In this tale Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. is heralded as the sole visionary who led the African American quest for integration, equality and justice. If we are told anything about Mal- colm X at all, he is portrayed at best, as a minor figure of the era who preached violence, segrega- tion and hatred of white people.

Unfortunately, the truth is much more complicated and this simple version of the story leaves out the profound significance of Malcolm X and the enor- mous impact that he had on the civil rights move- ment. So who was Malcolm X and what did he stand for?

In the 1950's in many parts of Canada and most southern states in America, public places were racially segregated. There were separate schools, separate seats on buses and in theatres, and sepa- rate areas in restaurants for whites and for blacks. In the US, state and local laws also prevented black Americans from voting. Beginning in the 1950's many groups and people--black and white-- began working to change these laws and these activities became known as the Civil Rights “My first impression was how could a black man talk about the government, white peo- Movement. The most prominent spokesman of the ple, and act so bold, and not be shot at? [...] How could he say those things? Only God movement was Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. who preached a philosophy of non-violent resis- must be protecting him.” tance. -Mohammed Ali speaking about Malcolm X (1964) The emergence of Malcolm X both as a spokesper- son for the Nation of Islam and as a prominent African American leader coincided with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 onwards. Like Reverend King, Malcolm X was a great ora- tor. Unlike King, however, Malcolm rejected the philosophy of non-violence and integration and provided the single most forceful alternative to Martin Luther King.

Malcolm X did not believe that America was capa- ble of dismantling its systems of discrimination and oppression. Without doing so, Malcolm X was convinced that only a comparatively few African Americans could benefit from integration. Instead, Malcolm X urged African Americans to gain con- trol of their communities both politically and eco- nomically. Only when African Americans had ownership of their own homes, businesses, politi- Dealing with difficult Ask da Sexpert: the The real story cians, schools and cultural institutions could there teachers value of abstinence behind the X-Men be any talk of integration. Page 3 Page 10 Page 7 Continued on page 6... POET’S CORNER Fight or Flight Guest Editorial bring about equity, social justice and gener- “You!” Celebrating 50 years al liberation for all human beings.

I heard the voice and all my senses, like an of Black Activism Integral to the varying forms of black ancient computer, started up activism is resistance to those historical and and came online. he history of African Canadians has contemporary forces which give rise to and been told in many ways: through reinforce white domination, power and “You guy!” Toral history, traditional historical privilege. Black activism, therefore, chal- texts, literature, documentary films, acade- lenges the interconnected structural and VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 APRIL 2005 I took one very deep breath to stretch out my mic papers and community reports. institutional systems of oppression and exploitation, in their varied manifestations chest, Although has played a central (racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, THE REGENT PARK FOCUS IS COMMIT- felt my muscles swell and connect to each other, role in the history of African-Canadians, ableism, homophobia, ageism), along with TED TO THE USE OF COMMUNITY-BASED electric shocks of fear and anxiety there remains no single, comprehensive, the ideological myths that sustain them. MEDIA TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND ENGAGE fusing them together to form documented account of social and political YOUTH. a knuckle-throwing being and then I turned, activism within Toronto's African-Canadi- Toronto's black activists can be justly already braced. an community. Indeed, there is no focused proud of their contribution to humanizing REGENT PARK FOCUS IS HOME TO: historical account which places the strug- Canadian society. Not only have they CATCH DA FLAVA PRINT AND ONLINE There were three of them gles against anti-black racism, as led by resisted oppressive and exploitative forces, NEWSPAPER, ATCH A LAVA OUTH ADIO ON and they walked with a purpose. peoples of African descent in Toronto, but they have also helped to build institu- C D F Y R CKLN 88.1 FM, Craning their necks to look around within the context of Canadian progress in tions that nurture and cultivate community. E.Y.E. VIDEO YOUTH PRODUCTIONS, as they walked up on me. equality of rights and expanding notions of social justice. The aim of the 50 Years of Black THE ZAPPAROLI STUDIO FOR Activism in Toronto project is to highlight PHOTOGRAPHY & THE YOGA DEN “ I move at five times speed John Carver!” The 50 Years of Black Activism Project a half century of struggles by black move- is intent on highlighting this history, and ments and organizations involved in REGENT PARK FOCUS IS LOCATED AT: “Blah” sets out to: 1) Define black activism, and activist work in the areas of immigration 600 DUNDAS ST. EAST show how it can be seen in the context of and employment, human rights and justice, TORONTO, M5A 2B9 and that was that. the African-Canadian community over the sports and recreation, media and culture, (ENTRANCE IS AT REAR BASEMENT) Three against one and what’s done will be done. past 50 years; and 2) Identify the social criminal justice, and education. These TEL: (416) 863-1074 movements and community organizations struggles have been linked to broader glob- FAX: (416) 863-9440 led by African Canadians which have chal- al struggles from anti-colonial to anti- WWW.CATCHDAFLAVA.COM T. Wayne lenged racism over the past 50 years. apartheid, labour to environmental, feminist to anti-homophobia, civil rights to human PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR LET CATCH DA FLAVA Activism is a form of resistance to rights, and anti-racist to aboriginal. ADONIS HUGGINS BE YOUR VOICE oppressive systems which act as barriers to the legitimate rights and aspirations of Given our rich history of political and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BO WEN CHAN Catch da Flava is a student and com- dominated groups and classes in society. cultural activity, black activists will contin- munity youth newspaper that is pub- Resistance occurs at the level of ideas, as ue to work towards the kind of society we TREASURER & ADVERTISING MANAGER lished a minimum of four times a well as through social and political organi- imagine: one based on equality, human EMMANUEL KEDINI year. The newspaper is distributed zation and action. Activism emboldens and rights, social justice and freedom. FREE to schools, libraries and com- enlightens oppressed people while chal- by the 50 Years Committee of Black YOUTH WRITERS AND EDITORIAL STAFF munity groups across downtown lenging those who support and/or perpetu- Activism in Toronto, 416-545-0796 x. 6227 BO SAN CHAN Toronto. ate oppression. It is a transformational process that remakes society in ways that (Regent Park Focus is a partner of the 50 JATINDER DHOOT Years Committee.) YVONNE KAI The newspaper is produced by the EMMANUEL KEDINI Catch da Flava youth editorial com- BIHTER TOMEN mittee of the Regent Park Focus. JESSICA UTHAYAKUMARAN TYRONE MACLEAN-WILSON Catch da Flava welcomes letters and submissions from young GUEST ADULT WRITERS people (up to age 24). Submissions ADONIS HUGGINS should be no longer than 1500 words PETER MALONE in length. If you would like more DHEENA DHAYALA NAIDU information about how you can con- NORMAN “OTIS” RICHMOND tribute to Catch da Flava, call us at MICHELLE RICKETTS (416) 863-1074. GARY WARNER T. WAYNE NEXT DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS: THIS ISSUE WAS PRODUCED IN PARTNER- April 30, 2005 SHIP WITH CKLN 88.1FM AND THE 50 Circulation: 10, 000 YEARS COMMITTEE OF BLACK ACTIVISM.

