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Caribbean Canadian Emerging Fashion Trends Have LookBook

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  CARIBBEAN FASHION THE NEW WAVE The surge in popularity of Caribbean Canadian fashion comes as no surprise to global fashion authorities, who attribute this phenomenon to a combination of factors such as the region's climate, the creativity of local designers, and the distinctive "Caribbean Canadian attitude." These elements collectively contribute to the burgeoning influence of the Toronto community’s fashion trends on a global scale. Among the often overlooked sources of inspiration is indeed Toronto's vibrant cultural scene, with Carnival playing a significant role in shaping the unique and explosive style emanating from the Caribbean. Anthony Berot and Michaela Palmer have collaborated to redefine the Caribbean Canadian fashion scene. They have recently published the Reverie Faces LookBook, which has quickly gained traction in the city's social media scene, catching the eyes and turning heads of many. Readers will likely recognize these names. Berot, known fo

MAS ON ICE (AND IN THE SNOW)

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The first-ever Nunavut Carnival Launch Party,   The people of Iqaluit should call it Arctic Mas after a weekend of Caribbean carnival costumes and live music in the city of snow (and more snow). And there are plans in the works for an Easter weekend redux! Earlier this month, costume maker and carnival leader Thea Jackson( above ) borrowed an oversized Canada Goose coat and caught a plane with Calypso singer Edwin Yearwood( pictured below ) and DJ DOC (Doc Wright) to the frozen north. They were headed for Iqaluit, the capital city of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. “It took us two days to get there from the Ottawa Airport,” said Jackson. “Flights were canceled, and those that flew left late.” photo from Facebook “It was blizzard conditions with winds up to 80 km,” she continued. “When we finally landed, it was like arriving in the Caribbean, but only in reverse. Instead of instant heat, it was instant frozen nostrils as we exited by the back ramp.” It was also weather shock for Year

A DARKER SHADE OF BLUE

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Darker Shade Of Blue Reporting for Duty At A Bookstore Near You It usually doesn’t happen this way. A retired Black York Region police supervisor wakes up at 4 am from a sound sleep, goes upstairs to his office, and sits down to begin writing his autobiography. Fast forward a few years, Keith Merith, without introduction, an agent, or an editor, mails off his manuscript to ECW publishing house in Toronto, who immediately pick it up! “They weren’t the only ones interested in my story,” Keith Merith told the Caribbean Camera. “I think there were four others (publishers) that were interested!” Now, with the book published and ready to appear on bookshelves across Canada, Merith is preparing for the launch. Typically, a book launch will attract 10 to 30 book lovers, so the event is usually held in a bookstore or a library, not a Scarborough restaurant bar. But, as the author explains, there are too many people wanting to come out to the launch that he had to find a place large enough to ac

Windsor turns out for the launch of McCurdy autobiography

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  Windsor Celebrates the Launch of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy's Autobiography: A Legacy of Activism and Achievement Last week, the University of Windsor, in collaboration with Toronto poet George Elliott Clarke, played host to a distinguished book launch and signing event for "Black Activist, Black Scientist, Black Icon: The Autobiography of Dr. Howard D. McCurdy." The just-published work delves into the life of one of Canada's most influential figures in science, civil rights advocacy, and Canadian politics. Held in one of the university's expansive atriums, the event was a celebration of Dr. McCurdy's monumental contributions to academia, politics, and civil rights. As the first Black person to hold a tenure-track position at a Canadian university, achieved during his tenure at the University of Windsor, and the second Black elected to Parliament, Dr. McCurdy's life story is a tapestry of pioneering achievements. Brenda McCurdy, alongside writer/editor George
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  Carnival Models and Cricket are up to the Blue Jays' plate in May and July of 2024 Attention carnival revellers who are also baseball enthusiasts, the Toronto Blue Jays are set to bring a pair of Caribbean special events to Rogers Centre with their much-anticipated 2024 Blue Jays Caribbean Carnival night at the baseball stadium. This marks the third consecutive year for the Blue Jays Caribbean Carnival, scheduled for Friday, July 26th. The team has collaborated with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to make this vibrant celebration possible. The highlight of this carnival extravaganza is the Blue Jays Neon Hat giveaway, available in four distinct colours. This ensures that fans can showcase their team spirit with style. Building on the success of the previous edition, when the Carnival Spice models in mas costumes and a lively pannist, adding an extra layer of Caribbean festivity to the baseball experience. For Caribbean cricket enthusiasts, a special treat awaits with the return of

