Community News
A venture into the unknown world of African scientists
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
This article was spawned from an article I wrote called, “BrainTech RoboticsSTEM Learning identifies a large gap in African student’s education.” In this article (located in the current edition, definitely check it out), I was quizzed on famous African’s in tech (STEM), and I failed the quiz miserably.
Not wanting to remain in my ignorance, I went on a quest. I was not only going to learn about some famous African scientists, I was also going to prepare my community so that they would be prepared for this type of question in the future.
Interestingly enough, finding Africans who focused on STEM was not very difficult. It made me think, “Why are these people not highlighted more in our education system?” As a community paper, it is our responsibility to share pertinent news stories with the people, but we also have to educate at the same time. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper would like to present to you, “A venture into the unknown world of African scientists.”
African scientists have assisted in launching us into space, discovered new disease treatments and developed world-changing technologies. For some reason or another, many of their achievements and contributions in the science, technology, and engineering and mathematics fields are forgotten or go largely unrecognized. Some say that this is a result of systemic racism. In this article we are going to present African men and women who have pioneered in the technology and science world. We must pay homage to these people, and provide role models for our young people outside of the musicians and athletes that they look up to.
Dr. Charles Drew
Dr Charles Drew is responsible for creating the first blood bank. Born in 1904 in Washington, D.C., Drew attended Amherst College in Massachusetts and then McGill University of Medicine in Montreal, and graduated in 1933. (https://www.cdrewu.edu/)
During a time when Harvard would only accept a handful of African applicants a year, he received a deferred acceptance. He attended McGill University and earned the J. Francis Williams Fellowship, an award given to the top five students in the graduating class.
He practiced medicine in Canada in 1935, and continued to advance his education. He began work in the pathology department at Howard University, and was eventually promoted becoming the Chief Surgical Resident at Freedman’s Hospital. He pursued his doctorate at Columbia University in 1938, and not long after was sent to work with John Scudder, who had been given a grant to start the first blood bank.
His legacy was defined in 1940, when he became the director of the “Blood for Britain” project. The project shipped blood and plasma to help treat civilians and soldiers who were fighting during World War II.
Drew is the person responsible for standardizing the protocols for collecting and storing blood, and many innovations that are now mainstays of blood collections, such as mobile blood banks, are a result of his work (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/).
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. She is also the author of the America’s early medical textbooks, a guide for women and children entitled the “Book of Medical Discourses.”
She was born in Delaware, but she spent much of her early years in Pennsylvania. She began practicing as a nurse in 1852 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. This was before the profession required a specific training course. In 1860, she graduated from the New England Female Medical College (https://www.nlm.nih.gov/).
She moved to Richmond, Virginia where she served a community of 30,000 people, many of who were freed slaves who otherwise had no access to medical care. After retiring from the practice of medicine, she wrote her medical text in 1883. It was based on notes she had taken during her years as a doctor. Rebecca died in 1895.
Marie M. Daly
Marie M. Daly became the first African American woman to earn a doctoral degree in chemistry when she graduated from Columbia University in 1947 (https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en.html).
She studied how compounds produced by organs such as the pancreas contribute to digestion. Daly went on to teach at Howard University for two years and then pursued her postdoctoral research at the Rockefeller Institute in New York.
She joined the research and teaching staffs of Queens College, City University of New York, Howard University, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After joining the departments of biochemistry and medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1960, she studied how cholesterol relates to hypertension (high blood pressure) and how muscle cells utilize creatine, an amino acid that plays an important role in energy consumption in muscles.
She continued her work to increase the enrolment of racial minorities in graduate science programs and medical school, and established a scholarship fund for African American science students at Queens College in her father’s name.
Christine Darden
Born in 1942 in North Carolina, Christine was a skilled mathematician, data analyst and aeronautical engineer. After working at NASA for over 40 years, she became one of the world’s experts on sonic boom prediction, sonic boom minimization and supersonic wing design (https://www.nasa.gov/).
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a teaching certificate, before working as a teacher in Portsmouth, Virginia and at a Virginia State College. So, this is one of the names that I should have gotten and didn’t when I was quizzed by Patrick Monize. Her life was chronicled in the book “Hidden Figures,” became a “human computer” for NASA’s Langley Research Centre.
Recognizing an unhealthy balance in her work environment, she approached her supervisor and asked why men with the same level of education as she had were hired as engineers while she wasn’t. Shortly after, she was transferred to the engineering section, where her first assignment was to write a computer program for sonic boom (https://www.nasa.gov/). She spent the next 25 years working on sonic boom minimization. In 1989 she became the technical leader of NASA’s Sonic Boom Group of the Vehicle Integration Branch of the High Speed Research Program.
Throughout her career, she also served as a technical consultant on government and private projects and authored more than 50 papers in high-lift wing design.
