The Brunswickan, Issue 6, Vol. 154 by Brunswickan Publishing Inc

VOLUME 154, ISSUE 6, FEBRUARY 2021

Downtown FROSTival Ice Sculpture Showcase 2021

Downtown businesses celebrate FROSTival 2021 with ice sculpture

Recognizing Black History Month

BLM Fredericton speaks on the importance of acknowledging Black History Month

Editorial Policy While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the Editorial Board to be racist, sexist, libellous or in any way discriminatory.

About us The Brunswickan, in its 154th year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication. We are an autonomous student publication owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc. , a nonprofit, independent body. We are also a founding member of the Canadian University Press. Now a magazine, we publish monthly during the academic year with a circulation of 300. We publish weekly online at Thebruns.ca. @thebrunswickan

The opinions and views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Front Cover Ice Sculpture Illustration by Jules Keenan

Staff Reporters Andrew McCullough Ibukun Keyamo David Bunce Creative Team Josh Vandenborre Jules Keenan Social Media Manager Emma Warwick

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Ally Buchanan Business Manager Cameron Wiseman Ceative Director Jules Keenan News Editor Taylor Chalker Arts & Lifestyle Editor Marlowe Evans Ad Manager Curtis Brewster Multimedia Editor Josh Vandenborre Copy Editor Jack Sparks

Editor Letter from the

Words by Ally Buchanan Illustration by Jules Keenan

February marks Black History Month, also called African History Month, a tradition that originated in 1926 and was first acknowledged in Canada in 1978. It was recognized at the federal level in 1995 when Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black female Member of Parliament, introduced legislation cementing it in Parliamentary consciousness. Failing to learn and understand Black history is to uphold a system of violence that has oppressed a community of people for hundreds of years. Canada likes to delude itself in saying that it does not have racism ingrained into its history and institutions, often positioning itself as the refuge from the racism of the United States. That is not true; this country was just as much built on slavery, colonialism, and oppression as our neighbours to the South. We don’t learn about it in school – at least, I didn’t – allowing this myth to carry on for those privileged enough to be able to believe it. If the non-Black population can ignore the history of Black people in Canada, we can also ignore the realities present today. Below is an incredibly brief list of events in Black Canadian history: 1628: The first enslaved African, a six-year-old boy, is brought to what is now Canada and given the name Olivier Le Jeune. 1600s-1700s: Multiple declarations from the French and British crowns authorize and encourage the enslavement of Africans in Canada. There is very little regulation regarding the treatment of enslaved people. 1793: The enslavement of Black people is prohibited in Upper Canada, shortly before it was outlawed in the British Empire in 1833. 1815-1865: 10 000 African-Americans come to Canada via the Underground Railroad. 1944: Ontario passes the Racial Discrimination Act prohibiting the publication of discriminatory material, the first province to do so. 1946: Viola Desmond is arrested for sitting in a

“white only” section of a theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She is not pardoned until 2010. 1963: Leonard Baithwaite becomes Canada’s first Black member of Parliament, representing Etobicoke, Ontario. 1964-1970: The City of Halifax demolishes Africville and displaces residents following the dubbing of the community as an “American-style ghetto.” 1992: Protestors demonstrating against the acquittal of police officers in the murder of American Rodney King are met with police violence, inciting rebellion on Toronto’s Yonge Street. 2005: Haitian-Canadian Michaëlle Jean is sworn in as Canada’s first Black Governor General. I want to make it very clear: there is so much that this timeline excludes. For example, the participation, both forced and willing, of Black and formerly enslaved people in the American Civil War, the War of 1812, and World War I. The arrival of Black Loyalists and “freed slaves” in Nova Scotia in the 1770s, only for them to be met with discrimination and abuse, causing 1 200 Black people to leave for Sierra Leone 20 years later. The contributions of figures like Austin Clarke, Donald Oliver, Elijah McCoy, William Hall, and many more. It is important to take Black History Month to make an effort to learn about these elements of history. More important is continuing this learning all year, and allowing it to shape your actions, hopefully moving toward inclusion and equality. Sincerely, Ally

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE BRUNSWICKAN | VOL. 154, ISSUE 6

News Briefs Taylor Chalker

On the Town

Andrew McCullough

“We Care Centre” Serving Fredericton’s Homeless David Bunce

Recognizing Black History Month Ally Buchanan

Love Letters Submitted

Miriam Amirault: UNB Alumni Highlight Taylor Chalker

The Caribbean Circle: Black Culture at UNB During the ‘60s and ‘70s Marlowe Evans

