BY ADRIAN REECE

Representation in the workforce has been a topic of conversation for years, particularly in positions of influence, where people can shift laws and create fair policies for all races. Representation in the legal system is an even more talked about subject, with many Black men being subjected to racism in courts and not being given fair sentencing by judges.

The fear of Black men entering the system is something that plagues mothers and fathers as they watch their children grow up.

Blink Equity, a company led by Pako Tshiamala, has created an audit called the Blink Score. This audit targets law firms and seeks to identify specific practices reflecting racial diversity among them in Toronto. A score is given based on a few key performance indicators. These KPIs include hiring practices, retention of diverse talent, and racial representation at every level.

The Blink Score project aims to analyze law firms in Ontario with more than 50 lawyers. The Blink Score is a measurement tool that holds law firms accountable for their representation. Firms will be ranked, and the information will be made public for anyone to access.

This process is ambitious and seeks to give Canadian citizens a glimpse into how many people are represented across the legal field. While more and more people have access to higher education, there is still a gap between obtaining that higher education and working in a setting where change can be made. The corporate world, at its highest points, is almost always one race across the board, and very rarely do people of colour get into their ranks. They are made out to be an example of how anyone from a particular race can achieve success. However, this is the exception, not the rule. Nepotism plays a role in societal success; connections are a factor, and loyalty to race, even if people are acquainted.

People of colour comprise 16% of the total lawyers across the province. Positions at all levels range from 6% to 27%. These numbers display the racial disparity among law practitioners in positions of influence. Becoming a lawyer is undoubtedly a huge accomplishment. Still, when entering the workforce with other seasoned professionals, your academic accolades become second to your professional achievements and your position in the company.

What do these rankings ultimately mean? A potential for DEI-inclusive practices, perhaps? That isn’t something that someone would want in this kind of profession. This kind of audit also opens law firms up to intense criticism from people who put merit above all other aspects of professional advancement. On the other hand, there is a potential for firms to receive clientele based on their blink score, with higher ones having the chance to bring in more race-based clients who can help that law firm grow.

It is only the beginning, and changes will undoubtedly be made in the legal field as Blink Equity continues to dive deep into the gap between people of colour and decision-making roles in these law firms. This audit has the power to shift the power scale, and place people of colour in higher positions. There are hierarchies in any profession, and while every Lawyer is qualified to do what they are trained to do, it is no shock that some are considerably better than others at their jobs. The ones who know how to use this audit to their advantage will rise above the others and create a representative image for themselves among their population.

BY PAUL JUNOR

It will be an enriching, illuminating and inspiring evening on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at the Rose Mainstage in Brampton. Once again Brampton On Stage Presents The Hymns to Freedom Project featuring the illustrious, legendary and iconic Jackie Richardson. It will be a wonderful showcase of the power of music to foster a sense of: connection, belonging and togetherness through the bonds of our shared humanity.

The promotional material highlights aspects of the show that will make it a memorable evening. It states,“Interweaving Classical Music and Negro Spirituals, the compositions echo the resilience of the human spirit. Through music, the project confronts the shadows of history, juxtaposing tension and resolution against contemporary racial environments. Amidst discords, the project serves as a timely reminder of enduring values-love, respect, and unity- and boldly asserts that love and unity triumph over hatred and division.”

I interviewed the multifaceted: musician, educator and producer, Corey Butler on Thursday, October 31st, 2024 regarding the upcoming show. He is excited to be a part of this production. He has been involved since 2018 and he has witnessed first-hand the many aspects and facets that make this show inspirational, motivational, and educational. Butler comments on what it is like to work with Richardson over the years. He is enthralled to be part of the phenomenal and sensational Hymns to Freedom Project as a composer and is looking forward to some of the changes to this year’s production.

Butler mentioned that this is the first time that the show will be done in November. It is usually presented during Black History Month in February. He believes that the themes that are reflected in the show are powerful reminders during our turbulent time to focus on: love, respect, reconciliation and our shared humanity. We are “Better together.”

