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 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.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There are many great shows, programs and initiatives planned for the Winter/Spring 2025 season in Brampton. This can be seen by the range and diversity of artistic programming. Patrons of the arts in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area can anticipate: captivating shows, wonderful performances and excellent presentations for 2025.

I interviewed Jocelyn Johnston, Acting Executive Artistic Director and Manager, Performing Arts at Brampton On Stage She has been involved for over two decades in different roles in Brampton, and succeeded Stephen Schipper in an interim capacity for the remainder of 2024. Jocelyn, oversees: artistic programming, operational management, and strategic direction of multiple venues, including The Rose Brampton. As a seasoned arts and culture leader, she is passionate about showcasing local Brampton creative talents as well as international ones to the community.

Jocelyn mentioned the accessibility of Brampton as an attraction for those who don’t want to go venues in downtown Toronto. Commuting time to Brampton is short, and there are a lot of parking spaces and very little congestion.  She is excited about the diversity of lineup in the Winter/Spring 2025 Season and recommended that patrons take advantage of many of the benefits that come with memberships. There are a wide range of genres: pop, reggae, country and western, R & B,rock & others. Members get advanced access to tickets on October 23^rd and ticket sales open to the public on October 25^th.

A message by Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton in the promotional brochure states, “This season, immerse yourself in engaging family productions,captivating performances by renowned artists like: Jully Black, Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro and Brett Kissel; along with showcases of local talent in the ‘This is Brampton’ series. Experience remarkable partner presentations with renowned organizations like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,Tall Stories,Theater Terra and Cirque Kalabante, along with beloved local favourites such as The Rose Orchestra, Brampton Music Theatre, Brampton Concert Band and many more.”

There are four ways to save:

• 15% – 25 % with a group of 10 or more
• Student and child tickets available for select shows
• A selection of $20 tickets for each performance
• Rush seats starting at only $20! these options are subject to availability.

Some of the upcoming dates and shows for Winter/Spring 2025 :

• January 28 & April 15 : B-Jazzed
• January 30: Twin Flames
• January 31: Tales from Joke Keepers, This is Brampton
• February 6:Hype, This is Brampton
• February 8 & April 26: Stand-Up Stitches, This is Brampton
• February 8:Too Darn Hot! – The Rose Orchestra
• February 14: Jully Black
• February 15: Hot! Hot! Hot! – Toronto Symphony Orchestra
• February 21: We Will CHOIR! You: An Epic Abba Sing-Along – Choir! Choir! Choir!

– February 23: Brampton Concert Band & The Jazz Mechanics featuring Lee Siegel

• February 26 & April 30: Bluebird Brampton
• February 28: Finger II
• March 1 & May 11: The Jay Martin Comedy Series
• March 8: BIF Naked
• March 11: Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock Live
• March 14: QueeriAHcity
• March 21: Alan Cummimg & Ari Shapiro
• March 26: Brett Kissel
• March 27: Pauly Shore
• March 29 : Immigrants with Attitude, This is Brampton
• March 29: Legendary Journeys – The Rose Orchestra
• April 3 – 6: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Brampton Music Theatre
• April 5: Crate Clash, This is Brampton
• April 9: Ian Thomas – Stagedoor Stories
• April 10: Afrique En Cirque – Cirque Kalabante
• April 16: Centre Stage Final Performance
• April 22: Rapunzel, The Musical
• April 24: Flower City Slam- This is Brampton
• April 25: Rising Vibes – This is Brampton
• April 26: Natural Melodies, Life and Love – The Rose Orchestra
• April 27: Re-Imagined: A Theatre Concert

Thanks to Brampton On Stage for ensuring that: BIPOC voices, performers, artists and entertainers are showcased and profiled.