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Exploring the Overlooked World of Black Canadian Literature

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

In the rich tapestry of Canadian literature, the voices of Black Canadian authors often remain underappreciated and largely undiscovered by mainstream audiences. While names like Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro are familiar to most, the works of Black Canadian writers, though equally poignant and powerful, have not always received the recognition they deserve.

Black Canadian literature, with its deep roots and diverse perspectives, offers a unique exploration of identity, culture, and history. From the early works of poets during the Harlem Renaissance who found refuge in Canada, to contemporary novelists and essayists, these writers have contributed significantly to the nation’s literary heritage.

One of the earliest known Black Canadian writers was Mary Ann Shadd Cary, an abolitionist and the first Black woman publisher in North America. Her writings in the mid-19th century provided a crucial perspective on the Black experience in Canada.

In more recent times, writers like Dionne Brand, a Trinidadian-born Canadian poet, novelist, and essayist, have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Black Canadian literature. Her work, including the award-winning novel “In Another Place, Not Here,” explores themes of gender, race, and the complexities of human relationships.

Contemporary Black Canadian authors continue to push the boundaries of genre and theme, exploring diverse narratives and experiences. Writers like Esi Edugyan, with her Giller Prize-winning novel “Half-Blood Blues,” delve into historical fiction, while others like Lawrence Hill, author of “The Book of Negroes,” bring forth narratives that intersect history, identity, and resilience.

Despite the richness of their work, Black Canadian authors often face significant challenges in gaining visibility and recognition. Limited promotional opportunities, coupled with a lack of diversity in publishing, have historically constrained the reach of Black Canadian literature.

However, recent efforts to diversify the literary world have started to shift the landscape. Literary festivals, independent bookstores, and inclusive publishing initiatives are increasingly bringing the works of Black Canadian authors to the forefront.

The rise of digital platforms and social media has opened new avenues for Black Canadian writers to showcase their work and connect with broader audiences. Online book clubs, literary blogs, and social media campaigns are playing a crucial role in this digital renaissance.

Representation in literature is critical for fostering a diverse and inclusive society. The stories of Black Canadians, woven into the fabric of the nation’s literary narrative, offer invaluable insights and perspectives that enrich the collective understanding of Canada’s cultural and historical identity.

Black Canadian literature is a vibrant and significant part of Canada’s cultural landscape, offering diverse perspectives and stories. Here is a list of notable works by Black Canadian authors, encompassing a variety of genres and themes:

“The Polished Hoe” by Austin Clarke: A powerful novel set in Barbados, exploring themes of colonialism, race, and class.
“Half-Blood Blues” by Esi Edugyan: A historical novel about a mixed-race jazz band in Nazi-occupied Europe.
“Brother” by David Chariandy: A poignant story set in a Scarborough housing complex, exploring themes of masculinity, family, race, and identity.
“Falling in Love with Hominids” by Nalo Hopkinson: A collection of speculative fiction stories that blend the surreal with the everyday.
“The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power” by Desmond Cole: A non-fiction book that looks at one year (2017) in the fight against racism in Canada.
“What We All Long For” by Dionne Brand: A novel following the lives of a group of racially diverse friends in Toronto.
“Daughters of Silence” by Rebecca Fisseha: A novel dealing with themes of family secrets, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience, set in Ethiopia and Canada.
“In Another Place, Not Here” by Dionne Brand: A novel about two women from the Caribbean living in Toronto and Grenada, exploring themes of exile and longing.
“Brown Girl in the Ring” by Nalo Hopkinson: A speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian Toronto.
“I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter” by David Chariandy: A personal non-fiction work addressing the complexities of race, identity, and belonging.
“The Hanging of Angelique” by Afua Cooper: A historical account of the life and death of Marie-Joseph Angélique, a Black woman executed for allegedly setting fire to Montreal.
“Black Berry, Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada” by Lawrence Hill: A non-fiction book exploring the experience of mixed-race Canadians.
“The Stone Thrower” by Jael Ealey Richardson: A memoir about the author’s father, Chuck Ealey, and his journey from segregation in the United States to becoming a professional football player in Canada.
“Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present” by Robyn Maynard: A comprehensive account of the ways in which the Canadian state has surveilled, policed, and marginalized Black lives over the centuries.
“The Return” by Dany Laferrière: An autobiographical novel about the author’s return to his native Haiti after living for decades in Montreal.
“Any Known Blood” by Lawrence Hill: A multi-generational saga spanning from slavery in Maryland to present-day Ontario.
“Shut Up You’re Pretty” by Téa Mutonji: A collection of linked stories that explore the lives of young women coming of age in Scarborough, Toronto.
“Frying Plantain” by Zalika Reid-Benta: A series of interconnected stories about a young girl growing up in Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighborhood.
“The Gospel According to X” by K.R. Wilson: A novel that reimagines the life of Malcolm X’s mother, Louise Little.
“Africville” by Jeffrey Colvin: A multi-generational novel set in the historic Black community of Africville, Nova Scotia.

These works represent a rich tapestry of Black Canadian experiences and narratives, offering insight into the lives, histories, and imaginations of Black Canadians.

The realm of Black Canadian literature is a treasure trove of stories, perspectives, and voices waiting to be explored. As readers and literary enthusiasts, delving into this world not only broadens our literary horizons but also deepens our understanding of the diverse narratives that shape Canada.

