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Empowering the future: Embracing African culture in Canadian education for Black Girls

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10 months ago

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Photo Credit: African Royalty

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“My journey may have started with a dream, but it’s sustained by resilience. I’m not just building a business; I’m building a legacy.” Efia Tekyi-Annan

The educational void of African Caribbean culture in the Canadian curriculum is one of the reasons that poet, playwright, author, and activist Useni Eugene Perkins wrote the often-recited poem “Hey Black Child.” Originally the song was written to conclude his play for children titled Black Fairy (1974), Perkins wrote it out of concern for the lack of opportunity for African Caribbean children to learn that they come from greatness.  In a research study titled “Hey, Black Child. Do You Know Who You Are?” Using African Diaspora Literacy to Humanize Blackness in Early Childhood Education (Kamania Wynter-Hoyte and Mukkaramah Smith), it calls for educators to do just that—to teach so that African Caribbean children know who they are, which means teaching rich African and Africa diaspora histories as foundational, not tangential to curriculum, and, in the process, helping all other children to know that their African Caribbean peers come from greatness.

Jarvis R Givens wrote, “Carter G Woodson and the art of Black Teaching,” to highlight the fact that our language, when it comes to Black education, is impoverished. Education has been a site of deep hurt and suffering on the one hand, and yet a sacred site of black spiritual strivings on the other.

It’s crucial for African Caribbean girls to see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Understanding and celebrating their roots fosters a strong sense of cultural identity, helping them navigate the world with confidence and pride. Teaching African history beyond stereotypes (beyond Black History Month) provides a more accurate portrayal of the continent’s contributions to the world. It helps African Caribbean girls appreciate their heritage and understand their place in the broader historical context. By incorporating African cultural elements, Canadian School Boards can create a safe space for African Caribbean girls to: share their experiences, fostering social and emotional development. I want to introduce today, a young woman who has curated an inclusive approach that nurtures a supportive learning environment where everyone feels valued.

Welcome to African Royalty, a leading advocate for celebrating African culture and heritage. Founder Efia Tekyi-Annan, a visionary entrepreneur, was never one to let adversity define her. From a young age, she faced challenges head-on, turning them into steppingstones to success. Success for her isn’t just about making money; it’s about uplifting others, especially those who face similar struggles. Her goal; to be a source of inspiration for the next generation.

Founded in 2014, African Royalty is a Vaughan, Ontario-based organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting African culture and heritage. Through workshops, events, and educational initiatives, African Royalty aims to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to embrace their cultural identity and appreciate the diversity of African traditions.

I was thrilled when she announced she would be launching Waist Bead Workshops in local schools across York Region. Commencing with Maple High School (where founder Efia Tekyi-Annan graduated in 2010) these workshops mark the beginning of an interactive educational initiative aimed at engaging students in cultural exploration and diversity appreciation.

As an African female entrepreneur, Efia is deeply committed to sharing the beauty and significance of African culture, particularly through the art of waist beads. These workshops, designed to align with the Ontario curriculum, offer an immersive learning experience touching on various subjects, including Health and Physical Education, Social Studies, Visual Arts, and Equity and Inclusive Education.

The workshops will explore topics such as: body image, self-expression, African history, traditions, and cultural practices, curated to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for diverse cultures within the school community. Participants will have the opportunity to create beadwork inspired by African designs and patterns, promoting creativity and cultural exchange.

“In celebrating 10 years of African Royalty, I am thrilled to launch these Waist Bead Workshops as a way to give back to the community and engage the youth in cultural education,” says Efia Tekyi-Annan, founder of African Royalty. “As a mother of three, I understand the importance of providing students with opportunities to learn about diverse cultures and perspectives, especially during Black History Month.”

She made sure that these workshops not only highlight the richness of African culture, but also shine a light on African Caribbean female entrepreneurs and their contributions to the community. As African Royalty plans for expansion, Efia remains dedicated to sharing the beauty Africa has to offer and broadening the horizons of young minds. While the workshops have launched during Black History Month Efia intends to continue to facilitate these sessions beyond the 29 days of February.

I had to laugh but was impressed when Efia told me how this opportunity came about. “I was asked if I had ever done a workshop before, and I responded, ‘Of course I do workshops.’ I had never done a waist bead workshop, but there was no way I was going to pass up on this opportunity.

Someone brought this idea to me, and now that I had said yes; had to put my money where my mouth was. The struggle being a mom, an entrepreneur; other people see the greatness in me, but sometimes I do not see the magnitude others see in me. There are so many things that I want to explore with African Royalty, and other people see it, and nurture it.

Sharing my culture is the most important thing to me; as I learn I share, as I share, I learn. I should know more about my culture, but I was born and raised here. I was eighteen when I immersed myself completely into what it meant to be Ghanaian. When I went back to Ghana, everything about it felt right.”

Efia wants to be at the helm of integrating African culture into the Canadian school curriculum. She sees it as a way to empower African Caribbean girls to not only embrace their heritage, but also to confidently shape their own narratives. Waist beads have cultural and historical significance in various African and Afro-Caribbean cultures, where they are often worn as a form of adornment, a symbol of femininity, and sometimes as a means of communication or cultural identity. She shares with me that they are so much more than that. In traditional African cultures they are utilized for: rites of passage rituals, weight regulation (trust me it works), and are symbolic of a mother passing down her journey. “You give it to babies when they are young. As they go through the stages of puberty you change your beads,” Efia educates me.

Efia’s fearlessness in her work isn’t just about conquering the business world; it’s about breaking down barriers for others who aspire to follow in her footsteps. She knows that applied knowledge is power, and the way to instill power is to teach our young people about their culture and heritage.

For more information about African Royalty and its educational initiatives, please visit www.Africanroyalty.ca,  or contact 416-616-5797.

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We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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

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7 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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7 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

Published

7 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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