Shirley Romany: A Pioneer of Edmonton’s Haircare Industry and Community Builder When Shirley Romany arrived in Edmonton from Trinidad and Tobago in 1963, she brought with her not just the skills of a trained hairstylist but also the determination and vision to carve a unique path. Born into a large single-parent family, Romany’s journey to […]
Celebrating Excellence: NBCC Edmonton Awards of Excellence 2026 Each year, the National Black Coalition of Canada (NBCC) Edmonton chapter brings the community together to celebrate leadership, achievement, and the powerful contributions of Black individuals and organizations across Alberta. One of the organization’s most respected traditions is the Awards of Excellence, an annual program that has […]
Driven by a deep commitment to service and representation, Jan Gillet entered public life to help make her city “the best it could be, for everyone.” She believes that leadership should reflect the community it serves: “Representation matters. When people see themselves in leadership, they know their voices and lived experiences are valued.” Inspired by […]
Born out of necessity because we’re talking 20 years ago when Black history month came up or in general – i just did not see meaningful representation – not in galleries or doing their own shows or not on a level. There were some artists but no structure. My vision was to create a platform […]
A Legacy of Leadership, Education, and Community Service We celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Rosalind Smith a trailblazing educator, leader, and community advocate whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Raised by loving parents who nurtured her curiosity and generosity, Rosalind carried those values throughout her life. Her friendships and professional relationships […]
Jeanne Lehman: Championing Community and Honored with the Order of Canada In December 2024, Jeanne Lehman made history as the first Afro-francophone recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada in Alberta. This recognition celebrates her tireless dedication to fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and building stronger communities across Western Canada Originally from Cameroon, Jeanne immigrated to […]
How to Donate to Hurricane Melissa Relief and Receive Your Tax Receipt In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, communities are coming together to help families rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and hope. Through our partnership with the Afr0-Caribbean Food Bank, you can make a secure online donation that directly supports recovery efforts […]
When a hurricane hits, communities often lose homes, food supplies, clean water, and access to basic essentials. Donating to hurricane relief helps provide immediate support and long-term recovery for families affected. There are two main ways to help: Monetary DonationsGiving money allows relief organizations to respond quickly and purchase exactly what is needed on the […]
Recommended Non-Perishable Items (Based on ODPEM Guidelines) If you feel compelled to donate, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) recommends the following non-perishable items: Food Items: Canned goods (meats, fish, vegetables, fruits) Dried foods (rice, beans, pasta, oats) Powdered milk and infant formula Peanut butter and crackers Energy bars and granola bars […]
At just 18 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma cancer. But in many ways, my cancer journey began long before that. I was born with a congenital nevus — a large birthmark covering most of my left breast. From a young age, I knew there was a risk of cancer, but it […]