Ottawa Canada News - Black Ottawa Scene

05/01/2026

JAKU KONBIT BLACK JUSTICE NAVIGATOR PROGRAM IS TOP STORY BLACK OTTAWA SCENE MAY 2026

Good morning folks

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of Black Ottawa Scene and happy Mother's Day to all the biological mothers, step-mothers adoptive mothers and foster mothers, for the great job they do in caring and nurturing our children. Our Top Story for the month is the launch of the Jaku Konbit Black Justice Navigator Program geared to supporting members of our community who find themselves in the criminal justice system.

Read all about it at: http://www.blackottawascene.com.

OTHER NEWS
TIFF President Cameron Bailey appointed to Prime Minister's Advisory Council on Canada-US Relations
Canada announces new support to address humanitarian crisis in Sudan
Councillor Rawlson King: Newsletter 24 April 2026

Ottawa Public Health
Why Reducing Food Waste Matters
Prepared Together: Community, Connection, and Emergency Preparedness

In the spotlight with Kwaku
Dr. Andy Kusi-Appiah: Water, Power, and Survival: What Our Streams Reveal About Justice

Guest columnists
Suzette Small-Weekes: Coming Home to Yourself: Rebuilding Self-Trust After Disconnection
Cal Lawrence: Security Guards - bullet catchers at minimum wage

Special features
Sustainable ways your job skills can make a positive difference
Top tips to manage arthritis-related morning stiffness
Ottawa Police Service: Combatting auto theft with Équité Association

Religion
Rev Dan Joseph Daniel: May your faith help you living in the spirit

Here is the result of the April 2026 poll: Have you had enough of winter? Yes 100% No 0% Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the May 2026 poll: Do you support Prime Minister Mark Carney's measures to protect Canadians from US tariffs?

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and enjoyable summer.



Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond
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04/05/2026

MOTHERS' DAY TRIBUTES MAY 2026 EDITION BLACK OTTAWA SCENE
Please circulate widely.

Mothers' Day tributes - Black Ottawa Scene May 2026 edition

Sunday 10 May, 2026 is Mothers' Day in Canada, and Black Ottawa Scene invites you to join us in our annual salute to our mothers in the May 2026 edition. Send us a short write-up about your mum including her picture.

Join us in celebrating all those wonderful women involved in raising and nurturing you; that includes biological mothers, step-mothers, and foster mothers.
Please remember to include include a pic of your mum. If she is deceased, let us know, so we can join you in honouring her memory.

Your mum does not have to reside in Canada, tell us about her anyway.

We will publish all articles received by the deadline of 20 April, 2026. Maximum 800 words, please.

Send your submission to: [email protected].

Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond

Black History Carleton University’s School of Social Work honours Jaqueline Lawrence and Adrienne Coddette Black candidates Federal elections NDP candidates: 28 April 2025 Federal Election People making a difference Toni...

04/01/2026

Carleton University Black History Month is Top Story April 2026

Good morning all

Welcome to the April 2026 edition of Black Ottawa Scene. Our Top Story is the Carleton University Social Work celebration of Black History Month. Read all about it and more at www.blackottawascene.com.

OTHER NEWS
Global Community Alliance ends Black History Month with entertaining gala
Kika Otiono receives prestigious award
Jephtée Elysée appointed President and CEO of CÉSOC
African Day On The Hill Black History Month celebrated with pomp and pageantry
Black History Ottawa's commemorative hockey game honours Coloured Hockey League
Ottawa celebrates Ghana's 69th Independence Day anniversary

In the spotlight with Kwaku
Andy Kusi-Appiah: Lessons from the Kurukan Fuga for a Climate-Challenged World

Building Resilient Careers
Dr. Helen Ofosu: Neurodiversity in the AI-Enabled Workplace

Religion
Rev Daniel-Joseph Daniel: Putting Prayer into Practice

Guest columnist
Suzette Small-Weekes: The Power of Small Circles

Ketcia's Corner
Ketcia Peters: The Future of Work: Adapting to a World That Won’t Wait

All about seniors
Seniors, protect your smiles this Oral Health Month

Newsletter
Councillor Rawlson King's newsletter 27 March 2026

Special features
8 sustainable careers young people should consider
Why early conversations matter in serious illness
Talk with your teen about substance use
Get set for financial wellness this tax season
Ottawa Police Service: Online Reporting for Non-Emergency Incidents Now Easier and More Accessible

Here is the result of our March 2026 poll: Were you satisfied with Canada's performance at the recently concluded Winter Olympics? Yes 100% No 0%. Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the April 2026 poll: Have you had enough of this winter?

