Editor's Letter

People Power

WITH THIS ISSUE, Sway steps into spring by bringing together a collection of the most influential and inspiring members of our community. Our cover — which features Toronto Argonauts CEO Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Scarborough– Guildwood MPP the Hon. Margarett Best, acclaimed author Austin Clarke and panoramic arts performer d’bi.young.anitafrika — leads into additional profi les of courage, humility and innovation. What comes out of these very personal portraits is the realization that at its best, the currency of power energizes positive social change, acts as a beacon for success and illuminates the pathways of support to the most vulnerable members of our community.

These values are reinforced in the stories that pepper this entire issue. Whether the focus is on the work of organizations like Black Pearls, a group that advocates for young black women by providing strong, positive and productive mentorship, or the work of educators and historians dedicated to providing a new perspective on black history and identity, Sway is intent on forcing the public at large to recognize the power of our community and its global contribution.

As members of a region recognized for diversity and multiculturalism, blacks in Canada must celebrate our ability to influence the ways in which people query, feel and experience the world.

Artists like reggae musician Humble, global guitar virtuoso Adam Solomon and talented singer Zaki Ibrahim, all of whom are featured in our music section, have made our city the world music capital of the globe. Meanwhile, award-winning Toronto writer Nalo Hopkinson takes readers to the stars and beyond with her brand of spiritually infused science fiction.

The unifying theme that runs throughout these stories is that any individual can empower him or herself to be an instrument of success, change, hope and infl uence. I hope that with each Power profi le or story that you read in this season’s issue, you will be driven to turn your aspirations into great achievements.

JON SARPONG