REFLECTION & REASON

Inspired and informed by the experiences and journey of Canadian author Jawara Pedican , the YA novel The Hoop and the Harm features the life and internal struggles of a university student who has dedicated his life to the game of basketball.  Pedican, a former varsity athlete at McGill University and the University of Toronto, uses his wisdom to share the fictional story of  Udoka (aka "Yoosie") Clendon, who is working to overcome challenges with his confidence, family influences, and his vision for the future...in addition to navigating everyday circumstances growing up in Toronto as a young Black man. There are many energetic in-game descriptions that make this an exciting sports novel, but there is also a rare intimate look offered in this text, highlighting the thoughts and emotions of a star athlete with infinite potential for success. Through discussions with his therapist, and special chapter segments focusing in on "Feldbrook's Lesson," there is amazin...

REFLECTIONS – AN INTRODUCTION  When I first heard that Kya Publishing was partnering with members of the Black Arts community to present stories and reflections on the times and the surrounding social environment, I was excited. I knew that as an artist, I wanted to be part of a platform that offered positive movements and social change with literature at the forefront of the discussion. We’re living in unprecedented times: with countless stories of undocumented injustices to unusually high numbers of COVID-19 cases affecting our communities, there is a lot to face. These two factors have provided the necessary push to take chances in an effort to make sense of it all. I am fortunate that I am one of the lucky ones because I have the tools to help me disseminate, summarize and reinterpret. And yet, I am facing a difficult task in that not all of these tools can convey the effects of this experience on myself and those close to me.  I have come to the conclusion t...

Here is a list of 50 Black writers in Toronto. Some are household names in the Black Toronto community--well known in Canada, in Africa,  and the Caribbean. Most of us are embedded into a life of writing...eternally. Most of us will continue to write, and create, and document, and share...because it's simply what we love to do. We are telling our Black Canadian stories. We are recording history. These are only 50 of many Black writers in Toronto: published, self-published, and aspiring. These 50 were selected for this particular list, because they all graciously registered/presented in our annual Book Expo between the years 2014 and 2018. Connect to their profiles, get to know their individual stories, and discover their books. Order one or two...because many of these writers are changing lives with their words, intelligence, creativity, and inspiration. Support this passion. Encourage this practice. Do take a moment and listen to what they have to say. 01) Adrian Sterling...