Catch da Flava reserves the right to CATCH DA FLAVA IS SPONSORED BY: edit submitted articles for space THE TIPPET FOUNDATION, THE LAIDLAW and clarification. FOUNDATION, AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE. Published Since 1995 The aim of the 50 Years of Black Activism in Toronto project is to document and highlight a half-century of struggles by individuals, movements and organizations APRILinvolved in black activist 2, work 2005 in Toronto. Catch @da 5PM–8PMFlava 2 April 2005 PROJECT LAUNCH FOR 50 YEARS OF BLACK ACTIVISM IN TORONTO Jorgensen Hall, Room PODA250 TTeeaacchheerr KKnnoowwss BBeesstt My Teacher is Ruining My Life! o you have teachers you don't get people who are just totally wrong for their along with. Who hasn't, in their line of work. For example, the swimming Stime as a student? For the most part, instructor who assured your parents you you're not gonna like what I have to say, could swim without a lifejacket and pro- so you better read this to see if you agree. ceeded to push you off the deep end div- ing board when you were 5 years old. The Check out these student comments: nurse who promised your injection wouldn't hurt, as you screamed and sent Ms. #$%^ is such a bee-och! all the patients in the waiting room run- Mr. @#$% is a totally wack! ning out the front door. The salesperson Ms. %^&* is soooooooooooooooo mean! that encouraged you to buy that "fabu- lous" outfit because it looked amazing on Sound familiar? Keep reading, it's gonna you--yeah amazing for a beached whale get ugly... being arrested by the ocean's fashion police...Working in the teaching trenches, Here are some daily laments from person- I admit some teachers are just not suited al experience for many of the problems for the job. Unfortunately, they have for which students cry INJUSTICE!!! made an inappropriate personal choice by working in the teaching profession. "Mr. *^%$# gave me a detention for NO reason!" On a very serious note, if you find your- self in a conflict situation with a teacher, Translation: I came late, hit the guy who talk to him or her in a mature manner. sits in front of me with my binder as I Parents/guardians are also important allies strolled by, chewing gum like a camel yours. Teachers hate detentions as much pay you to watch TV or chat on MSN, so who need to be included in the dialogue. while I played with an elastic band... as or more than students do. What do you be thankful someone is trying to teach If you prefer, talk to the principal or guid- think I'd rather do: leave school or baby- you some skills. You will need to read, ance counsellor at your school. Discrimi- The real deal: Teachers do not give out sit? write and do arithmetic every day of your nation and unfair treatment is a serious detentions to kids who arrive on time, fol- life. matter and you need to let people you low the rules and complete their school "Ms. #$^&*! is teaching us stuff we will trust know about your difficulties. work. Teachers laugh in the staff room at never need to know!" Teacher: It's amazing how much of the your expense because we find it odd that stuff you think is totally pointless will If you are experiencing discrimination or after so many years as students some of Translation: I am not interested in learn- work to your benefit in the future. If you harassment with a teacher or an adminis- you don't get this very logical concept. ing this subject and I would rather be don't believe me, just ask the millionaire trator at school, you should contact the home watching TV and chatting on MSN. who has the record on Jeopardy. Human Rights Office. It is also recom- Teacher: You waste my time, I'll waste mended to keep a written record of what The real deal: No one is ever going to "Mr. @$%* is out to get me, he picks on you are experiencing. Be sure to include me constantly!" details of the incident(s) and the name of any witnesses. If you are a Toronto Dis- Letters to the Editor Translation: I am an attention seeker. I trict School Board student you can contact don't realize it, but I'll take negative atten- the Human Rights Office at 416-393- tion as easily as I'll take positive attention. he anonymous article on depres- ust a thought, you may not have any 1028. There are formal complaint forms I am often the loudest in my class and am sion [Winter 2005 issue] in youth control over this, but you may want online at www.tdsb.on.ca. Enter the word an easy target for the teacher because of was interesting, and well-written. to change the Regent Park name [of "harassment" in the search section and T J my obnoxious behaviour. I think the topic could be explored further the article in the Winter 2005 issue] "rags you can print the form. in a follow-up article, on methods of to riches" to something more positively The real deal: Most teachers have a sense treating including common anti-depres- managed such as "former to future." Well, keep your head up kiddo! If you of humour. Unfortunately, pulling a chair sants, their side-effects (fatigue, effects think dealing with your teacher is a from underneath a student just as they are on sex drive, etc.), and maybe also cost I work in public social housing here in the headache, just wait 'til you have to deal about to sit down is not funny. Such (working youth with little income and no "sunny south" and that [...] sure caught with your boss! behaviour is childish, disrespectful and health insurance will need to know what my eye and thought process. hurtful, and they are often committed by options are available to them). students who have serious issues. Overall, the plan sounds great - huge and [...]I know it's a common problem for great - we'll be watching and learning Teacher: Wake up and smell the Fruit youth, and there's a strong stigma still from the development. Loops! You need to take responsibility for surrounding depression, and knowledge your actions (that means realize that what of what causes it and how it can be treat- It's nice to see/read about your coverage YOU do has an effect on others) and stop ed might go a long way towards a more ... keep up the good work. blaming others for problems you are help- common understanding of depression as ing to create. an illness. Good luck, Now alright, I know that your complaints Sarah Janice against teachers are not all completely by Michelle Ricketts, teacher at Got something to say about what you read in Catch da Flava? We’d love to hear from unfounded. In every profession there are Dr. Marion Hillard Senior Public School you! Send your letters to catchmail.catchdaflava.com

