Since it was first released, Jully Black’s latest track produced by Super Producer YoungPete Alexander from the Officials Music Group, “Fever” has been blazing and continues to blaze the blogosphere and radio internationally!
From the moment I heard the needle drop on this record, I was hooked! It’s an incomparable sound with a hint of nostalgia that is sure to captivate hearts of every age. True to Miss Black’s style, it’s sultry and sexy sound will delight your ears and satisfy your soul. She’s proving that Rnb/Soul/Urban music exists and will thrive in Canada!
What’s the only cure for this Fever? More groundbreaking music by this Canadian Icon, Jully Black!!
Ten years ago I decided to share my time with young girls that needed a Big Sister.
Today Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel is recognizing me along with other volunteers for our years of service. It’s been such a joy to be a part of this great organization and all they do – This year is their 100th year in Canada!
Though I was blessed with older siblings and friends who are like family I still felt the same self esteem issues that most girls experience today but I can’t imagine what they go through when social media is factored in.
Dove also has an amazing campaign with commercials that show young girls getting ready to partake in a sport and words are displayed beside their beautiful faces and hopeful eyes stating they won’t continue in their chosen sport and a percentage of them will quit because they’re not happy with their body image.
I’m making it my mission to let children know their worth and the beauty that lies within and shines through them all.
No one is born with self esteem issues. No one is born judgmental. These are all learned behaviors.
We can teach children how to be open-minded and accepting. Let’s make that the learned behavior.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to do all I can for Big Brothers Big Sisters and I’m looking forward to the next 10 years!
I was so happy to hear the news that our very own George Stroumboulopoulos (man that’s long) will be the host of a summer special airing Friday nights on CNN. I love seeing people excel at their craft. If you’ve seen his talk show, you’ll know he has a way of allowing his guests and fans to feel like we’re all just hanging out, shooting the breeze. I really respect this style of interviewing.
I still remember watching Strombo on Much Music – I’m talking about the days when they actually showed music videos. I vaguely recall a press conference where rapper Eminem and Dr. Dre were on the panel. All I remember is Strombo asking a question and Eminem saying something along the lines of “Who is this guy?”. That’s when I knew he was going places. Living life fearlessly is the only way to do it. Congratulations George!
Wishing you all the best. Have a fantastic summer!
I hope everyone has had the opportunity to see the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s new campaign. ‘Make Health Last’. It’s such a positive outlook and spin on their previous campaign, ‘Make Death Wait’. It’s amazing how changing two words can evoke a sense of optimism.
We all know the reality of life is death. Just as the sun rises, it sets. Though the thought of making death wait was effective, it sent a message of fear. As humans, we naturally respond to positive or negative accordingly and are often unaware of how certain words can effect our outlook.
I commend this organization for putting a spin on reality. Though many people suffer with countless illnesses and yes, some are beyond anyone’s control, there are a number of us who do have a choice on how we will live our life. If our lives were worth money, would we spend it all at once? Would we give it away without thought? Would we share it with the ones we love? The truth is our lives are worth more than money. It’s a wealth that is priceless.
I’ve been blessed with parents who are active and healthy as they advance in years however I have watched other family members and friends suffer to the bitter end. Only after reflection did we see that some cases would have been preventable while others could have been in the best of health at one point in their life but somehow succumbed to illnesses or circumstances beyond their control.
For those who are listening and are able to make a change, my message is for us all to be aware and to share the importance of taking care of your health. Our bodies are well-built machines that we often take for granted and were intended to heal itself of ailments and injury without any effort on our part. We blink and breath without a second thought. We walk and run, even when we’re tired. We can choose to live our lives to the fullest.
I clearly remember sitting in grade 9 History class learning about prohibition in the early 1900’s and wondering to myself; ‘Why is this important to me?’ I was a student in Canada learning about Al Capone and his gang of ‘yes men’ on how they ran the streets of Chicago. Though I did find it interesting, the part that Canada played in this era was barely discussed.
I never understood it at that time and understand it even less now. But I’m sure the Canadian history books have been updated to include more pertinent information (or at least I hope so).
I remember having to go to the public library, outside of school hours, to gain the knowledge I was looking for and even that was limited.
I read about Harriet Tubman (1820-1913), an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made more than thirteen missions to aid numerous souls escape slavery using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She later helped John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry, and in the post-war era struggled for women’s suffrage.1
She experienced many trials and tribulations all her life and managed to keep her spirits high through her faith in God. She had to take drastic measures such as carrying a gun for protection from slave catchers as well as those travelling with her. She knew if any of the slaves were frightened and wanted to go back to the bondage the had grown accustomed to, they would likely tell their master, ultimately risking her life and the opportunity for others who wanted something that most of us take for granted today. Freedom.
