Hello!
It’s Mofe and Zach, your ever-faithful editors back at it again with another newsletter. We have had a roaring start to Black History Month and only more to come. The first Canadian BHM was in 1979 making this historic period of Black acknowledgement over four decades old. In that spirit lets look at an older bit of black history, we do have multiple decades to look back on y’know.
This week we want to acknowledge Henrietta Lacks, born Aug. 1 1920, and her immortal cervix cells. Her cells, called HeLa after the first two letters of her first and last name, were instrumental to the of creation the polio vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. Henrietta’s decedents were never allowed reap the profits of their ancestor’s literal body until last year when they settled their lawsuit against biotech giant Thermo Fisher Scientific. Every day Black history is made and lives on though the telling of Black stories.
For this iteration of the newsletter we want to highlight a particular story from this week. Earlier in the year Premier Danielle Smith unveiled very controversial limits to gender affirming care for young people. Our reporters documented the protests that erupted as a result result.
Hot This Week!
Alberta’s honey business has been on the rise, surpassing $100M in total value in 2023, almost double any other province (CBC)
The Special Olympics are right around the corner, and Team Alberta has 96 athletes competing in eight spots at the games, which start Feb. 27 in Calgary (CTV)
The Federal Court has overruled Federal Environmental Minister Steven Guilbeault, allowing a new coal mine in the Rocky Mountains (Global News)
There has been an increased demand for Pharmacare, as many Canadians are struggling to afford medication (City News)
Beyoncé fans hope her new album brings more visibility to Black country artists (NBC News)
Get Busy!
The MRU Conservatory is presenting its new Jazz on Lincoln Park event tonight at the Nickle Theatre at 8 p.m. You can get your $20 ticket here
At the end of the month there will be a Black History Month Showcase at Wyckham house. On Feb. 28 be sure to head on over to engage in a celebration of culture and creativity
On Feb. 17, both the Men’s and Women’s MRU Cougars hockey teams play at the Flames Community Arenas. The Women play at 2 p.m. and the men play at 7 p.m.
On Feb. 28 The Healthy Campus Team at MRU is hosting a Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training event
Artist Highlight
This week’s artist highlight is Adetola Adedipe. She is a multifaceted spoken word poet and writer based in Mohkinstsis. Her work spans many topics but they all centre on her lived experience as a Nigerian and South African immigrant to Canada.
If you are not familiar with spoken word I’ll explain, it is poetry spoken aloud with theatrical elements. Spoken word is not just the content of the poem but the delivery and stage presence of the poet. Adedipe is a skilled creative and has collaborated with current 2024 poet laureate Wakefield Brewster and other prominent figure in the Calgary poetry scene. You can find out more about her and her work here.
– Mofe
Top Calgary Journal Picks
The Calgary Journal works and learns in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, and the Iyarhe Nakoda. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.