Catch da Flava 3 April 2005 What’s Your Beef? Unfair Policies for International Students in Canada raises the following question: Why people in their related fields? Why isn't plan expires two months after graduation. are they forced to leave this country, there an internship program regulated by No wonder they feel alienated and when Canada accepts 150,000 government agencies for international stu- unwanted. What does this suggest about immigrants per year from all over dents who graduate with a bachelor's multiculturalism in Canada? What does the world? Typically, an interna- degree? This could make the transition this suggest about integration and immi- tional undergraduate student lives in from school to the labour force easier for gration policies? International students Canada for four years and pays international students, while benefiting spend their money and four years of their $20,000 CAN each year for tuition the Canadian government at the same lives for education in Canada. It is truly and living expenses. The majority of time. sad that they have to struggle so hard to them work part-time on campus to get a decent job. support themselves. Therefore by As it stands, however, there is simply no the time they graduate, they already support system for graduating internation- The government should really revise its have the so-called "Canadian experi- al students. Once they graduate, they are immigration policies for students studying ence" that employers look for. Fur- denied access to basic resources that were in Canada with a study permit. This is a thermore, they are adjusted to Cana- once available to them (such as a Univer- very crucial issue that is not brought into dian culture and hold a Canadian sity Health Insurance Plan health card, light very often. International students are ccording to Canada's immigration university degree. work on campus, free library access etc.). already a part of Canadian society. The policy, international students are Career services merely give tips on "How government should find a way to integrate Aallowed to look for a job related Unfortunately, these students are faced to write a resume" when they should be them into the workforce before looking to their degree in Canada upon gradua- with the unreasonable, inevitable three- providing more meaningful help such as for potential immigrants from abroad! tion. They must find employment in their month deadline. How many Canadian citi- providing job-search websites, related field within three months after they gradu- zens do you know who have found a associations, and networking events. An ate in order to apply for a work permit. decent job in a three-month period right international's superb resume does not This policy is unfair and designed to dis- after they graduated? How are internation- mean anything unless he/she finds a courage those students from staying in al students expected to find a job, specifi- potential employer who looks at it. Many Canada. cally related to their degree, in such a foreign students live on campus, so the short period of time? It is especially diffi- university becomes their home. Once out There are many foreign students studying cult when they don't have any networks of school, they feel like fish out of water. in Canada. At York University alone, outside their university since they are not They are neither a Canadian citizen nor a there are 3000 internationals. Many lack allowed to work off-campus. Why is there student anymore, but something in the financial freedom to stay here and not a system in place to help these stu- between. They literally become legal look for a job; many leave after they grad- dents get involved outside their school, aliens. They slide down the cracks of the uate since the system is extremely dis- giving them a chance to network with welfare system. Their health insurance da Flava’s Bihter Tomen, 23 couraging and pressuring. This article Too Much Teen Violence n issue that various help lines and bombarded with him use foul language and glorify offen- foundations have touched on is television series that sive topics. This makes us pose the ques- Aviolence among teens. The advice portray incredible tion: could they influence our unsuitable they give is not new to any of us: when violent behaviour behaviour? you’re in trouble, the only solution is to with weapons. tell somebody. But has this stopped vio- These series are car- The bigger question is, how can we over- lence in our neighbourhoods? Have we toons with animated come today’s teenage violence? Will we actually begun to realize the severity of characters that pos- need to censor the media and ban the cre- teen violence? sess, in their virtual ation of violent video games? It is a hard world, weapons that step to take, especially in a society that In the last year, dozens of stories about are ever so far- has become almost immune to this vio- teenage violence have invaded our news- fetched. Children lence. papers; written proof that violent adoles- grow up loving ani- cent behaviour has not ceased. Even in the mated figures that Regardless, the reality is that we must finest neighbourhoods, aggressive teenage kill and battle with find another way to be entertained urchins are on the prowl. We’ve heard of imaginative because today, people are getting hurt. them, seen them in action, and not surpris- weaponry, so is it NO, they are being killed. ingly many of us even know them. These cantly contribute to a child’s behavioural really hard to believe that these shows aggressive teens are everywhere and problems. Of course, not every child can could influence such behaviour in real they’ve started banding to form gangs. be isolated from the exposure of violence life? because of television and the media, but Why is this aggressive lifestyle so promi- when violence is associated with parents Aside from television, teens are especially nent at such a young age? What could be or siblings, the experience is much harsh- manipulated by today’s music industry. It the cause of all this violence? er and seemingly acceptable. is a big part of what makes us who we are. The kind of music we listen to often There are many reasons why youngsters Media also plays a significant role in the defines the type of person we want to be. find it irresistible to fight on the streets. problem. Violence in our media is on a It affects our style of clothing, our choices First and foremost, violence at home is threefold rise, even if the actual rate of in life, and also our language. Many have strongly correlated to violent behaviour violent crimes in North America is at its already opposed to rap star Emine,m outside the house. Witnessing aggression, lowest since the 60s and 70s. Aside from whose lyrics controversial and offensive da Flava’s Bo San Chan, 18, especially in a home setting, can signifi- watching antagonism on the news, we are in many ways. Numerous rap artists like Malvern Collegiate

Catch da Flava 4 April 2005 Global Struggles Sudan’s “Peace” Accord lmost three months ago, a peace in Sudan. As long as the US is preoccu- accord was signed between the pied with Iraq, the UN nations are fight- Acorrupted Islamic government of ing amongst one another, and the rest of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Libera- the world is still focused on the Tsunami, tion Army. I was happy and excited people in Darfur will continue to die, and because it was such an amazing occasion, Sudan will never see or taste peace and but soon my joy and praise turned into freedom. outrage, anger and disgust. With support from Regent Park Focus and Why did my joy turn in to anger? Well, Catch da Flava, I am starting an African first of all I learnt that the government of Youth Action Committee. The role of the Sudan was going to be forgiven for tis committee is to educate ourselves and our crimes against humanity. The internation- community about the enormous issues al community has turned a blind eye to facing Africa, and to advocate for greater the fact that this government has killed Canadian involvement and action in its more than 2 million people and displaced affairs. Our first meeting will be held in over 4 million Sudanese over the last 20 early May. Contact Regent Park Focus at years. This government has denied basic 416-863-1074 or email me at necessities such as clean water, food, and [email protected] if you are medical attention to millions of Southern Refugees an a camp in northern Darfur interested. Sudanese. Also over the past 16 months, Bosnian Serbs. So why now is the United same time, the Clinton Administration this corrupted government hired militias Nations being stubbornly neutral? Why ignored the genocide in Rwanda and to invade the region of Darfur to kill and doesn't the UN want to save millions of failed to adress the growng concern of burn thousands non-Muslim Sudanese. innocent people? Why doesn't the interna- HIV/AIDS . tional community hold the government of What is now happening in Darfur hap- Sudan responsible for the millions of lives The Bush Administration isn't diffrent pened in Rwanda 10 years ago: it was they took? from Clinton's. In fact in 2000, Bush said genocide, the elimination of one ethnic that Africa wasn't his priority. The Bush group through murder. When it happened In the 1990s, Bill Clinton tried to make administration's only interests in Africa to Bosnia, a country in the former himself and his administration the com- are oil and strategic allies in the "war on Yugoslavia, the United Nations wasn’t passionate ear to African issues. During terror," and nothing more. hesitant to impose sanctions and take mil- much-publicized trips to the continent, the itary action to protect the lives of Bosnian ex-President proclaimed great concern The United States and the Unites Nation Muslems against opression by Serbia nd and commitment to Africans. But at the are both doing nothing help the situation da Flava’s Emmanuel Kedini, 23 AIDS in Africa frica is the second largest conti- nent and contains 13% of the People with HIV are not any different Aworld's population. It also has the from uninfected people. Those who carry largest number of people affected with the virus are still able to live relatively AIDS (also known as acquired immunod- normal lives until their immune systems eficiency syndrome). AIDS begins with fail, but if given appropriate medical the contraction of HIV, a deadly virus that intervention, this could be decades after attacks the body's immune system and the initial infection. People with AIDS eventually leads to AIDS. The 3 common- and HIV should help fight the disease est ways to get HIV is through sexual because the more assured and self-aware intercourse with an infected person, con- they are, the better their chances of show- tact with contaminated blood, and trans- ing people that the disease is treatable and mission from an infected mother to her preventable. It is up to politicians and child before or during birth. sympathetic people to get the word out about HIV and AIDS in order to bring According to The Report on Global medical supplies to Africa and stop this HIV/AIDS Epidemic (UNAIDS, 2004), quiet killer from claiming more lives. 2.2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa AIDS than any other African region. Of this region. In some countries in the died from AIDS at the end of 2003. This the estimated 14,000 AIDS infections that southern part of the continent including is about the same as the total number of occur each day worldwide, about half are Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zim- people who currently reside in Toronto. in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, about 70% babwe, more than 30% of the population by da Flava’s Jessica Uthayakumaran, Sub-Saharan Africa has more cases of of all people infected with AIDS live in has HIV or AIDS. 14, Jarvis Collegiate Institute What are your opinions and concerns about what’s happening around the world? Voice your views at www.catchdaflava.com!

