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Coronavirus affecting creatives? Here’s why it shouldn’t

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BY SELINA McCALLUM

On Monday, March 16th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced during an afternoon press conference that all Canadians should stay home if they are able to. That is when the quarantine really started to kick in as stores had already reduced their hours or closed down indefinitely.

For people who work in the creative industry, especially those who are self-employed, like videographers, photographers and artists, self-isolation can be difficult. For some photographers who use studios, most of them have now shut down. In addition, with the government encouraging people to practice social distancing, creative folks who film events, take photos of groups, or teach classes full of eager students, can no longer do that.

This begs the question, how will creatives make money in the next few weeks? If you’re a creative and the coronavirus has affected you, here’s some insight from other creatives in Toronto on how they’re coping in their quarantine.

Ryan Malcolm-Campbell, also known as Mr.Koa on Instagram, had to discover another skillset when he was injured in his third year of playing basketball in university.

The first thing I did was start a clothing line which was called the King of Arts, that’s what koa stands for,” said Malcolm-Campbell.

After graduating, he was able to focus more on his clothing line and took it upon himself to buy a camera and teach himself photography.

Though his clothing company started in 2013, he has been self-employed as a full-time photographer for the last three years taking photos of weddings, celebrities and athletes. He says he has received most of his clients from word of mouth.

Malcolm-Campbell is using this time to work on skills he’s never had a chance to before.

“I’m using this to my advantage. I’m actually really enjoying it. I’m used to being home and working on me, on stuff. I actually don’t really even have time to learn new things. I rarely have the time to stop and teach myself new skills,” said Malcolm-Campbell. “During this time, I’m taking courses on programs that have been challenging to me.”

 When it comes to being financially stable, Malcolm-Campbell says that it’s important to budget wisely and suggest these tips.

“For everyone it will be a case by case basis. Be aware of what your necessities are and what you’re spending things on. When you get a big gig or a contract, make sure you’re putting some of that money somewhere whether it’s an investment or just a savings account,” said Malcolm-Campbell.

“People might be taking this time to rest or spend with their family. I read somewhere that some people are feeling pressured to create during this time, but that isn’t for everybody,” said Malcolm-Campbell. “If you are the type of person that likes to work on things, then this is definitely the perfect time to do something.”

Instagram has really had a huge role in helping creatives put their work out there and still stay in touch with fans. Haviah Mighty, a female rapper from Brampton, posted a photo with the caption, “My career thrives on rooms with 200+ people, so, not quite sure what to do with myself in these times (other than create).”

Over the past few days, Mighty has been doing live streams on Instagram from her room, showing her dedicated fans her music process of how she puts beats together and works with samples.

Tristian Barrocks is a Digital Storyteller from Toronto. He is also another creative using Instagram Live to his advantage.

“I educate people on how to use stories and identifying their story to further progress their career or their creative journey,” said Barrocks. “Our story is our perspective, and our story is what brings value.”

To tell a good story, Barrock believes you need to have three things: authenticity, passion and craftsmanship.

During his quarantine, he’s balancing between spending time with loved ones and creating.

“I’m creating things for myself. I am creating time for my family. I’m making time for more of the relationships I have because in all honesty, I’ve neglected them because I was so focused on my career,” said Barrocks.

The digital storyteller says he’s also making content for other creatives that centre around understanding the entrepreneurship part of being a creative working for yourself.

“Our problem isn’t how to hold the camera, our problem is how to do our taxes,” said Barrocks.

For creatives, it’s also important to have multiple streams of income. Barrocks suggests marketing yourself and your brand will help you bring in more income.

“This is a time to take inventory of yourself and ask yourself what you bring to the table. It’s being a storefront owner, without actually having a storefront. What makes you valuable?” Said Barrocks.

“I think that creatives have to understand that the new currency, is the currency of ideas and thoughts. Your perspective is going to drive the value of your personal brand and stock price. It’s no longer about who can shoot the best photo, but who can give me an amazing perspective on a creative concept of marketing this product,” said Barrocks.

Joshua Tubbs, founder of Customatic, says not much has changed for him during this quarantine as he is also a Senior Video Editor for an advertising company and is working from home.

The advice he gives to individuals or small media teams is to work with production houses.

