Launching Carifika “I can do something”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“If you want to move fast, go alone, if you want to move further, do it together.” ~ African Proverb

A majority of the black Canadians (not all) that you find living in Canada would say that life is better here then it is for our brothers and sisters living in the United States of America. Although there are some differences in terms of demographic patterns and patterns of migration, you would be surprised to know that black Canadians face similar issues that are experienced across the border.

Black Canadians face the same difficulties obtaining employment in key markets, housing, opportunities for home ownership, ability to live in neighbourhoods with good public transit, and fairness when it comes to policing and justice. Some black Canadians are just happy with the fact that we do not face racism to the extent that our American neighbours do, but as of late, there are clusters of people who have decided that enough is enough, and have taken action to change the narrative that has been written for blacks, indigenous, and people of colour.

One such cluster of individuals is the group that makes up Carifika Canada Inc., a national non-profit organization who has made it their mission to create a unified social and economic system for African and Caribbean people to strengthen, maintain and rebuild wealth utilizing: education, health, and spiritual development. Their focus is to bring visibility to African and Caribbean people living in Canada by creating a network where our community can: find, trade and access resources relating to African and Caribbean culture.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was personally invited to the launch of Carifika Canada Inc. by Founder and CEO Yuri Hutchinson, a dynamic man who has not only witnessed, but has had to deal with the challenges we face in the Afro-Caribbean community; what makes him extraordinary is that he, like many trailblazers in our past, has decided to face these challenges head on in a proactive, and prolific way.

“We have to find solutions for the challenges and be ready to pick up the challenge.” ~ Yuri Hutchinson

Upon our arrival at the Carifika Canada Inc. launch, I instantaneously recognized how well thought out the organization is. I had seen their logo on the invitation sent to me, but when I was there, I truly took in its power. One of the first aspects of the logo that I noticed was that they used a gold colour as their base. The psychology of this colour implies affluence, material wealth and extravagance. Gold is the colour of success, achievement and triumph. It is a colour that is associated with abundance and prosperity, luxury and quality, prestige and sophistication, value and elegance.

Embedded in the logo are the flags representing the islands in the Caribbean, and right in the middle is the continent of Africa. They opted to use the letter “K” when spelling Carifika, because history shows us that Africa was originally spelt with a K. To complete their logo, at the very bottom is a picture of the Goddess Ma’at. Ma’at represents truth, right, justice, world order, stability, and continuity. During the time of Ancient Kemet (now recognized as Egypt), Ma’at represented harmony and unending cycles. There are also seven cardinal principles/virtues that are connected to Ma’at, they include: Truth, Justice, Balance, Order, Compassion, Harmony, and Reciprocity. Their use of symbolism demonstrates their attention to detail, and really allowed me to see what we as a community have in store for us with Carifika Canada Inc.

Before the afternoon events began, they ensured that everyone was well fed and hydrated; the launch was hosted by the beautiful Andrea Desilva, and it started with opening remarks from the CEO Yuri Hutchinson and followed up with libation facilitated by Kuwassi Hutchinson (Spiritual Committee Member). I appreciated the idea of calling on our ancestors before we went into the breast of the launch; it is an aspect that I do not see at many events, and it was a welcome change.

During his opening speech, Yuri shared with the community his reasons for wanting to start Carifika, and the journey that led him to that point. He thanked his wife Karen, who he said had been his number one support in this venture, and he referred to her as the future of Carifika. The couple is expecting, and as the saying goes, “When a woman gives birth, she births a nation.”

We were then introduced to some of the Carifika Canada Inc. board members, and had an opportunity to learn who they are, their expertise, and what they would be offering the community. The board members of Carifika Canada Inc. who were present at the launch were:

• Founder and CEO: Yuri Hutchinson
  President of Carifika Canada: Hayden Jason Jones
  Vice-President: Kelly Skeete
  Executive Assistant: Zenobia Francois
  Chief Financial Officer: Stuart Salvara
  Director of Education of Carifika Canada: Karen Alleyne
  Community Member Curriculum (Education): Dela Dorkenoo
  Youth Deputy Director: Jerome Lawrence
  Director of Sales: Leslie Stoute
  Creative Director: Maragrette Leandre

Closer to the end of the event, the community had the pleasure of taking in the guest speaker, Ryan Knight from the Afro Caribbean Business Network, as well as being part of the panel discussion hosted by: Andria Barrett (Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce), Dewitt Lee (Black Voter Base), Takiya Sobin (Natural Kids Movement), and Kelly Skeete (Ample Financial/ Vice-President). Recognized partnerships included: Nzuri Books, Natural Kids Movement, and Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada continues to make headway when it comes to preserving and building community systems for present and future generations, and to learn more about Carifika Canada Inc. and how you can get involved, visit them at https://www.carifikacanada.org/