Catch da Flava 5 April 2005 Fifty Years of Black Activism

...continued from cover victim of brutal attacks. [...] The time has the spokesman for the Black Moslems, the the lack of progress, began to turn to Mal- come for Afro-Americans to fight back in Nation of Islam expanded rapidly from colm X for inspiration. His beliefs began “Whenever you take money out of the self-defense whenever and wherever he is 400 members and 5 temples to 40,000 to be openly discussed and debated neighborhood and spend it in another being unjustly and unlawfully attacked. If members and 69 temples. However, Mal- among King's followers. Despite the neighborhood, the neighborhood in which the government thinks I'm wrong for say- colm's impact reached well beyond the growing popularity of Malcolm X and you spend it gets richer and richer, and invitations to come to Birmingham, he the neighborhood from which you take it was blocked from doing so by King and gets poorer and poorer. This creates a the other leaders of the campaign who ghetto, as now exists in every so-called feared that his presence and radicalism Negro community in this country. If the would only incite violence and lose the Negro isn't spending his money downtown support of white sympathizers. Malcolm with what we call "the man," "the man" is X was furious and instead began organiz- himself right in the Negro community. All ing a unity rally in Harlem, New York. the stores are run by the white man, who takes the money out of the community as Although Malcolm X never took part in soon as the sun sets. [..] We have to teach the activities of Birmingham, his influ- our people the importance of establishing ence was felt. In renewed efforts to and owning businesses. Thereby we can desegregate Alabama, African Americans create employment for ourselves, instead who were outraged by the behavior of the of having to wait to boycott stores and police began for the first time to riot and businesses to demand that they give us a fight back with rocks and bottles. The tur- job.” (Malcolm X, Harvard University, moil of these demonstrations was cap- March 1964) tured by the media and plastered on the front pages of newspapers. Fearing a race In arguing for separate communities, Mal- war, the Birmingham riots led a reluctant colm X believed that African Americans Members of the National States Rights Party and others making objections to President John F. Kennedy to intervene by should reassert their African culture. integration. sending in federal troops and asking con- African Americans, he believed, had been gress to legislate new programs to help taught to disassociate themselves from ing this, then let the government start confines of the Black Moslems and their poor black Americans. For fear of alienat- Africa. doing its job." (Malcolm X Speaks, New followers. ing Southern white voters, however, busi- York 1965 pp 18-22) nesses and state institutions would not be “We did not realize that in hating Africa Beginning in the 1960s, Malcolm and the Africans we were hating our- In a time when black people held the low- was invited to participate in numer- selves. You cannot hate the roots of a tree est jobs, were commonly referred to in ous university lectures, debates, and not hate the tree itself.” derogatory terms, and could be lynched in forums, radio stations and televi- the south for not properly addressing a sion programs. In 1963, the New For Malcolm a favorable image of Africa white person, Malcolm X articulated his York Times reported that Malcolm was a source of strength for African rage at the black condition in a manner X was the second most sought after Americans. Malcolm X bitterly criticized unprecedented in American history. speaker in the United States. The Martin Luther King for his views on pas- These speeches alarmed white America, first was the Republican Party sive resistance. In the face of increasing disturbed their complacency, and exposed nominee for President, Barry Gold- police sanctioned brutality towards peace- a chronic refusal of white Americans to water. Despite all the publicity he ful civil rights demonstrators, Malcolm X acknowledge that there was a problem courted, Malcolm X’s views were argued unapologetically that African with the living conditions of black Ameri- not supported by the mainstream Americans have the moral and legal right cans. leaders and groups in the Civil to use violence to defend themselves Rights Movement. This was all to against attacks from a white, racist society In his speeches, Malcolm X often referred change in Alabama. and should be prepared to do so. to white people as leeches, swine, dogs, devils and other beasts. While there are Alabama had a long history of hos- "It is criminal to teach a man not to those who believe that this was evidence tility towards civil rights, particu- defend himself when he is the constant of his hatred, there are many others who larly in Birmingham, the largest feel that Malcolm industrialized city in the South. X was not racist That attitude was personified in but purposely Governor George Wallace, who in using this rhetoric his inaugural speech that year Sheriff Jim Clark of Selma, who has vowed to for a practical exclaimed, "Segregation now! Seg- keep blacks from polls effect, as a way regation tomorrow! Segregation of urging African forever!" Civil rights leaders believed that compelled by Kennedy's proposed laws to Americans to if Birmingham could be broken then the integrate or dismantle their discriminatory reject the servi- rest of the nation would be easy. The non- practices. This was seen by many to be a tude that until violent campaign to desegregate Alabama failure and the civil disobedience now had charac- began in April 1962. approach of Martin Luther King had terized black lives proved to be largely ineffective in the face and their relation- After a year of sit-ins, boycotts and of determined white resistance. For the ships with white marches the Alabama campaign was no first time, even King admitted publicly people. closer to achieving their goals. Martin that he harboured doubts about the poten- Luther King and other leaders began to tial of his own methods. King was not Under Malcolm lose their prestige and influence among alone. X's leadership as younger demonstrators who, frustrated by Police in Alabama, breaking up a protest march Continued on next page...