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‘It’s literally incredible’: Swifties line up for merch ahead of Toronto concerts

Published

59 minutes ago

November 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

TORONTO – Hundreds of Taylor Swift fans lined up outside the gates of Toronto’s Rogers Centre Wednesday, with hopes of snagging some of the pop star’s merchandise on the eve of the first of her six sold-out shows in the city.

Swift is slated to perform at the venue from Thursday to Saturday, and the following week from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, with concert merchandise available for sale on some non-show days.

Swifties were all smiles as they left the merch shop, their arms full of sweaters and posters bearing pictures of the star and her Eras Tour logo.

Among them was Zoe Haronitis, 22, who said she waited in line for about two hours to get $300 worth of merchandise, including some apparel for her friends.

Haronitis endured the autumn cold and the hefty price tag even though she hasn’t secured a concert ticket. She said she’s hunting down a resale ticket and plans to spend up to $600.

“I haven’t really budgeted anything,” Haronitis said. “I don’t care how much money I spent. That was kind of my mindset.”

The megastar’s merchandise costs up to $115 for a sweater, and $30 for tote bags and other accessories.

Rachel Renwick, 28, also waited a couple of hours in line for merchandise, but only spent about $70 after learning that a coveted blue sweater and a crewneck had been snatched up by other eager fans before she got to the shop. She had been prepared to spend much more, she said.

“The two prized items sold out. I think a lot more damage would have been done,” Renwick said, adding she’s still determined to buy a sweater at a later date.

Renwick estimated she’s spent about $500 in total on “all-things Eras Tour,” including her concert outfit and merchandise.

The long queue for Swift merch is just a snapshot of what the city will see in the coming days. It’s estimated that up to 500,000 visitors from outside Toronto will be in town during the concert period.

Tens of thousands more are also expected to attend Taylgate’24, an unofficial Swiftie fan event scheduled to be held at the nearby Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, Destination Toronto has said it anticipates the economic impact of the Eras Tour could grow to $282 million as the money continues to circulate.

But for fans like Haronitis, the experience in Toronto comes down to the Swiftie community. Knowing that Swift is going to be in the city for six shows and seeing hundreds gather just for merchandise is “awesome,” she said.

Even though Haronitis hasn’t officially bought her ticket yet, she said she’s excited to see the megastar.

“It’s literally incredible.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.

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Via Rail seeks judicial review on CN’s speed restrictions

Published

59 minutes ago

November 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

OTTAWA – Via Rail is asking for a judicial review on the reasons why Canadian National Railway Co. has imposed speed restrictions on its new passenger trains.

The Crown corporation says it is seeking the review from the Federal Court after many attempts at dialogue with the company did not yield valid reasoning for the change.

It says the restrictions imposed last month are causing daily delays on Via Rail’s Québec City-Windsor corridor, affecting thousands of passengers and damaging Via Rail’s reputation with travellers.

CN says in a statement that it imposed the restrictions at rail crossings given the industry’s experience and known risks associated with similar trains.

The company says Via has asked the courts to weigh in even though Via has agreed to buy the equipment needed to permanently fix the issues.

Via said in October that no incidents at level crossings have been reported in the two years since it put 16 Siemens Venture trains into operation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:CN)

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Japanese owner of 7-Eleven receives another offer to rival Couche-Tard bid

Published

1 hour ago

November 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

LAVAL, Que. – The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven says it has received a new management buyout proposal from a member of the family that helped found the company, offering an alternative to the takeover bid from Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

The proposal for Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. is being made by Junro Ito, who is a vice-president and director of the company, and Ito-Kogyo Co. Ltd., a private company affiliated with him.

Terms of the non-binding offer by Ito were not disclosed.

In a statement Wednesday, Seven & i said its special committee has been reviewing the proposal with its financial advisers.

Stephen Hayes Dacus, chair of the special committee and board of directors of the company, said the company is committed to an objective review of all alternatives as it considers the proposals from Ito and Couche-Tard as well as the company’s stand-alone opportunities.

“The special committee and the company board will continue to engage with all parties in a manner designed to maximize value and will continue to act in the best interests of the company’s shareholders and other stakeholders,” he said in a statement.

The company noted that Ito has been excluded from all discussions within the company related to the offer and the bid by Couche-Tard.

Quebec-based Couche-Tard made a revised offer for Seven & i last month after an earlier proposal was rebuffed by the Japanese firm because it was too low and did not fully address U.S. regulatory concerns.

It did not respond to a request for comment about Ito’s offer.

RBC Capital Markets analyst Irene Nattel said the latest development underscored her belief that a Couche-Tard deal with Seven & i is a “low probability event.”

“Assuming attractive pricing and a fully-funded transaction, the potential privatization from a friendly Japanese group would seemingly provide investors with the value creation event they seek,” said Nattel, adding that it would skirt potential competition issues in the U.S. and concerns around the foreign takeover of a core local entity for Japanese regulators.

Couche-Tard has argued its proposal offers clear strategic and financial benefits and has said it believes the two companies can reach a mutually agreeable transaction.

However, the Japanese company has said there are multiple and significant challenges such a transaction would face from U.S. competition regulators.

Couche-Tard operates across 31 countries, with more than 16,800 stores. A successful deal with Seven & i could add 85,800 stores to its network.

Seven & i owns not only the 7-Eleven chain, but also supermarkets, food producers, household goods retailers and financial services companies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:ATD)

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