Ranking Romance Movies Ibukun Keyamo

Downtown FROSTival Ice Sculpture Showcase 2021 Marlowe Evans

February Horoscopes Sharkie

Dear Sharkie Sharkie

Crossword

35 5

that is more deaths than New Brunswick has seen in the entire pandemic in just one facility. It is very sobering.” New Brunswick Starts First Stage of Modernizing Government

Words by Taylor Chalker Illustration by Jules Keenan

UK COVID-19 Variant in New Brunswick The UK variant, also known as the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, has been identified in New Brunswick, with three confirmed cases and one unconfirmed case. During the January 29 update, Dr. Jennifer Russell explained the danger of the new variants, including the UK variant. “These are much more transmissible, they’re much more contagious, they infect way more people,” Dr. Russell said. “These strains have a high degree of spreading that is 30-70 per cent higher than the initial form of the virus.” Dr. Russell implored New Brunswick residents to adhere to virus guidelines to limit the spread, referencing devastating incidents of community spread in other provinces as a word of warning. “The new variants are in Canada, and they are causing a lot of harm,” Dr. Russell said, discussing a breakout of the UK variant at an Ontario nursing home. “47 residents actually passed away; 6

In January, New Brunswick announced an initiative to modernize the existing government structure to increase efficiency and effectiveness. This initiative aims to reform the government that has been in existence since the mid-1960s, a system which does not meet the needs of current and future generations. “Various organizations and individuals (and many studies) have, in the past 20 plus years, continued to call for more substantial reform to the local governance system,” explains Government NB on their website. The intention is to obtain a better understanding of financial, social, environmental, and structural challenges that the province faces, while devising a new system that is sustainable and affordable for the future. “Nearly one-third of New Brunswickers don’t have a local government that can make decisions on their behalf,” explained Government NB. “Many communities have limited financial resources and struggle to provide or maintain good quality local services at an affordable cost.” This plan will source input from the community, seeking collaboration towards the end of 2021 to identify issues plaguing locals, and to hear recommendations.

New Brunswick Groups Translating Pandemic Information Into Multiple Languages At the beginning of the pandemic, the New Brunswick Multicultural Council identified the need for information about the virus to be translated into languages other than English and French. With such a diverse population, the need for accessibility through language diversity was clear. The Council contacted settlement organizations across the province to launch an initiative to translate virus information into multiple languages, allowing the Council to maintain informed contact with newcomers to the province. “You get this amplification effect that’s happened to newcomers, that everything that was already badly impacting people who had strong roots here, was even more difficult for the people who had just arrived,” explained Justin Ryan, training and development manager with the Council, to CBC. The efforts of the council have been able to relieve some stress for newcomers, who find hearing the information in their own language easier to digest. “Having the information in your mother tongue is the best and easiest way to understand,” explained Mohamed Bagha, managing director of the Saint Johns Newcomers Center, to CBC.

Words by Andrew McCullough Illustration by Jules Keenan

Abraham Beverly Walker: Barrister & Solicitor When: February 18, 7 p.m. Where: ZOOM A free virtual presentation on the first Canadian-born Black lawyer, and New Brunswick’s first Black lawyer, Abraham Beverly Walker. Presentation by Peter Little and the York Sunbury Historical Society. Little has spent years bringing the amazing story of Walker to the forefront of New Brunswick and Canadian historical discourse. Contact the Fredericton Region Museum at frederictonregionmuseum@gmail.com or 506-455-6041 for the free ZOOM link. New Brunswick African Association African Heritage Month When: Throughout February Where: Virtual In celebration of Black History Month, the NBAA, Battle of the Arts NB, and the Fredericton Public Library organized a series of events exploring African heritage. Events include: February 17th: (12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.) “Segregated in Life & Death” by Dr. Mary McCarthy-Brandt, PhD (5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) “Black and Herstory” by Emmanuel Ajumobi-Obi February 20th: (12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m) “African Culture through the lens of fashion” by Christine-Omike Eruokwu Kaima Designs February 22nd: (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m) “African Drumming” by Saa Andrew Gbangbor - BOTA NB (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m) “Learn Swahili” by Yusuf Shire - NBAA Contact ftonpub@gnb.ca to register.