Catch da Flava 6 April 2005 Fifty Years of Black Activism

...continued from previous page Concerned that Malcolm X's views were On a televised address held on June 11, into law, his actions ensured that Martin finding traction in the mainstream, it was 1963, President Kennedy asked Congress Luther King and not Malcolm X would be The Alabama images of bombed black rapidly becoming evident to Kennedy and to enact legislation giving all Americans the final heir of the Civil Rights Move- churches, firemen spraying peaceful pro- the federal government that their policy of the right to be served in facilities which ment. In the years following Kennedy's testers with high-powered water cannons gradual integration was no longer accept- are open to the public--hotels, restaurants, death, Malcolm X separated from the and police clubbing demonstrators and able to African Americans, and as many theaters, retail stores, and similar estab- Black Moslems, changed his name to El- attacking marchers (including women and as 30 southern cities might explode in vio- lishments. In meetings with civil rights Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and toured Africa, children) with police dogs, caused blacks visiting eleven heads of state and address- all across America to turn their backs on ing most of their parliaments. the possibility that the white community could ever be serious about their efforts to Upon his return to New York, Malcolm X integrate blacks. Malcolm X could no announced the formation of the Organiza- longer be ignored as a legitimate tion of African Unity, which he saw as a spokesperson for black America . broad-based coalition of black groups, After Birmingham, Malcolm X was progressive and radical white organiza- embraced by major groups in the Civil tions, and newly independent African Rights Movement including senior mem- states organized to expose America’s bers of the Negro Association for the hypocrisy as a symbol of democracy and Advancement of Coloured Persons freedom by bringing black people's com- (NAACP), the radical black clergy, the plaints before international bodies. Mal- student civil rights workers of the Student colm X also became the first leader of non-violent Coordinating Committee national prominence to come out against (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality the war in Vietnam. (CORE) and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. The Unity Rally orga- El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known nized by Malcolm X in June of 1963, was Dorothy Counts, the first black student at Harding High School, as Malcom X, was assassinated on Febru- the one of the largest civil rights events in North Carolina being harassed by students. ary 21, 1965 at the age of 40 at a political United States, sparking observers to com- rally held in Harlem, New York. Declared ment that whites had better deal with Rev- lence. The choice was clear: either the leaders following the address, Kennedy dead on arrival at the hospital, the world erend King before they deal with Mal- United States could remove the incentive made it clear that the bill would only be had lost one of its most charismatic and colm. Indeed, documents released under to mob action and voluntarily enact laws passed if the confrontational elements in powerful human rights advocates of the the Freedom of Information Act reveal that would end segregation, or it would be the movement would be toned down and 20th century. that the FBI and the CIA had an ongoing forced to do so through a growing violent isolated. fear of Malcolm X as the actual or poten- insurgency among the 21 million black tial leader of a black America. people that inhabited the country. Although Kennedy would be assassinated by Adonis Huggins, Program before ever seeing this legislation passed Co-ordinator at the Regent Park Focus What You Didn’t Know About the X-Men ost youth are familiar with the converted into pages of fiction and used popular X-Men comic book as a central backdrop in a comic book Mseries and recently released called the X-Men. blockbuster movie. The X-Men is about a small population of people known as Can we conclude by all of this that the X- "mutants" who possess special powers Men comics are a perfect depiction of such as the ability to read minds or project what black struggles were like during the laser beams from their eyes. Each 1960's? While it is true that Stanley and mutant's power is based on the genetic Jack worked hard to put themselves in makeup of the individual. The mutants, the minds of two black leaders, the X- with their superhero like powers, are treat- Men is a fabricated world and differs sig- ed by humans with suspicion and scorn. nificantly from the real experiences, Thus the X-Men stories focus on how views and struggles of Malcolm X and these "mutants" deal with the struggles of Martin Luther King. living in a world that refuses to acknowl- edge their humanity and perceives them as monsters. Lee and Kirby’s legendary characters were based on real-life heroes

Although the X-Men comic may look like of this period were Martin Luther King Xavier (Professor X), is a mutant leader a fantasy story, a closer glance reveals and Malcolm X, two black leaders of the that strives for peaceful assimilation and themes deeply rooted in American politics civil rights movement. Both men had coexistence between humans. Malcolm X of the 1960's. opposing views on how to solve the issue is represented by Magneto, a mutant sepa- of racism. ratist who believes that mutants should The X-Men comic books were created by live away from humans and accomplish Stanley Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963 dur- Stanley and Jack decided to tackle this their goals by "any means necessary." ing the civil rights era. Stanley and Jack debate by creating characters that embod- including violence. wanted to make a comic book that reflect- ied the ideals of the two leaders and their ed characters and themes that were cur- concerns about racism. Martin Luther Thus the problems of racism in America rent to their times. Two influential figures King Jr., characterized by Professor and the black struggle for equality were da Flava’s Tyrone MacLean-Wilson, 20

