Tennis superstar, a four-time major champion and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka Following in the footsteps of other superstar athletes like Serena Williams and Stephen Curry, announced via her Instagram the launching of her first children’s book, The Way ChampsPlay, published by HarperCollins via Hana Kuma, her co-owned media company, built in partnership with NBA star LeBron James.
The book brings Osaka's lessons from her many years on the tennis court to young readers, particularly girls, hoping to get into sports. The Way Champs Playfocuses on the virtues that playing sports can teach young children, such as patience, determination, and sportsmanship
“The leadership, confidence, teamwork, and resilience I’ve learned on the court have been so valuable to me and that’s why I am so excited about my new book,” Osaka said in a release.
The upcoming picture book, The Way ChampsPlay, illustrated by Kamala Nair, will be published on December 6th. Osaka said a portion of the proceeds would go towards her Play Academy foundation.
Taking to IG on August, 9th, multitalented NY Times Best Seller and grammy nominated singer-songwriter Amerie known for hit singles “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” and “1 Thing, has announced her debut picture book, You Will Do Great Things. via Macmillan Children’s/Roaring Brook Press. Featuring illustrations byRaissa Figueroa.
According to the book’s synopsis, You Will Do Great Thingsfollows “a young boy’s imagination takes off as he gazes at family photos, whisking him off into unexplored worlds on a fantastical journey. Along the way, the boy tries exciting and bold new things, ventures into unexplored worlds, and forms deep connections with his multicultural heritage and the ancestors who imbue him with the strength and courage to make a difference.”
- Roaring Brook describes it as “a celebration of everything our little ones have yet to do: the great, the amazing, the strange, and the new.”
Amerie says, “You Will Do Great Things is about the hopes and dreams we hold for our children, about the love and power they carry within them that is passed through generations, as well as the idea that, whether they be on large or small scales, children can and will accomplish great things.”
The multitalented singer and producer, now best-selling author, has traded in her songwriting pen for authorship by adding children's literature to her cord but it's not the first time. Amerie’s previous venture into the literary world was as editor of Because You Love To Hate Me, a 2017 YA story anthology published by Bloomsbury.The latest being her contribution to the upcoming novel, Cool. Awkward. Black, a young adult anthology by Viking Books/Penguin Young Readers to be released in January 2023.
Amerie is transforming her love of books and literature into an uplifting and inspiring “keepsake” children’s book. The talented singer also runs a book club called ABC, Amerie’s Book Club. That focuses on “diverse and unique perspectives and voices.”
Amerie describes the book illustrated by Raissa Figueroa as “breathtakingly rich, poignant works of art” that helped bring her vision to life. “I wanted to ultimately convey… the very strong, very universal thing every parent who loves their child feels: that we will be forever by their side, cheering them on.”
The media outlet described the picture book as “a celebration of everything our little ones have yet to do and a lasting reminder that the loved ones in our lives will always be right there beside us — and in our hearts — cheering us on.”
This comes as good news for the black children's literacy world is getting richer. Just last month Ashanti unveiled the empowering‘My Name is a Story‘ book (as we reported here). Before that was Kelly Rowland“Always With You, Always With Me
Canada is ready to party as Caribbean Carnival and festivities make a comeback. After two years of hiatus due to pandemic-related reasons, whether you’re going out with friends, family, or to a party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.
This Black-owned and led registered charity has been working toward inclusivity in Canadian media for over 16 years. It focuses on connecting multiethnic communities through education and workshops, running a Creators of Colour Incubator, and providing a platform to showcase Black filmmakers.
The CaribbeanTales Film Festival takes place every September and celebrates the talents of Black filmmakers of African and Caribbean descent. This year, CTFF takes place Sept. 7-23.
The Toronto Black Film Festival is held every February as a part of Black History Month activities. The festival highlights the best in Black filmmaking and creates a space to discuss cultural, social and socioeconomic issues. Here, unique voices within the independent film industry can explore their own culture while educating the wider Canadian community. The program features filmmakers of African, Caribbean and African Canadian descent.
