Before I even start this feature, I have to say that I am very, very proud of this gentleman that we are featuring as our Classic Man. He has been featured on MyTCN TV when we had our digital television stations, and that was when he had won his first Juno. Now (with his band The Movement of Ahryel) as: a Juno award winning singer, songwriter, producer and social activist, Kirk Diamond continues to spread messages of unity, inclusion and love through his music.

Recipient of the 2020 International Vigor Award and 6 x Juno Award Nominee, Kirk was recognized in 2022 for his achievement in music and culture by the City of Brampton. On Monday, February 28^th, 2022, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, city councilors, city officials and community members gathered at Shields Park in Brampton, Ontario to witness the official renaming of the space to Kirk Diamond Park. He is now the only reggae artist to ever have a park named after him.

 In addition, he was recognized as a distinguished alumni by the Dufferin Peel School Board and received The Impact Award for his rich influence in entertainment. On October 6^th, 2023, Kirk released DREAD, with the lead Single “Reggae Party” that won him the 2023 Juno Award. The second single “Bring It Good” was featured in the Drama film “When Morning Comes.”

The last time that I interviewed Kirk Diamond, his name was just beginning to take hold in the minds of reggae lovers. I was excited to hear about his evolution, and to learn about what else reggae lovers had to look forward to. I thought I would start off with an ice breaker.

“If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?”

“Top of my head, I would say Bob Marley. He is relevant to Jamaicans both on the island, and off the island. His music is the soundtrack to our lives.” 

“Can you remember the first time you heard reggae music? What was the song or artist, and how did it make you feel?”

“The first time I heard reggae music, I was in the UK. There was a song called, “On and On.” I remember vividly my mom and cousin dancing to that song. It brings back a lot of memories. That was the first time I heard music. It struck a chord.”

“Since that moment onwards, my entire life has been music. I didn’t like church, so I would sneak out of church and my cousin, and I would be under a plum tree singing. I was just trying a thing. When I came to Canada, I fought to hold on to my culture and music helped that.”

“A lot of people saw me fooling around, and singing, but a friend of mine, Bob the Builder said that I was the best that he had heard. Also, my cousin would hear me, he was older, and he would say, ‘Your music is going to play it on the radio.’ I pushed back against it, but he saw and heard something that I didn’t see.”

“Tell us about your early experiences performing. Where were your first gigs, and what were the crowds like?”

“My first performance was in Saskatoon. I moved there in 2010 for four years, and before that I had never performed. Someone was keeping a Jamaican themed party, because there were a lot of Jamaicans working there. I was in front of people I didn’t know, so I didn’t really feel nervous.

“Saskatoon was my journey to manhood. Before I went, I was a child playing a man. I was just doing things. When I came back, I was a different person. I was different: spiritually, physically, and musically. I was now a scholar; I was learning more about myself, and my music reflected that when I came back.”

“Jambana 2015 was my first real performance with an audience that recognized me. When they were introducing me, I was on the toilet. I felt everything move. I was so nervous. Part of me told me to tell someone to tell them I was not going to do it. People said it was a great performance, but I didn’t believe that.”

 “Can you describe the challenges you faced as an aspiring reggae artist?”

“Always having to figure out where you fit in. I don’t play an instrument, and I am from the dancehall stable, but the reggae fraternity does not mix with modern day dancehall. When I won my Juno, it was a surprise. I had to maneuver that. I didn’t feel like I was getting the respect that I deserve from the reggae community. How do I maneuver in a space where I don’t think that I was respected?”

“Also, what was my goal? I wanted to inspire people to come up with solutions to life problems. I ended up telling my stories; when I do music, it is because I need to get it out of me. I had to be able to look at it. It is like therapy for me.”

“What do you think is the most important quality for a successful reggae artist? Is it talent, hard work, or something else?”

“Integrity! You can be talented, but you don’t work as hard as another artist. I know people who can out-sing me, and maybe even outperform me, but there are not as many people who can outwork me. I don’t discount my work. I won’t put out my album, if every song can’t be a single.”

“What legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?”

“We were here! All of us were here. Our generation was here at this time. 

Kirk Diamond released his highly anticipated new single, “Deh Yah,” on October 15^th, 2024. Produced by Triple B Productions, this track delves into Kirk’s personal journey as a Jamaican navigating foreign lands, while also highlighting how these new environments embrace Jamaican culture.