US author drives to Toronto to give a Cdn launch to her book Summer Island

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Class Assignment, Review a Literary Event. Done! I was the anomaly. I was the only white senior citizen without a grandchild in tow, attending last Saturday afternoon’s Canadian launch of "Summer Island" at the Different Booklist Bookstore in downtown Toronto. The 36-page picture book was written by American author Deborah C. Mortimer and illustrated by Canadian artist Ken Daley. Beyond its role as Toronto’s only major Black bookstore, A Different Booklist serves as a community hub, hosting events, author readings, and discussions that spark cultural understanding within the Black community. It actively promotes diverse voices, making it a vital and cherished institution within Canada's literary landscape. While it is often said that an author can’t make a living in Canada, the industry and federally funded BookNet have recently issued a report on 'KidsLit' that shows, as of 2022, children’s literature is selling very well, thank you. 'Juvenile and Young Adult

PAM GRIER THE HIT LADY OF THE TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

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  TWO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL BRING A WRAP TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH As Black History Month draws to a close, Toronto witnessed two significant Black film events, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of Black culture in the film industry. The Toronto Black Film Festival honoured actress Pam Grier, while the new Directors Black Actors and Film Guild of Canada celebrated their inaugural awards ceremony, acknowledging talents like Black Santa and Ryan Singh The 12th edition of the Toronto Black Film Festival spanned five days, featuring over 80 films from 20 countries, including Canada, USA, Germany, France, Rwanda, Sudan, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ghana, and Jamaica. The festival concluded earlier this week, leaving a lasting impact on the celebration of Black history through cinema. A standout moment occurred at the Isabel Bader Theatre during the festival, where a tribute was paid to American actress Pam Grier. Hailed as the Queen of Blaxploitation and the first female action hero, Grier

Quirky Adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters Gets an Obsidian Makeover

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3 SISTERS HAVE LEFT RUSSIA FOR NIGERIA In a ground-breaking fusion of classic Russian drama and Nigerian history, Toronto's vibrant theatre scene is set to welcome a bold and innovative production presented by Soul Pepper and Obsidian Theatres on the last evening of Black History Month. A quirky adaptation of Anton Chekhov's timeless classic, "Three Sisters," will take centre-stage at the downtown Soul Pepper Theatre, reimagined as a Black version set against the backdrop of Nigeria during the Biafran War. This avant-garde production first performed in the UK four years, makes its Canadian debut tonight with the first of five previews this evening. The 4-Act play has its official opening on March 7th and closes March 24. Written by London based Nigerian poet and playwright Inua Ellams, his 4 act play promises to provide a fresh perspective on Chekhov's exploration of spiritual emptiness. and societal upheaval by transporting the narrative to a pivotal moment in Af

WALMART COMMISSIONS DELFISH FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROJECT

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  WALMART WORKS WITH KWAME DELFISH TO CELEBRATE BHM In a press release issued by Walmart Canada to mark Black History Month(BHM), the large retail outlet turned the spotlight on Caribbean Canadian artist Kwame Delfish. The Toronto artist was commissioned by Walmart to design their exclusive Black History Month merchandise celebrating Black excellence. Who better to hire? As a multidimensional artist, with a career spanning over 30 years, Kwame’s most recent work includes designing both the 2022 and 2023 Commemorative Black History Month coins featuring the Underground Railroad and the No. 2 Construction Battalion for the Canadian Mint. According to Walmart, Delfish’s BHM design, entitled "The Tree of Heroes," encourages individuals to use their imagination to dream big and pursue their goals regardless of the systemic barriers that they will inevitably encounter on their journey. We become empowered to push through adversity when we see ourselves in others who share our ident

