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Black History Months is defined as the annual observance in remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.When you hear the name's Dj Blaster, Blu Riva, Zip Locks, Prezzy, Preach and Fabien expect the pleasure of musical theory with a mix intellectual banter.
Sharing a love for the science of music, politics, community involvement that evolves into an eruption of communal ingenuity, discussing what Black history month means to them.
Occupation:DJing for over fifteen years,Proud father
Community involvement:Music is meaning Tour DJ.Radio host Ckut's "Ill Groove Garden"
Diagnosis:Humble man
What does Black History month mean to you?
As an entertainer Black history month means a time of appreciation... To all the entertainers who had to go through back doors... drink from black only fountain... use a colored only bathroom... hear racial slurs... I personally know that they didn't do it in vain... so I appreciate the strength they had. I once wrote this: Black History Month: Aka Black Life. As I walk in the front door of my gig (not the back door), use the bathroom (not the colored bathroom) and get cheers after my DJ gig (not racial slurs)... I think to my self that wasn't caused in a month... Happy Black Life
Which historical figure do you most admire?
B.B King: Read a couple books about him and seen him talk about his time... he once said " sometimes when I played my guitar, people didn’t see colour, they just heard music." meant a lot to me...
B.B King: Read a couple books about him and seen him talk about his time... he once said " sometimes when I played my guitar, people didn’t see colour, they just heard music." meant a lot to me...
Who is your role model?
I think my answer for number ones... explains it best...
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
I think athletes should be more aware... some are so oblivious to what’s going on. they need to understand how much of an influence the have on the young mind... I work with kids and they cling on to every word and action these athletes make... so yes, they need to be more vocal...
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
I believe Black History Month will last... But hopefully more people are gonna realize it’s a year round occasion...
What are your life motto / favorite quotations?
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." "One thing about Music, when it hits u feel no pain"
What are your life motto / favorite quotations?
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." "One thing about Music, when it hits u feel no pain"
Occupation: Educator,CEO of DPC Movements records.
Community Involvement: Support Independent Artist
Diagnosis: Driven What does Black History month mean to you?
First off, s/o to the Montreal Dancehall Blog!!Black History month to me means that one month a year is dedicated to help educate and/or re - educate people of all color, origin and up-bringing about note-worthy accomplished blacks in history and the trials and tribulations they went through. It means my kids and someday their kids can be somewhat knowledgeable about part of their cultural upbringing.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
I would have to go with the multi-tasking go-getter as myself, Langston Hughes, from Missouri, who wrote stories, poems and plays as well as being a co-founder of the cultural movement , better known as the “ Harlem Renaissance “ aka The Negro Artist and The Racial Mountain. He was very creative in the way he used dialect and jazzy rhythms to describe the life of urban blacks in his plays, poetry and stories. This man would never stop protesting the injustices committed against his fellow black people. Ironically, he died on my birthday, May 22nd.
Who is your role model?
My Mom. Through her hard working, teachings and guidance, I am the person I am today. Keeping my faith in God, patience as a virtue, staying humble, and refusing to lose as a mind state, I stay well calculated and focused. A Strong Black woman who uses love as her weapon and a means of defense, she made sure I steered to the right when everything told me to go left. She taught me to see people for who they are , don’t trust too quick, forgive, never forget, to give chances and help people when you can and to push yourself in whatever you do, because you don’t know how much you can accomplish if you never try…..Dpc Movements.
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
It is essential that figures such as athletes and entertainers stay up to date about current issues and events. Entertainers such as comedians and musicians take pride in knowing about the world’s current affairs to then implement them in their comedy acts and/or recorded songs by use of clever punch lines that spark food for thought.
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years? Absolutely, Black History Month needs to be around as long as it takes for people to stop thinking blacks have contributed to history (American) in a minor way.Take for example some of the most interesting and inspiring black figures in history such as C.J. Walker, who was one of the first black female entrepreneurs, men like Percy Julian, a pioneer of medical research that further advanced the development in birth control pills, cortisone and steroids and engineers such as Grant T. Hill, who was one of the engineers around in the making of the first telephone and first street cars. Know your Black History!
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
Life Motto: Dpc Movements Favourite quotations: “No room for failure” “If you have a goal, failure is impossible “ “The game couldn’t support us anymore, so we started our own"
Which historical figure do you most admire?
