Melanistic Magazine - Vol 13

OUR HISTORY IN EDMONTON

THE CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE

TOP 5 BLACK

Landsoccupied,travelled,andcaredforbymany Indigenouspeoples.

This place, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.

We thank the creator for providing to us this place upon which to share our experiences, languages, culture, heritage and stories.

-All my relations.

Publisher Greg Davis

Editor Taneya Rogers

Media/Sales Director Nigel Williams

Artistic Director JoAnne Pearce

Marketing Director NiLo

Public Relations

Robert Tyndale

CONTRIBUTORS

Karima Leslie, Donna CoombsMontrose, NiLo, Kyle Smith, Nigel Williams, Josiah Aaron

Cover photo: Tracey Jazmin

TD is proud to March Forward.

Black History doesn’t end on February 28th and neither does our support.

We’re committed to driving positive, sustainable change for Black customers, communities, and colleagues in February and March Forward. Learn more at td.com/marchforward

EDITOR’S WELCOME

Taneya Rogers

History is being created every day. Our efforts now build on the progress made by those who have walked before us. That said, I don’t believe that most of our historical Black figures set out to ‘create history.’ Martin Luthor King Jr and Malcom X were driven by a vision for their community. Rosa Parks was driven by a desire for equity and… well, comfort. Harriet Tubman was driven by her love for her people and a burning anger toward slavery. In documenting and retelling their stories momentum builds, attention is drawn to the issue, action (hopefully) is taken, and history is made.

As we reflect on the strides that Black communities have made and the leaders who have disrupted the systems that did not serve us well, I dedicate this issue to the storytellers. As Melanistic celebrates its 3rd year in print, we tip our hats to those who take charge of telling Black stories with integrity and authenticity; to those who are creating spaces for Black voices in the media and publishing world; and to those who recognize that cultural relevance impacts consumption.

In the Know 2k22 BE IN THE KNOW

As we collectively look and see 2022 blazing in the rear view, 2023 has not wasted a moment and is already coming at us fast! Here’s what you need to know, to be In The Know.

1 2 3 4 5

Canadian Hip Hop legend, Kardinall Offishall, was appointed head of international A&R at Def Jam Records.

Jamaican, Michael Tulloch has become the first Black Chief of Justice for the province of Ontario.

Black Beauty Brand, Mielle Cosmetics signs a 100 million dollar development deal with Proctor and Gamble.

“Disconnected : the wedding planner”

written by local writer Brian Ghettuba premiers on Netflix.

5TOP BLACK SUPERHEROES

BY: NiLo

We’re seeing an increase of Black Superheroes with the release of more superhero movies, and more independent comic writers. We might call it the Black Superhero Renaissance, a term we’ve fully made up for the purpose of this column. Let’s go through the top 5 Black Superheroes.

Spawn was one of, if not, the first time we saw a Superhero from a major comic come to the big screen. Al Simmons is a human who makes a deal with the devil and now hunts criminals, Spawn is an Anti-hero type. In addition to teleporting, shape-shifting, and time freeze - he also has the power of resurrection.

5. SPAWN

4. Luke Cage aka Powerman

Luke Cage is one of the first Superheroes to have a title of a comic, and be the main character of a comic book. After being falsely imprisoned, Luke Cage submits himself to scientific testing, which leaves him with unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength. He gets out of jail and becomes a superhero for hire.

3. Falcon

For a while I thought Falcon was not better than Batman, as he has minimal Superhero powers and lots of gadgets, including mechanical wings that help him fly. However, with the help of professor Xavier, he fuses psychically with his falcon Redwing and then is able to have a connection with every bird.

1.The Black Panther

2. storm

Although Hollywood has had a difficult time giving us the Storm we deserve, we still stand with this Queen of the Cumulonimbus. Storm or Ororo Monroe is an African Witch/Priestess who is also a subspecies of humans with special abilities. Storm controls all weather and lightning and in some comics is also the Boo Thang of T’Challa.

As the first Black Superhero comic and the first major motion picture, The Black Panther will always be a cultural icon. The suit, the technology, the fashion, the hair… Black Panther has solidified itself as a cultural icon.

Arts & Culture

KARELLA CUMMINGS

by: TANEYA ROGERS

Karella Cummings is a rare musical talent. An established DJ, who plays multiple instruments, and happens to have a vocal range that could devour any genre of music. Born in Oakville ON but raised in Edmonton by musicloving, Trinidadian parents, created a cultural fluidity that translates into her music. She shares that to be a successful DJ or musician in Edmonton, you must remain versed in a range of musical genres.

