Melanistic Magazine Vol. 1

PUBLISHING PARTNERS

Editorial Lead Taneya Rogers

Marketing NiLo Adinkrahene

Public Relations: Robert Tyndale

Community Engagement Nigel Williams

Creative Director JoAnne Pearce

Publisher Greg Davis

MELANISTIC CONTRIBUTORS

Cover Image Audrey French

Issue Partner The Front Gallery, Edmonton

Style has come North

Editors' Welcome

I am the granddaughter of Matilda Rogers. This descriptor feels most relevant as my love for storytelling, literature and writing are her legacy. I am Trinidadian, which essentially makes me bilingual; more truthfully, my heritage strongly influences my perspectives.

The Melanistic platform speaks for the diaspora while bridging cultures. This duality also captures the core of who I am and what I hope to share with our audience.

Welcome to volume 1 of Melanistic, YEG’s latest urban lifestyle magazine. Our goal is in each issue to tell a story of Edmonton through the eyes of the black community, one volume at a time. I would like to thank everyone who has helped to get this platform of the ground, making it possible for us to finally change the game.

save the date

a night of motown afroquiz

When: MARCH 5, 2020

Where: JUBILEE AUDITORIUM

Featuring: TERRELL EDWARDS

An evening of classics, taking us back to one of the most memorable times in music history. This musical tour will not only be celebrating the sounds of Motown but will also raise money in support of the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Greg's Favorite FIVE Motown Classics:

5) Midnight Train to Georgia

Gladys Knight & the Pips

4) My Girl The Temptations

3) ABC - The Jackson 5

2) Superstition - Stevie Wonder

1) Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

When: FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Where: CITADEL THEATRE

The names of those who affect history become legends as we retell their stories to each generation. The 28th annual AfroQuiz is a brilliant tool to engage our youth in the learning and celebration of global influencers of African and Caribbean descent. This ‘Jeopardy-style’ platform invites 50 youths, to participate in their respective age groups, once they have swotted the study material.

“We spend time as a family studying and learning togetherso much of the information I don't know. It was very interesting to have frank and meaningful conversations around race, accomplishment and resilience, even with very young kids".

EDMONTON’S LEADING NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

In the Know 2k19

be in the know

PHEW 2019. We made it though! Here are the highlights that you didn’t want to miss:

2019 was the first time Miss USA, Miss America, Miss World and Miss Universe are NHL Partners with RISE to create policy for a more equitable work environment.

2019 year of the Return to Ghana saw millions of people return to Ghana, some for tourism, some permanently.

The Color Purple took the Citadel and Canada by storm, with Jesse Lipscombe touring Canada with this incredible cast and

Comedian Sterling Scott wins one of America’s Most Prestigious Comedy Competitions (San Francisco Comedy Competition); catch him on the Just For Laugh’s

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce launched in Spring 2019 with the goal of supporting the black entrepreneurial spirit. Look out for the Edmonton chapter to get rolling in 2020

In 2019 we said goodbye to Nipsey Hussle, John Singleton, James Ingram, Toni Morrison and Canadian broadcaster Fitzroy Gordon- the founder of 98.7fm in Toronto.

Top 5 Black Movie Soundtracks of all time

Naturally when asked to come up with the Top 5 Black movie soundtracks of all time I was sure it would be easy. In fact, I quickly rattled off five soundtracks without a second thought, with a grin on my face. The grin faded quickly though as a flood of soundtracks rushed into my mind, all undeniable in impact and their genius. Not so easy after all. How did I break it all down

to make sense? First, I disqualified any soundtracks that featured only one artist, so bye to some all-time greats like The Bodyguard, “Purple Rain” and “Shaft” plus “Hustle & Flow”. Secondly, I gave a higher rating to soundtracks that transcended time, genres and culture. Lastly, I also tried to choose soundtracks from different eras and with that I give you:

THE WIZ (1978)

Produced and curated by the talented Dev Haynes. This pick perfectly encapsulates the soundtracks of the Black Hollywood renaissance.

WILD STYLE (1982)

Grandmaster Caz, Cold Crush Brothers and Kevie Kev made this the first Hip Hop Movie Soundtrack and arguably the most sampled album in Hip Hop.