FREEDOM MAS WILL HOLD THE FIRST COSTUME LAUNCH OF 2024 THIS SUNDAY

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  What If You Spend the End of Black History Month In Mississauga check out Carnival Parade costumes? Looks like Mississauga's Black History Month's final significant event for 2024 is set to take place this Sunday at the city’s Small Arms Inspection Building on Lakeshore Road. The Freedom Mas Band is concluding the month with the year's first Carnival costume launch, which they've named the Black History Month Carnival Edition! The Freedom Mas Band is an integral part of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival and is scheduled to participate in the Grand Parade in Toronto on August 3rd. Band leader Johanna Grant shared with reporter Stephen Weir that the Band Launch on Sunday afternoon will unveil their new costume lines inspired by the 2024 theme, "What If." The free launch event is scheduled to run from 11 am to 6 pm. Alongside the adult and children carnival costume launch, there will be a vendor's market, music, and activities for children. Throughout

AND SO IT BEGINS AGAIN - CARNIVAL LAUNCH SEASON IN TORONTO

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 Fantazia already dreaming about  making their Caribana costumes! costume launch 2013 by Parris Visuals You know that spring is right around the corner when Wiarton Willie doesn’t see his shadow, the kid’s snowman is now a puddle and Fantazia has posted posters for their Spring 2024 costume launch! The mas band is marking its 15th annual launch on April 14th this year at the Peter N Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough (Milner Ave). And, while band leader Will Morton says it is a little early yet to let all the details of the coming fete, in a recent talk with the Caribbean Camera he let a few things slip out including the theme of the party. “We are coming a month earlier than last year,” said band co-leader Will Morton. “We hope to be bigger than in 2023. But don’t want to say too much right now about but as the picture on our website show, it is Uncut Gemz!” “We will be announcing our sections and the gemstones that they are (using for inspiration).” And yes, diamonds in the rough wil

When Sisters Speak

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  The Spoken Words Of Dwayne Morgan Dwayne Morgan is a name that has been garnering attention recently. The Scarborough spoken word poet delivered a performance on the first day of Black History Month at the Power Plant art gallery at Harbourfront. Next month, he is set to present "When Sisters Speak" at the St Lawrence Centre as part of Black Mental Health Week. On January 1st of last month, to be precise, he received the Order of Ontario! Since 1993, Dwayne Morgan has been a prominent figure and an integral part of Canada's spoken word and live arts scene. Affectionately nicknamed 'The Godfather' of Canadian spoken word poetry, Morgan has been providing a platform for women of color to share their stories and experiences through spoken word poetry for the past 24 years. "When Sisters Speak" is the largest and longest-running spoken word showcase featuring Black women in North America. This year's event will be held on March 9 as part of Black Menta

To Russia and other pictures and videos for Windsor U evaluation

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 Support videos, you tube links and still photos  to back up my Windsor University Competency application - Stephen Weir producer, writer and key grip. Various TV shows and gallery mini-movies, and interviews with authors, artists and performers for our social media video site the Canadian Art Channel (100+) Russia Trip 2000 - TV special for Outdoor Life TV I was part of a TV expedition to travel from North America to Asia, on Sea Doos.  We were to be the first PWC (personal water craft) drivers to travel between the two continents. We took a chase boat and three Bombardier Sea Doos to Teller, Alaska and set off on the longest day of the year across the Bering Straits. Teller is Alaska's most northerly port and 1 degree south of the Arctic Circle. I assisted with the driving of one of the PWC, was a camera grip, mini-camera operator, the segment writer and assistant editor. We damaged one of the Sea Doos on pack ice and ended featuring only two watercraft in the 1-hr documentary. W