Soca music, however, is her first love.``I’m attracted to the creativity that you have to use with the lyrics in soca. You’re essentially playing with three chords but how you manipulate and present them demands creativity. Performing soca music is also the funnest thing you can do.”

Karella is working to develop her skills in R&B and Soca. However, she’s also making use of her vocal skills around Alberta at major sporting events, as the anthem singer. She shares, “Performing the anthem is different, because you have the crowd’s absolute, undivided attention. If I tripped on stage performing soca, I could maybe play it off. With the anthem everything is noticeable.”

There is no doubt that Karella’s talents will continue to shape Edmonton’s musical landscape.

To follow her musical journey or for bookings visit: @itskarella.com, IG: @itskarella

Black Canadian Women (BCW) in Action— Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow

From outsider to trailblazer: How Black Canadian Women in Action is breaking new ground in Western Canada

When Jeanne Lehman moved to Edmonton in 2011, she immediately felt like an outsider. Lehman was born in Cameroon where she immigrated to Paris and eventually found roots in Canada as a Francophone. At the time, less than three per cent of the people in her new city identified as Black. Even fewer as Black and Francophone.

“I realized that there were a lot of Black families, including myself, living in this province that were not as immersed or integrated into the community,” she said. “On top of this, I noticed there were not many groups or resources

for French-speaking teachers of African origin as well, so this, coupled with a feeling of being excluded from society, made me want to do something about it.” She founded Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP) , currently the main francophone settlement organization in Edmonton.

Jeanne Lehman

Six years later, Lehman created Black Canadian Women (BCW) in Action. The bilingual, non-profit organization is committed to empowering Black women, girls and families living in Western Canada, by creating a space that fosters cultural inclusion, provides professionals with opportunities for career development, and offers coaching specifically for entrepreneurs.

“[Our] program trains and inspires Black entrepreneurs by enabling them to learn from peers who also recognize the unique challenges facing Black business owners,” she said.

One of Lehman and BCW’s proudest accomplishments to date is a mentorship program designed specifically for young women ages 16 to 18. It’s the first of its kind and includes workshops, job shadowing, leadership development, and self-esteem seminars. Lehman says the goal is to ensure future generations of girls and women will demand their seat at the table and make a difference.

“As we think about Black History Month, we reflect on the hurdles that many Black women and families have endured. BCW in Action wants to continue shaping the future of women in our Black communities and strives to continue to diversify our footprint across the Canadian market and provide opportunities. We’re grateful to continue expanding our services through support from sponsors like TD Bank Group (TD).”

During Black History Month, BCW in Action will be holding a Traditional Black History Month Brunch Celebration on February 11th from 11am2pm, where there will be exciting presentations in its different locations with different themes reflecting on our past, celebrating our contribution and shaping our future.

To learn more about upcoming programs and to support BCW visit: www.bcwinaction.ca, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @BCWINACTION.

Sponsored by:

TO M Y YOUNG, ENTREPRENEURS BLACK

BY: KARIMA LESLIE

Alberta is slowly expanding on cultural diversity. So much so that both its major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, have made the list of top 10 Mulitculural Cities in Canada. Black owned businesses are thriving, despite the myriad of challenges they’ve faced.

5 Black entrepreneurs get open & honest about the invaluable lessons they learned to create, maintain, and grow successful businesses in a pre- & post-pandemic world.

Whether you’re an aspiring business owner, current entrepreneur, or you know someone who is, you’re going to want to hear what they have to say.

After navigating through all the financial, legal, mental, and emotional roadblocks that owning a company presents, this is what they wish they knew sooner:

BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC BUSINESS NEEDS

JASMINE DUNCAN SNK EVENTS

Networking with local businesses, events, and festivals has been key to the success of Jasmine Duncan, founder of SNK Events. “I would definitely say social media has been my biggest resource in growing my business, especially Instagram… It just made the process of connecting with people and finding people a lot easier than doing a Google search or back when you had yellow pages.”

By clarifying her business needs and staying true to what works for her, the event planner and coordinator stays booked. She maneuvers without a website, and pools her marketing time into growing her online presence. “It’s just easy to connect, it’s easy to send a DM and say, ‘Hey what’s up I’d love to collaborate with you.’” This is not limited to seeking clients. Jasmine advises us to “create yourself a business family;” it’s a win-win situation when you’re able to give advice and you’re able to take advice. If you’re not good at certain areas of your business that’s ok, you can’t be good at everything. Find people who compliment your skills; not just as employees but as friends too.