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best for the rest of the season.

Godwin Ifedi

Editor

Black Ottawa Scene

Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital and beyond.

03/01/2026

LAUNCH OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS TOP STORY BLACK OTTAWA SCENE MARCH 2026

Good morning folks

Welcome to the March 2026 edition of Black Ottawa Scene. Our Top Story for this month is the Black History Month Launch in Ottawa on Sunday 1 February 2026. Read all about it and more at: http://www.blackottawascene.com

NEWS
Government of Canada Marks 30 Years of Black History Month
CADHO celebrates Black History Month with seniors

Angels Foundation celebrates Black History Month with cultural extravaganza

Ottawa YMCA hosts Black History Month celebration

Chinyere Eni receives prestigious Executive Leaders' award

Jean Augustine Named Recipient of the 2026 Pearson Laureate Award

Black History Month at Telfer: more than a moment

Black History Month: Air Canada Celebrates Black Youth Journeys

In the spotlight with Kwaku

Kusi-Appiah: Cultivating Cultural Infrastructure for Environmental Stewardship

Book Review

Ifeoma Chinwuba: We Inherit the Fire

Columnists

Hector Addison: Faith, resilience, creativity, and excellence are hallmarks of Black History Month
Dave Tulloch: The Evolution of Ottawa’s Black Businesses
Ifeayolu Hyacinth: The Africa opportunity Canada keeps missing
Waheed Khan: Black History Month, a time to reflect on Canadian History!

Religion
Rev Daniel Joseph: Holiness and Integrity

Your Health
Ottawa Public Health: Nourish to Flourish: Eating for Strong Bones and Teeth
The truth about palliative care

Special features
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC): Two Years On: Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Policing

Obituary
In memory of Taiye Philomena Orobor

Here is the result of the February 2026 poll: Are you keeping up with your new year resolutions Yes 66% No 34% Thank you to all who voted

Remember to vote in the March 2026 poll: Were you satisfied with Canada's performance at the recently concluded Winter Olympics?

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy month of March.

Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

02/01/2026

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY IS TOP STORY FEBRUARY 2026 EDITION

Good morning all
Happy Black History Month! As many of you may know, in 1995, the Government of Canada declared the month of February as Black History Month to celebrate the contribution of Canadians of African descent to the Canadian mosaic. This afternoon, Black History Ottawa kicks off the celebrations with the Opening ceremony, with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe reading the city's Proclamation of February 2026 as Black History Month. We hope as many of you as possible would be able to attend the various events organized in honour of this important celebration of our heritage.

Our Top Story this month is the city's celebration of the Martin Luther King Junior Day, in honor of the civil rights icon, the late revered Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.
Read all about it and more at: www.blackottawascene.com.

NEWS

Black History Month bus mural “Pride of Dreams”
Citizenship ceremony held on Parliament Hill
Black History Month Appreciation Night with the Ottawa Senators
Canada Post to honour Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and Muzion
CADHO Wellness Circle highlights elder abuse
Ottawa celebrates 2025 Kwanzaa
Alex Ikejiani appointed Deputy Minister in Nova Scotia

In the spotlight with Kusi-Appiah
Dr. Andy Kusi-Appiah: Land, Memory, & Resistance

Guest Columnists
Dave Tulloch: Ottawa's Black History
Carol Daley-Campbell: Charina Betty- An example to our youth

Special features
Tips for Safe Driving for Older Adults
Sleep smarter in 2026: Resolutions for more restful nights

Here is the result of the January 2026 poll: Do you take part in winter sports? Yes 0% No 100% Thank you to all who voted.
Remember to vote in the February 2026 poll: Are you keeping up with your new year resolutions?
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful month of November.

--
Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond

01/01/2026

CYNTHIA CAMPBELL IS TOP STORY BLACK OTTAWA SCENE JANUARY 2026

Good morning folks

We are excited that 2026 marks the 13th year of the operation of your favourite news magazine. It's thanks to the readers and advertisers that we have been able to keep this medium going for so long with the very few resources that we have. Thank you and thank you!

Our Top Story for January 2026 is the special tribute to the late Cynthia Oreggio Campbell, mother of iconic community leader Ken Campbell.
Read all about it and more at: www.blackottawascene.com.