I would have to go with the multi-tasking go-getter as myself, Langston Hughes, from Missouri, who wrote stories, poems and plays as well as being a co-founder of the cultural movement , better known as the “ Harlem Renaissance “ aka The Negro Artist and The Racial Mountain. He was very creative in the way he used dialect and jazzy rhythms to describe the life of urban blacks in his plays, poetry and stories. This man would never stop protesting the injustices committed against his fellow black people. Ironically, he died on my birthday, May 22nd.
Who is your role model?
My Mom. Through her hard working, teachings and guidance, I am the person I am today. Keeping my faith in God, patience as a virtue, staying humble, and refusing to lose as a mind state, I stay well calculated and focused. A Strong Black woman who uses love as her weapon and a means of defense, she made sure I steered to the right when everything told me to go left. She taught me to see people for who they are , don’t trust too quick, forgive, never forget, to give chances and help people when you can and to push yourself in whatever you do, because you don’t know how much you can accomplish if you never try…..Dpc Movements.
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
Growing up in Montreal, it really depended on where you grew up. For instance, I was raised in Park-Extension. Back then in my elementary school, I was one of maybe a handful of black students in the whole school filled predominantly of Italians, Greeks and Irish. Now, the same area is noted as the most culturally diverse neighborhood in Montreal and perhaps Canada harboring more than 84 cultures within this thirty odd block district. To further note, the amount of black owned businesses have multiplied considerably over time and among other things, there is officially a black President. If we heard about this twenty years back, it would probably be a running joke, now I’m left saying, “ Yes We Can “. In all areas of the workplace, congress, engineers, scientists and professional doctors to mention, have an outstanding amount of black as well as culturally diverse people in positions of power, take note.I grew up in Canada, not the U.S. I’m thankful I didn’t live through hardships that many blacks in history have had to under-go, but instead take from their life experiences and try to understand where they were coming from and why they took stands and stood up for what they believed in.
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
It is essential that figures such as athletes and entertainers stay up to date about current issues and events. Entertainers such as comedians and musicians take pride in knowing about the world’s current affairs to then implement them in their comedy acts and/or recorded songs by use of clever punch lines that spark food for thought.
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years? Absolutely, Black History Month needs to be around as long as it takes for people to stop thinking blacks have contributed to history (American) in a minor way.Take for example some of the most interesting and inspiring black figures in history such as C.J. Walker, who was one of the first black female entrepreneurs, men like Percy Julian, a pioneer of medical research that further advanced the development in birth control pills, cortisone and steroids and engineers such as Grant T. Hill, who was one of the engineers around in the making of the first telephone and first street cars. Know your Black History!
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
Life Motto: Dpc Movements Favourite quotations: “No room for failure” “If you have a goal, failure is impossible “ “The game couldn’t support us anymore, so we started our own"
Name:Preach Ankobia
Occupation:CEO Ankobia Entertainer,Youth worker
Community involvement:Jeunesse 2000, Kalmunity live Organic Improv
Diagnosis: TalentedWhat does Black History month mean to you?
Black history month, even as short as it may be, at least signifies an appreciation for a culture and its accomplishments.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Malcolm X for his drive, integrity and determination. I also appreciate the fact he was of the streets and figured out a way to effect the streets with that ghetto same knowledge, instead of disregarding it to become someone he wasn't or to fit into a society he didn't belong in.
Who is your role model?
My mother, Sister, grandfather, aunts, uncles, big and little cousins.. YOU!!
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
I'm happy to see that conversations can happen without it becoming a continual race war. I'm happy our children can play in peace without bigots tainting the playground and I'm truly happy that politics has decided to boost its color spectrum where America is concerned!! ;)
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
I think our athletes and entertainers NEED to be communal minded!! need to be role models and need to be accountable for their actions!! so the answer is most definitely YES!!
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
Black History Month may not be as relevant in the next 20 years because we will hopefully live in a world that embraces black history into everyday education. Hopefully each day of the year will be seen as a chance to uphold black history month without the 28 day time limit!
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
Pay It Forward!!
Black history month, even as short as it may be, at least signifies an appreciation for a culture and its accomplishments.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Malcolm X for his drive, integrity and determination. I also appreciate the fact he was of the streets and figured out a way to effect the streets with that ghetto same knowledge, instead of disregarding it to become someone he wasn't or to fit into a society he didn't belong in.
Who is your role model?
My mother, Sister, grandfather, aunts, uncles, big and little cousins.. YOU!!
