Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  "It is for all the marbles" $23 Billion and climbing By Stephen Weir Even though very little news has surfaced in the press about a forthcoming Black Action Lawsuit in Toronto on October 28, that doesn’t mean it isn’t huge. A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Federal Court of Canada on behalf of Black Canadians working for the Public Service of Canada, and it’s for all the marbles—$23 billion worth and growing. “This lawsuit is seeking long-term solutions to permanently address systemic racism and discrimination in the Public Service of Canada,” explains Toronto lawyer Courtney Betty, the lead counsel for the Black class action lawsuit. The lawsuit addresses systemic racism in the Public Service of Canada, targeting self-identifying Black individuals who either applied for employment with the Public Service and were denied entry due to their race or those who were employed but denied promotions on the same grounds. This includes current employees as well as those w

  WONDERFUL JOE HAS MANY STRINGS ATTACHED by Stephen Weir In these turbulent times of 2024, leave it to the puppets to show us how hard life can be for penniless seniors living downtown, as they're displaced from a soon-to-be-demolished rundown apartment building to make way for a high-rent tower. You almost don’t notice the strings when "Wonderful Joe," a weary, weathered senior, takes the stage at the Jane Mallet Theatre in downtown Toronto. With his wrinkled face, stooped back, and clothes likely scavenged from dumpster dives, Joe is the star of a one-act play that will run for the next month in the city. Wonderful Joe is written and performed by longtime puppeteer Ronnie Burkett. The cast of marionettes includes a community butcher, a nasty landlord, Mister the dog, and even Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and Jesus Christ. “The play tells the story of an elderly gay man living in a fifth-floor walk-up in an urban centre,” says Burkett, considered one of Canada’s top p

  Roger Gibbs is Alive and Singing By Stephen Weir For Calypso scholar and singer Roger Gibbs, every day is Calypso Day. On Oct 15, however, he will be moderating a symposium titled Calypso in Canada: Past, Present, and Future, as part of the official Calypso History Month. The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA), in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Kaiso Street Society, is presenting a series of talks and discussions exploring the rich history and evolution of Canadian Calypso. The first event will take place on October 15, 2024, from 7:00–9:30 PM at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, 777 Bathurst Street, Toronto, next to Another Booklist store. Prominent Calypso artists and experts—including Jesse Ryan, Rhoma Spencer, Henry Gomez, Lindy Burgess, and Macomere Fifi—will share stories and insights into the Canadian Calypso scene. Roger Gibbs, who will moderate the discussion, told Caribbean Camera that “this discussion will be the first of several planned

MPP Jill Andrew Rides The Train with a 1,000 others The 2024 Carnival Weekend Began With a Special Underground Train Ride Stephen Weir Drummers pounded out the countdown just before midnight. It was seconds before the start of August 1st. Drones lit the sky above the Downsview subway station with hearts and words of love. Singing. Cheering. It was all part of the 11th annual Underground Freedom Train ride in Toronto. No Justin Trudeau wasn’t there, that was last year. And judging by the size of the turnout last Wednesday night, there wouldn’t have been a shoehorn big enough to squeeze him into the dedicated subway train that carried close to a thousand people from Union Station to Downsview Station to honour the Underground Railroad of the1850s and to mark the arrival of Canada’s Emancipation Day. The official launch was handled by the honourary whistle-blowing conductor, Amah Harris ( above left ). The distinguished educator, producer, mentor, playwright, and researcher led this ye

  FMC who Run the CCT now have the CCAN! By Stephen Weir Minister Chu and Carnival Kids Late last week Jennifer Michelle Hirlehey, the board chair of the Festival Management Committee (FMC), which oversees the annual Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, issued a statement announcing the formation of the Caribbean Community Advocacy Network (CCAN). Writing in the latest edition of the social media-based Toronto Carnival Insider, Hirlehey commented on the success of last week’s Carnival Launch at the Scarborough Town Centre. All levels of government were present at the launch, and the Board Chair said she is “deeply encouraged by the expressions of support from representatives of the Government at the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal levels,” so much so that the FMC is moving ahead with the creation of this new advocacy arm. What exactly is the new CCAN? Hirlehey explains, “While the FMC and the carnival remain non-political, we are dedicated to promoting socio-political, cultural, and econo

 I Know What I Am Going to Cook For Dinner Tonight  Hope they used Canadian maple syrup! Just saw my first can of Maple Flavoured Spam (Saveur D'Erable) in a Toronto Superstore (Loblaw). Bought it and set up my little studio on the dining room table to take this picture. Will give it a taste test tonight. Will give a report tomorrow (if I live). Product made in the USA even though they use the English Cdn spelling of the word Flavoured, and a French language product name (Saveur D'Erable) too, on the label. BTW - this is the smallest item posted on my website ever. It is a copy of my very favourable posting on Facebook early today.

