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The province of Quebec has much to teach to other nations about immigration. Its policies are not perfect but come pretty close compared to other provinces and countries Blacks, in particular, have in my view and in my parents’ – who emigrated to Quebec over 40 years ago – been very well received in the Fleur de Lys.

Still today, there is somewhat of consumption segregation based on erroneous and stereotypical beliefs. For example: based on postal code and area revenue, not all pharmacies carry make-up shades suitable to darker skins: a problem for me and for anyone who happen to not have Nicole Kidman’s translucid pigmentation. An even greater example of that segregation  is flagrant whenever one walks into a Maison de la Presse Internationale and has to step on a stool to reach a copy of Essence magazine. Yes, shopkeepers … I know what your automated response is: you don’t sell enough copies which is why the magazine is sent in the back of the bus …hmm sorry, I meant racks. Well this is a bit of a vicious circle enthralled in publishing-racism, isn’t?

Essence, a Time-Warner magazine, was first created to tackle issues ignored by mainstream publications while concerning the Black community. That was ions ago and since then, Essence has evolved into a more mainstream, publication that tackles broader issues still with an ear to the ground.  Many celebrities first graced the cover of Essence before they even got on Newsweek’s radar (Tiger Woods, Angela Bassett, Beyoncé, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, Denzel Washington, B.Smith, Mary J. Blige, The Cosby kids to name a few). To think only Blacks read or would read Essence magazine is like saying only Blacks voted for Barack Obama. Essence is a relevant and worthy publication deserving of better placement than Hustler magazine.

Driving up trendy Montreal staple, St-Laurent Boulevard, I was stunned to the point of pulling over.  I triple-blinked, in disbelief, at the sight of a giant sign that read “YES WE CAN” next to the picture of a aluminum can, in the window of a soon to be open bar. What?! Are these people for real?

When Barack Obama spoke these three little words, it was not as a marketing ploy. It was a rally-cry for all those who’ve been held back, stepped on, passed over and denied. When Herbie Hancock spoke the same three words at the 2008 Grammys in his acceptance speech, it was first, an endorsement of President-elect Obama and second, it was an homage and recognition to the thousands of jazz players who’ve been held back, stepped-on, passed over and denied.

“It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness. It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality.
Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.
Yes we can repair this world.”

It was not meant as a not-so-cheeky publicity-stunt for obscure Montreal bars. The three words that gave millions a voice and hope are sacred and deserve respect.
Blogger’s note: I give Rolling Stone magazine a free pass since first, they continue to be as relevant and as cool as ever and second, they endorsed Barack Obama before it was cool to do so.

A month later, there is still euphoria. November 4 2008 was the first day of Generation O. Only 13% of the U.S. population is Black thus clearly, this election wasn’t all about race.

It was about the good guy finishing first. It was about allowing the previously voiceless to speak. Obamamania wasn’t just about conspicuous marketing but was also about a global thirst for equality, dialogue and opportunity.

Despite all the exhilaration the American election generated, it’s impossible to not take a closer look at Canada’s elected leaders and wonder when they are going to really represent who we are. There are 34 different groups in Canada; 10 have at least I million members each and 16% of the population is non-white. It would be only fair that Parliament boast the same percentages. With a lackluster recent federal election and the upcoming December 8th snorefest also known as Québec’s elections, it’s time to step forward and carve our own new generation of leaders that will represent what’s now and what’s next. Generation O is about change-seeking underdogs giving the finger to odds, which we have forgotten, is what politicians should really be.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nahpQEy-mc8