People With Sway
GEORGE ELLIOTT CLARKE
POWERFUL BECAUSE...
George Elliott Clarke is many things: poet, writer, playwright, activist and English professor at the University of Toronto. His groundbreaking work explores and chronicles the experience and history of the black Canadian community of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 2001, he received the Governor General’s Award for poetry for his work, Execution Poem. His other distinctions include being honoured with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Fellowship Prize in 2006 and the Order of Nova Scotia in 2007.
POWER IS...
“Power is the ability to govern others. That is also my definition of equality — the equal opportunity to exercise power, to be in government and the head of government. I don’t believe so-called ‘visible minorities’ can consider ourselves to be equal until we can be the premiers, prime ministers and/or ambassadors to all of the nations in the world that Canada has relations with.” – J.S.
This season, makeup artists are having love affairs with colourful eyes, deeply shaded lips and gold-kissed cheekbones, perfect for dark-skinned beauties.
This spring, breathe new life into your hair with tips from celebrity hair stylist Amoy Pitters
Slice TV’s Tommy Europe shares his unique approach to fitness
In our fair city, designers of colour are leaving a trail of thimbles, straight pins and thread all over the fashion biz.
From promoting diverse models to a growing fashion movement
Ignored by mainstream fashion circles, African and Caribbean designers in Toronto are doing it on their own
Kendra Francis, head designer of Franke
Karen King
Ethiopian cuisine is heating up Toronto’s dining scene
Ask Xania
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, but are we still supporting a diverse range of music?
Singer Zaki Ibrahim is making a name for herself with her soulfully eclectic mélange of R&B, hip-hop and jazz
with Kim Davis
Author Nalo Hopkinson shares her extraordinary mind
In Living Well, author and TV host Montel Williams reveals secrets to a healthier lifestyle
Natasha Eloi lands the job of a lifetime with SpaceTV
Nikki M. James takes on a classic
Crosscurrents festival promotes innovative works for artists of colour
The buzz on the backlots
Amanda Brugel dishes about success, failure and the games people play to become famous
CHANGE MAKERS
As Ontario Minister of Health Promotion and MPP Scarborough–Guildwood, the Honorable Margarett Best is clearly powerful.
Jean Augustine is a political trailblazer.
When Michael Thompson wants to create change, he simply speaks up.
VISIONARIES
Austin Clarke is a literary giant in the Canadian and international arts world.
This has been a breakthrough year for Annemarie Morais, a talented film and television writer.
Royson James reaches millions of readers with his tempered, logical and insightful observations.
George Elliott Clarke is many things: poet, writer, playwright, activist and English professor at the University of Toronto.
REVOLUTIONARIES
To understand d’bi.young.anitafrika’s power, you have to see her perform.
Last year was a groundbreaking one for Toronto funny woman trey anthony.
Blacus Ninjah (born Atiba Camara-Laye Ralph), respected MC and recentlydubbed activist.
Poet and professor Lillian Allen links power to empowerment and participation.
ATHLETES
Akil Augustine gets excited when he talks about the young basketball talent bursting out of Toronto.
Ohenewa Akuffo became the youngest wrestler to win a Senior National Championship.
At age six, Torontonian Kevin Weekes decided he was going to be an NHL goalie.
Jamaal Magloire overcame the odds and entered the NBA as a first-round draft pick.
POWER BROKERS
Everyone likes Michael “Pinball” Clemons. It’s really hard not to.
As a young child in Barbados, Keith Forde knew he wanted to be a police officer.
As the vice-president of operations and marketing at FLOW 93.5, Nicole Jolly runs things.
ARTISTS
For Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based Amanda Brugel, 2008 promises to be a breakthrough year.
Jully Black has almost single handedly kept contemporary R&B alive in Canada.
Born Jason Harrow, rapper and Tdot ambassador Kardi will release the album Not 4 Sale on record label Konvict Muzik later in 2008.
Karen Burke heads two of the most prominent gospel choirs in Canada.
NEXT GENERATION
Karen Burke heads two of the most prominent gospel choirs in Canada.
Patricia Jaggernauth, or Patricia J, is a very busy young woman.
A rising dancer and choreographer, Fyffe has refused the lure of leaving Toronto for New York.
Kofi Hope has always used his voice to speak out.
Entrepreneur Jackie Halstead perfects her craft
Financial planner charts road map to clients’ success
Rosemary Sadlier and Dave Watkins push the boundaries of black education
Osgoode student receives first ever Harry Jerome Scholarship for black law students
Jazz legend follows the beat of a different drum
Female mentorship programs making a difference in Toronto
Does the diaspora open the door to African identity?
About Sway
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Alan A. Vernon
Director of Site Development and Online Operations
Leslie Andrachuk
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Ellen McManus