(Fred is a journalist with FOCUS Media Arts Centre – a partner of The Corner)
The St. James Town Community Corner (The Corner) celebrated Black History Month by honouring Black wellness leaders for their support to residents’ wellness in 2022. The honourees were awarded for keeping residents’ spirits up and for their work in increasing the positive mental health of other community members during the third year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The four Black wellness leaders honoured by the St. James Town community were:
1. Stalin Alexander— A St. James Town resident for the last 17 years, Alex is a youth leader who loves helping people in the community.
2. Pat Gary— A St. James Town resident for the last 20 years, Pat connects residents and newcomers to the food and furniture bank in her community.
3. Oma Okolocha— Newcomer to Canada living in St. James Town since 2022, Oma is a wellness ambassador at The Corner helping residents to connect with The Corner’s wellness programs.
4. Gaspar Pereira Da Silva — A St. James Town resident, Gaspar is a wellness leader at Sherbourne Health Centre.
On February 25th, 2023, the St. James Town Community Corner recognized Black wellness leaders during the Black History Month — Boundless Healing event. Chris Moise, City Councillor for Ward 13, and Yanique Stirlin, a staff member at The Corner, were invited to hand out certificates and gifts to each of the four Black wellness leaders honoured.
“On behalf of the St. James Town Community Corner, the 519, Dixon Hall, and the Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People, we would like to thank you for your contribution to the health and wellness of other black community members and all the hard work to our community”, said Yanique Stirlin.
To hear more about the event and the honorees visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSVnXjxGdss
