BY SIMONE J. SMITH

What if I told you that Visa is offering two amazing opportunities that YOU, our loyal readers have an opportunity to take part in? For one of our lucky readers, you have a chance to:

• Win a trip to Trinidad Carnival 2025
• Win a trip to Jamaica

“What is this all about Simone,” you might be asking? Well, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) turns 10 this year, and Visa International is thrilled to be part of the celebration once again. Welcome to the heart of Jamaica’s culinary playground – the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, where flavours, culture, and music blend into one unforgettable celebration.

Step into the lively Craft Market downtown, where the spirit of Jamaica comes alive. Here, they celebrate the island’s rich history and vibrant flavours – an ode to the past. Guests get a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of festival favourites like: Crisp, Chopstix, Pork Palooza, and Picante – all in one electrifying space.

Taste, sip, and groove your way through the night, reliving fond festival memories while savouring the global influences that have shaped the iconic dishes we love today – no passport required (except to travel of course)!

As the hot days turn into steamy nights, and steamy nights turn into sweltering days, what better way to close out the festivities than with one last delectable event? The finale is not just a celebration, but a reflection of Jamaica’s culinary renaissance. After four unforgettable days, guests get a chance to honour the island’s: finest chefs, mixologists, and artisans who have made this festival a true showcase of creativity and passion.

Naturally, the festival had to find accommodations that match its prestige, and the only hotels of choice this year are: The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites. At the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the Caribbean’s most distinguished address, you will experience the perfect blend of elegance and island charm. Nestled in the heart of New Kingston, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Caribbean Sea, this 17-storey gem is where business meets leisure in true Jamaican style. You also have the option of immersing yourself in the timeless charm of The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, a true jewel of Jamaica’s capital city. With spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, and all the modern comforts, it is the perfect way to end your festival experience.

Waldemar Cordero, Marketing Senior Director for Visa in the Caribbean and Central America, expressed his excitement about being involved in the festival’s decade-long run. “We’re really excited to be part of the 10th staging of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. It’s amazing to see how far this festival has come, and we’re proud to have been part of the journey over the last 6 years. This festival isn’t just about food, it’s about celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and the incredible talent that drives it.”

Visa’s partnership with JFDF has grown over the years, evolving from a traditional sponsorship into a dynamic collaboration that enhances the festival experience for everyone. “Our relationship with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has deepened over time,” said Waldemar. “We’ve moved from simply being a sponsor to becoming the main partner, working closely with the organizers to bring fresh, exciting elements to the event each year. This time around, we’re especially excited about the initiatives we’re rolling out that will make it easier and more enjoyable for attendees to experience all that the festival has to offer.”

Visa is excited to enhance the celebration of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s milestone 10^th year by offering an exclusive hospitality package to Trinidad Carnival 2025. One lucky Visa cardholder who purchases festival tickets between October 16^th and November 9^th, 2024, will win this incredible experience. This offering includes: two economy class tickets from Kingston, Jamaica to Port of Spain, Trinidad; six nights of luxury accommodation at the Hyatt Regency; and comprehensive airport transfers and event transportation. The winner and their guest will enjoy: inclusive meals, stylish Monday Wear and Carnival Tuesday costumes, and access to premier events such as Brian Lara’s Event and PinkNicTT. Additionally, they will be treated to glamour make-up and photos. This package promises to deliver an unforgettable festival experience and celebrate the unified Caribbean culture in style.

In addition, one lucky winner from our Caribbean neighbour Trinidad and Tobago, who uses the First Citizens Bank card in Trinidad, will win a trip for two to the Food and Drink Festival in Jamaica. This is an all-expense paid trip for two with the winners to ensure the festival and enjoy scenic places in Jamaica such as Dunn’s River Falls and Port Royal. Ready for that almost winter getaway? Visit https://jafoodanddrink.com/ for more details. Good luck!

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

At the heart of the University of Windsor’s campus, centrally located in the lower level of the CAW Student Centre, lies a space dedicated to fostering: African-Caribbean excellence, academic growth, and community empowerment: The Black Scholars Institute, or BSI.

The BSI Lounge is more than just a meeting place. It is a safe and welcoming space for African/-Caribbean faculty, staff, and students—a venue that fosters not only academic engagement, but community connection. Here, important university and local events, aligned with the Institute’s mission and values, take place.

The Black Scholars Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute—a home for African-Caribbean scholars at UWindsor. It is dedicated to advancing Black excellence and liberation through scholarship, research, and community engagement. The Institute’s work enriches teaching, learning, and social justice efforts across the University, with a focus on making an impact nationally and globally.

BSI hosts a range of weekly programs that encourage meaningful dialogue and academic collaboration. Events such as “Think Tank Thursday” provide a platform for African-Caribbean faculty and students to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss relevant research and current events. For those who are deep in their academic work, “Just Write” sessions offer dedicated time for focused writing in a supportive environment. “Coffee and Convo,” a collaboration with Leddy Library, creates space to explore Black literature and hold thought-provoking discussions around important topics.

Graduate students are invited to participate in student saloons, where they present their works-in-progress in a safe, inclusive space, where they can receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty members alike. Additionally, the “Black Research Spotlight” shines a light on the groundbreaking work of African Caribbean scholars, providing them with a platform to showcase their research and innovations.

In recognition of the challenges posed by systemic anti-Black racism, the BSI offers its members a membership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, providing on-demand access to a wealth of professional development resources. This is just one of the ways BSI ensures its scholars are well-equipped to thrive and succeed in their academic careers. As a research institute, BSI is committed to supporting Black Studies and promoting excellence in scholarships. One vital aspect of this is the awarding of grants to Black scholars. These grants are instrumental in advancing research that is often overlooked in traditional funding competitions.

While visiting the University earlier this month, I learned more about some of the challenges that have been faced in opening BSI. The establishment of this initiative was approved by the University of Windsor’s Senate on October 7^th, 2022. The initiative is in alignment with the University’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter (utoronto.ca) on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. In 2023, the University of Windsor (UWindsor) announced their new academic home that would spotlight: Black excellence, scholarship, research, and community. The inaugural Black Scholars Institute (BSI) at UWindsor, was formally launched in September 2024.

Dr. Clinton Beckford, UWindsor’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, envisions that the BSI will be the institutional home for Blackness at the University. “The establishment of a Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor is ground-breaking and transformative,” he says.  “It positions the University of Windsor as a post-secondary leader in intellectual thought and practice around Blackness and makes real our commitments to Black flourishing and thriving at and beyond the institution.”

The BSI will work closely with UWindsor’s Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies Department within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Building a Black Scholars academic program represents an innovative plan of action intended to meaningfully understand UWindsor’s approach to African-Caribbean ways of knowing in Canadian universities. The expected output will enhance UWindsor’s research profile in Black Studies and feature scholarly work, special events, speakers’ series, mentorship, and more.

Dr. Camisha Sibblis, the Director at BSI, is hopeful that the institute will enrich the experiences of Black faculty at UWindsor. “We believe that the inclusion of Black peoples, ways of learning and knowledge systems are integral to the growth of our community. The establishment of the BSI is a crucial part of fulfilling the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement (ontario.ca) and purposefully moving the institution into the future. The Institute will enhance the University’s research profile and will also establish the University as a center of excellence in Windsor-Essex and the Detroit area – a region known for its historic importance for Black people in North America.”

Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued through scholarship, research, and community engagement.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In this edition of Community Highlights, we are proud to bring you Little Jamaica Then and Now, Winterizing Your Home, ‘Mettle and Metal – The Birth of Steel Pan Music and the History of Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, and Get ready for the Black Joy Holiday Market

Little Jamaica Then and Now

Toronto’s iconic ‘Little Jamaica’ neighbourhood is celebrated with the release of a first-ever music project titled “Little Jamaica Then and Now.”  Produced by Masani Productions Inc. and sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canadian Reggae Music Association, the all-reggae project features the voices of some of Canada’s most recognized voices. Each artist performed a track that portrays the nostalgic essence of the community that has come to be known as a landmark in the city of Toronto. Making references to the mural of Canada’s Reggae greats, to landmark stores on the Eglinton West strip, to the cultural heritage, which includes authentic Jamaican food that reminds most of home, Little Jamaica Then and Now tells a great story.

“The idea for the project came about because I wanted to document the history of Little Jamaica through music and share the beauty of the community in a way that Canada and the world could consume. What better way to do that than through music” says Masani Montague, producer of the album. “I asked artists to collaborate, gave them the theme, and I think we got it right.”

The 10-track disc features JUNO Award winners Nana McLean (“Eglinton Avenue”), and Korexion (“Let Me Tell You”), JUNO Award nominee Ras Lee (“Little Jamaica”), vocal stalwart Papa Levy (“My Reggae Band”), established artists Carl Henry (“Eglinton City”), and Benaiah (“Up On Eglinton”), as well as rising talents Richie Flo (“Yard Man”), Welda (“Live and Direct”), Jade Faith (“I Love You”), and Fancy Lady (“Hold A Vibe”).

Distributed by VPAL Music, a subsidiary of VP Records, the opportunity to work with the project was met with enthusiasm. “Canada has a lot of talented artists and producers” says Donovan Williams from VPAL Music “This project is a first ever with a lot of history and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Canadian music fraternity.”

Officially released on October 4^th, Little Jamaica Then And Now is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and more.

‘Mettle and Metal’ Unveils the Groundbreaking Story of Trinidad and Tobago’s Cultural Revolution Through Steelpan Innovation

The steelpan, a gift to the world from the vibrant people of Trinidad and Tobago, is the focus of a new book, ‘Mettle and Metal – The Birth of Steel Pan Music and the History of Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra’, authored by A. Bukka Rennie.

In this latest literary effort, Rennie takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the origins and innovations that shaped the steelpan into a global symbol of cultural pride and creativity from a profound act of resilience and invention by colonized, oppressed people who used their creative energies to define their nation’s future.

“Mettle and Metal” delves into the roots of the steelpan’s development, highlighting the transformative work of Neville Jules (former captain of the legendary Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra), who moved beyond the rhythmic drumming of the day to create the groundbreaking 4-Note tenor pan and the innovative Tune-Boom. Jules’ efforts paved the way for the formation of a family of pans i.e., tenor, alto, cuatro/guitar and bass; thus, setting off a creative explosion.

The story unfolds with the participation of musicians from multiple steel bands, who expanded on these innovations, creating more complex instruments, such the five-bass, 10 and 12 basses, quadraphonic seconds, and more.

A key figure in the book is Lieutenant Joseph Griffith, a Barbadian police officer and professional musician, whose leadership and contributions to the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) helped shape the chromatic tuning that would become crucial to steelpan music.

1. Bukka Rennie who is an award-winning author and columnist has brought this vital story to a global audience and aspires not only to have ‘Mettle and Metal’ become an international bestseller, but for it to resonate with readers of all ages who are passionate about: cultural heritage, musical innovation, and the fight for freedom.

Regarding his motivation behind this latest publication, he shared, “I wrote the book to hopefully elucidate the story to the entire world as passionately and as vividly as it was told to me. The sociology of invention is what stands out in the details of All Stars’ involvement in the process. How and why are people driven spontaneously to invent new ways and new things and in so doing serve to define social transformation.”

‘Mettle and Metal’ is available for purchase now via all major outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Thrift Books and eBay. For additional information, please visit www.andrewbukkarennie.com/.

Get ready for the Black Joy Holiday Market

The Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT) and Durham Family Cultural Centre (DFCC), in partnership the Black Queens of Toronto (BQOT) are excited to announce the third edition of the Black Joy Holiday Market (BJHM)! For 2024, we are expanding the BJHM to a three-day event:

Dates:

• Pop-Up Market: Friday, November 15^th, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. as part of the City of Pickering’s Winter Night City Lights Festival, featuring fireworks and a tree lighting ceremony.
• Main Market: Saturday, November 22^nd, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. coinciding with the Santa Claus Parade and Sunday, November 23^rd, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with the BJHM Show.

