Documentary Irie People highlights micro entrepreneurs in the little Jamaica community

BY PAUL JUNOR

There have been discussions, conversations and dialogues regarding the changes that are being made in one of the most well known neighbourhoods in Jamaica.

Little Jamaica played an important role in the: economic, social, cultural, religious and intellectual lives of: Black, African and Caribbean communities in Canada. It still continues to draw individuals to the wide diverse Black businesses that are still there.

Amexem Mu Centre for Health, Arts, Social Enterprise & Education (AMCHASEE) is a not-for-profit organization founded by the grassroots descendants of the: Olmecs, Moors and enslaved Africans committed to serve and work for the implementation of a sustainable ecosystem for the advancement, and preservation of the same demographic inhabiting Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Some of the goals of AMCHASEE are:

• To create a perpetual governance model for the living people’s economic development
• Activate the infinite capacity in Law and Equity to build responsibly on the land. A sustainable ecosystem
• Educate and provide valuable solutions for the deplorable conditions of the people in the grassroots community

The overall mission of AMCHASEE is to transform the economic social wealth of Caribbean people.

On Thursday, May 11^th, 2023, AMCHASEE issued a press release to promote the documentary screening of “Irie People,” discussion and Town Hall. It states, ”The Karibbean Alliance (responsible for the Kultural Equity” Little Jamaica”) and AMCHASE are formally inviting you to a Town Hall Meeting created by the grassroots creators of Roots Rock Reggae muzik genre and micro business operators whose sweat equity has inspired the Little Jamaica’s Cultural District Plan. The initiative calls to actions: Roots Rock Reggae musicians, cultural creators, Karibbean business operators of Likkle Jamaica and Karibbean people.” The event was a signature project of the City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot.

I interviewed Ed Orville (Kojo) on Friday, May 26^th, 2023, regarding the upcoming event. He shared with me details about the historical roots of Little Jamaica and how it shaped his social realities and cultural development in Canada. He knows first-hand the many changes that have occurred in Little Jamaica and believes that it is important to document these powerful stories and share them across Canada.

On Saturday, May 27^th, 2023 “Irie People” was shown at the Maria A. Shchuka Library located near the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Dufferin Street. The documentary features micro-entrepreneurs commonly known as street vendors. Mr. Michael Francis (The Original Juicy/Juice Man) has been an integral part of the vibrant business community for close to 300 years adjacent to Randy’s Patty Palace. There were stories shared by individuals who have suffered greatly and economically who have been displaced by gentrification.

Mr. Enton Davidson (aka My Fine Juice) has been selling juice for a long time. He studied food and beverage at college, and once owned a restaurant named “Treadies,” one of the best food restaurants on Eglinton Avenue. He mentioned that it would be better if he had a juice job. Mr. Kelly Noel is another street vendor. He has supplied belts for many people. He mentioned that he came up for farm work, but he ran off and he took care of seven children. Mr. Phillip White (aka Iron Man) was known for his business selling callaloo. Michael Francis was another micro entrepreneur featured in the documentary.

Samantha of Top Class Entertainment did an awesome job as MC of the event and expressed appreciation for the community members that were in the audience, such as

Lazah Current. There was a discussion about the cultural significance of the Cultural District Plan especially with respect to Likkle Jamaica and future implications. There is a need for greater community engagement, public awareness and direct stakeholders involvement in all aspects of the cultural distinct plan, which is seeking greater feedback.

Anyone interested in learning about the AMACHASEE can check the website: www.amexemmu.ca