Mabel King, Lena Horn, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross made this sensational musical and soundtrack and it is an essential staple in any collection.

BELLY (1998)

The Belly Soundtrack had all the heavy Hip Hop hitters of the day, R&B crooners AND Reggae hits. Undeniable classic.

LOVE AND BASKETBALL (2000)

Chaka Khan, Al Green, Guy, Pre-Fergie Black Eyed Peas and Angie Stone make this the quintessential album that came at a time when movies like “The Wood”, “Best Man”, and “Brown Sugar” would be peak Neo Soul.

HISTORY Black Month

and educational forums throughout Edmonton allowing you to select your best-fit for engagement.

The line defined the trigger for my growing appreciation of ‘Black History Month’. Having been raised in a predominantly Black society, I had not previously encountered such an urge to have ‘my history’ clearly defined and celebrated, until readjusting to life as a minority.

The month of February presents an open invitation to share the stories of pioneers and milestones within the Black community that have affected society as a whole. These accounts are retold through various art forms

Black History reaches beyond stories of Harriet Tubman or the establishment of Africville and each narrative weaves into our current affairs in ways that often escape us. The very existence of such an eclectic, melanin-rich diaspora in Alberta is an extension of a tapestry – stories of successes, struggles and roads-less-travelled. How does each story connect? Who are the unsung heroes within your community that have created paths of access and set standards of excellence? How far can you delve into tracing your own story?

This Black History Month I dare you to explore!

“I feel most coloured when thrown against a stark white background”, penned

Zora Neale Hurston*

BLACK PEOPLE IN HISTORY: Warren Moon

Before the rise of names such as Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson, there was one individual who broke the mold and a mind-boggling stereotype in football at the time; that player was the Eskimos’ Warren Moon.

Many football fans are familiar with the legacy of Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Famer and at the time of his retirement, the holder of several alltime records. Though his run in the NFL was phenomenal, this black history month we cannot forget where it all started - right here in Edmonton, with our beloved Eskimos.

In the late 1970’s the NFL took the stance that black players simply lacked skill, intellect and awareness needed to play quarterback. The Edmonton Eskimos and the CFL had no such issues and in 1978 fresh of a Pac 8 Title, Rose Bowl win and MVP college season, Warren Moon found himself in Edmonton and on his way to leading one of most dominant dynasties in all North American sports. Five consecutive Grey Cups in six seasons, paving the way for football as we know it today.

“It just shows a lot about the Canadian Football League and the Canadian people. They are just looking for people who are doing the best jobs and that’s all they look at.’’ – Warren Moon

Images from:

The Colour Purple

The Butler

Love & Basketball

Queen & Slim

Coming to America

12 Years A Slave

five one

artists

2014 Oscar Award, 12 Years a Slave

"When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."

Lupita Nyong'o

filmnoir the reel

The magic of storytelling has long been engrained within Black culture. Our rich folklores with tales of characters such as Anansi, the dynamics of our spoken word to the vibrancy of our music and theatre, stand as testaments to the channels our ancestors have created through which our culture, history and traditions can be enshrined and transmitted across generations.

The theme of this year’s 5 Artists 1 Love is The Reel Film Noir, which promises to take us on a journey through the evolution of Black talent and stories in film, because really, what is a film if not the art of storytelling birthed through technology, performers and solid stories.

Since the 1930s, Black real estate in the film industry has slowly expanded. Creators like Spike Lee have repeatedly reeled us into his imagination through a very Black lens. Film has helped us to fashion heroes such as Shaft and allowed us to walk alongside real-life heroes like Malcom X. We found new reasons to fall in love with musicians we already worshiped like Prince; and their soundtracks have carried us through every meaningful life event.

5 ARTISTS 1 LOVE 2020

Music Event ART SHOWCASE

When: SAT, FEBRUARY 1

7PM – 10PM MST

Where: ALLARD HALL

11110 104 AVENUE NW

In selecting this year’s theme, curator, Darren Jordan confesses his choice was, “A self indulgent guilty pleasure; I love film and see it as a clear example of where we as Black people were marginalized but took bold steps to take agency in an uneven playing field.”