Catch da Flava 7 April 2005 The Real “Real McCoy” here in Ontario, in Colchester Township, African heritage in modern history whose is a living planet of which we are the not too far from Windsor. McCoy lived genius--in spite of the hostile and repres- guardians, also learning about sustainabil- from 1844 to 1929. When he was 16, with sive social environment in which he ity, reverence) the help of a family friend, Elijah went to lived--has blossomed in many fields of -Using spirituality as inspiration Edinburgh, Scotland, to study electrical human endeavour but whose "sweetness engineering. He returned to North Ameri- has been wasted on the desert air" (From I end with a special message to the young ca 5 years later, but because of racial prej- Grey’s Elegy in a Country Courtyard). people--not original, but worth repeating: udice was unable to find a job in the pro- These gems have been hidden away in fession that was his childhood dream, that forgotten caves, their sparkle stolen for -Know yourselves and be proud of your of a locomotive engineer. The only others' benefit. How many McCoys have heritage. "Self-esteem is a pre-requisite employment he could get was a labourer's not been given recognition and been ban- for a happy and purposeful life. It is also job. He was hired by the Michigan Cen- ished from the history that our children a pre-requisite for developing compassion tral Railroad to shovel coal and to oil the learn in school? How much of the history for others. You cannot take a stand and moving parts of the train. At that time, and accomplishments of the African work for change if you don't feel good Elijah McCoy, the real McCoy when locomotive engines needed oiling world is included in the academic curricu- about yourself." they had to be shut down temporarily to lum of schools, colleges and universities? -Achieve the best you can at school for "It was during those long and lonely be lubricated by hand. your own sakes, but also to put your skills years that my hunger for the freedom of That is why we had Black History Month. at the service of others, to make the world my own people became a hunger for the Realizing that this was a waste of time For me, Black History Month begins with a better place. We recognize that the freedom of all people... For to be free is and money, McCoy spent two years a focus on issues of direct relevance and "best" is not the same for all. not merely to cast off one's chains, but to developing a self-lubricating system, for concern to people of African descent, but -Do not allow your aspirations to be limit- live in a way that respects and enhances which he received a patent in 1872. His it places these concerns in the larger con- ed. Harold Braithwaite was told in 1969 the freedom of others." invention was widely acclaimed by peo- text of the society and world in which we by his principal that should he get a grad- --Nelson Mandela, "Long Walk to Free- ple in the locomotive business--it saved 7 live. We have an active role to play as uate education, his accent would still pre- dom" minutes for every 100 miles of travel. contributors to local and global society. I vent him from getting teaching job. He Over the course of his lifetime, McCoy would summarize that role as follows: subsequently became Director of Educa- have occasionally seen in Hamilton a received over 50 patents for his inven- tion of a school board in southern big bus with the words "The Real tions, most of them related to lubricating -Live with awareness of the wonderful Ontario. McCoy" painted in large lettering I devices for heavy machinery. His lubrica- diversity of our oneness (rejecting the across one entire side. For many years I, tors were known as the "Real McCoys," a monocultural consumer culture) I close as I began, echoing the words of like some of you, used the expression term that has come to denote quality, not -Commitment to community service both Nelson Mandela: "…to be free is not "The Real McCoy" until I discovered that an imitation or substitute. Sadly, although at home (anti-racism, working with disen- merely to cast off one's chains, but to live there was a real person who invented this his inventions brought prosperity to some franchised youth, anti-poverty, refugee in a way that respects and enhances the expression. and benefited many, he died unrecog- support, etc.) and abroad freedom of others." nized, in poverty. -Thoughtful and informed civic engage- McCoy was a black man whose real name ment and social analysis by Dr. Gary Warner, was Elijah McCoy. He was born right McCoy is one of countless individuals of -Ecological awareness (realizing that this McMasterUniversity The History of African Liberation Month cDonald's calls it Black History after the Berlin Conference, where Euro- February never was meant to be the We've come a long way since Wood- Month; Harbourfront Centre pean colonial powers carved up Africa only month in which African people son created Negro History Week in 1926. Mrefers to it as African Heritage like a Thanksgiving turkey. reflected on their past. Clarke sates: "The Woodson's classic book, The Mis-Educa- Month. The great Barbadian revolutionary aim is not to enter upon one week's study tion of the Negro (the inspiration for the and author of the book The Name Negro: Why did Wood- of black people's title of Lauryn Hill's The Mis-Education Its origin and Evil Use, Richard B. Moore son pick February place in history. of Lauryn Hill), is a must-read for anyone was clear on the issue of naming people as the time to com- Rather, the cele- who wants to be on the right side of histo- and historical events. Moore always memorate Africa's bration should rep- ry. maintained that dogs and slaves are many gifts to resent the culmina- named by their masters; free people name humanity? John tion of a systemat- The time has come to update Wood- themselves. Henrik Clarke, ic study of black son's idea as Abdul Akalimat, author of Africans people throughout activist/scholar and author of African Where did the idea of Black History At the Crossroads: the year. Initially, American and Cyberspace has pointed Month come from? Did it drop from the Notes For An the observance out, "Some of us have been promoting the skies? No. Was it conceived in the lab of African World Rev- consisted of public notion that it was important to move from a mad African scientist? Wrong again. olution, answers, exercises empha- Negro to black, from week to month and Personally, I'm tired of hearing unin- "Black History sizing the salient now it is time to move from a general formed people remark, "They give us the Week comes each facts brought to notion of history to then specific theme of coldest and shortest month of the year to year about the sec- light by black history which is liberation." celebrate Black History Month." ond Sunday in Feb- researchers and ruary, the objective publications of the The question is, history for what? The First of all, they didn't "give" us any- being to select the association during answer is for liberation. Huge hamburger thing. The masses of African people in week that will the first 11 years chains have appropriated images of the Carter G. Woodson, often dubbed the “Father the United States and Canada, the great include both Febru- of its existence. great kings and queens of Africa while of Black History” African American historian Carter G. ary 12, the birth of The observance holding up those who support the status Woodson and his organization, the Asso- Abraham Lincoln, and February 14, the was widely supported among black Amer- quo in North America like colon and ciation for the Study of Negro Life and date Frederick Douglas calculated to have icans in schools, churches and clubs. ccondosleezie. African people, like all History, were the ones who forced the been his natal day. Sometimes the cele- Gradually, the movement found support people, have a right to determine who are system to recognize African people's con- brations can include one day, in which among other groups and institutions in their friends and who are their enemies. tribution to the world. Woodson's organi- case Douglas' date gets preference." America and abroad." zation came into existence only 30 years by Norman “Otis” Richmond