Location:
Chestnut Hill Recreation Complex – East/West Salon, 1867 Valley Farm Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7

Cost: Vendor Space:

• Friday November 15^th – $75
• Saturday November 23^rd and Sunday November 24^th – $150 per day
• Included: 6 foot table, tablecloth and two chairs

Full-Service Kitchen with Bar:

• Friday November 15^th – $100
• Saturday November 23^rd and Sunday November 24^th – $200 per day
• Food vendors MUST complete and submit the Durham Food Health Form

Promotion:

Branded flyers, paid advertisements, city electronic board advertising, lawn signs in city centre and market promotion at Fireworks and Santa Claus parade.

Community Partners Welcome! How to Apply:
If you are a member of the Black diaspora and interested in participating, please complete the application form below. Selected vendors will be contacted with further details. BJHM 2024 Vendor Application: https://bit.ly/BJHM2024Vendors

Youth Opportunity:
The Mini Moguls Market will return! Featuring young entrepreneurs ages 6-16! MM 2024 Vendor Application: https://bit.ly/MiniMoguls2024

For more information or questions, contact Erica at erica.e@durhamfcc.com. Thank you for your interest in supporting this important initiative!

Winterizings Your Home

With the temperatures slowly dropping, it’s important to know the best ways to get your heating and air conditioning system ready for the shift from summer to fall and winter.

Regular furnace maintenance is essential not only for prolonging the lifespan of your equipment, but also for ensuring that it operates at peak energy efficiency. By keeping your furnace well-maintained, you can: avoid costly repairs, reduce energy consumption, and ensure a comfortable home environment throughout the colder months.

Wolseley Canada offers the following tips you can take to ensure your home is winter ready:

• Winterizing your AC – check your air conditioning unit before closing it for the winter. An expert can provide both technical and practical solutions to uneven heating or cooling. Checking the ducts, thermostat and fan are ways they can determine the condition of the air conditioner. Before covering the external unit for the season, check your unit for debris and remove any water that may have collected from the rain. These can damage the unit when colder temperatures approach due to freezing. General wear and tear from the season can be easily addressed.
• Getting your furnace ready – most people do not have the time or know-how to check their furnace before starting it in the winter. A professional can safely check your furnace and determine the best way to maximize flow and efficiency of heat.
• Thermostat placement – where the thermostat is placed can make a big difference in the temperature of your home. Windows with bright sunlight can heat up your thermostat, tricking the system into thinking the house is warmer than it should be. Experts can remedy any leaks, or loose duct systems – making sure the warm air is going exactly where it should. This helps to make sure you get the proper amount of heat where and when you need it.
• Make sure parts are up to date – modernizing the technology in your home can be vital to the upkeep of your air system. Installing a Smart Thermostat can help the flow of heating or cooling into your home through remote programming settings on your smartphone.

Play It Loud! — How Toronto Got Soul

For much of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Caribbean, Jamaican and reggae music scene in Toronto was almost unrivaled in North America in terms of quality and performers. Jay Douglas, lead singer of The Cougars and one of the biggest and brightest talents of that time, is the subject of a fantastic new TVO Original documentary entitled Play It Loud! — How Toronto Got Soul. The documentary, directed by Graeme Mathieson, produced by Andrew Munger (Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band), and Executive Produced by Clement Virgo (Brother, The Wire) will have a special advance preview screening Oct. 23rd, 2024 at 6:30 PM at Toronto’s The Royal Theatre (608 College Street) with limited tickets available to the public here.

Play It Loud! — How Toronto Got Soul, traces Douglas’ life from a young boy in Jamaica to immigrating to Canada in his teenage years and residing in Toronto with a host of other Jamaica-born artists such as: Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and Wayne McGhie among others. With Toronto becoming a hotbed of Jamaican music, Douglas established himself as the lead singer of The Cougars, a fabulous group who performed a collage of genres (reggae/Caribbean/soul/ska/funk) wherever and whenever they could.

Whether it was the vibrant clubs on Toronto’s Yonge Street during that era or performing in smaller towns in Northern Ontario or Quebec, the group dazzled fans despite little to no airplay or label support aside from appearing on one album entitled Caribana ’67.

Featuring interviews with: Dunbar, vocalist Jackie Richardson, Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton), former Much Music host Michael Williams and many others, and the music of Bob Marley, Bo Diddley, James Brown, The Cougars, Wayne McGhie.