Rachel's Blog Posts from 2007
Dec 31, 2007
Happy New Year to one and all!
December 15, 2007
Went to a Sens game (vs. Les Thrashers d'Atlanta). Our team won by such a margin that we were allotted a free slice pizza! Go, Sens Go!
Dec 1, 2007
I attended the 12th annual Christmas Dinner of the BCSF. The guest speaker, past recipient, noted in her address that 50% of the black Medical School students in first year at Ottawa University started their post-secondary education with a BCSF scholarship. It puts all the time, effort and energy that the volunteers put into this distinguished organization in perspective.
Nov 27, 2007
I've been honoured with three speaking engagements in less than 3 weeks. See events.
Nov 16, 2007
The Great Canadian Theatre Company, the city's oldest professional theatre company, has a new location in Westboro. With a foster child, I attended a play about the life of Canadian inventor Elijah McCoy .
Nov 15, 2007
Went to Artsparks, in conjuction with the "Snap Judgments: New Positions in Contemporary African Photography" exhibit and at the National Art Gallery. This funky program for the hip and connected mixes art, music, commentary, and art projects in a lively social atmosphere. Participants can see the exhibition, groove to African beats, and participate in a video demonstration in the studio.Until January 6 2008, visitors will have the opportunity to discover this inspiring exhibition with more than 165 works by 40 artists.
November 10, 2007
Visited Diane Dufresne's art exhibit in Montréal.
Nov 5, 2007
The Government of Ontario has made this year's theme "Committed to Building an Ontario Free from Racism, Intolerance and Hate". Minnijean Brown Trickey's participation in the November 5 launch of Crime Prevention Week was a symbolic and important reminder of where our society has come from and where we need to go to eliminate racism and intolerance in all its forms. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the events in Little Rock, Arkansas. Events that President Bill Clinton called the "symbol of courage in the quest for equality" in the most publicized integration of high schools in the United States.
October 28, 2007
Our Story is a national storytelling initiative to educate Canadians about the defining moments in history that have shaped this country and its Aboriginal people. This year's winners will be annouced tonight at the NAC in Ottawa.
October 28, 2007
My friend, Anik, is shaving her head to fundraise for the United Way. [Facebook Event]. Quote from Anik: "On November 7th, In the Marketplace Food Court, Woodroffe Campus, Algonquin College is hosting a head-shaving event. Participants will have their heads shaved on stage! That's right...I will be having my head shaved. It should definitely be entertaining and the funds go to a good cause. This is a huge challenge for me... so if you can help in any way I would appreciate it! Hope to see you there!"
October 24, 2007
Breakfast at the Parliamentary Restaurant, Centre Block, Parliament Hill. Equal Voice, an organization which lobbies for gender equity in parliament, had a breakfast get together. Interesting that the struggle for equality is still very much pertinent, when you compare Canada with Findland and Rwanda.
October 20, 2007
Attended the Annual Women's Conference "You Deserve It" in Orléans. Very interesting and useful workshops. My favourite catch-phrase? "No! is a complete sentence". The guest speaker was our former Mayor, Claudette Cain, and the proceeds went to the Women's Health Center at the Ottawa Hospital.
October 17, 2007
Famous 5 inaugural Ottawa Luncheon, attended by women who came all the way from Toronto, Québec City and Montréal. The theme of the luncheon was the 2007 "Person's Award" Winners who were feted at the Governor General's residence earlier that morning. I can't wait til the next Luncheon in March '08!
October 9, 2007
I got word that a kind lady named Grace was giving away 30 boxes of school books to charity. My father and I have filled our garage with books destined to a small village in Haiti.
September 30, 2007
Our team put together an event today. A whopping 50+ community leaders and constituents crammed in the office to discuss serious issues, chat with Phil, and eat the delicious multi-ethnic snacks which were lovingly prepared for the occasion.
September 25, 2007
The Chinatown Gateway Project. There are gateways which recognize the unique neighbourhood built by Asian immigrants in several Canadian cities (Montreal, Vancouver). This inaugural fundraiser, attended by Chinese-Canadians and non-Chinese alike, was a fabulous start to the project. I look forward to the gateways unveiling in the year to come.
September 22, 2007
Francophonie Breakfast. Ottawa University. Sitting at Franco-Phil McNeely's table. A great occasion to meet the community leaders who continue to stand for our language rights throughout the province and the country.
September 14, 2007
As I start my role as Multicultural Liaison for the Phil McNeely team, I hope to reach out to those in our community who often feel left out. Phil has himself expressed great interest in our cultural communities, and we're going to work together to listen to their concerns.
September 7, 2007
Human Concern International charity dinner. Justin Trudeau is the guest speaker. HCI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to help alleviate human suffering through sustainable development projects and emergency relief assistance programs that foster self-reliance and preserves human dignity.
August 30, 2007
I wrote a letter to CFRA Talk Radio about their refusal to host one of few positive hiphop artists, NAS, for Carleton U's "Rock the Vote" event. My letter was read on the air today.
August 17, 2007
Caribe-Expo's annual "Steelband Festival" at Library and Archives. Many friends in the room. Steel pans, originating from the Caribbean, offer a unique sound which usually leads to dancing in the audience. A fun evening indeed.
August 2, 2007
Speaking engagement at the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund awards ceremony at the A-Channel in the Byward Market. Three fine students received scholarships which cover their 1st year of university. An organization started in 1996 by a well respected Physician, Dr. H. Alexis, has grown into a well-respected, well-funded group.
August 1, 2007
Nexus Africa launch party at Touch. Distinguished guests included MPs, University professors, and young professionals from around the city. A strong start for a radio program with a unique voice in the Capital and beyond!
July 17, 2007
Planning for the Inaugural Famous 5 Foundation event, I've had the privilege of working alongside the most interesting and resourceful women in the region.
July 6, 2007
FIFA U-20 Soccer comes to Ottawa. Brazil vs. USA. What a great way to bring the world's #1 sport to the capital! I also have tickets for games in Montreal's Olympic Stadium.
June 29, 2007
The inaugural concerts for the new Lebreton Flats Park in Ottawa. We are treated to "Opera Under the Stars". My favourite piece, "Je Chante Avec Toi Liberté".
June 8, 2007
Speaking engagement at UMOJA's monthly event. Its always pleasant when people from various political stripes can unite to speak to the community.