Another exciting update is the expansion of services at the Tropicana employment centre. Through Employment Ontario, the centre, which primarily served youth, is now able to broaden its client base to include adults. Plus, each summer, Tropicana facilitates Summer Jobs for Youth, a provincial government program that provides job readiness, training and support with paid employment placements through July and August.

Premier Dalton McGuinty and his team hosted an Ethnic Media Reception on December 15 at the new Bram & Bluma Salon at the Toronto Public Library. Many local Liberal MPP’s, with the notable exception of Mike Colle of St Paul, attended while the Premier talked about the rich diversity of Ontario and the magic of family, paying special tribute to his own family of 12, including his father who was an MPP in the late ’80s.

For 28 precious days (sometimes 29), the roles of iconic figures like Lincoln Alexander, Liberty Silver and Donovan Bailey are examined and lauded. But for Mhairy McLachlan and Ricardo McRae, the founders of Whos WhoInBlackCanada.com, a single month of recognizing Black Canadians was simply not enough.

Terry James has seen the Toronto Police Force change considerably over the years and is proud to have been part of the evolution of the Force.

Dentist Anthony STERLING gives his community cause to flash those pearly whites.

The Evolution of Gospel Music kicks off Black History Month with a powerful stage production that journeys from the early days of Negro spirituals, through the turmoil of the ’60s, to today’s contemporary urban music scene.

The Black Daddies Club (BDC) was founded in 2007 by Brandon Hay in response to the lack of forums and spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues as well as the issues facing the Black Community as a whole.

Each week, Black Daddies Club members will contribute an article detailing their own personal experiences with fatherhood.

Week 6 – The writer prefers to stay anonymous.

For more than two decades, Farley Flex has been at the centre of Canada’s evolving music industry. But for Flex, fame means more than just being able to get a table at the hottest restaurant in town.

The organization’s biggest success has been its full-time youth employment program, Groundation. Based on the music-inspired “SKA” Principle – standing for skills, knowledge and awareness – the program mentors and even pays young artists.

Music can inspire greatness. Lyrics mixed with a beat and a melody captivate the mind, body and soul in a way that words alone cannot. And music is the tool that motivational speaker and singer Joy Foster uses to change lives.