Gallery on Queer Art Exhibitions When: Throughout February Where: 406 Queen Street Fredericton’s downtown gallery, Gallery on Queen, presents multiple exhibitions through the month of February, including an ongoing exhibition of jewellers Metallum, their fifth annual Valentine’s exhibition (until February 16). From Feb. 13 until Feb. 27, Gallery on Queen is hosting “DiasporArt: An Exhibition of Photographs by Gary Weekes”. Let’s Talk Trees! When: Mondays 7 - 8 p.m. Where: Online Trees Matter Fredericton is hosting a series of free online speaker sessions on topics of urban nature. Remaining events include “the how’s and why’s of forest bathing” by Dr. Monika Stelzl (Feb. 15), and “the great trees of Fredericton” with author and forester David Palmer (Feb. 22). Space Girl: A Digital Play by Jean-Michel Cliche When: February 26, 7:30 p.m. Where: Online - Live Streamed from the Fredericton Playhouse Floating above a tumultuous Earth, Space Girl transmits details of her freedom down to the surface. An interactive, high-concept science fiction play by Hyperloop Theatre that extends beyond the typical ZOOM play. Using a “choose-your-own-adventure” format, the play promises to provide each audience member with a unique experience.

“We Care Center” Serving Fredericton’s Homeless Words by David Bunce Illustration by Jules Keenan Photos submitted

A new organization has burst onto the scene in Fredericton with the

sole mission of eradicating the city's homelessness. The “We Care Center,” established by Joanne Barlow, who is known by some as “Street Mom,” is taking a direct approach to assisting individuals who are “sleeping rough.” The Center is a small, independent organization currently operating via Facebook, and they have already made a major impact on the Fredericton homeless community. The first initiative of the Center was short-lived. Boom Nightclub was used for a few nights as a warming shelter by the Center before being swiftly shuttered. About 30-35 people took refuge from the cold at Boom, but COVID-19, capacity, and insurance concerns forced the shelter to close.

This closure did not stop Barlow from continuing her efforts to assist those forced back onto the street. On any given night, she identifies 18-25 individuals sleeping outdoors and in need of assistance.

At times, Donnie finds the shelter worse than the street.

“I count heads every night, provide sleeping bags, tents, and hot meals out of my van,” says Barlow. Her goal is to prevent people from getting sick when spending the night outdoors. “They need this food to make it through the night. They are my people.”

He has enjoyed his time at the hotel and feels much better after a good night’s sleep. He is also a skilled sketch artist, and the warm environment is much more conducive to his art.

The individuals sleeping rough in Fredericton do so for a variety of reasons. Some are temporarily barred from shelters in the city, while others do not trust the shelter environment. Barlow sees her organization as providing a service to those who are alienated from Fredericton shelters.

“They wake you up at 6 a.m. and kick you out before 7 a.m.. No coffee or food or anything. There is not even a toilet to use downtown,” he explained.

“It’s nice and dry and the paper doesn’t wrinkle up,” he shared, expressing his hope for a gig shovelling snow and properties around Fredericton. “I am getting low on cash, and I think I will get quite a few hours cleaning walkways.” Other individuals assisted by Barlow have not been so fortunate. One homeless individual, John Davies, is currently in hospital with double pneumonia brought on by the cold weather.

One individual, nicknamed “Donnie,” has spent the past few months on the street, suffering from extreme exhaustion. The We Care Center recently put him up at a local shelter just in time for his 44th birthday. While this has been a large financial expenditure slowing the realization of the Center’s goals, the urgency of the situation demanded it. “I am really happy to be out of the cold on my birthday,” exclaimed Donnie. “It’s much quieter than the shelter and Joanne (Barlow) actually cares… I’m glad I didn’t have to commit a crime to warm up in jail.”

“I would like people to help if this issue existed in my city, so I help in this city,” Cloutier said. For Cloutier, it is important that people see the humanity behind the individuals being helped by the Center. “They have been nothing but kind to me. They are human beings, no matter the circumstances, and all just want a second chance at life,” she explained. Cloutier decides how the funds will be distributed to individuals in need as well as coordinating the Center’s fundraising efforts. She also spends time lobbying other government officials to expand services to the homeless. In the near future, Barlow and Cloutier are hoping to secure another location to get people off the street. While they view the recent decision of the city to turn the City Motel into affordable housing as a positive, they believe more urgency is needed.

Barlow visits John in the hospital consistently. She found a foster parent for his dog, Duke, so he will be cared for while John recovers. Many individuals under Barlow’s watch suffer from various physical and mental ailments. Her long-term goal is to have them all in suitable housing. The Center has largely been funded from individual donors in Fredericton. Tanya Cloutier is a council member in nearby Canterbury and currently in charge of the Center’s finances. She feels that Fredericton has not taken the steps necessary to help its homeless population.

Barlow and Cloutier have seen an increase in individuals sleeping rough and stressed the need for housing. The current pandemic situation continues to pose a challenge. “COVID-19 has been a big problem. Many locations have not worked out due to public health concerns,” says Barlow. Barlow expresses a great deal of gratitude to the individuals donating to the Center. The Center requests direct financial contributions, sleeping bags, food, tents, pillows, and participating in the square contest.

