Afropolitan Dialogues

A Christmas Carol as a “heart forward” ritual anchors a wide-ranging conversation with Allison Edwards-Crewe on artistic craft, the discipline of a triple-threat practice, and the responsibilities that come with carrying classic work today. Together, the discussion explores representation as a structural commitment rather than a gesture, reflecting on Canadian theatre’s evolving audiences, institutions, and the next era being shaped on stage and behind the scenes.

This episode features Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW (Director of Professional Practice, OCSWSSW), Nicole Bonnie (Council Vice President, OCSWSSW), and Nikki Healey, MSW, RSW (Professional Practice Associate, OCSWSSW) in a discussion on how regulation, standards, and equity efforts support safe and accountable social work in Ontario. The conversation outlines how tools like the Online Public Register, the Continuing Competence Program, and an equity-informed complaints process help protect the public, while also addressing representation, cultural humility, and the roots of mistrust within Black and Afro-Caribbean communities. The guests highlight how ongoing education, transparent oversight, and strengthened community engagement contribute to rebuilding trust and improving the quality of care across the province.

In this soulful and wide-ranging conversation, Divine Brown joins Afropolitan Dialogues to reflect on her journey from Toronto’s neo-soul rise in the early 2000s to headlining UnCovered: Madonna & Cher at Koerner Hall. She shares the creative process behind reimagining pop anthems, opens up about the lasting influence of D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar, and revisits the collaborative magic that shaped her debut album. Divine also talks about storytelling as the thread connecting her music, theatre, and film work, the powerful mentorship she found in Toronto’s creative community, and the lessons she’s passing on to the next generation of artists.

Bahamian-born choreographer Reequal Smith discusses her acclaimed work Caribbean Flamingo, her journey from The Bahamas to PEI, founding Oshun Dance Studios, and how she champions Caribbean movement on global stages.

Twenty years after first sitting down with d’bi.young anitafrika during rehearsals for blood.claat at Theatre Passe Muraille, AfroToronto reconnects with the visionary artist to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the Sankofa Trilogy. From SummerWorks beginnings to a global academic journey and now a return to Toronto, this full-circle conversation explores lineage, liberation, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Broadway alum Mary Antonini joins us to discuss her starring role as Delia Patterson in Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Shaw Festival. Set during the Harlem Renaissance, the play explores dreams, struggles, and the resilience of Black communities in the 1930s. Mary reflects on embodying this history, her creative journey, and her exciting season at Shaw, which also includes Anything Goes and White Christmas.

In this episode, we sit down with Canadian filmmaker R.T. Thorne to discuss his feature debut, 40 Acres, premiering in theatres across Canada on July 4, 2025. This post-apocalyptic thriller has already garnered critical acclaim for its rich storytelling and powerful portrayal of Black and Indigenous experiences. Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “51 Best Canadian Films of All Time” and included in TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten, 40 Acres examines the themes of legacy, survival, and land through the lens of a culturally rooted and resilient family.

In this inspiring episode, operations executive and entrepreneur Eric McRae shares his mission to close the digital divide for seniors across Canada through his work with Connected Canadians. From empowering older adults with essential tech skills to engaging newcomers as volunteers, Eric dives into how purpose-driven models can foster intergenerational impact, equity, and digital literacy.

In this episode, we speak with Grammy-winning musician, composer, and educator Larnell Lewis about his upcoming tribute concert, A Glimpse of Quincy, premiering at Toronto’s Luminato Festival. We explore Larnell’s personal encounters with Quincy Jones, his creative process, and how fatherhood and community shape his ever-evolving artistic journey.

On this episode of Afropolitan Dialogues, we sit down with Grammy-winning artist Melanie Fiona to explore her journey through music, motherhood, and self-discovery. Melanie shares the inspiration behind her latest EP "Say Yes," the importance of staying true to yourself, and how embracing vulnerability has transformed her art and life. Tune in for insights on finding balance, the power of saying yes after knowing your boundaries, and what fans can expect as she brings her electrifying live performances back on tour.

From Stratford to Broadway, Vanessa Sears has graced many stages, but her latest role in the Canadian premiere of Amanda Wilkin’s award-winning play "Shedding a Skin" is a brand new adventure. In an intimate, one-woman performance set atop a London tower block, the story follows Maya, a young woman grappling with identity, burnout, and the magic of unexpected connections. This episode is for anyone who loves theatre, believes in the power of personal storytelling, or has ever wondered what it takes to find your voice on—and off—the stage. Vanessa’s honesty, warmth, and insight will inspire you to embrace who you are, build community, and connect, especially when the world feels divided.