Catch da Flava 8 April 2005 In Conversation With Hockey Expert Cecil Harris

two teammates telling him what hap- bonus baby because of the bidding war black player in the NHL in 1958; and rep- pened, and Trevor's agent advising him to between the WHA and NHL. The NHL resented people who preceded O'Ree like leave the team until something is done essentially overpaid so he wouldn't go to Herb Carnegie who should have been the […] Vanbiesbrouck lost everything, lost the other league; they gave him a 5 year first black NHL player in the 1940s. […] the coach and GM job, lost his 25% stake $500,000 contract, and that's comparable It's just a source of pride because even the in the team, and lost his reputation. to a kid getting a $5 million contract kids I talk to in New York in the Ice today. Huge money for someone who was Hockey in Harlem program, they are too da Flava: Those players called out Van- unproven. But Marson got that money young to have seen Grant play for all biesbrouck, but do you think a lot of those because they wanted him in the NHL, but those great Oilers teams in the 80s, but sorts of things are swept aside? wasn't quite ready. So there's resentment they know the name. He is someone they from his teammates because he's making can point to now, they can say, "Well, if Harris: I think to the extreme of a coach more than they are and they're established Grant Fuhr could make it to the Hockey and general manager using the "N" bomb players and he's not, he's a black player Hall of Fame, maybe I can be an NHL --not to one of his players faces, but feel- and he's married to a white woman. So he goaltender too, maybe I can aspire to ing secure enough to say it to the player's sort of broke all of those unspoken taboos that." So he's really one of the Jackie team-mates and nothing would happen-- and he got heat from so many directions Robinsons of hockey. ew know that the first black NHL that is the kind of really sick isolated inci- that he could never really focus on play- player, Willie O'Ree, played with dent that really occurs. The league has ing. da Flava: One of the individuals men- Fonly one eye. Even fewer know that policies in place now. Back in 1998 when tioned in your book is former NHLer and the first hockey school in North America Chris Simon was playing for the Capitals, da Flava: Jarome Iginla is the first black now coach at the , was created by a black gentleman named he slurred Mike Grier, who was then with player to captain an NHL team, score 50 Darren Lowe. What impact has he had? Herb Carnegie. Both these men were Edmonton. The league called him on the goals, and win a scoring title. Do you Canadian as well. Blacks have made carpet. Simon was fined, he was suspend- think he's changed the perception of black Harris: He does an excellent job, two- great contributions to the sport. Catch da ed, and basi- time coach of the year in that Ontario Flava commissioned Jahinder Dhoot to cally told to University Athletics conference. He really interview Cecil Harris, who wrote the apologize is a pioneer in his own right because he book: "Breaking the Ice: The Black Expe- face-to-face, played for the Canadian Olympic team in rience in Hockey." He is the leading man-to-man 1984, then played for the Pittsburgh Pen- authority on the subject. Both young and to Mike guins, and after that made up his mind to old, athletic and non-athletic, black and Grier. That's get into coaching role model. He just non-black can enjoy this. how it's dealt knew that he wanted to be able to teach with today. the game and pass on knowledge that he da Flava: There were numerous struggles had, and knock on as many doors as he that black hockey players had to go da Flava: can and knock down some doors if he has through. Have things gotten better? Are there any to, to get into coaching. [Another influen- players who tial figure was] Bryant McBride, who Harris: Well it's definitely better for understand- works out of the Boston, Massachusetts today's players than it was for Willie ably have a area. […] Bryant McBride came into the O'Ree, who was called every dirty name lot of bitter- NHL and basically created the NHL in the book--and names that he didn't even ness and diversity task force that exists today and know existed. And the same for Mike resentment said, "I want Willie O'Ree to be the man Marson and Bill Riley. Marson and Riley about their who is the face of the diversity task tell me stories, and this happened in the experience in force," the one who's working with the 70s, basically just 3 decades ago: people hockey? Once the objects of discrimination, black hockey players and coaches kids, the one who's basically spreading throwing chicken bones at them, people are becoming increasingly influential figures in the sport the gospel of hockey to areas where they throwing cotton balls at them, really racist Harris: Mike didn't know anything about hockey. So chants from the crowd. You don't get that Marson admits that he does have some hockey players? thanks to a black executive Willie O'Ree anymore--Anson Carter's never had to bitterness because he was expected to got basically a second hockey career, sort deal with that, Jarome Iginla, Mike Grier, become the first black NHL star and he Harris: I think he definitely has, especial- of a renaissance. And now Bryant is the today's black players in the NHL thank felt as though his career was sabotaged ly in Canada. The problem is not enough only black player agent in the NHL. So goodness don't have to deal with that. But from the start--and in many ways it was. people in the United States have seen him; we now have player agents, black refer- what they do have to deal with is the iso- He was drafted by the Washington Capi- 24 of the 30 franchises are based in the ees, black sportswriters, so it's just not on lated incident. In the 2002 Stanley Cup tals in 1974, and at the time […] the NHL United States. […] So here's Iginla, some- the ice, there's also some significant playoffs, Kevin Weekes, playing for realized they were losing a lot of valuable thing of a mystery to people in America. things being done to smooth things for the Carolina in Montreal at the Molson Cen- young talent to the WHA so they dropped Except for the Olympics that were carried future people off the ice. tre, somebody threw a banana at him. And their draft eligibility to 18 just as Mike on NBC, people in America still haven't in March 2003 Trevor Daley [was a] ris- Marson was coming out. So if there was seen a lot of Jarome Iginla. But I do know ing star and team captain of the Sault St. no WHA, Marson would have had the that in Canada his presence is heavily felt; Marie Greyhounds in the OHL […] But benefit of one additional year of junior he's a major presence in the sport and he's here's John Vanbiesbrouck as coach as hockey to get seasoning and experience. inspiring a lot of people. GM saying to two of Trevor's team-mates, Instead he's thrown onto the worst team in two of his white team-mates, using the the NHL, one of the worst teams in NHL da Flava: In 2003, Grant Fuhr was the "N" slur, just dissing Trevor Daley brutal- history. Check the first 5 or 6 years of the first black inductee into the Hall of Fame, ly, and doing it on several occasions. And Capitals--just brutal--something like 84 how significant is that for black hockey the good thing about that though is the wins, 260 losses. Just ridiculous. And he history? two team-mates didn't say, "Oh we've got was just thrown onto that team. […] Mar- to protect our coach, we can't tell Trevor son never became the player he should Harris: Grant pointed out that he was what he said." They called Vanbiesbrouck have been […] he is the only black player really representing all the black players out because they were offended by what at the time, he's 18 playing with guys in who came before him; he felt as though he had done. And as a result of Trevor's their mid-to-late 20s and 30s, and he's a he was representing Willie O'Ree, the first da Flava’s Jatinder Dhoot, 24

Catch da Flava 9 April 2005 Ask da Sexpert The Increasing Value of Abstinence You make a decision every day… mind on any given day and you may real- from the drive-thru at McDonald's to your ize that you want to take up this challenge sexual lifestyle. to achieve clarity, freedom and control of If they ask you "Do you want fries with your thoughts and body. We are young that?" and hormonal and given the opportunity, And you say "No," is that okay? curiosity or habit will take over and Of course it is! clothes will start coming off. Abstain And the same goes for sex. from sex and let your mind dictate. Just because a lot of people say "Yes", Who said that has to be your choice, too? Abstinence is not about depriving your- self of pleasure, but to provide yourself ociety is bombarded with sexual with the privilege of having a choice, gain images, from tantalizing short skirts unbelievable clarity, a fresh renewal of Sto low-slung jeans that tempt and self-respect and the freedom to enjoy your tease. Sexuality oozes out of subways and lifestyle with the full understanding of streetcars into our malls, homes, schools your decisions. and minds. With the fear of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and parental hysteria, the term "safe sex" is equated with colorful and textured con- doms, birth control pills like Alesse and Tri-Cyclen and the good ol' pulling out More and more teens are choosing to abstain to gain insight into themselves method! Little do young people know, and their relationships da Flava’s Sexpert, Yvonne, 20 however, the least-talked-about and most to be in complete control of your body. experiences with or without sexual inter- effective form of birth control does not The core values of abstinence are disci- course. Through abstinence, you will see cost $5 a month at the clinic, nor does it pline, creativity and knowing yourself. yourself as you really are, without the cause you any embarrassment at the local After taking sex out of the equation, you pressures to be that sex kitten or Don Do you have any questions or Shoppers. This method is called absti- can return to the happy place where the Juan. concerns for da Sexpert? nence. Not having sex is normal, safe, statement, "That guy approached you Don’t be afraid to ask! free and completely acceptable. because you were a nice person," is posi- Just as taking a daily pill at the exact tively true. Wouldn't that be great? same time every day might be hard to E-mail me: Choosing not to have sex can reveal the remember, or putting on that condom the [email protected] creative side of a relationship. It is not Remember that sexual expression does exact right way is tricky, abstinence is horrible, strange or weird to not want to not have to mean intercourse. A relation- definitely not easy! Many people are sex- da Sexpert offers advice about have sex or stop for a period of time. ship can flourish with creative and posi- obsessed and don't even know it. Keep relationships and sex in every Abstinence provides the freedom for you tive options and develop with meaningful track of how many times sex crosses your issue of Catch da Flava. What do you wish to be? Your Ad Could Go A juicy tenderloin steak You make the wise choice Here! or a priceless pearl in the ocean? Whether you wish to be a succulent When you are intimate with a male tenderloin steak Do you want to spread the word about always remember that you have two savored at the mercy of men youth and community-related goods, choices to make… who only temporarily want your services or events? Are you on a tight looks…body and your youth budget? Then Catch da Flava may be The first choice: and once they have got what they When lust becomes your priority… want…you are out of sight. your solution! you can be a fresh and juicy tender- loin steak Or to be a priceless pearl Catch da Flava is distributed to 10,000 marinated and eaten any way he for your man who has risked his life households, schools and community centres wishes to reach you all across the GTA. savoring the best out of you. who treasures you for the rest of his Once completely savored, life Prices: 1/8 page - $50 the balance of what you are is out of you remain unseen…and you are with never-ending intimate love 1/4 page - $75 sight hard to find. until eternity. 1/2 page - $150 Only the luckiest man Full page - $300 The second choice: who dives deep to the bottom of the Now… When you prefer genuine love, under- ocean If your ad has a deadline, we will meet it standing, trust and deep compassion can reach out to you Make your choice or else give you a full refund! You resemble a priceless pearl you are priceless….and you will be for this will be the choice of your life- For more information call: deep below the ocean cherished forever… time… carefully protected within an encased (416) 863-1074 shell So… by Dheena Dhayala Naidu, Malasia