“Deh Yah” offers a heartfelt reflection on the intersection of identity and experience, capturing the nuances of adapting to new surroundings while remaining rooted in one’s heritage. The accompanying music video, directed by Shane Ramoutar of Frodillah Media Production Company, features vibrant scenes from both Jamaica and Toronto.

On October 23^rd, 2024, you can also join Kirk Diamond, with his band The Movement of Ahryel, and Ammoye as they light up the Rose Mainstage with their dynamic blend of reggae, soul, and R&B.

“We finally get to put on display what we can do. We now have the entire stage in Rose Theatre, so expect everything that you know and love about Kirk Diamond, and a little extra.”

BY PAUL JUNOR & SIMONE J. SMITH

“Saying goodbye to a hero, a staple, a confidant who did so much for so many is never easy. Louis March (Uncle Louis) stood as a beacon of strength and compassion, his unwavering dedication touching countless lives. His impact, felt across generations, will leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him. As we bid farewell, we honour his legacy, cherishing the memories and lessons imparted. Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit and contributions will forever resonate within our hearts and communities.” Grant & Trish Browning (Founders, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper)

The untimely passing of highly respected Canadian community champion Louis March on Saturday, July 20^th, 2024, has been deeply felt by many in the Black, African and Canadian diaspora. For over 40 years, he served in multiple capacities and roles to ensure that: educational equity, social and justice, as well as human rights were respected. His work as a: community and youth developer, mentor, advocate and activist have garnered widespread attention not just in Canada, but internationally.

His rise to the top of community leadership started with the Black Youth Community Action Project (BYCAP), then to the African Canadian Heritage Association (ACHA), then to the Black Action Defence Committee (BADC) and the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM).

Louis March was born in Jamaica, and he migrated to Canada with his mother. He graduated from Midland Avenue Collegiate Institute and completed tertiary studies at Toronto Metropolitan University graduating from: the Public Administration and Governance degree program, and the Caribbean Studies certificate program at the Chang School. He also completed a Business Management program at George Brown College.

He participated in many diverse youth engagement and mentorship projects while being involved at the board level with community organizations and Advisory Committees. He spent the summer of 2015 performing volunteer work in Tema, Ghana.

He often spoke about his early days with the BYCAP (where he served as President), which was the youth chapter of the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) started by Marcus Garvey in 1914. “Many times, Dudley Laws had problems with youth issues and would come to me. We will work through the issues. We have not done a good job talking about BYCAP,” stated Louis.

Louis served as Communication Directors of the ACHA for many years and volunteered with BADC after it was founded in 1988 by: the Dudley Laws, Charles Roach, Sherona Hall and Lennox Farrell after the killing of Lester Donaldson and several police shootings of unarmed Black men.

Louis started ZGVM in 2013, which started as a 90-day summer campaign that was aimed to: re-engage the public, businesses and institutions back into their respective communities. This summer campaign called for new resources from: corporations, communication between community organizations. and a data bank of all programs and services geared toward youth.

There have been many personal recollections and anecdotes shared by individuals on social media since his passing. Kathy Grant writes, “Emancipation Day 2024 will have Louis March celebrating from heaven. I have celebrated seven birthdays with Louis on the Emancipation Freedom Ride and August 1^st, 2023, was extra special as we all joined in to sing well wishes and Louis smiled and winked.”

Sharon Joseph (Founder of the Breakaway Relief Foundation) shared her personal memories of working with Louis. “We have lost a good man. He cared for the community and was good with everyone. When Louis started to present zero-gun violence, I was happy that I would work behind the scenes, because Louis was knowledgeable about our current crisis with gun violence.” She commented on Louis’ level of dedication and sacrifice for the community. She notes, “Without funding he worked around the clock to ensure there is a representative to speak on the issue of preventing gun violence amongst our youth and helping families and our city to be a safe place to live and grow.”

Dr. Jill Andrew (MPP of Toronto -St. Paul West) posted an inspiring tribute and deeply emotional tribute on Monday, July 21^st on her Facebook page. “This is an unimaginable loss. We all have to go, but this just felt way too soon for you. Even after seeing you at the hospital, I and so many others were still holding out hope. We will miss you. We will all in the many different ways we can continue your life-saving work, your legacy. We will try our best to make you proud. We will keep sharing the life lessons. We will work even harder to show each other care, love, and respect. We can’t thank you enough. Rest in power.”

Chris Clover of Spadina-Fort York wrote a tribute to Louis March on Monday, July 22^nd, 2024. “He worked with Director X’s Operation Prefrontal Cortex project to help these youths deal with their trauma before it spiraled into another episode of gun violence. Collaborating with the Toronto Raptors and many community organizations, Louis pushed for the first Friday in June to be declared the National Day Against Gun Violence in Canada.”