IG: @snkeventsyeg

“It’s a win-win situation when you’re able to give advice and you’re able to take advice.”

Image courtesy of: Sarah Stalzer

NETWORK AND COLLABORATE

BOLA BADMUS BB ATLANTIC

Bola Badmus, has expanded his consulting firm, BB Atlantic, across borders and oceans in a mere five years. With the Canadian government as one of their prestigious clients, their expertise in business development and process improvement is undeniable. But, as he states, “if you can’t get the right media coverage to showcase your services, product offerings, or concepts, there’s a limit to what you can do.”

For black-owned businesses, Badmus emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration. He advises to seek out opportunities to join forces with other start-ups and align with organizations that share your vision. Ensure that your voice is heard, actively search for media outlets that will give you a spotlight and project your talents and skillset.

In today’s fast-paced business world, media coverage is vital, and Badmus has recognized this crucial aspect and has taken proactive steps to make sure his firm is seen and heard, continuing to increase his marketing budget and ensure the company gets noticed by the right people.

“We’ve facilitated over 60 projects with 30-40 businesses so far in just a few years…we couldn’t have done that without strategic alliances and collaboration. In 2023, that’s the way to go.”

“Align with organizations that share your vision.”

Web: www.layeredbyrissa.com IG: @layeredbyrissa

Share With a Strong Support System

Tarissa Woolaston

Layered by Rissa

At just 24 years old, Tarissa Woolaston is the CEO of Layered by Rissa. Although she had a passion for baking from a young age, this career path took work. While initially studying abroad to become a teacher, Woolaston was a victim of a violent crime. Returning home to Canada, reeling from the incident, and struggling to return to her studies, Tarissa found solace in baking.

As she shared her creations with others, her passion for decorating cakes was reignited, and those around her noticed. Gaining a mentor, Tarissa committed to going professional and received a new mixer and a professional camera from loved ones. She used the pandemic to create new recipes, devise a business plan, and discover her brand identity.

Today, Layered by Rissa is a thriving business with almost more customers than she can handle. Her story is a testament to the power of having a strong support system. Tarissa’s pastor, family, and friends were instrumental in her success. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up. With Romans 8:38 as her guiding scripture, her pain was truly turned around and transformed into something good.

As Tarissa says: “Just like life, a cake has different layers, and eventually, things add up to make something fruitful.”

Image courtesy of: Audrey French

fail forward

jm igbelina agu athletics

The journey of a business owner is often a rocky one. Focusing on advertising over inventory has been a learned experience for JM, creator of the activewear brand: Agu Athletics. “Months where we have really low sales correlates to challenges in marketing and putting ourselves out there… The product won’t sell itself.” But growing in marketing knowledge and asking for help haven’t been his only keys to overcoming.

JM goes on to share how he navigates obstacles, mitigates mistakes, and uses

failure as an opportunity for success: “Sometimes it’s the difference of taking one action to be successful, but you have to actually take that action. [At the end of the day, I spent a lot of time in the past, theorizing and planning without executing. Knowing something in theory is great, but once you actually start trying things out, that’s when you learn so much faster. Not everything you do has to be a success, there’s success in failure too.” So, get out there and try.

Web: www.aguathletics.com

IG: @agu.athletics

“Knowing something in theory is great, but once you actually start trying things out, that’s when you learn so much faster.”

REIKI REMINDER

Vibes are REAL Intuition is REAL

Book your healing session

DATING WHILE BLACK DATING WHILE BLACK

STORY: ART: Nigel

@MELANISTICMAGAZINE @INKFABLE

What kind do you want?

Chocolate.

Man that meal was nice! Want to stop for dessert. Ice cream maybe?

Sure I could do with something sweet.

What kind did you get?

MUAH!

I’M... ALLERG...SICK.

LAWD GOD SHE’S AMAZIN’!!!

Williams

Kyle G. SMITH

THE JOURNEY OF CARIBBEAN

History is not static, nor is it limited to global events. Whether consciously or by chance, our every choice and action is eventually woven into history’s tapestry.

For those of the Caribbean diaspora, building a community in Edmonton demanded conscious and deliberate effort - not mere chance. Beginning in the early 60s, with the first influx of nurses, caretakers, oilfield workers, and others seeking to maximize connections

through the British Commonwealth, Caribbean people began to reshape Edmonton’s landscape.