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Recognizing Black History Month

Words by Ally Buchanan Artwork by Jules Keenan

Black History Month , also dubbed African Heritage Month, was originated by American historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1926. In its first iteration, it took the form of “Negro History Week,” situated in the second week of February, encompassing Frederick Douglass’s birthday on February 14 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12. Fifty years later in 1976, President Gerald Ford decreed February Black History Month to be nationally recognized. “In celebrating Black History Month we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” said Ford, marking the beginning of the observance. The first Canadian acknowledgment of the occasion came in 1978 following the petitioning of the City of Toronto by the Ontario Black History Society. Black History Month grew in recognition across Canadian provinces and cities over the following 20 years and was finally recognized by the House of Commons in 1995. The Senate secured the Parliament’s position on Black History Month in 2008. 2020 saw global protests in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May. These protests called for racial justice and equality around the world, renewing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. American organizers have themed the 2021 Black History Month, “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” exploring the African diaspora and the spread of Black culture across the United States. Closer to home, local organizers have chosen the theme of “Black History Matters,” taking inspiration from the movement that fueled the protests this summer.

Husoni Raymond, an organizer at Black Lives Matter Fredericton, says that while the events of this past year may have brought more attention to the themes of Black history, the importance of the month is not new to the Black community. “Black history month has always been significant to the Black community and this year is no different,” said Raymond. “However, there has been a growing interest to learn more about Canadian Black History and anti-Black racism from non-Black people, so hopefully that will translate to more awareness about Black History, injustices faced by Black people, and more support to tackle anti-Black racism within New Brunswick.” He encourages members of the community, particularly non-Black allies, to continue their learning after February 28. “Don't limit learning about Black History to one month. There will be more resources for learning available for learning this month, but continue to seek out information and educate the folks around you, even after the month is over,” said Raymond. Black Lives Matter Fredericton launched their Black history resources website on February 1. This website includes recommended viewing, listening, reading, and social media following, as well as petitions and donation sites. As well as the launch of their website, Black Lives Matter Fredericton took part in the province-wide flag-raising ceremony at the beginning of the month. Raymond encourages individuals to take part in the various events being hosted by other groups across the city this month. “We are now focused on supporting the many other events happening throughout the community and working towards accomplishing our calls to action,” said Raymond.

love letters

Words submitted

These love letters were submitted by members of the community as a Valentine’s tribute to people they love.

to: my girlfriend

to: My Pancake

i met this girl when i felt most alone when the bedsheets swallowed me whole like waves i don’t think i ever recovered from the storm that hit my brain but you made it feel like a sweet hurricane i learned more about you than i did in one night than i ever did about someone else in years it was intense to learn so much about you but it felt new although we have only known each other for a week I started making the right side of the bed again and my mind came back to earth like an airplane i’ve felt more love than letting my mind become filled with dirty laundry in the corner of my room now you help me clean those thoughts and hold me tighter than no one has before and i wonder why can’t i write about you like the other times i wrote about past guys? because every time i’m with you my brain has no other thoughts than what you provide i had to start asking myself to spend a night without you to see what it’s like but wanting to spend nights with you in places i had never seen before wooden cabins and waking up to homemade meals and coffee in the morning and making home cooked meals while your arms are wrapped around my waist makes me so in love with you i’ve been with you as many days there are in a week and i can’t wait to experience more with you as it is unique

my dearest love!! our fourth valentine's day spent with each other approaches. you are the brightest light in my sky and i feel so grateful to be the person you choose to stick around. i hope this feeling never goes away. yours, always!!

my darling mitchell, you make me feel something in a way i’ve never felt before. never before you has there been ever someone who made me feel so happy and so in love. i’ve been hurt by boys in the past, and just when i was starting to give up how you came along. your texts make me giggle; your snaps make me smile. sacrificing a nights worth of sleep to call you on the phone and hear your beautiful voice was so worth it. when i spend time with you, i am in ecstasy. with you the world in which i live has no pain, no hurt, no crying — just warmth, kindness, love. i feel safe with you. there’s nothing i’d want more than to be your boyfriend. when I think of you, the words of a 60’s love song fill my mind both day and night. and i can only hope these words can prove how i feel about you. “the night we met i knew i needed you so, and if i have the chance i'd never let you go. so won't you say you love me, i'll make you so proud of me. we'll make 'em turn their heads every place we go. so won't you, please, be my baby, my one and only baby.” i love you, mitchell. <3

from: Keri

from:A

From: Honey Bunches of Oats

to: Mitchell

to: The Womens Swim Team love you gorls, keep on hanging in there. <3 but hannah lane 5 is mine. Xoxo

from: Margaret

to: My Love i knew from the moment i met you that you were something special. i remember trying to get closer to you every day, i know i was always safe as long as you were near. love, you make my heart.