“First build that trust to show them that you’re there solely to work with them,” said Tubbs. “A production house that has a lot of business, they’re obviously going to hire freelance photographers and freelance editors. If you don’t want to focus so much on the sales and admin side, and just want to create, then working alongside companies helps.”

The goal is to work smarter, not harder.

“When that project is done and continues to make money, you’ll have residual coming in,” said Tubbs.

The founder of Customatic also suggests making templates, presets, and animated titles that people can continue to buy for their own projects.

“I understand how all creatives feel in this moment of uncertainty. I think it’s important to re-evaluate and look at yourself and say, “Hey what do I want to do? What have I always wanted to do?” It doesn’t mean you have to create or learn something, maybe it means to try something different,” said Tubbs.

Selina is a recent Digital Journalism and Communication, Media and Film Graduate from the University of Windsor. While in university, she served as the Arts and Culture Writer for The Lance, as well as a writer, interviewing selected individuals for Street Voices Magazine. Her passions include: creative writing, film, and photography. Over the last four months, Selina has collaborated on a documentary exploring sex trafficking and the horrific elements that harbour the untold truths of human trafficking in Windsor/Detroit. She is a: hard working, responsible and caring individual who continues to seek new challenges.

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Canada passes new law to address wrongful convictions

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The work of Innocence Canada, formerly known as the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC) has made a significant difference on the Canadian legal scene. According to the website: www.innocencecanada.com the organization was launched in February 1993 as an extension of the Justice for Guy Morin Committee, which was established in 1993 after he was wrongfully convicted. AIDWYC received widespread media attention due to the work of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter who served as its founding Executive Director for over ten years. Carter served nineteen years for a wrongful conviction in a New Jersey prison and was subsequently released.

It was in October 2016 that AIDWYC rebranded as Innocence Canada with a new logo adorn with tally marks to coincide with each exoneration. In a press release issued by Innocence Canada on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, details were announced regarding the passage of Bill C-40. It is titled, “The Miscarriage of Justice Act “and is also known as “David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law.”

The press release notes, “It makes drastic changes to the Criminal Code and creates a new tribunal or commission to address all claims of wrongful conviction. It eliminates our present Ministerial Review process that has for more than 100 years been the only resort for the wrongly convicted.”

In the press release, David’s sister, Susan Milgaard states, “My mother and my brother will be looking down on us and celebrating this new law. I am very grateful it is named after them. They did so much to get this law passed, because they were dedicated to the cause of all the innocent people in prison who had no good place to seek justice. Now they will have a place to go.”

James Lockyear of Innocence Canada states, “Today is a great day for all those wrongfully convicted. Innocence Canada has been advocating for this law for more than 30 years. It will bring Canada in line with other countries that already have a similar commission and be a change for the wrongly convicted and the Canadian criminal justice system.”

It was in 2009 that David Milgaard was wrongfully convicted of the murder in the rape and death of Gail Miller. She was a nursing student at the time. Miller spent 23 years in prison as a sentence. However, in 1992 he was freed and found innocent. Since then, Milgard has actively engaged in advocacy for those who are wrongfully convicted and has worked hard for the establishment of an independent to review cases of wrongful convictions.

The fact that David and his mother, Joyce Milgaard are both deceased and not present to celebrate this day is unfortunate. Milgaard’s sister, Susan states, “It didn’t take a village, it took a country to achieve what we have and thank God for Canada because we’ve done it.”

An independent commission will be established to review potential wrongful convictions rather than the Minister of Justice. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada states, “It is Important that this legislation includes money, personnel, and legal aid funding.”

Ron Dalton of Innocence Canada states, “We’re currently working on 130 cases in our office, and we only have the resources to look at homicide cases.”

A press release was issued on Wednesday, December 18th, by the Department of Justice Canada to highlight the fact that the David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law received royal assent. Innocence Canada states, “All of us at Innocence Canada are delighted by the passage of David and Joyce Melgaard’s Law, which creates a new and independent body of experts to address future claims of wrongful conviction. Justice Minister Arid Virani and his predecessor, David Lametti, deserve great credit for this ground-breaking legislation which will make for an enormous improvement to our criminal justice system.”