In her early years, as a child of five or six years old, she was sold to a neighbouring plantation owner as a nanny where she would watch the owner’s baby during the night. If the baby cried, Harriet was beaten as it was assumed that she wasn’t doing her job. This is just one of the countless stories that Harriet endured. Later in life, Harriet worked with the North and Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War.1
On her last trip to the South, she returned for her parents. Her father was free and after the plantation owner’s death, he bought Harriet’s mother from the owner’s wife. However they were not free of the hate they were experiencing from those around them so Harriet made her way back from New York (where she settled) and traveled 145km to the south in order to lead them back to St. Catherine’s, Ontario (Canada) to live in the place that some of her other family members had called home.1
I could go on with endless stories of what occurred at that time but I’ll digress.
My point is, it’s great that a month has been dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and progress made over time but Black history is more than the coldest month of the year. It’s about the trials and tribulations along with triumphs. History doesn’t happen in one specific month, it happens all year long.
Martin Luther King shared his dream…but not in February.
Rosa Parks was too tired to stand…but not in February.
T. Grant invented the Golf Tee in 1899…but not in February.
Phillip B. Downing invented the mailbox in 1891…but not in February.
President Obama was elected to become the first black president of the United States of America in 2008…but not in February.
History, from every nation, needs to be recognized throughout the entire year.
I agree a time of reflection is important and I encourage everyone, please keep learning all year long and don’t limit yourself at Black history, learn about world history of every nation.
Find out how we are all connected. It’s often said that ‘history repeats itself’ when negative issues arise. It doesn’t have to if we know past occurrences and make a change. Let’s be creatures of change instead of creatures of habit.
Learning about the darkness of the past can lead us to a brighter future. Ignorance is caused by lack of knowledge.
Knowledge is wisdom and wisdom is power. Let’s all become powerful!
Tommy and Kelly were visiting Italy for the first time. They had just been married the day before and decided to go on a cruise for their honeymoon. Italy was one of the many stops. The love birds were thrilled to be there with each other. Tommy’s family emigrated from Italy so in a way he felt like he was going home. They were enjoying every minute together however, unbeknownst to either of them, they were being watched. Every step they made was being closely monitored by an old cherub looking man.
The man blended with the throng of people so they never once noticed that they had been followed every step from when they boarded the plane in Toronto. The man appeared to be traveling solo just taking in the sites as with everyone else. Tommy had no clue what was ahead of him.
Tommy wasn’t one for site seeing and would have gladly stayed on the cruise ship at every port but Kelly was the total opposite. She wanted to experience every moment in each city they visited. Though Tommy tried to convince his wife they should just relax on the ship, he couldn’t resist Kelly when she pleaded with a look of desire in her eyes. He would do anything to make his new wife happy. The other ports they stopped at were short visits but the stopover in Italy would be for the entire day. Tommy had to admit, he was excited to see the sights that his grandfather spoke of with such passion.
When the ship docked, Kelly was one of the first in line getting ready to depart. She held Tommy’s hand tight and tugged him. Though Tommy was physically stronger than her, her adrenaline was pumping and he actually tipped forward from her pull. She was thrilled to be there with him. Her family was from Switzerland, but she was elated to know her husband would be visiting the homeland of his family, now her family too.
As the two of them walked down the platform, the suspicious old man was only a short distance behind. Kelly was taking pictures of anything and everything. The monuments, the restaurants, the locals, anything she could capture in her lens. The old man also held a camera snapping pictures; the only difference was every photo he took was of this young couple.
They stopped for lunch at a cozy café. The two settled down and ordered. As they shared a bottle of Cabernet waiting for their meals, Tommy took a moment to relax. With his sunglasses on, Tommy tilted his head back and closed his eyes to take in the sun’s rays. Suddenly, there was a commotion in the distance; naturally Tommy opened his eyes only to see the same old man who had been following them was calling after a police officer. He was pointing at the couple saying “That’s them. They’re right there”. Tommy and Kelly both looked around to see who the old man was point at. There was no one around but them. Again the man insisted, “That’s them, you can’t let them get away”.
The police officer was getting annoyed with this little man and due to the language barrier; he didn’t fully understand what the old man was telling him. Tommy looked around and wondered what was going on. Someone passing by felt compassion for the old man and could see that the officer was about to walk away. The passerby asked the man what was happening and he told him. The couple couldn’t hear what was being said as the man was now speaking at a normal level making his words murmurs. The person he was speaking with looked over to the couple and said “Are you sure?” and the old man replied, “Yes, I saw them do it”. Clearly confused, Tommy rose out of his seat to find out what was going on. The passerby translated what the old man had said to the officer and he headed in the couple’s direction with his hand hovering over his gun. Tommy was now concerned and approached slowly.
The officer walked towards Tommy and with a broken English accent and said “You, stop. Walk no more”. Tommy stared stunned. Uncertain of what was going on, the old man started again “Don’t let him get away; he’s the one who took it, him and his wife”.