to: My Sir you truly are the goofiest person I have ever known, which I honestly did not expect when we first met. you keep life exciting and far from boring when it is so easy to perceive life in this way. your attention to detail (though perhaps borderline creepy) makes me feel so loved and seen. you pay attention to things I don’t even notice about my self. you are gentle, and this has made me realize how rough I was choosing to live before. you are a calming source in the rocky sea that tends to be my life, and I cannot thank you enough for being the anchor that grounds me. i love you more than words can say.

from: Your Julesis

from: LY

to: My Eve i love you my little baby fox.

from: Mama

to: The King of Comedy you were born first, not too late. i was second, from a rib you lost a long time ago, in one of a million refractions of our lives. i hold you now and those years appear in constellations. you are surety, power – and i will love you, now and in the next. how could i not? we are not the same, but we were born from the same dying, iron heart of a star.

from: Ophelia 15

to: Arif Hasan sometimes, i just think back to the first time i laid eyes on you. i knew right then that I had found someone incredible but i didn't know would change my life for better. you have been the best person, lover, and bf. sometimes, i wonder, what did i do to deserve you. you're kind, humble, caring and unapologetically yourself. you have the mind of a genius and the body of a greek god and have loved and cared for me even when I couldn't. your smile has the capacity to light up the whole room. you inspire me, everyday to be better and live life to the fullest. words are not enough to describe your beautiful personality. i have seen you smile and help other people during your worst days. you have always spoken against injustice and taken decisions for yourself. you have never let anyone else define yourself. you showed me how much a woman can actually be loved and respected. the love that you have given me is truly selfless. any girl would be lucky to have you and i feel grateful to be that girl. you made me come out of my comfort zone and see the beauty outside of it. taught me to appreciate nature and life in general. thank you for making an effort to make me laugh when i’m feeling sad. thank you for being there for me whenever i need you. thank you for existing. idk what life has planned for us, but i want my son to have all your qualities. i love you babe! please always be my valentine.

love is a crazy thing. it is the warmest feeling you’ll ever have, but it also hurts like a bitch. every time you get an out-of-character text you’re going to break down in worry, but every hug is going to feel like the world is perfect again. so take some breaths. love yourself first. it’s better for everyone that way. love is going to break you down and build you up again, but you need a steady foundation first. give yourself one.

from: Anonymous

from: My Current Self

to: Billie my dearest billie, It has been a wild year hasn’t it? i don’t know how we got through all of it, but i can say one thing for sure, it would have been pure hell without you. you fill my heart with pure joy and love, and every moment i spend with you, those feelings only get stronger i am so proud of you and everything you have done. you are the love of my life and i can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

from: Mackenzie

to: My Past Self

Miriam Amirault UNB Alumni Highlight Words by Taylor Chalker Photos submitted

From graduating in a pandemic to helping

uncover the mysteries of the legendary Oak Island, Miriam Amirault is a recent UNB Graduate that has her sights set high. Originally from Digby, Nova Scotia, Amirault did not always know that she wanted a career in archaeology. In fact, she was surprised to learn that it was an option. “I was in twelfth grade, it was second semester, and I still hadn’t chosen a university that I wanted to go to,” she explained. “[I] saw that UNB offered archaeology and I remember saying to [my mom], ‘wait, that’s a career?’” Amirault explained that she chose UNB because her father was an alumni, but that she chose the program on a complete whim. She was also glad that the university was not too far from her Nova Scotian home.

“I wanted to spread my wings and get out of my hometown, so New Brunswick was kind of a perfect fit for me,” Amirault said. “Just far enough away that I felt like I was doing my own thing, but close enough to home that I felt comfortable.” In her second semester at UNB, Amirault received multiple messages from her friends and family, alerting her to an online advertisement for an archaeological dig. Dr. Aaron Taylor, professional archaeologist and professor at Acadia University, was looking for students to take part in a dig in Cuba. Amirault set her expectations low, not expecting Dr. Taylor to pick a first-year student, but was pleasantly surprised when she was invited along. “I needed to know if this was something I actually wanted to do, I needed to know if I wanted to be on a dig at all. So I just went on a whim, and I did it, and it was pretty awesome,” she said. Amirault graduated in the midst of a pandemic in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts, honouring in Anthropology and majoring in Classical Studies. “I didn’t want something to come between me and graduation and all the hard work that I’ve put in for the last four years,” Amirault said, explaining her thoughts on graduating in a pandemic. Soon after graduation, Dr. Aaron Taylor reached out to Amirault and asked her to join him and a team of archaeologists working on the well known television show, The Curse of Oak Island. “Just through this professor that I had worked with before, it was kind of a beautiful opportunity,” she said.