“At Queen’s Park, we organized press conferences and rallies to have this day recognized in Ontario. Working with the Toronto Board of Health, he was part of a team that had the city adopt a public health approach to gun violence-one that addressed the root causes of gun violence. As he often said, ‘We already have zero-gun violence in many parts of our city, those of the richer neighbourhoods. If we are to end gun violence, we must address the root cause, which is poverty.”

Cecil Roach (retired Associate Director of Education, York Region District School Board) writes, “These are challenging times for Black activists as the move to keep our eyes closed and our heads buried in sand. I hope Louis’s anti-gun violence work will be taken up by one of his mentees.”

Szimbah Hanley, community advocate writes, “Thank you Bro. Louie March for your selfless service to protect children, youth and families in our community. Rest in Power. Beloved Brother.”

Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto wrote a message on X at @MayorOliviaChow. It reads, “Louis was a fixture in neighbourhoods across the city, whether meeting with officials to develop solutions, marching alongside community members to make their voices heard, or confronting victims and their families. Louis embodied hope. He often said it was his purpose to support communities through the painful grief and traumatic impact of gun violence, and he worked tirelessly at the grassroots levels to inspire people to work together and take action. Many communities are mourning, and I stand with them in their grief. There will be further recognition of his tireless and enduring legacy to come. In this moment, let us hold each other as Brother Louis lovingly held us.”

The Ontario Federation of Labour posted a message titled, “Honouring Louis March” on Monday, July 22^nd, 2024. President Laura Walton writes, “Louis was a tireless advocate for peace on Toronto’s streets, and, more importantly, a believer in the potential of underserved youth. His lifelong dedication to his community was evident through his relentless efforts to create a safer environment, by tackling systemic issues head-on.”

Ahmad Galed (Secretary-Treasurer of the OFL) writes, “Louis’ activism had a profound impact on Black youth growing up in Scarborough. He was one of the first activists to create programs in the 1990’s that addressed systemic issues dis-advantaging Black youth.”

Jackie Taylor (Executive Vice-President of the OFL) writes, “We are mourning the loss of a true leader in our community. His years of dedication to empowering young Black individuals have left a mark on all of us. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

As the Chief Correspondent at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle Louis. In the times when my work felt unsupported by the very community I strive to uplift, Uncle Louis was the one person who always reached out. We would talk for hours about the state of our community, and he constantly encouraged me to keep pushing forward. “You are one of the brave ones, Simone,” he would say. “You are strong enough to face all that comes at you. Keep up the great work and know that you have my support.”

It is with these words that I will continue to fight for my community, for my people. I want to express my gratitude to Paul Junor for helping put together a tribute for Uncle Louis. It still feels unreal to me, and I will deeply miss having him as a champion in my corner. I miss you so much, Uncle Louis. Forever, Simone Jennifer Smith

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I wanted to tell my story for a long time; I wanted to tell everyone all at once. Now I can speak the truth and tell everyone exactly what was going on. I am here to tell the truth.”

For twenty-four hours in the summer of 1988, Canada’s Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet. Then just like that, his life changed forever. He was stripped of the 100-meter gold medal he’d possessed for just three days.

Disqualified! For what?  Just like that, he plummeted from champion, new multi-millionaire and global star to what Canada propagated as a disgrace. I will never forget hearing my dad read the headlines when he won. “Canada’s Ben Johnson Wins Gold,” to “Jamaican Born Ben Johnson Disqualified for Steroid Use!”  Even at a young age, I found that strange.

36 years have passed by since he ran 9.79 seconds in the 100-meter final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The young fellow who was at the epicenter of Canada’s worst sports disaster, had to go through years of people doubting him, ignoring his pleas for someone to look into what had been going on.

“They took away my name, my rights to earn a living, it was very tough; people wouldn’t be able to last two weeks, I did it for 36 years.”

The sprint he won in Seoul has since been called “the dirtiest race in history,” with six of the eight competitors linked to doping infractions. The steroid for which Johnson tested positive was not the steroid he believed he was using. His drug screening was riddled with irregularities and crucial testing evidence was withheld by Olympic officials in Seoul, circumstances that credible experts now say denied Johnson his right to due process and should have prevented his disqualification.