She continues to encourage people, including her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren to always be curious.
Gladys West
For all my directional challenged individuals, it is imperative that you give a silent clap for Gladys West. She is the person responsible for developing the GPS technology that allows satellites to locate you anywhere on earth.
Born as Gladys Mae Brown in 1930 in Sutherland, Virginia, she was not eager to work in the tobacco fields or factories where her family worked, Instead, Gladys devoted herself to her education. She graduated as valedictorian from her high school, and won a full-ride scholarship to Virginia State College. Here she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mathematics by 1955.
Gladys was the second black female ever hired at a military base in Dahlgren, Virginia known as the Naval Proving Ground (now called the Naval Surface Warfare Centre). She was one of just four black employees.
She had the ability to solve complex equations longhand, and became a programmer on some of the earliest supercomputers. In the 1960s, Gladys participated in award-winning research that proved the regularity of Pluto’s orbit relative to Neptune. I now know that for every two orbits that Pluto makes around the sun, Neptune makes three.
Beginning in the 1970s, she programmed an IBM computer to precisely model the irregular shape of Earth. The data generated by West’s complex algorithms ultimately became the basis for the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Dr. Charles Drew, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Marie M. Daly, Christine Darden, Gladys West; I now have five very strong reference points that I can intelligently speak about when referring to Africans in STEM. What a relief!
References
American Chemical Society
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en.html
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
https://www.cdrewu.edu/
National Library of Medicine
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
BY TRISHA SMITH
In the heart of downtown is the historical charm known as the Distillery District. Nestled within this urban tapestry were the most beautiful Black women and men, dressed in purple and blue glam, coming to celebrate yet another SheaMoisture collection in the sheik Archeo event space.
The atmosphere was giving luxe with a welcoming and social vibe. As soon as I arrived, I was given a cute flower crown that brought yet another layer of cohesiveness in everyone’s matching attire.
The place was buzzing with Toronto influencers: women in business, creatives and journalists like me, eager to connect, while enjoying a tasteful selection of finger food and signature cocktails. DJ Martina was spinning the latest Afrobeats and R&B, keeping the energy high. There was a visual artist vendor customizing complimentary plants, and hairstyling stations, where women were upping their hair game with SheaMoisture’s new product collection.
Speaking of new collections, SheaMoisture is launching a whopping eight new products this summer! The Scalp Moisture collection consists of 4 new products: shampoo, conditioner, pre-wash masque and scalp cream. The original Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse has two new sisters: a multi-styling mousse from the Manuka Honey & Yogurt line, and the Wrap and Set Mousse, from the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil line. This one is for roller sets and twist outs while the multi-styling mousse was formulated for the ladies with braids, locks and up-dos. There was also a new whipped curl cream, and last, but certainly not least, a Coconut and Hibiscus +Flaxseed edge gel. We all know a Black girl’s edge is the icing on any hairstyle and this edge gel offers a semi-firm hold without the flaking and unnatural stiffness.
I’ve had the opportunity to smell and try them all and as always, the scents never decline, and the consistency is on point. One thing I personally love about this brand is their dedication in providing Black women clean organic ingredients, free of parabens, petroleum and mineral oil which is a big plus in my book as a registered nutritionist. It’s important to note that whatever we put in our scalp and on our bodies, goes directly into our bloodstream. Harmful ingredients can cause toxic build-up and hormone disruption while SheaMoisture’s organic ingredient profile does what it’s supposed to do, minus the hidden harm.
My personal favourite from the line is the scalp cream. It’s used just like hair oil but what I love about it is the cream application. I don’t have to worry about an overly shiny scalp with oil dripping down my forehead on a hot summer day. I also don’t have to be weary of the oil messing up my clothes during application (which happens every so often). The application tip t is perfect, the cream goes directly on my scalp, and it disappears as soon as you massage it in. No white film or build up and I’ve been using it every day! It’s obvious that our hair concerns are always at the forefront and SheaMoisture always has its way of delivering exactly what we need.
Their dedication to fair trade and ethical sourcing has brought forth fair wages and a better quality of life for families in Ghana and Burkina Faso. SheaMoisture has not only made their mark globally with remarkable products, but they have changed the lives of thousands through partnerships and most importantly, giving back.
SheaMoisture was also proud to announce their second year of the Dream Fund! This fund is a continuation of the grant program to offer financial support to the community. The Dream Fund grant program offers $10,000 each to five Black owned businesses in the beauty and wellness space. If you are a Black business with a product, or service that serves the community, you are encouraged to apply for your chance to win! Applications open April 15th, 2024, and close May 31st, 2024. Winners will be announced July 15th, 2024! Keep in mind, you do not need to be a hairstylist, or specifically in the beauty industry to apply.
