BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an emotionally moving, enriching, uplifting and inspiring day on Saturday, August 31^st, 2024.  It was the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) flag-raising ceremony, which was held at Toronto’s City Hall. It was hosted by the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), which is the largest Black-specific AIDS service organization in Canada. IOAD2024 results from an engaging partnership between Black CAP, the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Flags of Hope (FOH) and Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR).

It is the world’s largest annual campaign to: end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. IOAD is driven by the following six principles:

• Overdose can and must be prevented.
• Overdose prevention solutions exist – let’s use them.
• Criminalizing drug use has not worked. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
• Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
• Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive health care.
• Only a community-wide effort can end overdose.

The City of Toronto provides details about the overdose crisis. Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 3,956 suspected opioid overdose calls in 2022 and 6,362 in 2021. This was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health and substance abuse. Preliminary data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario revealed that in 2022 there were 508 deaths in Toronto because of the opioid toxicity. This is almost a 100% increase from 2021. Furthermore, in 2022 most occurred in private settings and almost 25% of those who died in Toronto were homeless. There were 187 such deaths in 2022 according to TPH.

The press release issued by Black CAP on Wednesday, August 28^th, 2024, describes IOAD as “The world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from an overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind.” It spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. “The theme chosen for IOAD was ‘Together we can,’ which focuses on the power of our community when we stand together.”

Black CAP is committed to playing an active role in bringing the diverse stakeholders together to find a solution to this pandemic of the opioid crisis. The press release notes, “In line with this year’s theme, we want to highlight and celebrate the impact of collaborative efforts to mitigate the overdose crisis in communities across Canada.” It notes further, “This International Overdose Day, we say to all members of the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) as well as other communities impacted by substance use and overdose “Together we can!”(#TogetherWeCan#IOAD24#EndOverdose).

The welcome address was given by Orville Burke, the Director of Health Promotions at Black CAP and MPP Krysten Wong-Tam of Toronto Centre riding addressed the crowd. It is important that politicians take this issue seriously as the ongoing impact of this social issue continues to touch many lives not just in Toronto, but all across Canada.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There are many organizations that are involved in bringing awareness of the issue of breast cancer as it impacts the lives of many women and men from diverse: backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures. The fact that October is celebrated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is meant to draw attention to the important issue of breast cancer.

According to a media release on Wednesday, October 9^th, 2024, from the Public Health Agency of Canada it is a period when we come together to support and honor those impacted by this disease. It mentioned further that breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women living in Canada. One in eight women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. A new fitness studio, Mrose Health and Fitness Studio located at 5 Rogers Road in the Oakwood-Vaughan area organized the 3^rd Rose Walk to support breast cancer survivors and patients planned for Sunday, October 27^th, 2024.

The fitness studio was launched by Tashawna Higgins and is named after her late grandmother and mother. She is a former professional basketball player. The names of the individuals who are involved in the fitness studio are: Obed Cetoute (former professional football player in the Canadian football League), Allana Arundell (former basketball player) and Lydia Cuff (former athlete and personal trainer).

According to their website, the studio offers a range of services such as:

1 on 1 Personal Training

1-on-1 fitness training offers personalized attention and guidance

Partner & Group Training

Experience the power of teamwork and shared motivation with our partner training program

Youth Mentoring & Training

Guidance and support to empower young individuals, helping them develop essential life skills and healthy lifestyles

Nutritional Coaching

Nutritional coaching program provides personalized guidance and expertise allowing individuals to make informed dietary choices

FST- Fascial Stretch Therapy

Personalized sessions to improve flexibility, relieve pain and enhance overall mobility, allowing individuals to move with ease and efficiency

Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunities for the Province of Ontario, announced on her Facebook page the lowering of the age of self-referral from 50 to 40 for mammograms without a referral from a primary care provider. She wrote, “Women over the age of 40 can self-refer for publicly funded mammograms through the Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program (OBSD). Of the one million women between the ages of 40-49 that are now eligible for mammograms, it is estimated that an additional 305,000 will self-refer. As part of your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is connecting more people to the services they need when they need them. Our government is connecting more women to life saving breast cancer screening.”