Michelle Joseph is a Toronto-based blogger, podcaster, and now author of “Words with Michelle: Inspirational Conversations with Today's Black Canadian Changemakers.” Her journey as a storyteller is inspiring, authentic, and filled with wisdom for anyone looking to amplify community voices and pursue creative passions.

Our guests are the beloved radio personalities and dynamic duo Mark Strong and Jemeni. They stopped by Afropolitan Dialogues to discuss an exciting project that will bring them back together to host Olympic FOMO, a CBC Olympics coverage show for the upcoming Paris Games. When your snooze button wins the war against that 4:00 a.m. Olympic live stream from Paris, Mark and Jem go behind the scenes to bring you a daily Olympics recap in 20 minutes or less. They’ve got next-level access to Paris 2024, so you never need to worry about FOMO. You can follow the engaging conversations and thought-provoking content through podcast episodes and on CBC TV.

An interview with Jay Northcott, a multidisciplinary artist, director, playwright, and burlesque dancer. They joined the 2023 season of the Stratford Festival as an assistant director on the production of King Lear. We discuss the importance of including diverse perspectives and stories within the Black experience to create a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape. Topics include celebrating the richness of "black identities" and encouraging the exploration of different narratives and the intersection of art, identity, and self-belief.

An interview with multifaceted actor and performer Joella Crichton. We dive deep into Joella's artistic journey, exploring the unique creativity she discovered within the Afro-Caribbean community both as an actor and Carnival Queen. We learn how her role as a performer becomes a means of self-exploration and human connection, delving into the toolbox of skills she utilizes to bring her stage characters to life.

Stephen, a non-binary performer, brings a fresh perspective to these iconic plays. They shine a light on the significance of having diverse voices in theatre and showcase the remarkable talent of the black queer community. Beyond the stage, our speaker explores other art forms like visual art, dancing, and poetry.

An interview with two actors currently on stage at the Stratford Festival's 2023 season. They're performing in two plays: Much Ado About Nothing as well as King Lear. Austin Eckert is a Nigerian-Canadian actor from Regina, Saskatchewan. He went to college in Victoria, BC at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. He has been working in theatre, film and television for the past eight years. This is his second season at Stratford. Also joining the conversation is Andre Sills. Andre is a Guyanese-Canadian veteran actor and producer. This is his ninth season at Stratford since his debut in 2005. He's a graduate of George Brown College's Theatre program. During this engaging exchange, we delve into the pressures of striving for excellence at all times and the dream of being allowed to fail in a world where tokenism has too often straight-jacketed the evolution of Black stage performers.

A discussion with Detroit-based director Sam White, who is currently in her second and favourite season at the Stratford Festival. She discusses how the Stratford Festival has changed over the years and how she works with her cast and crew to create a unique experience for Alice Childress' "Wedding Band." We also delve into Sam's mentors and inspirations who helped build her up, including her parents, who continue to influence her work, and she talks about her passion for sharing Shakespeare's work in the rust belt.

Lee Siegel fell in love with the musical Rent as a teenager after hearing the soundtrack and reading the Rent Bible. He always dreamed of playing Tom Collins, and as he grew older, he appreciated the show's complex themes of love, growth, and finding oneself in a rough city like New York. Lee loves observing people, but also enjoys jumping into the action of the city. Playing a part in Rent has been a fulfilling experience for him.

An interview with stage actresses Akosua Amo-Adem and Déjah Dixon-Green. They are both part of the Stratford Festival's current production of Death and the King's Horsemen, written by renowned Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka. The production runs until October 29. As part of our conversation, we discuss the singularity of staging a Yoruba classic play at Stratford.

An interview with stage artist Beck Lloyd—as part of our conversation series from the Stratford Festival's 2022 season. Lloyd currently plays the role of Marianne in the festival's adaptation of Molière's The Miser, which runs until October 29.

An interview with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Housing Minister and also the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion. Hussen previously served as the federal immigration minister. In this conversation, Hussen addresses our questions on the growing housing affordability crisis in Canada. Photo credit: Jessica Deeks

An interview with Ngozi Paul, founder of FreeUp! She discusses her film "FreeUp! Freedom Talks," celebrating BIPOC vocalists broadcasting on CBC and CBC Gem on Canada’s Emancipation Day.

An interview with actors Jessica B. Hill and Jordin Hall, both currently part of two shows in the Stratford Festival's current season. Namely, Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well and Richard III. Our conversation focuses on their leading roles as Helen and Bertram in All's Well That Ends Well.

An interview with performing artists Sandra Caldwell and Amanda De Freitas about their experience on stage with the Stratford Festival's production of the musical Chicago. They discuss their careers and what the show says about women's empowerment and agency.

