REFLECTION & REASON

When Toronto Raptors' DJ 4Korners released his refix/flip of Drake's "Worst Behavior" last week, on the "They Not Like Us" riddim I thought to myself: that's exactly it. Maybe Drake has been aware all along, because 10 years ago he said it was a fight to the finish.  He remembered the days when no one cared, was catapulted into hip hop royalty, and most likely was preeing the entire situation carefully from start until...the other day. The perceived finish. The end of the historic hip hop battle to the top. The night Drake was allegedly buried, when west coast hip hop stars, gangsters, athletes, community members, and supporters came out in allegiance to cheer and chant "They Not Like Us" on repeat. I couldn't enjoy the performance, although I can acknowledge Kendrick's appeal and intellect. The chants felt eerie, viewing as a Canadian. I still can't watch it all the way through. What's odd is...they used to never want to hear ...

  James Lorimer & Company Ltd. is an independent publishing house based in Toronto that publishes children's and teen fiction (and non-fiction) focusing on reluctant and struggling readers. Their titles are widely recognized and recommended by children's book reviewers in Canada and the U.S., with an adult list also focusing on contemporary Canadian social and political issues. My forthcoming novel Dancehall Rebel will be available through Lorimer in February of 2024! In  Dancehall Rebel  (written by Stacey Robinson), a teen shares her dad’s vibrant Caribbean musical legacy but is burdened by the homophobia that comes along with it. She needs to find a new path for the music and for herself. Publication Date: February 2024 ISBN: 9781459418141 Interest ages: 14-18  For a full listing of Lorimer novels with African Canadian protagonists (written by  African Canadian authors ), please visit their  website : Ace and the Misfits by Eddie Kawooya New to Canad...

Disclaimer: I write stories for fun. As a composer of fiction, I study, interpret, and predict behaviour purely for my own entertainment. I am not a licensed therapist, researcher, psychologist, or relationship expert, buuuut I am someone who observes patterns and personalities very closely, and I'd like to share these words of support with my brothers and sisters in The Six (or beyond) who are currently looking for love. Particularly my peers, approaching middle-age and getting worried... This is written with the most genuine, and well-intended sentiments...with a sprinkle of tough love (that may or may not have stopped my single friends from asking for my advice)...and hope and prayers for your dream come true. My novel "Bonafide" is centered on the dating process, and will be released later this year...this book inspired these thoughts. 1) ELIMINATE THAT LIST OF EXPECTATIONS YOU'VE BEEN HOLDING ON TO SINCE YOUR TWENTIES Go into this process with a clear and open m...

Desmond Cole is boldly unapologetic in action, in presence, and in print; when history reflect on this generation of Black Canadian leaders, freedom fighters, and those who weren't afraid to stand up for what they believe to be true...his name will be amongst those upheld. Depending on who you ask or what you watch...his name might bring forth images of public disturbances and inappropriate appearances in otherwise regulated spaces. The fact is, we have all seen Desmond Cole standing up in protest at Board meetings, and speaking up against a range of issues from immigration, to racial profiling, and police brutality. We know he is someone at the forefront of movements, and someone who doesn't back down. Thanks to his 2015 article " The Skin I'm In " in Toronto Life magazine, we also learned that he had been harassed by the police dozens of times, through no fault of his own. He became the expert in "carding" and someone who was unfortunately, well-versed...