REFLECTION & REASON

As of this afternoon, the Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 117-92, and are currently 3-0 in their Round 1 playoff series. The original concept of continuing the NBA season amidst the global pandemic was slightly awkward in theory, even just thinking of the logistics and energy with the crowd-less games at Walt Disney World Resort’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Most importantly, since the season temporarily paused back on March 11, there have also been countless incidents (aside from the pandemic) to bring cause for concern, apprehension, and doubt. It’s been a few weeks now, and the return of the season has become a welcome distraction, much like the Michael Jordan documentary “The Last Dance” provided entertainment and normalcy back in April/May, the season is beginning to feel refreshing. Familiar. Enjoyable! In addition to the good vibes, there’s also the familiar feeling of validating and imminent victory looming in Toronto. If you’re able to overlook the relative silence, ...

It's Caribana season in Toronto, and each year around this time the cultural conversation in the Caribbean-Canadian community is heightened. It is the season of extreme visibility, performance, entertainment options, and tourism. Politicians and other dignitaries circulate, dance, and celebrate, and calypso music is played during television commercials and on news bits. Of course, some members of the community could care less about Caribana and haven't attended the actual festivities since the 90s. Just as there is celebration, there is also criticism and disdain--to ignore this would be unrealistic. It's a festival of great anticipation, and can also be a time of deep resentment. But it's ours, and love it or hate it, it is a time when Caribbean Canadian culture is on full display, and those of us who care often say quick prayers that everything goes smoothly on the surface because the negative repercussions tend to affect us all. Early last Saturday morning in Mal...