2006 Archived Articles

November 9, 2006 | More involvement in politics urged

By Lincoln Depradine

Jamaican-born Bromley Armstrong, a retired labour leader and human rights activist, wants to see more members of the Black and Caribbean community get involved in the Canadian political process.

"It’s time that we get involved politically," Armstrong told a function organized by Tropicana Community Services. "We need to do better than we are doing." 

Armstrong was the keynote speaker at Tropicana’s 2006 Volunteer Appreciation evening held at the organization’s head office in Scarborough. The event is in recognition of all the volunteers who assist in implementing the various programs run by Tropicana, including tutoring, mentoring, office administration, event planning and fundraising.

Tropicana’s Executive Director Sharon Shelton said the value of the contribution of the organization’s volunteer corps, numbering more than 300, is estimated at over $130,000.

Armstrong, a resident of Canada since 1947, traced many of the early struggles with which he was involved to eliminate racial barriers that prevented people of colour from receiving fair and equal treatment in areas such as employment and housing. His experiences are documented in his memoirs, which have been published under the title Bromley: Tireless Champion for Just Causes.

The 80-year-old paid tribute to Black politicians, such as Leonard Braithwaite, Lincoln Alexander, Jean Augustine, Alvin Curling and Mary Anne Chambers, who have successfully contested provincial and federal elections.

Armstrong, a recipient of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, said part of what made them succeed at the polls was that "they did their homework," which included volunteering in service clubs and getting people to know them.

He said the political activism and involvement ought to continue. "We can’t afford to lose ground," said Armstrong. "Young people have to take up the baton and start running with it."

Armstrong, who played a pioneering role in the establishment of Tropicana 26 years ago, said he was "proud" of the growth and the quality of program of the organization.

 He said the further development of the community would require Tropicana and other organizations putting their heads and hearts together "to challenge the system in a constructive way."

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May 8, 2006 | The Stars were shining bright at Charity Ball

By Lincoln Depradine

Basketball all-star Jamaal Magloire was among a well-heeled group of patrons who attended an event last Saturday to raise funds for programs that help youth and families in Toronto. At the annual Charity Ball, hosted by Tropicana Community Services, the organization also honoured long-time volunteer

Ronald Blackman and 82-year-old lawyer Leonard Braithwaite, the first Black MPP in Ontario and Canada.

Blackman, an accountant who has been volunteering with the Scarborough-based organization for 17 years, received the inaugural "Tropicana Builder Award." Braithwaite was presented with the organization’s first-ever "Community Builder Award."

Magloire, whose Milwaukee Bucks recently lost its NBA first round playoff series to the Detroit Pistons, introduced Braithwaite, calling him "a true pioneer and leader in our community."

Founded in 1980, Tropicana provides counseling, tutoring and other programs from five locations in east Toronto.

Brendan Davis, a 16-year-old whose parents introduced him to Tropicana seven years ago, said being involved in several of the organization’s programs has helped him attain greater self-confidence and better school grades.

"Tropicana is an important part of the Caribbean-Canadian community and its presence makes our community and society stronger," Davis told the audience that included Ontario’s Children and Youth Services Minister Mary Anne Chambers, fellow Liberal MPP Bas Balkissoon, Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton, Toronto City Councillor Raymond Cho, as well as community leaders and the heads of business.

Christine Williams, president of Tropicana, pledged to expand the organization’s services to help save more young people from falling into trouble.

"With your support," said Williams, "we hope to expand our services with the sole aim of reaching more youth and families to impact their lives in positive ways, and ensure that our community and society are a safer, healthier place where all have a chance to reach their full potential."

In the short-term, Tropicana’s goal is find jobs for 750 youth under a Summer Jobs for Youth Program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

"I am making an appeal to each and everyone of you in a position to hire a youth to consider becoming a partner in the Summer Jobs for Youth Program," urged Sharon Shelton, Tropicana’s Executive Director.

"Employers can use these programs to reduce their costs and create additional opportunities for youth that need the money and also the work experience."

Tropicana officials also used the Ball, which included performances from R&B artist Ray Robinson, as well as from Dance Caribe Performing Company, to update guests on its building campaign.

After one year, more than $65,000 has been raised towards acquiring a building that will serve as Tropicana’s headquarters and as a community centre.

Keynote speaker, Staff Sergeant Chris Bullen, said he was "proud of the vision" of Tropicana, adding that we must "build for us by us."

Bullen, the Officer in Charge of the Traffic Bureau at the York Regional Police Service, said he is passionate about social responsibility and of leaving a legacy, such a place where community members can celebrate, worship and learn.

"I intend to contribute to Tropicana," said Bullen, who is also president of the Association of Black Law Enforcers. "I'm not rich but I’m committed to your legacy.

"This is my Canada and I intend to be a full participant. We cannot, and should not, leave others to build our community."

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