1st First Friday Marks 30 tonight at Globe and Mail By Stephen Weir: I know what Warren Salmon was doing on Friday June 3rd1994. IT was early in the evening, and he was rolling the dice wondering if people within the Black community would come out to the Glass Bucket. It was a long gone Yonge Street lounge and it was hosting the launch of Warren Salmon's first First Fridays event. Salmon describes his vision for the monthly event he planned to run the 1st Friday of every month as the “premier networking event for entrepreneurs and professionals of African descent in North America and other parts of the world.” Back in the early days of the evenings, the Caribbean Camera called it an event that attracts Black businesspeople “who want to network, learn about new business endeavours, meet industry leaders and most importantly, socialize. And, on that spring even the dice rolled his way, people took to his networking concept. "Around 80 people showed up. It was hosted by Mike Pur

MEDIA ALERT For Immediate Release The Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada To Take Tea With Famous PEOPLE Players Famous People Players OTTAWA, Ontario (May 9th) — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, is set to partake in a delightful afternoon tea with the renowned Famous People Players on May 28th in Etobicoke. This special occasion coincides with an anniversary luncheon and the dress rehearsal of the Players' latest production, "Believe in Magic!", commemorating the esteemed theatre company's 50th anniversary. Event Details: • Date: May 28th • Time: Tea Luncheon at 12.:30 PM • Location: Dine and Dream Theatre, 343 Evans Ave, Etobicoke, ON This unique visit will provide Her Excellency with the opportunity to meet the exceptional cast members, dedicated volunteers, high school students, educators, and trailblazers in the theatre community. As a key figure in raising awareness of significant issues and r

Costume Creators Unveil "A New Hope" for Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2024 By Stephen Weir, Photo by Anthony Berot Costume Creators Cultural Art showcased its much-anticipated "A New Hope" costume collection on Sunday, May 5th, in preparation for the upcoming Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The event, held at Mystic Resto & Lounge on Kennedy Rd South in Brampton, drew enthusiastic participants eager to join the festivities of the July 20th junior carnival parade and the August 3rd Grand Parade along the Lakeshore. The evening was a spectacle of colour and creativity as models of all ages graced the Mystic stage, showcasing this year's vibrant designs brightly coloured festival. From elaborate ensembles for adults to whimsical costumes for children, Costume Creators left no stone unturned in ensuring a memorable experience for carnival-goers. "A New Hope" received rave reviews from attendees, with many expressing admiration for Costume Creators founders W

Louis Saldana’s One Two Grand Parade Costume Punch by Stephen Weir Early last week, Louis Saldenah promised the Caribbean Camera that he was planning to put on a “HUGE Launch Party” on Saturday night. When the doors opened at his 2024 costume launch at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet & Convention Hall in Scarborough, it was obvious he had kept his word (and then some). SECTION TAKE A BOW AT SATURDAY'S COSTUME “We had approximately 1,100 people attend our costume launch last Saturday night,” Saldenah told the Caribbean Camera. And Saldenah hasn’t stopped thinking big. Tonight (Thursday), Part Two hits the boards with the official opening of the Saldenah Mas Camp in Scarborough. This year, Saldenah Carnival has over 15 sections, and most had males and females showing their stuff at Saturday night’s event. The theme for the evening was Sky High, so it was fitting that the models who came flying were, for the most part, bedecked in colourful feathers. KING COSMOS ON STAGE (RIGHT) There

  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

EDGY PRODUCTION OF 'CARMEN" COMING TO TORONTO'S MERIDIAN HALL America meets Spain on the Canadian stage this evening American dancer Kayoko Everhart born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and an African American father takes on the lead role in Spain's Compania Nacional de Danza's edgy production of "Carmen." This classic opera is set in Seville and explores, through dance, the consequences of jealousy and rage when the young gypsy Carmen refuses to be controlled by Don José. While Carmen represents freedom and independence, Don José symbolizes the struggle between his obsession for her and his duty as a soldier. The company performed last night in Toronto and apparently blew the lid off the staid Meridian Hall (St Lawrence Centre) will be performing again tonight (SATURDAY 3 FEB 24), and then they leave town. Will file a report after the show.  

Rashaan Rori Allwood and Kathryn Patricia Cobbler - three city tour in February KATHRYN PATRICIA COBBLER In a celebration of Black History Month, two exceptional Canadian musicians of Caribbean descent, Rashaan Rori Allwood and Kathryn Patricia Cobbler, are set to dazzle audiences with their multi-media performance titled "Unyielding Roots." This powerful presentation of original compositions aims to reflect upon the complex experiences of the Caribbean immigrant and African diaspora within the context of North American colonial landscapes. Joy Bullen, the long-time creator behind Black History Month Music, designed this event to showcase young Black Canadian musicians breaking stereotypes and making history. Since 2015, the initiative has been a platform for artists excelling in areas where Black voices have often been silenced. "Unyielding Roots" will be performed in Halifax, Ottawa, and Toronto, in collaboration with cultural and not-for-profit organizations acro

ALBERT JACKSON’S FAMILY STAMP HIS NAME ON NEW SCARBOROUGH BUILDING   If you don’t know who Albert Jackson was or what he looked like, you probably haven’t been s If you don't know who Albert Jackson was or what he looked like, you probably haven't been sending letters home to Mommy. Tall, fit, and finely groomed with a mustache, Canada's first Black mailman cut quite the figure walking his route. So much so that Canada Post put his painted portrait on a stamp back in 2019. Born into slavery in the United States, Jackson was just a boy when his family escaped to Canada via the underground railroad. In Toronto, he pursued his education and won a position as a letter carrier in 1882. When he reported for work, he faced discrimination from his colleagues, who refused to train him. The debate over the situation raged for weeks until political pressure, especially from Toronto's Black community, triumphed, and Jackson was able to walk his route. He passed away in 1918 at the