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
I'm happy to see that conversations can happen without it becoming a continual race war. I'm happy our children can play in peace without bigots tainting the playground and I'm truly happy that politics has decided to boost its color spectrum where America is concerned!! ;)
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
I think our athletes and entertainers NEED to be communal minded!! need to be role models and need to be accountable for their actions!! so the answer is most definitely YES!!
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
Black History Month may not be as relevant in the next 20 years because we will hopefully live in a world that embraces black history into everyday education. Hopefully each day of the year will be seen as a chance to uphold black history month without the 28 day time limit!
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
Pay It Forward!!
Name:Fabien Dunstan
Occupation:Freelance artist
Community involvement:Radio Host Ckut's "Soul Perspectives"
Diagnosis:Cerebral
What does Black History month mean to you?
Black History Month means a lot to me for several reasons. First, it is the one time of year like it or not that people are consciously acknowledging and celebrating events and historical figures in our past. At what other point during the year will you hear people talk about Black soldiers participating in the War of 1812,the accomplishments of the Black community over the decades? Black History Month like it or not is that time when we concentrate on these issues. Secondly, Black History Month has become the time of year when we truly ask the relevant questions about our community. Celebrating the past, analyzing the present and finding solutions moving forward. There are many successes in the Black community but also many challenges which need to be confronted and Black History Month has become that forum which makes the month worthwhile.
Black History Month means a lot to me for several reasons. First, it is the one time of year like it or not that people are consciously acknowledging and celebrating events and historical figures in our past. At what other point during the year will you hear people talk about Black soldiers participating in the War of 1812,the accomplishments of the Black community over the decades? Black History Month like it or not is that time when we concentrate on these issues. Secondly, Black History Month has become the time of year when we truly ask the relevant questions about our community. Celebrating the past, analyzing the present and finding solutions moving forward. There are many successes in the Black community but also many challenges which need to be confronted and Black History Month has become that forum which makes the month worthwhile.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
There are many historical figures I could name but I will say that Jackie Robinson is the one figure that admire most. We all know the story of what he had to endure when first played with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the taunts and physical abuse on the field and off the field as well. However, Jackie Robinson made the most of the abuse and still overcame to become one of the best players for Brooklyn and he made the Hall of Fame. He was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's lending his time to the great social movement of his time. His story is inspirational no matter how many times you read it.
There are many historical figures I could name but I will say that Jackie Robinson is the one figure that admire most. We all know the story of what he had to endure when first played with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the taunts and physical abuse on the field and off the field as well. However, Jackie Robinson made the most of the abuse and still overcame to become one of the best players for Brooklyn and he made the Hall of Fame. He was also involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's lending his time to the great social movement of his time. His story is inspirational no matter how many times you read it.
Who is your role model?
My mom and my family are my role models. Outside of that I do not have any role models per se. I do believe however that you can have many people inspiring you like teachers and friends, maybe public figures like Barack and Michele Obama. It's a personal thing but for me you have to be your own role model.
My mom and my family are my role models. Outside of that I do not have any role models per se. I do believe however that you can have many people inspiring you like teachers and friends, maybe public figures like Barack and Michele Obama. It's a personal thing but for me you have to be your own role model.
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
Over the past years in the Black community I'm proud to see more efforts at unifying the community. That might be because of the generation of us who have been raised in Quebec and our interactions with different people. More people are now seeing the value in a community that must come together in order to get the respect from governments that we deserve like any other community. There still is a lot of work to do with those in the community who would continue to self identify based on "Island ancestry" but it is time that we start to move past those differences and take advantage of our strengths in Quebec. I'm proud to see that this notion is gaining more steam.
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
I believe that entertainers and athletes do have a responsibility to get involved on a social level and even get in on current events. The reason is simple, a lot of entertainers have the means to influence style and culture and without naming names, some entertainers indirectly dictate what your kids want to wear to school. Entertainers probably more than anyone can be the mouthpiece of the streets and therefore although it should not be forced on them, it would be great if more entertainers became socially involved in the issues of the communities they reach. When Kanye West and Russell Simmons showed up at Occupy New York it was a powerful statement. No one remembered what they said you just remember that they were there and supported.
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
I believe that entertainers and athletes do have a responsibility to get involved on a social level and even get in on current events. The reason is simple, a lot of entertainers have the means to influence style and culture and without naming names, some entertainers indirectly dictate what your kids want to wear to school. Entertainers probably more than anyone can be the mouthpiece of the streets and therefore although it should not be forced on them, it would be great if more entertainers became socially involved in the issues of the communities they reach. When Kanye West and Russell Simmons showed up at Occupy New York it was a powerful statement. No one remembered what they said you just remember that they were there and supported.