Today the Edmonton Caribbean community is vibrant, boasting numerous festivals and established community organizations. But what about 20 years ago or 40 years ago? How quickly were new immigrants able to connect and find ‘home’ in this foreign land? What support systems were they able to access, and how did they come to be? Was the climate equally as welcoming, and what has driven change?

Co-written By: Donna Coombs-Montrose & Taneya Rogers

Images courtesy of: Trincan Steel Orchestra

EDMONTON’S CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY

The existence of a thriving Caribbean Arts Festival (CARIWEST) continuously presented since 1984, reflects the heritage and determination of this community to thrive. Alberta’s postsecondary Caribbean students had created a strong educational and cultural presence, an annual ‘West Indian Week’ across campuses during the late 1960s and 1970s. “West Indian House”, located then at the current Timms Centre, was the engine room of creativity for steelbands, music groups, connecting with a young Caribbean community and meeting with Caribbean government

Cecil George, Founding Member of Western Carnival Development Association (CARIWEST)

officials as well as advocates of the ‘Black Power Movement’. This was the cubicle that gave birth to CARIWEST, under the unwavering leadership of pioneer Cecil George. This package was delivered to families and immigrants on arrival in the 1980s and 1990s - a declaration that early battles have been fought with racism, with discrimination, to succeed at postsecondary, recognition of accompanying skills, to reject stereotypes imposed by the ‘dominant’ community. A strong level of social service support had been built by barbers, hairdressers, imports of familiar Caribbean food.

The presumptions that Alberta is a neutral space of fair and equal opportunity were confronted by new immigrants in the 1990s. Exploring the many professions

that exclude People of Colour directly or indirectly can be onerous. Parents preoccupied with employment and surviving in the new socioeconomically and geographically challenging environment found themselves unable to monitor the pigeon-holing of their children’s academic ambitions into stereotyped and secondary subjects. Organizations like CCACH (Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage) have been created to provide supportive education.

Where can the next generation, many of mixed parentage, take this legacy, this responsibility – inheriting as they have, the virtues and values of different cultures. Let us welcome them into the room of enquiry so that they too can rise.

FOR BY US

THE AFRI-CAN CONNECT SOCIETY

BY: JOSIAH AARON

TheAfri-Can Connect Society (ACS) established in 2013, Is a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap between Africa and Canada by fostering cultural exchange and promoting economic development. The ACS launched with the goal of providing a platform for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to connect and collaborate on projects that promote positive change in both the African and immigrant communities. The ACS now hosts a myriad of training workshops and programs all in support of the African and immigrant community. In addition to these programs, the AfriCan Connect Society also provides mentorship and networking opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as scholarships and bursaries for students who are interested in studying in Africa or Canada. The ACS is working day by day to uphold its values of empowerment, inclusiveness and confidence building, and with time they seek to create long lasting results in the families and faces of African and immigrant communities.

Scan Here For Tickets

Ticket Cost: $75+ (Tax & Fees)

resource guide

edmonton DINING

Blue Nile Authentic Ethiopian Restaurant 11019 107 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5H 3G2 (780) 428-5139

www.bluenileedmonton.com

Irie Foods

2807 Millwoods Rd NW

Edmonton, AB T6K 4A9 (780) 414-1341

www.iriefoods.ca

Spice N Rice

20020 Lessard Rd NW

Edmonton, AB T6M 0T9 (780) 616-3364

Flava Café

8307 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0S4 (587) 936-1919

www.flavacafe.ca

Mesob Habesha Fusion 10546 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3B2 (780) 250-0999

SouthSide Jerk Inc

2935 Ellwood Dr SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0B1 (587) 783-3338

www.southsidejerk.ca

The Tantalizers 2976 Ellwood Dr SW

Edmonton, AB T6X 0W6 (587) 498-1028

www.thetantalizersca.com

Zuhur Restaurant 10728 107 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5H 0W6

www.zuhuredmonton.com

RETAIL

4433 118 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5W 1A8

Azury’s Jewellers

10072 Jasper Ave

Edmonton AB T5J 1V8 (780) 271-7272

www.azurys.ca

Kasoa Tropical Food Market Ltd.

9340 118 Ave

Edmonton, AB T5G 0N6 (780) 328-1751

www.kasoatropicalfood.com

Mama Afro Beauty Supply 9323 118 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T5G 0N3 (780) 477-8511

Oulchi Nayya

West African made Apparel, Skin Care and Accessories

www.nayaa.ca

Spice Island

10058 163 St NW

Edmonton, AB T5P 3N4 (780) 489-2738

Token Bitters

Edmonton, AB info@TokenBitters.com

www.tokenbitters.com

An Edmonton original brand, with organically sourced ingredients from local farmers and businesses and bottled without chemicals or preservatives. Token Bitters handcrafted artisanal aromatic bitters, add a layer of flavour complexity to cocktails, mocktails and coffee.