Designated an Ontario Heritage Site last year, Little Jamaica is the cultural hub of reggae music, Caribbean cuisine and Caribbean culture in TO. Which means that many of the stores, restaurants and businesses will get support to help curb the effects of gentrification and the pandemic.
When Caribbean migrants arrived in Toronto, many settled in the Eglinton Avenue West area, and it soon gained the title as the cultural hub of reggae music, Caribbean cuisine and Caribbean culture in the city.
Reggae and soca filled the streets, during the ’80s the community’s glory years: grocery stores carried yams, plantains and bammy from home, and you could get hair products that were unavailable elsewhere in the city. Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff are among the famous musicians that have visited here, strolling what is now called “Reggae Lane.”
Little Jamaica and. Black Business and Professional Association will present Sinting Fest, from Aug. 26-28, a family-friendly celebration of Jamaican music, vendors, dance and, of course, food. This electric avenue is the essential Toronto destination for a taste of the islands.
“The Sinting Festis an important event for the Black community and Toronto as a whole, the festival help bring awareness and support to the Little Jamaica community,while also help encourage diversity and an inclusive, multi-cultural ethos in Toronto.
Additional activities include a Black business expo, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations from top Caribbean chefs, and a variety of local vendors. The three-day festival is aimed at revitalizing the Little Jamaica neighborhood while sustaining the culture and businesses on Eglinton West.
The Little Jamaica initiative and events play an important role in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity in the city of Toronto and Canada as a whole.
End the Summer on Labour Day Saturday on the best boat cruise in the world! The only thing better than a Summer day party...is one on a boat! with the best DJ's expect good energy and unmatched vibes. Reggae. Soca. Afrobeats. Outside energy. Beautiful people. Date and time Sat, 3 Sep 2022, 7:00 PM – Sun, 4 Sep 2022, 12:00 AM EDT
Canada’s best Afro-Caribbean Music Festival is back!! The festival brings together multiple communities (African, Caribbean, Latin & Canadian) through the power of music, food and culture. Finally, a music festival with our music, our flavour and our vibes at a beautiful open-air venue!
Why is the festival named PLANTAIN? Because no matter where you grew up or what you call it, everyone loves plantain! Come through for something sweet.
The Afrofun group offers, among other things, young people, mainly African, varied experiences through activities focused on the culture of origin and Afrocentric values while promoting a connection with the culture of Quebec and that of Canada.
The Afrofun group encourages, mainly young people, to increase knowledge about their culture of origin through various activities.
Provide stimulating activities focused on the culture of origin of African people.
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Le groupe Afrofun offre, entre autres, aux jeunes, principalement africain des expériences variées à travers des activités axées sur la culture d’origine et des valeurs afrocentrées tout en favorisant un maillage avec la culture du Québec et celle du Canada.
Le groupe Afrofun encourage, principalement les jeunes, à accroître les connaissances sur leur culture d’origine par le biais d’activités diverses.
Faire vivre des activités stimulantes axées sur la culture d’origine des personnes Africaines
Africa and its heritage have been present in Canada for a long time. What has been missing is something that bears witness not only to its presence but, also, to its history, its vibrant, living culture and the remarkable people it has produced. e wait is now over: the Afromuseum will bring it all together and share the wealth with everyone.
The Afromuseum will be a living museum that is accessible, mobile and multi-faceted. A welcoming space, it will feature cultural and intercultural activities; research and reference opportunities; and an online plaform that researches, informs, shares discoveries and gives a voice to young afro descendants, as well as to all witnesses of Africanness in all its forms.
Museum Mission and Role /
Recognize and raise knowledge not only of Africa, Africans and afro descendants but, also, the multiple ways in which their cultures and robust heritage continue to feed and inform numerous cultural expressions throughout the world. To increase and connect people from both here and the African continent.
Work with organizations that drive to spotlight Africa, Africans and the afro descendants in our communities as well as the contributions they have all made to our society and culture.
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Through its mission and activities, the Afromuseum seeks to contribute to the following social objectives:
Raise the visibility of the African community and the cultures that have sprung from it.
