REFLECTION & REASON

Between Black History Month and the Winter Olympics, I've had so much inspiration and pride running through my veins this month. I love the country of my birth, and hearing the anthem and seeing the festivities in Vancouver makes me feel thankful to live in this great land. I love my people, and observing and participating in specialized programming this month has reminded me of the power and potential of the black Canadian community. It all began with an invitation to take part in the Toronto Public Library's event "Big Voices, New Voices" where I was in awe that I was sitting on the same panel as the legendary Dr. George Elliott Clarke and Austin Clark, along with another new writer Yvette Trancoso, and journalist Dalton Higgins. Yvette and I were introduced as new voices in black Canadian writing, and had the opportunity to share our thoughts on what it means to be a black writer in Canada. The following weekend, Dr. Clarke (in photo) wrote a review of my novel ...

With Valentine's Day passing, it's a question that many have asked, yet few have a concrete answer to. Guest Blogger Cornel Vernon shares his perspective: WHAT IS LOVE? Will we ever know When each individual has their own idea of how it should go? A preconceived fantasy that only lives in the mind, But when reality hits that dream unwinds. Like a ball of string that gets caught on a nail, Although it rolled like a snail, The truth still prevailed. The snag on the nail never let go of the string, The ball has disappeared my heart starts to sting. There's only a trail am I willing to go back? To mend this string and face another attack? My hurt has been broken into millions of pieces, But I will pick them back up cause they're sweet like Reeses. The string still remains, It's tattered and stained never to be lifted but the path will be viewed again, Not to follow but only to remember, Life is four seasons, And I'll be gone til November. ~Cornel Vernon (2010)

I have to give credit where credit is due and say that Mariah Carey continues to be an extremely talented vocalist and performer. Her Angels Advocate tour visited the Air Canada Centre in Toronto last night, February 9, 2010. Yes, I am biased. And while I have spent many moments defending my admiration for the 39-year old songstress, I realize that the evidence is exceptionally clear when you hear her perform live: Mariah Carey's voice is beautiful! Even I have my doubts sometimes when televised performances leave me questioning her strength or if she's still "got it"...but hearing her live again solidified my faith that this woman has one of the most powerful voices in the industry. I'm not taking away from the other R&B divas of our generation like Mary, Whitney or Miss Beyonce, but just trying to give credit where credit is due. I understand that the uber-cleavage and the questionable antics of Mariah tend to be distracting/annoying to some (most?), but wh...

People are unemployed. Natural disasters are tearing countries apart. There is political disappointment, social instability, and international unrest in every sector of humanity. It's nearly impossible to find silver linings when turning on the daily news leaves you feeling hopeless and discouraged by the reported events. Reality is draining, to say the least. However, in the midst of the confusion and chaos, the disgrace and disgust, the sadness and sorrow...there is a multi-million dollar industry that continues to thrive. There are actors and athletes and other creatives minds working hard to ensure that we are entertained/distracted from this reality. I'd like to dismiss the activities and events that appear to be superficial when there are "important" things happening in the world...but as an artist myself, I can't help but appreciate the efforts and the incredible work that these individuals put into their craft. I am impressed by the products, I am inspired...