SERVICES

Africa Centre 6770 129 Ave NW #106

Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 (780) 455-5423

www.africacentre.ca

Allstate Insurance - Richard Griffith - Agent

780-460-7546 ext. 5012

rgriffith@allstate.ca

www.allstate.ca

Dog Boarding Paradise @dogboardingparadise

Errol Scott Realty Group (780) 271-1114

info@errolscott.com

www.errolscott.com

Full time & full-service real estate professional delivering world-class service and doing whatever it takes to make my clients real estate goals and dreams become a reality!

Socafit - Caribbean dance and Fitness Class info@socafit.ca - www. socafit.ca

If you want to learn some new moves, get a great workout in, or you just want to have a fun night out, Socafit is here to bring you a real authentic experience. Classes are open level and catered to all ages. Private and group sessions are available. Currently offering online only sessions.

Smooth by Sugar

(587) 783-9816

www.smoothbysugar.com

@smoothbysugar

Edmonton based hair removal studio

Yves Salon

10340 134 St NW

Edmonton, AB T5N 2B1 (780) 604-0301

www.yvessalon.com

Year Wood Studios

Videography and Photography services

(780) 660-0449

www.yearwoodstudios.com

yearwoodstudios@gmail.com

A Yah Mi Deh Caribbean Groceries

CALGARY DINING RETAIL

Krazy Jerk

1715 52 St SE

Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) 691-1040

www.krazyjerk.com

Llyods Patty Plus

255 28 St SE

Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) 207-4455

Safari Grill

100, 255 28 St SE

Calgary, AB T2A 5K4 (403) 235-6655

www.safarigrillcalgary.com

Simply Irie Caribbean

Cuisine

1510 6 St SW

Calgary, AB T2R 0N2 (403) 454-7400

www.simplyirie.ca

winnipeg

DINING

Bindy’s Caribbean Delights

1 Forks Market Rd

Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9 (204) 942-8409

www.bindyscaribbean.com

K&S Island Grill 2069 Portage Ave

Winnipeg, MB R3J 0K6 (204) 415-5550

www.kandsislandgrill.com

AKIN’S West African Restaurant

570-a Sargent

Winnipeg, MB R3S 1A9 (204) 786-8400

www.akinsrestaurant.com

Caribbean Choice Food

2235 Centre St N

Calgary, AB T2E 2T4 (403) 230-1880

Costal Market

1711 52 St SE

Calgary, AB T2A 1V1 (403) 454-6279

Island Beat

2316 27 Ave NE #8

Calgary, AB T2E 7A7 (403) 291-2440

www.islandbeat.ca

Nyla Beauty Supply Inc

1000 9 Ave SW #102

Calgary, AB T2P 2Y6 (403) 229-2294

www.nylabeautysupply.com

Sareya Beauty Supply

3745 Memorial Dr SE #12

Calgary AB T2A 6V4 (403) 273-5683

www.sareyabeauty.com

RETAIL

Nancy Boutique

Winnipeg, MB

www.nancykboutique.com

ANEWOW

Winnipeg, MB

www.anewow.com

Calgary Home Boys 100, 707 10 Ave SW

Calgary, AB T3A 6H4 (403) 400-2700

www.walej.calgaryhomeboys.com

Franklin Health Clinic 3149 5 Ave NE

Calgary, AB T2A 5N1 (403) 453-8483

www.franklinhealthclinic.ca

Horton Park Dental Clinic Dr. Damola Baiyere Dentist 9705 Horton Rd SW, Suite B

Calgary, AB T2V 2X5, (587) 391-7661

www.hortonparkdental.ca

Julzz Creations

Premium Hair Salon 2010 30 Ave NE #8, Calgary, AB T2E 7K9

www.julzzcreations.ca

SERVICES SERVICES

HairyCary Salon

353 2-212 Henderson Hwy

Winnipeg MB R2L 1L8 204-816-9156

www.hairycarysalon.ca

Lola’s Beauty Gallery & Supplies 567 Portage Ave

Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G2 (204) 772-3506

www.lolasbeautygallery.ca

Roots Salon 259 Vaughan Street

Winnipeg MB, R3C 1T8 (204) 415-3112

www.rootssalon.ca