The press release outlines some of the purposes of the new independent commission. It notes that it will not be an alternative to the courts. In general, applicants will first need to exhaust their rights of appeal before requesting a miscarriage of justice review by the commission. Furthermore, it “will not decide whether an applicant is guilty, or innocent, and there will be a dedicated victim services coordinator position to support victims and assist with the development of procedural policies especially as it relates to victim notification and participation in a manner consistent with the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

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The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is in desperate need of emergency and sustainable multi-year funding

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement of a $3.5 million “critical investment” in the Toronto Caribbean Festival by the federal government is good news for the Festival Management Committee (FMC). The announcement was made on Monday, December 16th, 2024, as part of the Fall Economic Statement by the government of Canada. A press release from the FMC referred to the anticipated funding although details such as the release date and others are still unknown.

There has been media attention hinting at the possibility that the Toronto Caribbean Festival could be canceled in 2025, because it came up $2 million short in funding. It was on October 28th, 2024, that MPP Dr. Jill Andrew rose in the Ontario Legislature and informed the Ontario government that the festival was cash strapped. She stated, “The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is in desperate need of emergency and sustainable multi-year funding.” She mentioned the economic importance of the festival to the province and the fact that it costs $2.5 million to run. She called on the provincial government to ensure that the festival is funded adequately beyond the paltry $120,000 that it allocated to it in 2024.

In addition to MPP Andrew’s request for sustainable funding, a petition was launched by the Festival Management Committee. The petition describes vital aspects of the festival and lists ways that it contributes to the: cultural, economic and social life of Toronto. Undoubtedly, the ongoing issue of funding of the Toronto Caribbean Festival is one that will not go away unless, or until the three levels of government: provincial, federal and municipal decides to elevate it to a high level rather than just pay lip service to its importance annually. It is often used as a great photo-op for politicians during the summer.

The press release from the FMC revealed that there was a lot of work that was done behind the scenes prior to the announcement. “This critical investment follows nearly two years of intense advocacy.” This $3.5 million funding will go towards addressing systemic underfunding and highlighting the carnival’s vital cultural and economic contributions to Canada.

Jennifer Hirlehey, Executive Chair of the FMC states, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the collective support from our stakeholders, the Caribbean community business. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and a shared vision. This funding will ensure the Carnival remains a dynamic force in Canada’s cultural and economic landscape, inspiring generations to come.”

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The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council continues to unite and inspire young Jamaicans abroad

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Photo featuring Steven Getten

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) celebrated another milestone with its second annual event held at the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto, Ontario. The gathering, which took place on December 20th, 2024, continued the council’s mission to unite youth across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in celebrating and strengthening their Jamaican heritage.

Spearheaded by GJDYC Canada Representative, Steven Getten, in collaboration with the Jamaican Consulate, the event has quickly become a vital platform for fostering a sense of community among young Jamaicans in Canada. It offers a lifeline to those without close family connections, creating opportunities for: cultural exchange, mentorship, and relationship-building.

This year’s event attracted an even broader audience, drawing second, third, and fourth-generation Jamaicans eager to deepen their ties to their cultural roots. In her opening remarks, Consul Younna Bailey Magalhaes warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration within the Diaspora.

Keynote speaker Yanique Williams, Public Policy Director at Uber for Western Canada, delivered an inspiring address encouraging youth to embrace their potential and focus on building strong, supportive networks. Her words resonated with many, highlighting the importance of resilience and community in achieving personal and professional success.

Steven Getten closed the event with a heartfelt reflection on his migration journey and the power of solidarity within the Jamaican community. “Life in Canada may be difficult, but we have a vibrant Jamaican community. Let’s support each other and build together,” he urged.

The event’s success was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including Grace Foods, JN Group, Keda Law, Nursing and Homemakers Inc., Caribbean Airlines, and Caribbean Queen. These partners provided essential packages for newcomers, students, and youth in need, reinforcing their commitment to uplifting the Jamaican Diaspora in Canada.

As the GJDYC continues to grow, events like these serve as a testament to the power of cultural heritage in uniting and inspiring young Jamaicans abroad. The council remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a thriving, connected Diaspora that celebrates its shared history while embracing future possibilities.

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