History in the Making

Alfie Roberts and v. Daniels

Back in day to the young generation may seem like lifetimes ago but in fact..it’s really just…back in the day.  It’s so easy to feel removed from a history that is really closer than we let ourselves realize.  My dad was a grown man when Dr. King was assassinated.  That’s how close it is.  And Black Montreal has a strong and rich history if we just look around…and ask.

To check out:  Alfie Roberts Institute. I asked community organizer David Austin for some more insight on who Roberts was..and after a moment of reflection and a few anecdotes as testament to Alfie’s drive, passion and heart..Alfie was described as “A griot”.  It reminded me of the oral tradition of sharing stories and histories that we as Blacks removed from Africa need to hold on to for dear life. This weekend they had their exhibition at the U.N.I.A.  showing a series a photos and presentations on Black Montreal in the 60′s.  What was particularly impressive was the audio clips of testimonies from West Indian students, Black activists, domestic workers and concerned citizens from that decade.  This has really inspired to do a lot of audio recording when the team is in Senegal.  I have this second hand Macbook  and am trying to learn how to properly use the program.   But sometimes..you just gotta press record and let it happen by itself.

check out the doc

Give yourself an hour this week and watch this thought provoking doc by Professor Gates called
“Black in Latin America:  an Island Divided” and discusses how the use of race has had an impact on how the Dominican Republic and Haiti see themselves and each other.  I don’t want to say too much..but definitely worth watching.

Almost a month before we leave my people..to the readers, thank you for taking the time out to accompany us as we add our own chapter to the history of Montreal.  We still need financial support..please donate!!  Yuh’s gunna help deh revolution, or whua?

Stay blessed.

RootED cooks at J2K

So January 21st and the 29th, members of RootED went out to J2K, a controled hangout spot/activity center for youths in NDG, and cooked meals to support.

About J2K: Head and Hands, in collaboration with the City of Montreal and the Black Community Association, operates a youth drop-in centre. As part of the Jeunesse 2000 program, this youth centre caters to teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 and offers a secure and welcoming environment free of charge, all year long.

I gotta say, seeing all their facilities, this is one place that I would consider hanging out myself if I weren’t so old . check it out!

just your ‘usual’ music magic happening place, you know…

They have videogames. I like videogames. I don’t see no console in MY home.

They also have a pool table, a fooz-ball table, computers with internet and of course an entire kitchen for people to cook them free food. 

Amda, the chef of the day, connives his masterplan

Um… Kind of jealous? So basically us RootED Senegalites went in and cooked these kids a meal (and we got a grant in return that goes to our ongoing fundraising).

 

The process was fun, and since J2K fed me, I wasn’t dying taking these pics (thank you J2K!)

 

Kim chops ‘em yummy veggies!

the meal of the night: pasta and veggie stirfry with cheese

the whole is mixed together and spices were added…

  

and voila! the food was served, the children were fed and after they cleaned their own plates (bless them)… they went on having their fun at J2K

and kim and amda got to clean the pots… and eat their own concoction!

How much?

Today alone I spent $12 bucks on food…and I haven`t even had dinner yet.  Falafel and tabouli at a local cafe cost me 7 bucks.  Coffee and a donut at Tim Hortons cost me another $2.57.  There goes my money..down the drain (after passing through my digestive system)

I decided to write a quick blog before I rummage through my girlfriend`s food pantry.  So check this: seeing how Root.ED is going to be taking 8 Montreal youths to Senegal next summer, and since we are going tbe on a tight budget…I thought it would be worthwhile to see how much people across the world spend on food.

Check some numbers

Let`s start off with our close cousins:the USA:  This North Carolina family spends $341.98 on food per week.  Real talk though..can a brotha get some greens up in here? Cheez on bread! Smiling with big pizza in hand, this is not a game boss!

Next up..let’s take it to Kuwait:

This family spends $221.45 a week on food.  More than 100 bucks less than the American family…and double the family size. 

Moving on to South America:

This family is from Ecuador and they spend about 32 bucks on food.

This Chinese family spends $155 on food.

And last but definitely not least…I&I people from the Continent.  This pic is of a Sudanese family in a refugee camp in Chad.  They spend $1.23 a week on food.  

Note that these are just examples…the differences in how much people spend on food in a week can be drastic even within the limits of a city like Montreal. 

Different realities..but we all got to eat.  Stay updated with Root.ED as our participants explore the many complexities of food security as they embark on this enlightening journey from Montreal, Canada to Dakar, Senegal.

*this info is from the book Hungry Planet by Faith D`Aluisio