Jackie Richardson has been recognized as one of Canada’s foremost singers of: gospel, blues and jazz who has performed in: concert, radio, television and recordings. The organization 100 Accomplished Black Canadian mentioned that she received the: NAACP, Juno, Betty, Dora, Jesse, Gemini, and South Africa Worker for Woman Awards. In addition, she has received the: Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Toronto Blues Society, The Canadian Black Achievement Awards, the Ken Page Memorial Trust and The Canadian Equity Association. She is described by The Canadian Encyclopedia as, “Canada’s reigning queen of jazz, blues and gospel. She was made an honorary member of the Order of Canada in 2021.

The Instagram account of Brampton On Stage describes details about other individuals with The Hymns to Freedom project. It describes Thompson Egbo-Egbo as an, “Accomplished pianist and composer, Thompson’s music resonates with themes of resilience, joy, and community. Through his foundation, he supports arts education for youth, believing that all children should have access to music’s transformative power.”

Narrator Ordena Stephens Thompson is described as, “An award-winning actress and acting coach, Ordena has graced the stage and screen with her talents, from theater to TV shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Designated Survivor. Her work is a tribute to the power of storytelling.”

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

I am tempted to just use one sentence to describe this event and leave it there. “These guys would have made Bob Marley Proud.”

I am speaking of the tribute to the Right Honorable Robert Nester Marley at the Mississauga Living Arts Center on October 25^th, 2024.

First of all, the protocol was followed to the max, and by that, I mean, the show started on time. From my point of view, it was an event to behold, and I would go as far as saying I look forward to next year.

Now if you were not there in person, let me inform you of the treat that you missed blow by blow.

Justice Kumari opened the show and even though it was my first time seeing and hearing him, this kid is hard working on stage. He belted out one of Bob’s early tracks Called “Iron Lion Zion” and a few more, and even though his hairstyle said Rock ‘n Roll, his rendition said Marley all the way, I was impressed.

The show was decently attended considering it was Friday. The musicians were no-nonsense players who certainly complimented the singers in style and true Reggae fashion, hats off to the band.

Picking up from where Justice Kumari left off in the second performer was Omega Mighty and this young woman brought the house down with her rendition of Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier,” “Natural Mystic” and “Could You Be Loved.” Omega is soulful as they come but knows how to keep the soul inside the Reggae house.

Ammoye closed the first half of the tribute with all the trappings of a star, the hair, the costume, and a voice to dream of, not to mention her dance steps, she is a performer who goes all out to satisfy her audience and her tribute to Bob was no exception.

Ammoye has always made a song her own, which is what it is all about, and her spin on Marley’s “Don’t Rock My Boat” was exceptional as well as the other numbers she belted out including “Is This Love That Am Feeling” and “Play I Some Music, This Is Reggae Music.” Ammoye is always a great asset to a show.

This tribute to Bob Marley came complete with a Raggamuffin DJ as well in the person of DJ Joshua Lucas. Lucas was responsible for keeping the house rocking to an archive of Bob’s music, and the brother represented to the max.

After intermission, the last two artists had their work cut out and these two guys were two showstoppers, first up came RnB’s sensation Sean Jones. From observing Jones one can tell he is very experienced in the field of RnB and his vocal technique is something else.

He was another great addition to this Bob Marley tribute, and very charismatic too. He told the audience stories about his Jamaican family and kept them on their toes with every rendition. This brother belted out Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Redemption Song” with no glitches, I was pleasantly surprised to hear such from an RnB singer, but like we say “singer, ah singer” nuh suh? Again, Sean Jones made Marley’s songs his own and that was priceless.

As I took photos and soaked in the evening, I kept wondering, why are they leaving Steele for last? That question was answered when the host, who was none other than MC Bondé, introduced him to the crowd.

Steele is a one-of-a-kind very electrifying performer with a unique way of selling you an emotional package, which he usually wraps his songs in, and that he did with his passionate rendition of Marley’s “Slave Driver.”

As only Steele could, he delivered track after track of Bob’s songs putting his stamp on each one and yet, he found time to crack jokes with his audience at the same time.

Education and entertainment all wrapped up in one bag. Hats off to all the folks including Jones & Jones Production for an evening to remember.