Oak Island is just off the coast of Nova Scotia, and is infamously known for its legendary treasure. The show, The Curse of Oak Island, has eight seasons which chronicle the hunt for the treasure that apparently lies within the bounds of the island. Being from Nova Scotia, Amirault was somewhat familiar with this local legend, but had not invested much time in watching the series. Amirault spent three and a half months working with the show in the Summer of 2020 and, while she cannot disclose much of her experience, she is thankful for the opportunity. “It was awesome just to be trusted, and to have my opinions be validated and believed,” she explained, grateful for how seriously her input was taken, “especially being fresh out of university.”

Following her television debut, Amirault intends to make the move to Toronto to study Forensics at Humber College. “I ended up taking a forensics course with Dr. Amy Scott [at UNB], and it was just so interesting,” she said. “Again, I’m going on a whim to see where it takes me.” Amirault credits interpersonal connections for her career success thus far, and encourages undergraduates to branch out. “Make those connections. I didn’t realize how important they were until this opportunity came up,” she explained. “Because of a connection that I made in my first year of university, I got this amazing job.” 19

The Caribbean Circle: Black Culture at UNB in the ‘60s and ‘70s Words by Marlowe Evans Illustration by Jules Keenan Photos from the Archives

The University of New Brunswick has a longstanding history of welcoming international students from all over the world. There are dozens of societies, associations, and clubs that are geared specifically towards international students – the UNB International Student Society, the Bangladesh Student Society, the Indian Student Association, the Overseas Chinese Student Association, and UNB Persia to name a few. But there used to be another group for international students called the Caribbean Circle. UNB has, for many years, had strong ties to the Caribbean. There are Anthropology courses offered specifically on Latin American and Caribbean ethnography, History courses on the influence of African culture in the Caribbean, and, in the past, the faculty of Kinesiology has offered joint degree programs with the University of the West Indies - Cave Hill in Cave Hill, Barbados. There are international students at UNB from countries all over the world – but the university’s history with students from the Caribbean runs deep. Founded in 1961 as the West Indian Society (and re-named in 1974), the Caribbean Circle was a club dedicated to forming bonds between students of Caribbean descent, Caribbean international students, and the general student population. The group ran monthly meetings, held socials, and were very active in university culture throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. The club was still active in the 1990s but slowly faded out and is no longer active on UNB’s Fredericton campus. 20

However, while the group was active, they were in charge of one of UNB’s biggest social events – the Big Bamboo Night. Labelled in an ad in The Brunswickan in the ‘70s as “The Big Bamboo Nightclub,” the event included musical performances by local bands such as the Topical Knights, a “live West Indian band,” and Prince Oscar, a band from Trinidad and Tobago that performed at Expo ‘67 in Montréal. There were performances by traditional dancers. The social was a big deal – it ended in one of the biggest dances of the social year. It was a ballroom event, fully catered, with drinks available. There was even a limbo contest. Now the only true ballroom events on campus are held by S-Club, but in the ‘60s and ‘70s, even into the ‘80s and ‘90s, the Big Bamboo Night was a Big Deal. Everyone turned out.

It was an active celebration of Black culture and history formed in a way that was participatory for everyone. What brings people together more than song, dance, and drink? The Caribbean Circle was an amazing student group that brought people together for over thirty years. It’s a little bit sad that the club faded out, but its legacy remains in the hearts of UNB alumni who were club members and who participated in the club’s social and cultural events.

What makes the event even more unique, beyond the fact that it was a social event that survived for decades, is the fact that it was meant to celebrate the culture of UNB’s international students, and it was a campus-wide event that was looked forward to by the entire student body. It was a celebration of the culture of the Caribbean, and for many UNB students who grew up in small New Brunswick towns, it was their very first introduction to that rich history and culture. The group actually expanded in the 1970s, admitting Latin American students, as well as Caribbean students, into the club’s membership.