ARTISTS ON SHOW

When: JANUARY 29MARCH 8

Where: VARIOUS GALLERIES

This year 5 Artist 1 Love continues to increase its footprint on Edmonton’s visual arts community with the addition of new exhibition partners. Jakes Framing joins the Art Gallery of Alberta and Scott Gallery to host a monthlong showcase of visual works during Black History Month.

SHOWCASE LOCATIONS

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

youraga.ca

scott gallery

scottgallery.com

jakes framing

jakesframing.com

HOME OWNERSHIP

Are you considering becoming a homeowner? The first step is assessing whether you will be paying cash or obtaining a loan. The loan approval process provides vital insight:

*IMPORTANT… Testimonials are one of the best gauges for finding the right lender for you. There are no obligations, hassles or pressure when approaching a lender.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to have you home shopping like a pro!

1 2 3 4

Follow me on IG @ Hardbodyrealtor

www.errolscott.com

Once you have established what monthly payment best fits your budget, the lender can use this detail guide your price point when shopping.

Even if you have amazing credit, a perceptive lender can provide tips and strategies, further improving your rating and potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the future.

If for some reason you do not qualify to buy, they can educate you on exactly what you need to do to get yourself in a position to purchase.

Getting that “Pre-Approval” once you are ready to put an offer in on a house can ensure that you are not setting yourself up for disappointment.

TO MY YOUNG, ENTREPREN EU RS BLACK

Those of you who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s may be familiar with the underground stylings of Prodigy, recalling his classic track, Y.B.E- “To My Young Black Entrepreneurs … get money… get rich… get paid”. We take a moment in this issue to showcase some of the young up-and-coming future leaders in our business community. Each candidate is making waves across

various industries, locally, regionally and even globally; each is leading the charge in creating greater diversity in fields that are often underrepresented by people of colour.

We celebrate the strides made by our moguls and encourage you, our readers, to show some support to our 2020 Young Black Entrepreneurs of Edmonton.

Cherelle George

Cherelle George boasts of her Trinidadian heritage. She believes in multiple sources of income but ensures a congruent fit. SocaFit started out as a recreational Caribbean fitness class and now has expanded to an in-school residency dance educational program with a Caribbean focus: S.O.C.A- School of Caribbean Ancestors.

When choosing a cocktail to describe her personality, she quickly gravitated to a Mojito! “The result of my liquor personality test supported my choice. ‘You've been told that you are refreshing to be around. There is an infectious effervescence to your personality.’ Sounds pretty accurate.”

Cherelle credits her agility as her greatest entrepreneurial asset; an ability to ‘Assess and Adjust’ to simply make it work.

Mukai Maromo

A proud Zimbabwean, Mukai Maromo is a Marketing Consultant with a penchant for event planning, production and promotion. He is also founder of Sparq Media & Edmonton Combat League and former professional Muay Thai and MMA fighter.

When speaking of his musical motivation, Mukai divulged his preferences: “Rap/Hip Hop and Dancehall Reggae from the 90’s and early 2000’s primarily but I’ll admit, some of today’s Trap music gets me FIRED all the way up.”

In line with his sporty career, Mukai thinks the fast pace of snowboarding would be an interesting challenge for his athletic abilities.

mukai@edmontoncombatleague.com

zoenare80@absafaris.ca

Zoe Nare

Je te présente Zoe Nare, a native to Zimbabwe/South Africa. The founder/ CEO of Authentic Backyard Safaris, a locally based travel agency specializing in Exotic Destinations. All-inclusive Safaris are tailored to connect you with nature and bring out the adventurer in you.

In her travels, Tanzania has captured her heart; “I feel at peace there, the warm people, culture and the food is amazing. The dramatic life in the bush is an experience I cannot compare to any other destination. The phenomenal sunsets; the remoteness of the camps; no internet; walk bare feet to feel the soil; I connect with nature, I feel very much alive in the wild”

Locally, spending time overlooking the waters at River Valley tends to feed her with fresh ideas.

nilo

NiLo is Guyanese through and through. She considers herself a culture carver, curates events in her Afro-centered space, Afrodisiac Loft and specializes in Afro-textured hair and melanated skin care with her brand Afrodisiac Natural Hair. NiLo is also an author, co-hosts The Black Multiverse Theory Podcast and performs with the band, Bliss.