NEWS

OCISO receives Alfonso Garcia Robles award

ANCHOR Highlighted in City’s New Public Safety Action Plan

Kenyan High Commission celebrates Jamhuri Day

Upstream Ottawa marks 40 Years of service

Omofuma Association celebrates Christmas in style

CADHO's Christmas party - a celebration of joy and comradeship

In the spotlight with Kwaku

Andy Kusi-Appiah: Volunteering for the environment

Obituaries

In memory of Hazel Pompey

In memory of Beverly Denaise Brown

Special features

Tips for raising a media-smart family

Ottawa Public Health: Move, Sleep, and Socialize Your Way to Better Health

5 questions to ask your doctor about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Snow removal safety tips for seniors

Here is the result of the December 2025 poll: Do you plan to make a donation to a charitable organization during the Christmas season? Yes 100% No 0%

Remember to take part in January 2026 poll: Do you take part in winter sports e.g. skating, skiing etc.?

All the best for the month of January 2026

Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond,

12/01/2025

Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors' Club is Top Story December 2025 edition
Good morning folks
Our Top Story for the December 2025 edition of Black Ottawa Scene is the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors' Xmas party held on 28 November, an afternoon of music, joy and comradeship. Read all about it and more at: www.blackottawascene.com.

NEWS

St. Vincent & Grenadines Association celebrates 46th Independence with gala
Against All Odds - Black community celebrates Remembrance Day
Aging Well in Ottawa: Health Fair Brings Community and Care Together
The Canadian Armed Forces’ Apology for Racial Discrimination and Harassment
Black Veterans honoured at Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa
Magdalene Cooman appointed OLIP Executive Director
Dr. Konneh visits Carleton University, invokes the power of Ubuntu
Sophia Jacob receives Algonquin College Alumni award
Carl Marshall - Brampton seniors' advocate's legacy of success
Camille Kamanze appointed Diversity Officer Ottawa Police Service
Jamaican-Canadians rally to send relief after Hurricane Melissa devastates island
CADHO Wellness Circle addresses Black seniors' Men's health
3 EES & Friends showcase innovative educational materials at Fab Fest
Omofuma Association showcases African food at Fab Fest

In the spotlight with Kwaku
Kwaku Kusi-Appiah: Succession Challenges in African and Caribbean Community Associations in Ottawa: A Path Forward.

Profile
Dave Tulloch: Profile of Dr. Doris Kakuru, Ph.D.

Guest columnists
Calvin Lawrence: Reflections on the class-action lawsuit by Black civil servants
Andy Kusi-Appiah: Welcome to the Homo Uberitis Era

Special features
MP Yasir Naqvi: Budget 2025: Build, Protect, Empower
Protect yourself against fraud while shopping online
Tips for raising a media-smart family

Here is the result of the November 2025 poll: Do you feel Canadian banks are doing enough to protect seniors from fraud? Yes 100% No 0%
Remember to vote in the December poll: Do you plena to make a donation to a charitable organization during the Christmas season?

Wishing you and your loved ones the best of the yuletide season


--
Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond
--

11/01/2025

First Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture is Top Story November 2025
Good morning all

Our Top Story for the November 2025 edition of Black Ottawa Scene is the First Mary Ann Shadd Cary Lecture, a celebration of Black Journalism held at Carleton University.
Read all about it and more at: http://www.blackottawascene.com

Other News

Old Hollywood Glamour Meets Purpose at Rocena Kidney Foundation Gala
Ammoye electrifies Shenkman Arts Centre with a night of soul and spirit
Ken Campbell conferred with Order of Ottawa
CADHO Wellness Circle promotes seniors' health
Restore Medical Clinics reopens to bridge health gaps for Ottawa’s Black community
Voices for Justice: Team ESS Stands in solidarity with Congo Week in Ottawa
Suzanne Obiorah conferred with Order of Ottawa
Ottawa Police Service launches first Mobile Crisis Response Team

People making a difference
Donalda MacIsaac – A Woman of Substance

Special features
How seniors can avoid scams
Ottawa Public Health: Food insecurity on the rise in Ottawa - "Black and Indigenous communities continue to be disproportionately affected"
Ottawa Public Health: Falls Are Preventable: Here Are Steps You Can Take

In the spotlight with Kwaku
Kwaku Kusi-Appiah: “Diligence in Stewardship: Lessons from Ants for Environmental Justice.”

Religion
Rev Dan Joseph: The Law of Association

Guest columnist
Cal Lawrence: Reflections on Black identity in Canada and beyond

Letters from Readers
Abdirizak Mohamud: Unequal coverage of hate crimes in Ottawa

Obituary
Celebrating the life of Ernest Akyeampong

Here is the result of the October 2025 poll: Do you support Ontario Premier Doug Ford's plan to abolish road security cameras? Yes 0% No 100% Thank you to all who voted.
Be sure to vote in the November 2025 poll: Do you feel Canadian banks are doing enough to protect seniors from financial fraud?