Last year, a book publishing company, a fitness organization, a chef and a hair accessory company took home the gold. No matter how big, or small your company is, think about the greater impact you can make with an extra $10,000! The Dream Fund serves all Black businesses across Canada and is just one of the many grants, scholarships and funding accessible to the Black community on a global scale.
SheaMoisture is out here making big moves and standing with the underdogs so we can all rise in power and service to our community, and for that I will always support this product line and their initiatives.
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
I tell you, the team at Humanity Ova Vanity is solidifying their place in Toronto’s creative scene. It is incredible to see an organization embrace the essence of human creativity, curating experiences that transcend superficiality and celebrating the authentic expressions of people.
With every event that the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is invited to, I am exposed, and have a deeper innerstanding about their commitment to showcasing the richness of human ingenuity. Through their curated experiences, they invite the world to witness the beauty that arises when humanity comes together in genuine expression, fostering connections and inspiring others to embrace their own creativity.
On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, the Black Screen Office (BSO) hosted a Fireside chat with O-T Fagbenle, an acclaimed: actor, writer, and director known for his roles in: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” (which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor) “The First Lady,” and his creation “Maxxx.” In 2022, he starred as Cameron Lautner in the Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed,” a series inspired by the tumultuous story of WeWork, and O-T can next be seen in the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+ opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.
The exclusive fireside chat in conversation with Donisha Prendergast was held at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade (The Quay) that forms part of the BSO Symposium, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic African narratives and fostering substantial representation in the arts. The symposium successfully facilitated featured speakers from overseas and connected students with the opportunity to participate in creative discussion. The discussion revolved around bringing authentic African stories to life. It’s evident that African stories have been untold, mistold, and marginalized. While there are efforts to address this, they often seem minimal compared to the potential for true representation and impactful storytelling. The goal is to catalyze change.
The symposium became a starting place of strength, celebrating the global influence of African culture—the “origins of cool.” It featured: decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry, a day for collective ideation on what’s possible, not just locally but globally.
The symposium was hosted by Melanie Nicholls King, and featured keynote interviews (Sean Cohan), and presentations from esteemed guests (Jully Black, Mark Bamuthi Joseph, Rob Maylor), roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and special presentations. “This enriches our collective endeavor, making it not just a meeting but a milestone event for actionable change,” shares Donisha Prendergast Founder at HOV.
Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO, stated, “Our mission at the Black Screen Office extends beyond initiating dialogues; we aim to enact real change. O-T Fagbenle’s participation underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive screen industry that celebrates the richness of Black stories.”
If the success of the symposium was not enough, the rainy evening of April 2nd, 2024, brought its own treat. I made my way down to Its OK Studios to watch Canada’s #1 weekly podcast (now available on Apple Music), to watch a live episode of Extra Gravy with hosts: That Dude McFly, Alicia ‘Ace’ West and Big Norm. O-T made his second appearance of the day to screen episodes of “Maxxx!”
This will be a reunion of sorts and nothing short of comedic, as Marlon was one of the comedy writers who workshopped the development of Maxxx in Toronto (now showing on Channel 4 and later picked up by Hulu).
The highlight of my night was my sit-down interview (stay tuned for that) with Rob Maylor, a Jamaican-American lawyer, producer, and spearhead at Mental Telepathy Pictures. He is noted for executive producing “Sprinter,” championed by Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith. Collaborations with luminaries like Shaka King and companies such as Hillman Grad showcase his commitment to authentic storytelling.
With a rich background including stints at UTA, Mark Burnett Productions, and Magnolia Pictures, Rob’s expertise extends to notable projects like: Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love,” and HBO’s “Get Millie Black.”
I am excited about what he shared with me, and I know it is going to excite our creatives who are reading this. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and home of Jamaica’s Film Commission, has announced the opening of the Call for Applications under the Jamaica
Screen Development Initiative (JSDI).
The JSDI is a J$1 billion financing initiative by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) aimed at bolstering and enriching the local film industry while attracting destination films. Through the JSDI, filmmakers, animators and creatives will be supported in developing eligible, local screen-based projects across various stages of development.
The Call for Applications for grant and loan support for Development, Production and Post-Production (Completion) phases end on April 28th, 2024. However, applications for Film Festivals and Market Attendance, applications for Marketing and Distribution, as well as Production Rebates will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications will be subjected to a validation check to ensure eligibility and assessment by an evaluation panel comprising local and international film industry experts. Assessment factors include: the strength of the application, demonstrated track record and/or ability to progress project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and marketing plan, as well as the overall benefit of the project to the Jamaican economy.
Exciting indeed! Application guidelines as well as the application form can be found at: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.
Incredible work is being done here in Toronto, and we are so happy to be at the helm of it.
Community News
Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith
There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16th – 19th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.
Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”
“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.
Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.
The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.
Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:
- Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
- Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
- Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
- Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
- Tourism and wealth creation
During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.
Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.
The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.
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