Ranking Romance Movies Words by Ibukun Keyamo Graphic by Josh Vandenborre

Romance is a love it or hate it genre. Some people find the cheesiness sweet and actually look for it in a movie, while some wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole. For centuries humans have failed to agree on the rules of romance, and the film industry has tried to satisfy everybody. With action, drama, and comedy slotted into every romance movie, it’s hard not to find one you like. I personally don’t mind the genre; it’s not something I watch everyday, but there are some times I find some really good ones. And, as it's February, here’s a list of movies with the greatest on-screen chemistry. TITANIC (1998) Okay, I know some people are already rolling their eyes, but of course Titanic has to be on this list. Jack and Rose? Classic. Titanic sets the bar pretty high for romantic epics. Some people might find it cliché, the whole wealthy girl–poor guy storyline, but the only thing I have to say about the movie is that there was definitely room on that door, but somebody just had to sprawl out and get cozy, didn’t they? THE PHOTOGRAPH (2020) Two romances in one movie, The Photograph follows Mae in the present day and her mother in the past. Will romantic history be repeated? I have two words for you – Issa Rae. Issa Rae plays Mae and does it so well that she makes the movie a gem for hopeless romantics. LOVE AND BASKETBALL (2000) Not my usual cup of tea, but I stumbled upon it and found that I could actually relate to it. Best friends to

high school sweethearts and then exes in college, Monica and Quincy’s desires to be the best basketball players stands in the way. It’s often dismissed as a soppy chick-flick, but the film is a drama that is about female ambition and gender roles. The soul of the game portrayed through the eyes of two life-long ambitious contemporaries, it was really an extraordinary romance. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989) Another absolute classic. Three factors contribute to the success of this film and those are the chemistry, directing, and the writing. The influence of this movie has stretched over rom-coms even till today. The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is not forced. It’s just a very natural, entertaining experience. Harry and Sally were always supposed to be together, it just took a minute to happen. I find the film delightful from start to finish. THE LOVEBIRDS (2020) Not exactly big on chemistry because they were more focused on being funny, The Lovebirds is still one to watch. Premiering on Netflix in May 2020, the movie stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a long-term couple who have reached a rough patch in their relationship. Following a night of kidnap, murder, lies, and almost being inducted into a cult, they are reminded of why they love each other. CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018) This movie was long overdue. The closest most people get to Asian culture is when they order Chinese Takeout or watch a K-drama. Crazy Rich Asians sheds light on heritage while also entertaining the viewer. And the scenery. The scenery in this movie is breathtaking, and even that alone definitely makes the movie worth watching.

CASABLANCA (1942) Casablanca. Is. Awesome. It is the classic love story, and it echoes through everything made after it. Yeah, watch it. . CAROL (2015) Built on brief glances and stolen kisses, this movie is way ahead of its time. Set in the 1950s, the forbidden love that blossoms between Carol and Therese is exactly that, forbidden. The compatibility of what we want and what is actually possible is explored thoroughly in this film, giving it a timeless quality. LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA (2020) Hollywood was definitely not going to miss the chance to sell us pandemic stories. Not actually a movie, but a mini-series, it follows a cast of characters who are in different stages of their relationships while staying at home. Discovering love in places they never knew it existed to elderly couples being separated because of nursing home regulations, there’s a love story for everyone. ABOUT TIME (2013) This movie is funny, warm-hearted, and even emotional in certain moments. Showing the characters’ growth as partners throughout their marriage almost heightens their romance because it shows everything after the meet-cute which you don’t usually get from romance movies.

Downtown FROSTival Ice Sculpture Showcase 2021 Words by Marlowe Evans Illustration and photos by Jules Keenan

Ice sculpting has been an art form and skill for thousands of years.

Indigenous peoples from around the world have used and manipulated ice for construction, food preservation, and art. Human beings have existed alongside ice since before the last ice age. So – how does that long legacy continue today? Well, in Fredericton at least, it continues with the Downtown FROSTival Ice Sculpture Showcase.

2021 marks six years of the Downtown FROSTival Ice Sculpture Showcase. Richard Chaisson, of Ice Creations Glace, is the artist behind the ice. Trained as a professional chef, Chaisson first learned about using ice as an artistic medium in his cooking training. He has been working the ice since 1980. This year, there are eleven ice sculptures to be found around downtown Fredericton as part of the ice display. On George Street, there is one in front of the Boyce Farmers Market. On King Street, there are sculptures in front of Milltown, Savage’s Bicycle Centre, Graystone Brewing, Tim Hortons, and RustiCo & Kingwest Breweries. There’s one sculpture on St. John Street at Assante Wealth Management, and four on Queen (in front of Chess Piece, Radical Edge, the Donut Bar, and Sequoia). These ice sculptures represent the spirit of the businesses they stand in front of, just as those businesses represent the true spirit of Fredericton. Especially this year, as so many FROSTival events were cancelled, it’s a comforting sight to see the ice sculptures outside of local shops, restaurants, businesses, and breweries.

