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Culchahworks Examines Cultural Relationship Between Canada and Jamaica for BHM

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6 years ago

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BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO 

It’s February and Black History Month events are in full swing. Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.

In keeping with tradition, there are many organizations throughout the city working to keep the history of black Canadians alive by continuing to educate the masses and showcasing the stories that many Afro Caribbean’s haven’t yet discovered about their own culture.

“Culchahworks has been around for a little under six years and we have the mandate to celebrate stories that are drawn principally from the African Canadian, Caribbean Canadian and African American cultural legacies that we feel have universal resonance,” explains Culchahworks Founder and Artistic Director Andrew Craig. 

Culchahworks Arts Collective is a Toronto-based not-for-profit arts organization, established in 2013. The name and unique spelling are drawn from the pronunciation of the word ‘culture’ in Jamaican Patois.

“We recognize that there are stories that come from the black community, from our own experience that are extraordinarily important, and extraordinarily relevant but are not likely to be told by the mainstream media,” Andrew shares.

Culchahworks recognizes that these stories are a part of the fabric of the culture of Canada and that the average person can only really name a few events from our history, and only really cover events that include the English, French and First Nations People.

“Somehow we haven’t managed to connect in our minds and through the history that we teach our children that all the various people and ethnicities races, colours and mixes that are here now didn’t just arrive yesterday and didn’t happen by accident,” Andrew says. “There are a multiplicity of stories from each of these communities and all of those stories weave together to create what Canada is now.”

In the past several years Culchahworks Arts Collective has been focusing on producing content, determining the stories they want to tell and median in which to best share it.

“Sometimes it’s a concert, sometimes it’s theatre, sometimes it’s dance, and sometimes it’s video and sometimes it can be all of the above,” Andrew explains. “Many times it depends on the story that we are trying to tell.”

Whether it be through live concert presentations, musical theatre, dance, film and television, documentary, or a combination of any of the above, Culchahworks strives to raise the bar for multimedia art presentation and community engagement in Canada, while ensuring that important figures and events from our heritage are honoured and preserved. Entertainment, education, respect, and inspiration are the essence of every Culchahworks initiative.

2019 marks the beginning of a two-year period in which Culchahworks examines the cultural relationship between Canada and Jamaica, through two distinct historical lenses. This month Culchahworks will be hosting two events, a Fish & Rum Workshop Presentation Saturday, February 16th, and the Titans of Toronto Reggae Concert Saturday, March 2nd.

The Fish and Rum Workshop is the very first look of a presentation that has to do with the illicit trade that took place between the islands of Newfoundland and Jamaica during the prohibition era when Jamaican’s began shipping empty rum barrels to Newfoundland in exchange for salted cod.

“I learned this story from a cookbook published by The Real Jerk restaurant in Toronto, that I received many years ago,” Andrew shares. “There was a page with the recipe for Cod Fritters and it tells a story that somewhere along the way someone decided that no one would notice if they sent their B grade cod. Well the Jamaican’s noticed and retaliated by sending their B grade product and what precipitated was a race to the bottom in which people started dying from tainted rum and tainted fish,” he explains.

“It wasn’t until that the people from each side realized that they had the makings of an international incident on their hands that they stopped this practice and they went back to doing what they were doing before, just as the prohibition era was coming to an end.”

Reading the story, Andrew thought it was fascinating, this was something he hadn’t known about, and he was almost certain, many others were not aware of as well. “I thought to myself somewhere there’s a deeper story in there that’s not being told.” He reached out to historians to learn more, and he learned so much more, that it prompted him to write a play.

On February 16th Culchahworks will be hosting a stage reading workshop presentation so the public can have a first listen as to what this can become, and then hopefully bring the full production to the stage in February of next year. “This is a chance to try out these words in front of an audience, get some feedback to see what works and see what doesn’t, which is why it’s free to the public with complimentary food and refreshments.”

Their second event on March 2nd, the Titans of Toronto Reggae Concert as with many of their events isn’t just another Reggae Concert. The Titans of Toronto Reggae Concert is the centerpiece, their latest project documenting the history of the Eglington West Community in Toronto.

“Everybody knows by now that the City of Toronto is building this new subway line, and while it’s a sign of progress, people are only now starting to talk about the disruptive nature it will have on the Caribbean community who either run their businesses or reside in the Eglington West neighborhood,” Andrew explains. “People don’t own the properties they occupy, the property value is going to rise and people will be forced out of the neighborhood and eventually the city altogether.”

The Eglington West Project is working to document the neighborhood as it stands and intends to bring attention to the situation in the hope that it helps the residents and the businesses there to have some agency in determining the future of the neighborhood while also documenting the birthplace of the Toronto reggae sound because that’s where it began.

“The centerpiece of this project is the concert where we have brought as many of the significant actors from the 60s-70s Toronto Reggae scene together for a one night only, one show only experience. These are people who are international superstars and the sound they have created was born in the Eglinton West Neighborhood making their contributions to his project even more meaningful.”

The Culchahworks Arts Collective is about finding and telling stories in innovative ways that engage audiences and educate the young people to know what they’re about.

“It’s important to showcase the artists, but it’s even more important to make sure that our stories are being told. In the last couple of years, we have really started to hone in our focus on Canadian stories, we recognize the importance of all the work we have done before and we are very proud of it, but we feel like there are so many untold Canadian stories that we need to change our focus and we need to really push the educational side of what we do.”

“We are very deliberately didactic, we want people to come out and say ‘you know I loved that show and I never knew…or I can’t believe I didn’t know…’ and if we’ve managed to do all of that then we’ve done our job because eventually, these things become a part of the larger narrative, we now deliberately create all of our content so that we can turn it into educational material which over the course of the next couple of years will find their way into the school system.” Andrew shares.

To register for the Fish & Rum Workshop Presentation visit Ticket Gateway to save your spot and you can purchase your advanced tickets to the Titans of Reggae concert on Eventbrite.

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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
  • Unite Here! Local 75
  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

  • Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
  • Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
  • Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
  • Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
  • Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

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What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

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Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

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3 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

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