Tommy was now getting nervous. Though this was his family’s country, he didn’t know anyone in there. The officer was steps away from him and inquired “Where are you from?” Tommy replied “Toronto”. The Officer looked at him with uncertain eyes. Tommy replied “Canada”. The officer said to Tommy “You come with me”. Kelly watched in the distance with a lump in her throat. She had no clue what was going on but knew something wasn’t right. She stood up and rushed over to Tommy’s side. The officer saw her coming, and said “Stop. Walk no more”. Kelly couldn’t help it, her husband was in trouble and she had no clue why. She continued to rush to be beside him.
The officer grabbed his radio and called for back-up. Though neither of them spoke Italian, they both knew that him using his radio wasn’t a good sign. When the officer was distracted with calling for back-up, Tommy and Kelly both looked at each other and instantly knew they needed to head for the boat so they could get help. They eyed each other and nodded slightly. Then they bolted!!!
The officer yelled “Stopped” and chased after them. Tommy looked back and saw the officer was close behind them and then he caught a glimpse of the old man watching with a smirk on his face. Tommy knew there was no time to find out who he was or what really just happened. They just needed to get back to the safety of the ship.
Though he was blowing his whistle, the crowded streets slowed the officer down. Tommy pulled Kelly to an alley way and they both raced up the cobblestones. Kelly glanced back quickly, the officer was no longer behind them. They were halfway up when Tommy tripped on his flip-flop. Kelly looked back and saw he had stopped. They looked up and down the street and saw no sign of the officer but knew that him and his back up wouldn’t be far behind. Kelly stood beside Tommy with tears in her eyes. They were tears of fear and uncertainty. Tommy knew what she was feeling as he was experiencing the same emotions. He pulled her close to him and the two of them embraced consoling each other.
I’m blessed with a beautiful family and many friends whom I consider family. I’m grateful to have so much love in my life and happiness in my heart. The Christmas season means so much more than presents and turkey. Christmas is a time of sharing and reflection. I still can’t believe how fast 2011 has raced by but the reality is, as we grow older, it feels as though time moves faster.
I’d like to take a moment to show my appreciation to all who have played an important part on my journey in life and those who have been with me through the ups & downs.
First to my family:
Mom & Dad – thank you for being amazing parents. For always doing all that needed to be done to make ends meet. Immigrating to new countries (England and Canada) to ensure your children would have more opportunities in life. For all the sacrifices you made and all the challenges you faced without a second thought. For teaching me how to respect and love myself and nurturing me to become the strong black woman I am today. Ensuring I knew that all people were created equal and not to hate but to show love to others and to give with my heart, not with my mind. For reminding me to choose friends wisely as “I’d be judged by the company that I keep” and allowing me to make mistakes so I could learn the lesson for myself. For telling me ‘no’ sometimes so I would learn and understand the difference between what “I need” from what “I want”. Most of all, thank you for your unconditional love!
Mac and KD – thank you for being loving siblings who would always look out for their baby sis. Always sharing with me and showing me how family should lookout for each other at all times. Mac – thanks for being the best big brother a sister could have. I know I can count on you to protect and watch out for me…always! KD – thanks for being there from ‘playing school’ to ‘playing the fool’ you’ve always been the best sister anyone could ask for and I am truly blessed to have you in my life.
Monick and fam – thank you for being a sister and a friend for over 25 years and still going strong. I’ve been blessed to grow with you and your family who have welcomed me in your lives from day one. I was blessed with two families and I’ve learned so much from your parents who are like parents to me too. Not to mention the aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephews I’ve been blessed to call family. I look forward to many more years of growing together!
And to my many friends who are also like family to me – you’ve each touched my heart in ways you’ll never know.
Sasha – You’re like a little sis to me and I’m grateful for you as my friend. 10 years feels like it was just yesterday.
Maria, Dushani, Judy, Jen – I will always be grateful for EDS and the family they created 15 years ago.
Jully – Who knew when we were 7 and 10 that our paths would reconnect and broaden! There is a plan for us both and we will continue to aim for the stars and should we fall we’ll land on a cloud but be that much closer to the goal! Thank you for the positive energy and love!! 2012…This is it!
Reta – Thank you for believing in me. I’ve learned so much from you, more than you probably realize. I admire how you’re able to see everything in a positive light. You’re a beautiful soul and I feel blessed to work with you everyday.
Peterson – Thanks for reading and for getting the spark going again with your drawing “What is Hip Hop?” That’s what started this motion and I’m grateful for it!! I don’t say it enough but I do appreciate it! Thank you.
Nita – I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all that you (and your family) have already done for me. It means the world to me.
I would also like to thank those from my past who I may not speak with today but who have taught me a lesson in some form or fashion. Thank you to those who have helped me and hurt me in my life as it’s made me the person I am today and I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve met. Life is just one experience to the next, my goal is to learn from every experience.
Thank you to all and I wish everyone, happiness, health and prosperity in 2012!
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