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A young girl enjoying the works of Dr. Seuss. Photo credit: Catherine Hammond
Whether you like horror, science fiction, or fact-filled encyclopedias, there’s no time like the present to get hooked on some good ol’ books! This year, Young Readers Week takes place from November 15th to the 19th. It is a time to recognize the importance of reading and serves as an opportunity to introduce young children to the joy of reading.
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Small oil or ghee lamps such as this are used in Diwali festivities. Photo credit: Wilson Mathew
Diwali is more than fireworks, laughter, and joy. It is known as the festival of lights, and it translates to “row of lights” The lighting of candles is meant to keep evil spirits from entering the home and celebrate hope in the community.
Read moreElection Day is on Monday, September 20, 2021. Don't forget to vote for the candidate of your choice! Please check out the positions from the four parties highlighted.
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Jeremiah Ranger.
For the last 18 months of his life, Jeremiah Ranger never went to school.
Not one day.
That sounds shocking, I know. But the reality is that this meant he was only in school slightly less than previous years due to his frequent suspensions. He would be suspended for 20 days, return to school for a short time and then get suspended for another 20 days. It was a consistent case of educational whiplash.
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Flyer for donation drive occurring on July 8th. Photo credit: Krystal Grover
Amidst the ever-growing list of civic and social justice issues slowly being brought to light in our world today, one especially prevalent problem remains hidden in the dark; period poverty. Period poverty refers to the inaccessibility of period products, waste management, basic sanitation such as toilets, proper disposals and soap, as well as lack of education regarding menstruation. Period poverty exists across the globe and impacts millions of people every waking minute. Even right here in Canada, 1 in 4 women have to choose between buying period products or buying food - a choice that absolutely no one should have to make.
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Students and faculty pose during a solar panel installation February 29th, 2020. Photo credit: Codrina Ibanescu
As part of a series of climate-friendly initiatives, York University’s faculty of Environmental and Urban Change has been working on a number of innovative Climate Solutions Parks, both on campus and throughout the wider world.
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Samuel Kisitu sits on a subway car in Toronto. Photo credit: Matthew Best
In light of World Refugee Day on June 20th, which is recognized by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Downsview Advocate interviewed local Downsview resident Samuel Kisitu, who fled political persecution in Uganda, asking him to reflect on his experience as a refugee in Canada.
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Keith is the Student Trustee for all TCDSB students in Downsview. Photo credit: Google Images
On May 7th, 2021, the TCDSB Board of Trustees during a Student Achievement Meeting made a set of momentous decisions to promote inclusion and belonging for its 2SLGBTQ+ Students and Staff. They have voted in favour of three recommendations brought forth by their 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, to acknowledge June as Pride Month, fly the Pride Flag at the Catholic Education Center and fly the flag at all TCDSB Schools.
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A community design for the hub, made by the Community Action Planning Group (Photo credit: CAPG - York West Chapter)
The Jane and Finch community Hub and Centre for the Arts, a dream of so many in this community has just taken one important step closer to becoming a reality. On Monday April 26, the City of Toronto’s Government and Licensing Committee ratified a report ensuring that the city of Toronto will take possession of a parcel of land on Finch and Norfinch drive where the Jane and Finch Community Hub and Center for the Arts will be built.
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Nathan Baya is an active community member who is behind the initiative Jane Street Speaks - a platform that "provides local artists with an opportunity to express themselves and shine their light."
Nathan was born in Toronto and grew up in the Jane and Finch area. His parents immigrated to Canada from Congo; "I take great pride in my African routes and I'm happy I was born in the talented city of Toronto."
When asked why he started Jane Street Speaks he shared that it's because he struggled to get booked as a local artist. So he began putting on his own events to showcase his talent.
"I wanted to create a platform where I could provide the same opportunities for local artists from my neighborhood who struggled to get gigs as well."
The events he organizes are all about self-expression through art and using art as a way to heal from traumas experienced in life. "I either have events where I showcase specific local talents from the city or I put on an open mic where the community gets the opportunity to come sign up, perform and show the people what they got."
Jane Street Speaks has been very successful at doing just that, however Nathan expresses that his biggest accomplishment is "not letting anything stop me. Life is not easy and not everyone is supportive of the path of being an artist. But, music and chasing my dreams is in my blood so I could never stop!"
When I asked him what motivates him and how he finds the inspiration to continue being an artist, Nathan attributes this to his daughter. "I wanna be somebody that she can look up to when she starts chasing her dreams as motivation to never quit and always live in your truth."
Nathan's initiative has been well received in the community, Jane Street Speaks puts together live performances,food and clothing drives for the homeless, workshops for youth and community events.
The work is necessary - Nathan shares, "When people don’t get the opportunity to express themselves and heal from their traumas they suffer in silence. Why do that? We can come together as a community and heal from our traumas through the power of self expression."
Nathan created a popular slogan that has been turned into t-shirts and other merchandise seen around Jane and Finch. The slogan: "Support Local Before Global " is self-explanatory and reminds artists the only way to be global is through community support. It sums up the heart of his initiative.
"I love this community it's filled with so many talented individuals who are doing incredible power moves in the city of Toronto and who are changing the narrative everyday about members who come from the Jane and Finch/Downsview community."
Catch Nathan's next project titled "Journey to Fatherhood." Follow @janestreetspeaks_ on instagram for more details.