Now, Ice Creations Glace, which has Richard Chaisson as one of their expert ice carvers, sells custom ice sculptures. This means that for an event, it is possible to commission a piece of winter beauty of your very own! Their website lists the details and costs associated with these commissions, but the very idea of being able to take home a masterpiece? Wonderful. The fact that the masterpiece has a limited lifespan outside the refrigerator only makes it more special. Beauty is, as they say, fleeting. Additionally, Ice Creations Glace occasionally offers classes where you can learn to do your very own ice sculpting. Watching a block of ice be turned into an art piece is an immersive experience. In any other context, the chainsaws, picks, and chisels would seem more at home in a horror movie than in an artist’s tool kit. But in the hands of people like Richard Chaisson, those same intimidating tools can do the same work as the most delicate of paintbrushes. The next time you’re taking a walk in downtown Fredericton, don’t forget to stop and admire the frigid winter art. It’s only there for a limited time!

Febru Horos 30

uary scopes Words to the wise from your favourite red herring. Words by Sharkie Graphics by Josh Vandenborre

Your disposition could ruin Valentine’s Day for you. You’re a little bit of a jerk, and you’re a control freak. Let your partner decide what to do this year. And if you’re single – for god’s sake stop yelling at strangers about how pissed off you are.

You might be in trouble if you thought there was any chance for you this Valentine’s Day. There isn’t.

I am sorry to say that your romantic forecast is looking a little bit lacking. You are difficult to get along with, and you’re fickle and disloyal. Nobody wants you because of that.

You can be a screw up, but your luck is getting better. 2021 looks great for Virgos! Lots of love and probably at some point some passable sex will be coming your way.

There are lots of nice people who want to sleep with Geminis. Other Geminis.

Cancer, this is a good year for love. Love someone. Please. Please, for the love of all that’s holy.

You don’t have a lot of hope for this season. You’re the sad, sappy sign, and you cry a lot. Try therapy for Valentine’s Day. Or Tinder. Tinder is great for people like you. Everyone knows Pisces are the most physically attractive of all signs, so you’ll be a hit.

You are lifeless, and that transfers to your relationships. You’re not going to have much luck in love in 2021 unless you e-transfer me $13.

You should go to the doctor’s office. You’re about to get your heart broke.

Please stop blaming other people for your sexual dysfunction. It’s not going to make 2021 any easier for your love life. Own up!

You’re going to have some absolutely rocking sex this year. You have a great outlook on love, and you have people who love you.

Your 2021 is full of romance. A great old man named Frederick is going to whisk you away to a castle to live out a vampire fantasy. Lock your doors. You don’t want to lose that much blood.

Send any questions regarding school, university culture, or life in general to dearsharkie@thebruns.ca in less than 100 words for a chance to gain really bad advice from everyone’s favourite red herring. Disclaimer: Please don’t actually follow this advice.

Dear Sharkie, I have to ask – can you tell me how to summon a new boyfriend? I think mine is broken. He forgot to ask me to be his Valentine. From, Lisa Dear Lisa, You seem very smart. I think getting a replacement boyfriend is probably your best option at this point. It’s a horrible thing, being forgotten on valentine’s day. It’s just downright deplorable to be taken for granted. So, instead of just telling you how to summon a new boyfriend, I’ll tell you how to trade in the last one! So you’ve got an old boyfriend. Go to the nearest car dealership. Bring your boyfriend. When you get to the dealership, ask for Owen. Every dealership has an Owen. When you find him (he’s usually in on Wednesdays), say you want the trade in deal on a no. 7. Now you are going to have to haggle.

Every trade-in relies on the year your boyfriend was minted and the features he comes with. It seems your boyfriend is lacking in any kind of thoughtfulness, so you may have to pay a little extra for a trade-in you’ll be satisfied with for future valentine’s days. Hope you have a good Valentine’s Day.

Across:

Down:

2. How many valves are in a human heart? 4. A popular candy to give a loved one on Valentine’s Day. 5. What popular type of quartz is associated with love? 7. Name the love potion from the Harry Potter series. 8. What do yellow roses represent? 9. A common way to sign off a letter to someone you love. 10. Name the language of love.

1. Name the “love hormone.” 2. On what day is Valentine’s celebrated? 3. Fill in the blank: a dozen red ____ 6. The planet second closest to the sun. 11. The ancient Roman holiday with strong connections to modern Valentine’s Day. 12. What bird is associated with love?