Shaunga Tagore hates writing bios (but secretly likes it) and not so secretly works as a writer, editor, performer and arts-educator in Toronto. Please see the song “bitch” by meredith brooks for a more detailed and accurate personality profile. And check out the website: www.shaungatagore.com
Mel Gayle is a queer writer, reader, crafter, Buffy lover. Born a Jamaican-suburbanite she now spends her time amidst bookshelves in Toronto. To buy her zines contact Mel at melannie.gayle@gmail.com
Black Coffee Poet wrote this poem in May 2009 after walking one of Toronto’s major streets for several blocks and seeing the same white face and red letters accompanying it: MISSING. When a white person experiences violence or goes missing they are given far more attention from the Canadian government, police, and media. This is Black Coffee Poet’s response.
Tune in to Black Coffee Poet Monday December 13, 2010 for a review of “Sweet” by Toronto poet Dani Couture.
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By Suritah Wignall
A Space Gallery
401 Richmond St. West
Suite 110
Exhibition ends Dec 11th 2010
One of the hardest things that I have ever had to deal with is being a dark skinned black woman. For the longest time I felt uncomfortable in my own skin; these feelings came from my upbringing, my childhood experiences in elementary school, high school, and in my college years.
I went to a predominantly white catholic elementary school and an all girl catholic high school. The urban arts scene in Toronto has been transformative because it is filled with poets, artists, playwrights, actors and singers from all cultures and backgrounds who speak of their struggles, beauty and pain. It was there that I learned about the hardships and beauty of culture and skin tones.
Visible/Invisible is a collection of four images that represent all the things I have ever longed for, from childhood to my adult life––love, affection and then acceptance. It is my hope to show that the only way to love yourself is to fully accept who you are.
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