Promote experts; craftsmen; artists; collectors; records of memory; and others steeped in African and afro-descendant cultures along with their collaborators whatever their origins.
Foster positive, egalitarian and informed exchanges between Africans and other communities.
Toronto gets ready to party as Caribbean/Caribana Carnival makes a comeback, after two years of pandemic-related cancellation. The Organizers kicked off their month-long programming with an all-day party.
“There are very few events we have that are so big, and that bring everybody in Toronto together, let alone all the visitors who come,” said Mayor Tory to the Star.
The festivals and other related events aim at building back up that sense of community, celebrating each other. It's Canada’s biggest Caribbean festival and is an epic show of island pride. Whether you’re going out with friends, family, or at a party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.
Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival enters its 55th year with masquerade parades, and will officially kick off with month-long series of events. At Exhibition Place, there is seating for viewing the parade. The grounds also offer live music, street food highlighting Caribbean cuisine and a beer garden. The month's programming will showcase an all-day party at Nathan Phillips Square with dancers showcasing their costumes as DJs and steel pan musicians perform.
“because there’s nothing like the Caribbean Carnival that allows us to celebrate the things that other people brought to this country. That’s the essence of what we’re all about here.”
What to see & Where to party at Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival
Kiddies For Mas
kids in exciting costumes and the debut of the junior royals.
12-and-under show off colourful costumes in the hopes of being crowned. The children’s parade is a week later.
KIDDIES FOR MAS🦋 Jr. King & Queen Showcase will be staged at a new venue, Scarborough Town Center (Parking lot at Triton Rd and Borough Dr) on July 10, 2022, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
Male and female competitors are judged on the detail of their costumes, their creativity and how their costume represents the Carnival theme. At the end of the night, the King and Queen are crowned. They will lead the Mas band in the Grand Parade on Saturday.
Grand Parade
This is the magical main event. Place fill with more than 10,000 masqueraders in vivacious costumes, drumming, DJs and dancing. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Toronto’s waterfront, you can enjoy Caribbean foods, delicious drinks and stages hosting more live musical performances.
Pan Alive Steel Pan Showcase
The musical tradition of Steel pan is associated with the islands, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. These pans, initially created from oil drums, dustbin lids and frying pans, represent a resistance against colonial powers that attempted to restrict aspects of the island’s Carnival celebration in the early 20th century. This week-end the Ontario Steel Pan Association will host a night filled with live performances that showcase the instrument’s many rhythms.
Designated an Ontario Heritage Site, last year, which means that many of the stores, restaurants and businesses will get support to help curb the effects of gentrification and the pandemic.
On Friday, American basketball superstar LeBron James is kicking off Carnival weekend hosting the sixth annual DAYLIGHT party at Lavelle’s rooftop pool and lounge bar.
Drake’s “Road to OVO Fest Tour”
Drake is putting on shows featuring various hip hop and R&B artists in Toronto all weekend as a part of his “October World Weekend Road to OVO Fest Tour.” On Friday, see Chris Brown and Lil Baby perform at Budweiser Stage.
Argonauts Caribbean Carnival Night
BMO Field will be decked out in colourful Carnival decorations for Caribbean Carnival Night.
Island Soul
Bringing island vibes, music and family-friendly events to the Harbourfront Centre, Island Soul has something in store for everybody. Most of the events are free and run Friday through Mondayàà
In sync with Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival season this month, “Bob Marley One Love Experience” is open at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. The show features six rooms that showcase art, music, photos, memorabilia and immersive displays at bobmarleyexp.com
Images courtesy: Parade participants perform during the Grand Parade at the Caribbean Carnival in Toronto on Saturday, August 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Celebrate 55 years of freedom and join us #OnDeRoadAgain! We can't wait for you to experience each event. 🙌🎉
— Toronto Public Library (@torontolibrary) July 28, 2022
KIDDIES FOR MAS🦋 Jr. King & Queen Showcase will be staged at a new venue, Scarborough Town Center (Parking lot at Triton Rd and Borough Dr) on July 10, 2022, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.