Catch da Flava 10 April 2005 Radio with an Urban Youth Perspective.... Tune in to Catch da Flava Youth Radio on CKLN 88.1 FM every Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.

Catch da Flava 11 April 2005 REGENT PARK COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Regent Park Focus Young Filmmakers Debunk the Media Arts Centre ******************************************** Myths About Regent Park Diva Girls’ Club Come join us for fun activities, dis- pike Lee, John Sin- Mohammed: The other cussions, movies and food! Mon- gleton and thing about the video is that days 4-6:30pm for girls 12-15 years now…Regent Park it compares Regent Park to S old! Filmmakers Agazi Afew- higher-income communities erki and Mohammed like Rosedale and Forest ******************************************** Shafique are making films Hill. Catch da Flava Youth Radio about their neighourhood. da Flava: So what did you Tune in to Catch da Flava Radio Last summer, Agazi (17) learn? every Tuesday at 7:30pm on CKLN and Mohammed (17) par- 88.1 to catch up on the latest youth- ticipated in the Regent Mohammed: We learned related news, hear interviews with Park Focus Media Arts that most neighbourhoods special guests and participate in Program and produced a have the same basic ele- heated debates about issues YOU documentary about ments. There are positives care about. Regent Park. The video and there are negatives. No was shown to a wide community is perfect. Want to be a radio host or learn array of audiences across Regent Park has a strong how to tech? Come to the Regent the city. Catch da Flava community. Same with the Park Focus (600 Dundas St. E, rear had an opportunity to others. Agazi Afewerki (left), Mohammed Shafique (right) are two teens who are basement) on Tuesdays at 6pm. talk to Agazi and intent on discrediting the myths about Regent Park. Mohammed about their da Flava: How would you ******************************************** experiences in the program. and homelessness. I didn't feel that those like to see the video used? issues personally affected me and that Journalists Wanted da Flava: How did you both get involved those issues are really hard to change in Agazi: I would like to see it used as a tool Submit your poetry, opinion pieces with Regent Park Focus? general. So I wanted to choose a topic on to talk about stereotypes and how they and articles to Catch da Flava an issue that could be changed that I felt affect people. newspaper by sending them to Mohammed: I first heard about Focus personally attached to. [email protected] through a friend who recommended the da Flava: The video you made was pre- program. He said it would give me a lot da Flava: So you produced a video called sented at the Regent Park Film Festival Also come out to our weekly news- of great opportunities to learn different the Myths About Regent Park. What is the and several youth-focused conferences. paper meetings Tuesdays at 6pm at stuff related to media. I was interested in video about? The video has also shown widely to audi- the Regent Park Focus to get video so I dropped by. ences at U of T, York University, Ryerson assignments and share your ideas Agazi: It's about people's perception of University and George Brown College. I about the newspaper. Agazi: Two years ago I was walking in areas. People have a lot of stereotypes estimate that over 2000 people have seen Regent Park and some stranger about different areas and we were trying the video. Are you surprised at the reach ******************************************** approached me and started talking about to explore these stereotypes in our video. it was having? Free Yoga Classes this media program that was located right here in the community. I learned later that da Flava: What was the most challenging Mohammed: I really didn't expect a video Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm (all) the youth was an outreach worker who thing about making the video? to go that far. Fridays 1 pm-3pm was hired to promote the program to (women only) youth. I had a good time last year so I Agazi: Nobody but the elderly wanted to Agazi: I don't think if would have gone at Regent Park Focus came back again. be interviewed. far without the help of Regent Park Focus. So I really have to thank them. ******************************************** da Flava: What interested you about the Mohammed: We did get a great interview DJing and Breakdancing program? with Bill Graham but when we came back da Flava: What are your future plans in Workshops to edit there was no sound. Just goes to terms of videography? Agazi: Film and video production. show you that you can't trust technology. Learn how to spin, scratch and mix Of course it would have helped if we Agazi: I intend to attend Regent Park with DJGrouch, and groove with B- da Flava: What kind of things did you remembered to attach the mike cables to Focus again this summer because it is a Girl Nylda Gilardo every Thursday learn in the program? the camera (laughter). great program with amazing staff and sup- evening from 6pm-8pm at 600 Dun- port. I recommend it to any youth who is das St. E. These workshops are Agazi: We learned how to use a camera da Flava: What do you hope people will interested in video production. Regent FREE to youth ages 12-24! Call 416- properly, how to story-board, how to edit; take away from your video? Park Focus has also inspired me to go into 863-1074 for more information. we met film directors, lots of stuff. filmmaking. I am applying for the film Agazi: Don't judge a book by its cover. program at York University. That's how ******************************************** da Flava: What made you decide to pro- much it means to me. New Photography Workshop duce a documentary on Regent Park? Mohammed: Yeah. The media has always portrayed Regent Park as a crime- Mohammed: I like to go into business to Learn to take digital pictures and Mohammed: As part of the program's infested area where people do a lot of make millions of dollars (laughter) and develop black and white pho- course we were required to work in small drugs and get involved in prostitution. contribute to my community after I tographs every Saturday afternoon. production groups to create a public ser- That's not true. become rich. To register, call 416-863-1074 vice announcement and a video documen- tary or video drama about some issue Agazi: Media likes to focus just on the da Flava: Good luck to you both. REGENT PARK FOCUS IS LOCATED AT: affecting our lives. Most people chose negative. 600 DUNDAS ST. EAST topics like AIDS, the high costs of rent TORONTO, ONTARIO M5A 2B9 MEDIA, RACE AND POVERTY AND THEIR CONNECTION TO MYTHS ABOUT REGENT PARK (ENTRANCE IS AT REAR BASEMENT) Community video screening and panel discussion featuring the youth-produced video “The Myths About Regent TEL: (416) 863-1074 Park.” Tuesday April 26th, 2005 from 6:30-8:00pm at Regent Park Focus. FAX: (416) 863-9440

Catch da Flava 12 April 2005