I spoke to Tashawna on Saturday, October 12^th, 2024, and she is excited about the 3^rd Rose Walk. She believes in the importance of actively supporting cancer survivors and increasing awareness. The walk will commence at 9:30 am at 5 Rogers Road. Anyone who is interested in more information can email: info@mrosehealthandfitness.com, or check social media for additional details about Mrose Health and Fitness Studio at:

Website: Mrosehealthandfitness.com

Facebook: Rose Health and Fitness

Instagram: @mrosehealthandfitness

Anyone interested in learning about the initiatives by the Ontario government can check

website: https cancer-testing-and-prevention

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Peace and Pan-Africanism Toronto!

Last weekend, we invited the man known as the King of Controversy back to our great city. Dr. Umar Ifatunde, a renowned figure in the fields of education and mental health, is a name that is widely recognized by all, and his impact on the Afrikan and Afrikan-American community is undeniable. As a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist, Dr. Umar has dedicated his career to advocating for the well-being and academic success of Black children.

Rooted in a rich historical lineage, Dr. Umar is a paternal kinsman to both the great Abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the late Bishop Alexander Wayman, two prominent figures in the fight for racial equality. This connection underscores his deep-seated commitment to social justice and the preservation of Afrikan heritage.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Umar is a passionate educator and community leader. He has founded and leads the “Unapologetically Afrikan” Black College & Consciousness Tour,” a transformative experience for young people that fosters a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and introduces them to the rich history of Afrikan- American colleges and universities. Additionally, his weekly Afrikan-American parent teleconference provides invaluable support and guidance to parents seeking to advocate for their children’s education and mental health.

Dr. Umar’s influence extends beyond academia and community work. His name, quotes, and speeches have been referenced and celebrated in the world of Hip-Hop music, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. His dedication to empowering Afrikan communities and promoting social justice has made him a highly sought-after scholar and a respected voice in the fight for equality.

The: GACN, Black Board International, RastaFest, EPG Creative Marketplace, AfroGlobal, Caribbean Vibrations, FAM TV and of course The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper welcomed the Prince of Pan-Africanism Dr. Umar Ifatunde to Toronto after 12 long years away.

The weekend of October 4^th-6^th, 2024, was a whirlwind of intellectual and cultural engagement, beginning with a Meet & Greet with Dr. Umar Johnson at The Real Jerk Legacy Restaurant in Toronto. The event, part of the 1^st Fridays series, featured a book signing, Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

The following day, the energy shifted to Oshawa’s The Lighthouse for a networking event designed to connect industry leaders with emerging entrepreneurs. Special guests including Farley Flex, DeWitt Lee, and JahWigs, along with musical performances by Lindo P and others, created a vibrant atmosphere.

On Sunday October 6^th, 2024, Dr. Umar delivered a powerful address on Pan-Africanism at the Jamaican Canadian Association. Dr. Umar, often referred to as the “King of Controversy,” has earned this title through his unapologetic and often polarizing views on issues impacting the Black community. Hosted by, well, me (Yeah), I had the opportunity to sit on stage and intellectually dialogue with Sis. Elaine Robinson (G.H.E.T.T.O Stories), Elder Szimbah Hanley, and Dr. Umar before he went IN on all of us. When I say he went in, I mean he went IN!

He has sparked intense debate with his critique of interracial dating, asserting that it undermines the unity and progress of Afrikan men and women in the diaspora. Dr. Umar harshly criticized parents, calling out both mothers and fathers for being “lazy” and failing to provide the necessary care and guidance for their children. His outspoken views that night extend to the education system, which he stated is neglecting Afrikan-Caribbean children, leaving them vulnerable to systemic oppression. He also highlights the need for fathers to seek mental health support, emphasizing that unresolved mental health issues prevent them from being present for their families.

Dr. Umar asserts that parents should stop vaccinating their children, claiming that vaccines are responsible for the increasing rates of autism in young children. He argues that the substances used in vaccines, particularly those containing certain preservatives and additives, have been linked to developmental disorders, including autism.

Dr. Umar emphasized the need for parents to conduct their own research and exercise caution before adhering to standard vaccination schedules, as he believes the medical community has overlooked potential adverse effects. His stance encouraged parents to prioritize their children’s health by opting out of vaccines, despite widespread scientific consensus supporting their safety.

When KINGS unite, the possibilities are endless. Teamwork makes the dream work. It was a historical weekend in Canada. Three successful events in three cities. Big respect to Kofi (Culture Power / GACN), Warren Salmon (First Fridays), Jamaal (EmProGraffix / Network & Build) and of course our special guest Dr. Umar Ifatunde.