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
There isn't a time frame to put on the necessity of Black History Month. It was started to encourage Blacks to celebrate their history that we do not learn about adequately in the schools we attend. As long as Black history continues to be left out, we must continue to find a way to celebrate it, hence Black History Month. Yes, we can celebrate it 12 months a year and we should but do not apologize for having a month when other communities also have a week or month to celebrate their culture. As of today, Black History Month is still a necessity.
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
There are too many quotes to pick just one favourite but I will give this one. "Before there is a YES WE CAN, there must be an OPPORTUNITY"! It's my own personal quote stemming from Obama's win in 2008 and refers to all others who believe that Yes We Can. We all need an opportunity to do the things Obama has done which some people just do not get. Create more opportunities, you create more Obamas!
Name: Roen "Blu Riva" Higgins Occupation:Special Education teacher, Proud mother
Community involvement:Young
Diagnosis: Spiritual
What does Black History month mean to you?
I believe Black history month is a time to celebrate the achievementsthe journey of those who have engraved a path for us and to educate our own and others through out this time.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
The historical figure I admire the most would be Martin Luther King because of his Vision and his method to approach things non violently even in a time of storm he held fast to his beliefs. Not just in word, but in action.
Who is your role model?
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
The changes I have witnessed over the years that I am most proud of is the visibility of black representation in high leadership positions such as former governor general Michael Jean, President Obama and many more.Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
I believe that our black celebrities should take a more active role in the issues that exist in our communities and the world at large. They are "Stars" who are always being watched. Their influence plays a big part in the lives of the onlookers.
I believe that our black celebrities should take a more active role in the issues that exist in our communities and the world at large. They are "Stars" who are always being watched. Their influence plays a big part in the lives of the onlookers.
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
I truly believe black history is necessary until the day our own people are given the opportunity to know the truth about their heritage within the mainstream context. As an educator in the schools our children and youth seldom, at times, never see themselves in their history books. Many believe these 28 days should be obsolete. I say hold on until will apply it 365.
Name:Stephen "Zip Locks" Hennessy
Occupation:Teen Coordinator
Community involvement:Working with the youth for overs 20 years.Radio host Ckut's "Ill Groove Garden"
Diagnosis: Loving Life
What does Black History month mean to you?
BHM means: Coldest, shortest month of the year...also a chance for SOME to recognize the accomplishments of Africans and the contribution to history
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Marcus Garvey, Check D, KRS one, My Great Grandma, Malcolm X, Bob Marley, Martin Luther King Jr....myself,. Also I'm not celebrating BHM this year...but LIVING Black FUTURE all year long!
Who is your role model?
The man in the mirror...also good friends Dereck Steele, Ron Cambridge, Rashid Lawal ect
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
Well many of the are superficial: The right to vote - but I'm proud my USA brothers & sisters took advantage and USED the vote to make an impact on the system.
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
What are the changes over the years that you are most proud of?
Well many of the are superficial: The right to vote - but I'm proud my USA brothers & sisters took advantage and USED the vote to make an impact on the system.
Do you think that today's Athletes/Entertainers should be more vocal about current events and social issues?
Yes, but so should everyone...the do have the power to influence others since they are in the spotlight
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
I question now if it is necessary. I think it's great that we look at Africans contribution to history, but this should be exposed to students 24/7/365, not just a month. If the school system, parents and media where to reflect Black history on a regular basis, we would not need to have the spotlight during Feb.
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
Do you see Black History Month as necessary in 5, 10, or 20 years?
I question now if it is necessary. I think it's great that we look at Africans contribution to history, but this should be exposed to students 24/7/365, not just a month. If the school system, parents and media where to reflect Black history on a regular basis, we would not need to have the spotlight during Feb.
What are your life motto / favourite quotations?
I LOVE MY LIFE!!
Tune into DJ Blaster and Zip Locks Sunday nights on "Ill Groove Garden" from11pm-Midnight and Fabien On "Soul Perspectives" Tuesday 7-8;30pm at Ckut.ca . For more info on Linkcon Demetrius artists Dpcmovements.com.and Preach Ankobia Preachankobia.weebly.com.
By Ms.Lois
Photography by Kyle Ruggles
By Ms.Lois
Photography by Kyle Ruggles
Keep up the positive work!
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