Among the troubling issues at his hearing before International Olympic Committee medical commission members: Ben Johnson’s drug test analysis was riddled with unsigned handwritten alterations, including a changed athlete-identification code; a second unofficial urine test (which reportedly tracked long-time steroid use) was dropped on shocked Canadian officials who, in turn, did not challenge this lack of disclosure, or the reason for the test. Of course, now it is coming out that the IOC medical commission gave the benefit of the doubt to some athletes facing doping sanctions in Seoul, but not others.

American forensic toxicologist Dr. David Black, an expert witness in doping matters who was once hired by Ben Johnson, reviewed the former sprinter’s post-race urine screening documentation from Seoul. Dr. Black called the data “Unacceptable under current laboratory requirements and should have been unacceptable in 1988.”

For years, I have been curious about the Ben Johnson story, and when I had a chance to meet him a few years ago, I had so many questions. He was very reserved, and told me that when the time was right, he would tell me everything. Well the time has come, and with the April 16^th, 2024 release of his book, “World’s Fastest Man: The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson” by Mary Ormsby Ben finally has the chance to tell his story, the way that it was supposed to be told.

I sat down with Ben, and to be honest, I just let him share.

“My older brother was an athlete, and I came home with a few ribbons from my track and field matches. He asked what I ran at these events. He was impressed with my results, and he invited me to the track and field, and that is when I met Charlie Francis.”

“The early years of my career were tough; the child that I wanted to be I couldn’t be. My childhood was taken away from me completely because I went from Jamaica to Canada and right into track and field, so I didn’t have time to play with other kids or have fun. I found my destiny at 14 years old. People saw my talents. I was only 98 pounds when I came to Canada and started running track. A lot of the other athletes were a lot bigger than me, so they were faster than me. I started to put on weight and mass, and in 1981 a shift happened. I became one of the fastest young men in Canada. I made the national team in 1981. I will never forget my race with Daniel Creary who was my hero. To race against him was incredible.”

“It was the 1984 Olympics that I won bronze, and the Americans didn’t like me at all. I had beat out their third-place guy. I got more recognition and now more needed to be done. I had to get faster and stronger, and when everyone was on vacation, I was training for the next year. I wanted to keep building on that. That was my secret, I was always building and improving. All the hard work and sacrifice led me to winning the gold medal, and this was all for my mom.”

“Leading up to that race, I was worried. I was not afraid of my opponents; I was afraid of failing. It was my time to show the world. I wanted to get the race over with so much; the pressure was on me to get it over with and cross the line. When I crossed the finish line, it was a great feeling, a great moment. Nothing could beat that feeling.”

“The lab results from 1988 were the wrong lab results. They were not even my lab results. There were scribbles, crossed out information; the federation got their hands on these lab reports, and they knew the truth and locked it away. They knew that what they were doing was wrong, and I would not be able to go after them.”

“The double inquiry was a scam; they wanted to separate themselves from Ben Johnson and to present me as the poster boy for steroids. I saw the results 36 years later; I didn’t get due process. I read it and I was like ‘Wow!’ They went all the way to do this to me, to create a lynch against me.”

“I remember something clearly, something that has never left my mind. In 1985 my mom said to me, ‘Son, the only way they can beat you in the testing room. They can’t beat you any other way.” I had to prepare for the worst after that. I knew that it was coming, I had to prepare myself for it, and nothing can truly prepare you for what I went through. I will say this; they never took anything away from me, they just slowed me down.”

“Thankfully, my name still carried a lot of weight around the world. I was still able to conduct my business and make my money. I went through life and did my thing. 18 years ago, I thought about what my mom said. They made that 9.79 Documentary on my life, and the narrative started to shift.”

I have learned that there was a lot going on in sports at the time, some things that we did not know about. During that time, there was a growing list of world-class sprinters with doping histories and Olympic medals. Of the Seoul 100-meter finalists, Carl Lewis, winner of four golds in 1984, was absolved of stimulant infractions weeks before he was awarded the 1988 gold; Linford Christie tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in 1999, seven years after racing to Olympic 100-meter gold in Barcelona and 11 years after narrowly avoiding a stimulant violation in Seoul, where he earned a silver.

Then there was Dennis Mitchell who retained his Barcelona bronze after high testosterone levels were detected in his 1998 urine sample. It’s not only late-20th-century sprinters on this list. American Justin Gatlin, for instance, failed two drug tests (in 2001 and 2006), and won Olympic medals (gold in 2004, bronze in 2012, silver in 2016) before and after serving his four-year doping ban (from 2006 to 2010).

Ben Johnson’s book shows all that was done to him; what was seen, and what was unseen. There is so much that people will learn about what happened during that time, and the insidious actions that were taken to break him.