My Cancer Journey to Wellness – The Akeema Smith Story

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…
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A Face to Remember – Viola Desmond

A Face to Remember Viola Desmond and Her Lasting Role in Canada’s Civil Rights Movement Some people make history in their lifetime. Others, like Viola Desmond, continue making headlines long after they are gone. In 1946, Desmond found…

Bridge to Work

Bridge to Work: Helping Newcomers Launch Careers in Child Care Finding work in your trained profession can be a challenge for newcomers to Canada. The YMCA of Northern Alberta’s Bridge to Work program is designed to close that gap for internationally…

James Clarke: A Force in Canadian Jazz

Born in Sherwood Park -  pianist James Clarke is one of Alberta’s most exciting jazz artists. A graduate of MacEwan University’s Jazz Performance program and now in his second year at McGill University in Montréal, Clarke combines a…
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Kelise Williams – When the prize is the journey

I'm Kelise Williams, founder of UpRow, and I firmly believe that 'the journey is the prize.' My transition from a daunting start in Canada, to creating an innovative platform epitomizes this belief. When my family moved from Trinidad and…

Don’t be mean to Grandma!

By Noreen Sibanda – BA Psychology/MSc-Counselling Psychology In a recent engagement with Black elders, respectfully referred to as “seniors,” I found myself contemplating the concept of elder abuse within our community. It became…

Statistics Canada study on Black-owned businesses suggests systemic challenges hold them back

The number of Black-owned enterprises in Canada is growing, but still represent a tiny fraction of the country's business landscape, and they tend to be smaller and less profitable than other businesses. Those are some of the main takeaways…

Dorothy Drummond

It is with heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of their dear mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, Dorothy on February 20, 2022 in Edmonton, AB at the age of 88. Dorothy will be sadly missed and forever remembered…

Reflections on a First Year of ELITE Program for Black Youth Programming

Author: Tom Ndekezi The ELITE Program for Black completes its first year and is now on to the second year of exceptional training, learning, and engagement **** After 16 weeks of programming, 38 work placements, and over 21,000…