Wishing you and your loved ones an enjoyable month of November.

--
Godwin Ifedi
Editor
Black Ottawa Scene
Web: www.blackottawascene.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Our Canadian story: Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital region and beyond

10/01/2025

SENIORS' MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR IS TOP STORY OCTOBER 2025 EDITION
Good morning all
Today 1 October 2025 is National Seniors' Day. In celebration of this unique event, Black Ottawa Scene is publishing a number of articles focused on older adults. First off is our Top Story, a report of the seniors' mental health seminar hosted by the Ottawa Golden Oldies Seniors' Club and the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization.

Other featured articles on seniors
Celebrating National Seniors' Day 1 October 2025
Keynote speech by Dr. Gerd Schneider, Medical Director, Glebe Centre: Ageing and Mental Health
Panel presentation by Carleton University researcher, Dr. Cassandra Morrison: Preventing dementia across the lifespan
Andy Kusi-Appiah and Sarah Onyango: The vital role of Black Seniors in Ottawa’s development
Four great reasons to come out of retirement.
They call us "The Elderly"
Don’t retire from life, retire from inaction


Read all about these and more at: http://www.blackottawascene.com

News
Book launch: Echoes of the Environment: A Celebration of Poetry, Justice & Community
Orléans Embraces Diversity at Multicultural Festival
MP Yasir Naqvi hosts annual basketball competition
Trinidad & Tobago Association celebrates 63rd independence anniversary
First Jollof festival draws hundreds of fans to Andy Hayden Park
Ottawa African Festival: A Celebration of Heritage, Unity, and Community

Book review
Calvin Lawrence: The Blacks of New Brunswick

Obituary
Obituary Senator Donald Oliver

Guest columnist
MP Yasir Naqvi: Building Together: Budget 2025 and the Work Ahead

Special feature
Black Canadian youth face barriers to mental health care access - Study
Here is the result of the September 2025 poll: In light of U.S. President Trump's punitive tariffs against Canada, do you now make very effort to purchase Canadian-made goods, products and services? Yes 60% No 40%. Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the October 2025 poll: Do you support Ontario Premier Doug Ford's plan to abolish road security cameras?

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful fall season.

Godwin Ifedi, Editor,
Black Ottawa Scene,
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.blackottawascene.com

Our Canadian Story: Showcasing and celebrating African-Canadians in the National Capital region and beyond.

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09/01/2025

Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train is Top Story September 2025 edition

Good morning folks
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Black Ottawa Scene. Our Top Story for the month is: "Ottawans ride "Underground Freedom Train" to mark Emancipation Day. For this and other stories, visit: www.blackottawascene.com

News
Ottawa seniors enjoy day trip to Kingston
Dapo Agoro Fun Day celebrates life of fallen hero
Outstanding seniors honoured at Flo's Seniors gala
Jamaicans celebrate 63rd Independence anniversary
Ketcia Peters attends UN Human Rights Summit
Lukasa Library on Black history launched in Ottawa
Kimberly Dixon appointed Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's director of education
Marking Freedom: Emancipation Day at Upper Canada Village Honours Black History and Legacy
CWCLN launches digital hub on Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice
Black Canadian Scholarship Fund announces 2025 award winners
Angel's Foundation provides essential supplies to newcomers
Omofuma Association hosts picnic for Ottawa seniors
Dr. Abdurrahman installed as Ontario Medical Association’s President

In the spotlight with Kwaku
Kusi-Appiah: Richard Wagamese and the Black Canadian experience

Guest columnist
MP Yasir Naqvi: Budget 2025: Share Your Priorities

Newsletter
Councillor Rawlson King's newsletter 29 August 2025

Your health
Ottawa Public Health: GetaKit - Testing for Sexually Transmitted and Bloodborne Infections

Obituaries
In memory of Lillie Johnson
A Tribute to Our Brother, Lee Theodore

Diaspora News
New wave of African pride rises in the Caribbean

Entertainment review
Josiah: Powerful one-man play brings a Canadian hero’s story to life

Building Resilient careers
Midlife career change: Where can you take your skills?

Here is the result of the August 2025 poll: Do you support Canada's decision to recognize a Palestinian state? Yes 67% No 33% Thank you to all who voted. Remember to vote in the September 2025 poll: In light of U.S. President Trump's punitive tariffs against Canada, do you now make very effort to purchase Canadian-made goods, products and services?

Wishing you and your loved ones an enjoyable and peaceful month of September.

Godwin Ifedi, Editor

Black Ottawa Scene

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.blackottawascene.com

Showcasing and celebrating African Canadians in the national capital and beyond