BRAMPTON ON Stage presented the Flavours & Vibes – Peace, Love, Unity Edition live concert with headliner Jesse Royal on February 22 at Brampton’s Rose Theatre. In a collaborative effort with the Jones and Jones Group, the event brought out a mixed crowd; after-work concertgoers, entrepreneurs, musicians, the media, and even children. The ‘Royal One’ blazed in on stage but was soon annoyed with the sound from the venue. He spewed expletives to the sound engineers to get it right. They did in short order, and from there it was smooth music and a jam session. Also on the show were The Human Rights, Omega Mighty and Kairo McLean, who gave a superb performance and is one to watch out for. In the meantime, radio personality MC Bonde proved to be an interactive host during his emcee duties. DJ Marcus Lucas was in tip-top shape and had everyone skanking from his selections, with toasting and tributes to Bob Marley. Clore Beauty Supply did not disappoint with their hair offerings in the swag bags. -SF 12 Women Who Inspire Change honourees By Sophia Findlay THE JAMAICAN Canadian Association Women’s Committee chair, Camille Hannays-King, led the charge on Sunday, March 10, as the group marked the 24th annual International Women’s Day celebration themed ‘Inspire Inclusion’. Known for its emphasis on fostering fellowship, cultural appreciation, and entertainment, this year’s event surpassed expectations. Five exceptional women were marked as ‘Women Who Inspire Change’ honourees and were recognised for their remarkable contributions to the arts at the soiree. Each of the inspiring women has served as a beacon of change through her artistic endeavours, enriching the community with her talent and dedication.The gathering not only celebrated the achievements of the women, but also emphasised the importance of recognising and empowering female trailblazers in various fields. The outstanding recipients included musician Yvonne Francis, who studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and earned a specialised honours BFA in music from York University. She is a skilled saxophonist, trumpeter, steel drummer, African drummer, and percussionist, and has performed and taught music to students in the Greater Toronto Area. The distinguished award-winning poet Nadine Williams, who is also an author and arts educator, has published six books and 16 volumes of literature that are in the curriculum of several school boards across Canada, especially during Black History Month. Opening for heads of state and guest lecturing at universities, advising Canadian federal and provincial leaders, and advocating for several black historical designations in Canada, are included among her achievements. Dr Kathy Moscou was instrumental in establishing the first black studies design & art (minor) programme at Ontario College Art & Design University. She currently serves there as the interim dean at the Faculty of Design and holds a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and a master’s in public health. With a background that merges visual arts, health and design for social justice, Dr Moscou has has contributed to the education of college and university students for over 25 years. She is also a mixed artist and designer. Her visual storytelling explores issues of identity and empowerment, celebrates the black family, and pays homage to elders as knowledge keepers. Wendy Jones is band leader of the Pan Fantasy, an award-winning steel band currently celebrating its 37th anniversary. She is a renowned steel pan ambassador and is recognised nationally and internationally for her exceptional skills as a pannist. Jones was instrumental in starting the first Kiddies Carnival in Toronto under Caribana. She is also a founding member of Inter-Community Youth Group, Malvern Praise on Pan Steel Orchestra and Pan Arts Network. As an educator and pannist, Jones’efforts have been an early training ground for some of Canada’s great musical artists. BLACK CANADIAN WOMEN In 2016, storyteller Sandra Whiting of ‘Sandra Seh’ was named among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. From a young age, she loved listening to and telling stories, and has shared her tales in schools, libraries, churches and around camp fires with thousands of children across Ontario, and has been involved in the African Canadian communities for numerous years. Whiting has served on numerous boards and committees and is currently the vice-president of Culchaworks. Her work has garnered her impressive awards, such as The Harry Jerome Awards for Community Leadership, The Jamaican Canadian Association, The PACE Canada Pacesetter, Jamaica National and Gleaner Company Community awards. Whiting is also a facilitator with the Institute of Change Leaders and a court interpreter for Jamaican Patois. MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood Andrea Hazell was on hand to distribute plaques to each of the recipients on behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The mostly women event, peppered with live singing of jazzy numbers, and DJ Funky, featured keynote speaker Bee Quammie, a versatile storyteller engaged in diverse media platforms, including writing, radio hosting, TV appearances, and public speaking. In her address, Bee Quammie encouraged women to embrace selfdefinition and seize their spaces boldly. Delving into the essence of individual identity, she posed thought-provoking questions to evoke introspection. “I want to leave you all with this question: ‘Who are you?’ As women, we often define ourselves solely based on our relational roles, like mother, wife, co-worker, daughter, or friend. While these relationships are significant, it is essential to delve deeper into our personal aspirations, sources of happiness, and individual essence.” The message resonated with attendees, underscoring the importance of self-reflection, pursuing personal dreams, and embracing one’s unique identity. Bee Quammie’s words ignited a sense of empowerment and agency among the audience. The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of women’s contributions to society, inspiring all present to strive for excellence and embrace their individuality unapologetically. THE NEW board of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Canada (JCOBACA) took office last year and was immediately called upon to address an urgent need for classroom chairs at the school in Jamaica. According to President Charles Francis during his address at the JCOBACA’s 34th annual fundraising gala, March 2, it quickly became their primary focus to source vendors and other methods to ensure students have seats. “I’m happy to report that by the start of the semester all chairs were deployed to the classroom,”he stated. Francis explained the teamwork between the JCOBACA chapters across countries, as well as people who support the cause. “A vendor was identified in Texas and 400 chairs were purchased and shipped to Florida, where in the spirit of our operating mantra, ‘ONE COLLEGE’, the Jamaica College Old Boys of Florida took possession and facilitated the shipment to Jamaica. “This is just one example [of] how your presence and generosity at these events, make a difference in the life of Jamaican students. There are several Jamaican alumni associations doing full work. We encourage you, where possible, to support us all. It is through our continued and collaborative efforts that we can shape and develop not just Jamaican, but world leaders,” Francis said. The swanky Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall venue in Toronto was capacity-filled. Slated keynote speaker Richard Byles, governor of the Bank of Jamaica and a Jamaica College old boy, was unexpectedly and unavoidably absent physically, but was able to speak to the audience via a live stream video message. Consul general of Jamaica to Toronto Kurt Davis was in also attendance. The agenda for the event captured Donnett Thompson-Hall, who emceed and gave a solo performance, while DJ Spider took it away, much to the delight of revellers on the dance floor. The exceptional taste and quality of the food did not go unnoticed. The main course was jerk chicken, curried goat, Jamaican rice and peas, and vegetables with shrimp. Also, bottles of Jamaica College Signature Wine were allotted to tables. -SF The Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association of Canada 34th Fundraising Gala Jesse Royal headlines Brampton On Stage live concert Jesse Royal on stage. PHOTO BY SOPHIA FINDLAY From left: Camille Hannays-King, Wendy Jones, Nadine Williams, MPP Andrea Hazell, Sandra Whiting, Dr Kathy Moscou and Yvonne Francis. PHOTO BY SOPHIA FINDLAY Consul General of Jamaica to Toronto Kurt Davis is flanked by Charles Francis (left), president of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Canada, and Mark Delfosse, immediate past president. PHOTO BY SOPHIA FINDLAY THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MARCH 14 - APRIL 13, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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