Community
How the Federal Budget 2023 Affects Black Businesses and the Black Community at Large
Each year, when the Canadian government releases its federal budget, it gives us a good opportunity to evaluate the country’s current focus and future goals and assess if they are in line with our own. This is valuable information, as it equips us to advocate more effectively for those things that are not being prioritized …
Roe v Wade
Like many people in North America this week, my heart was broken at the announcement that the US Supreme Court had overturned Roe vs. Wade. Although we knew that this was likely to happen from the leaked documents last month, the announcement was still a shock to the system, and I was literally moved to …
Wage Gap
One of the many challenges facing women and minorities in the business community is a disparity in pay. This problem actually exists throughout the economy in virtually every industry and sector. Research in 2019 found that women made, on average, 78.6 cents for every dollar that their male counterparts with similar experience and education made …
Emancipation Day
After many years of advocacy, Canada marked its first official Emancipation Day holiday today, August 1, 2021. This holiday commemorates the signing of the Slavery Abolition Act in the UK on August 1, 1834. Prior to that, slavery had been a legal practice in the UK and UK colonies, including Canada, where it was a …
Black History Month
As we make our way into Black History Month, we have the opportunity to look back at both the accomplishments of the Black community and also how people of color have been treated over the years. While there is a lot to lament in our history, what is most distressing is how little appears to …
Black History Month Reflection
Black History is a time to reflect on the brilliance and accomplishments of our ancestors. It’s only though an understanding of the past that we can take strength from the journey, determination and resilience of our Black leaders. Whether it be the undisputed global scientific contributions of my relatives in ancient Khemit or the more recent …
True Entrepreneurial Spirit and Courage
As the recent winner of the 2016 Harry Jerome Business Award, Nadine Spencer, President and CEO of BrandEQ, continues to push boundaries both professionally and personally. Established by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) in 1983, the Harry Jerome Awards recognize and honour excellence in African Canadian achievement. The business category of this prestigious …
Staying Inside the Lines
At two a.m. on Saturday morning, I got a call from my daughter saying there had been a shooting incident at Yonge and Dundas Square, close to the upscale restaurant where she works. She and all the restaurant patrons were fine, but I didn’t even want to think of what could have happened if she …