Adrien Louden who paints images with Natural Hair and Afros around Edmonton inspires her. His work triggers her to think about the visual aspect of inclusion and normalizing Black images.

In investigating unexplored talents, NiLo revealed, “I would love to take vocal lessons, as well as guitar lessons. Being in the band really makes me want to develop it. I also think my music knowledge is diverse and would love to learn how to DJ.”

contact

Afrodisiac Natural Shop 11445 124st NW unit 211 780-964-7117

Babafunso Alakija

Meet Babafunso Alakija, a Nigerian British Canadian who owns and manages a consulting company that engages in licensing and distribution of luxury hospitality products globally, including fine spirits, nutritional supplements and mobile gaming applications.

A firm believer in self-care, Baba acknowledges that he may fall silent, needing time to organize and gestate all the ideas in his busy mind after a particularly stressful day. He finds that his optimism serves him best: “I go into every business opportunity with a zest for all the potential greatness said meeting could bring. Sure, some could argue that this is as much of a vice as it is a virtue, but I feel this optimism is what carries me through the tough times.”

contact

baba@stoicconsultinginc.com

resources

dining services

Island Grill 15203 Stony Plain Rd

Edmonton, AB, T5P 3Y4 islandgrillalberta.com

Langano Skies Ethiopian Restaurant

9920 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 1Y9 780-432-3334

langanoskies.com

Sunset Reggae Kitchen 15608 103 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5P 0P3 780-540-1200

sunset-reggae-kitchen.com

retail

Bamboo Ballroom

8206 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 2A2

780-439-1363 bambooballroom.ca

Kasoa Tropical Food Market Ltd 9340 118 Avenue

Edmonton, AB, T5G 0N6

780-328-1751

kasoatropicalfood.com

Londonderry Mall

1-Londonderry Mall NW Edmonton, AB, T5C 3C8 londonderrymall.com

Mama Afro Beauty Supply 9323 118 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB, T5G 0N3

780-477-8511

AB Safaris Inc 10508 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0W2 403-594-1112 absafaris.ca

Afrodisiac Natural Shop 11445 124 St Unit 211, Edmonton, AB, T5M 0K4 780-964-7117

Find them on Facebook

Audrey French Photography audreynfrench@gmail.com

Errol Scott Realty Group

Full Time & Full-Service Real Estate Professional delivering world-class service and doing whatever it takes to make my Clients' Real Estate Goals & Dreams become a reality!

Contact: Errol Scott 780-271-1114

info@errolscott.com

Legacy Barbershop & Salon 8930 Jasper Ave

Edmonton, AB, T5H 4E9 587-928-2840

Nigel The Emcee

780-903-9905

blackmultiversepod@gmail.com

SP Events

jasmine@spevents.ca spevents.ca

Socafit info@socafit.ca socafit.ca

CSN Burton's Autobody

12545 71 St NW

Edmonton, AB, T5B 1Y5 Phone: (780) 471-3085"

Leaks Basement & WaterproofingFoundation repairs and Window-well installations

780-240-9463

leaksbasements.inc@gmail.com

Sterling Real Estate Planning to buy a home in Edmonton or the surrounding areas? We’re here to assist you with making your dream reality!

Contact: Janelle Austin

11155-65 Street

Edmonton, AB, T5W 4K2

C: 780-995-4830

O: 780-406-0099

www.bestedmontonrealestate. com

SMRT Health Center 14256 23 Ave NW

Edmonton, AB T6R 3B9

780-705-0450

smrthealth.com

Version Me Media

10359 104 St NW #203

780-233-4101

versionmemedia.com

What does it take to change the world? Determination, education, and never forgetting who you are.

TD Black History Month Series

Black History is being shaped by millions of stories every day. This February, join us in celebrating Black stories that shape Canada, as we work to build a more inclusive tomorrow.

Find an event near you: td.com/blackhistorymonthseries