Amaka Umeh, the first artist of colour to play Shakespeare's Hamlet in the history of the Stratford Festival, is no stranger to breaking norms. In this conversation, she shares how she has navigated her life upstream from conventions both on and off the stage.

An interview with Candace Daniel, host of Global News Morning. She shares the challenges she overcame as a young mother to follow her dream of becoming a reporter.

An interview with the co-founders of BlackTies — a new app and global online community platform where Black professionals, entrepreneurs and students can have safe conversations about their careers, professional journey and life.

An interview with the Spoken Soul Collective (Paulina O'Kieffe-Anthony, Randell Adjei and Dwayne Morgan) on their curation work on the ArtworkxTo-supported exhibition called Scarborough: The Backbone. The exhibition runs until October 2022 at Scarborough Town Centre.

An interview with Nadine Spencer, CEO of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) about her journey as an entrepreneur and champion for Black businesses and female entrepreneurs.

We speak with two Black Canadian content creators who were selected for the 2022 YouTube Black Voices Fund. Launched in 2020, the multi-year commitment fund was created to directly support Black creators and artists by giving them access to resources so that they can thrive on the YouTube platform.

An interview with filmmaker Jennifer Holness about her debut feature documentary, Subjects of Desire. The film explores the destructive societal narratives that Black women and girls often face—while being acutely aware of the cultural appropriation underpinned by a shift in beauty standards towards embracing Black aesthetics.

An interview with Wanjiru Munene, communications specialist at the African and Caribbean Council of HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO). ACCHO is a provincial organization that provides strategic leadership in response to HIV/AIDS in the African, Caribbean, and Black (or ACB) communities in Ontario.

An interview with actress Shailene Garnett from CBC Television's legal drama, Diggstown. We delve into season 3, which explores a changed post-COVID society and the injustices threatening the lives of racialized communities.

An interview with Tony West, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Uber. We speak about the importance of diversity and inclusion in building an innovative company and the launch of Black Business Direct – a new online Black-owned business directory in Canada backed by Uber.

A conversation with Craig Wellington, the Black Opportunity Fund's inaugural executive director, on the significance of a $10 million donation by the TD Bank Group to help address historic and systemic barriers faced by Black Canadian entrepreneurs and Black-led community organizations to access vital funding sources.

An interview with Keith Boykin – CNN political commentator, New York Times best-selling author, and former White House aide to President Bill Clinton – about his new book RACE AGAINST TIME: The Politics of a Darkening America.

An interview about the new docu-concert on the legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with the film's director Barry Avrich and Rosemary Sadlier, former president of the Ontario Black History Society.

An interview with Philip Akin, the former artistic director of Obsidian Theatre Company and accomplished stage, voice and film actor. We discuss his current directorial work on Alice Childress' play 'Trouble in Mind' at the Shaw Festival and the importance of laying the path for Black storytellers and theatre practitioners.

An interview with Toronto-based award-winning Jamaican Chef Noel Cunningham and Trinidadian-Canadian Chef Kareema Beckles ahead of the milestone 20th virtual edition of the International Jerk Food and Music Festival (JerkFest). They will be taking part in live food demonstrations as part of the festival.

An interview with Jean Saint-Vil, aka Jafrikayiti — a Haitian-Canadian community activist, visual artist and radio host engaged in social justice initiatives. We discuss the aftermath of the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti and go through an in-depth analysis of the country's socio-economic challenges and history.

An interview with Peter Toh, the Executive and Artistic Director of Music Africa Canada — the parent company of Afrofest, which is the largest free African Music Festival in North America. We speak about the history of the festival, its driving mission, and why Music Africa has an important role to play to support Pan-African artists and the community at large.

An interview with Maya Annik Bedward — a Toronto-based filmmaker of Jamaican and French Canadian origin — on how her film company explores the intersection of different cultures on screen.

An interview with Dora-nominated choreographer, dance artist, educator, and public speaker Esie Mensah. She discusses her short film TESSEL featuring 14 pioneering Black artists from across Canada.

An interview with Rachel Décoste — a writer, educator, social policy expert, and Diversity & Inclusion consultant from Ottawa, Canada. She's the author of the audiobook, The Year of Return: A Black Woman’s African Homecoming.

An interview with Alica Hall, the Executive Director of the Nia Centre for the Arts — Canada’s first multi-disciplinary professional arts space dedicated to showcasing art from the African diaspora. The Toronto-based not-for-profit community arts organization has for its primary mission to be a key destination for the Black community to bolster and showcase the full range of creative diasporic expression.

An interview with Ray Williams, the co-founder and Chair of the Board of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF). Williams also serves as Managing Director and Vice-Chair with National Bank Financial. Spearheaded by a coalition of black Canadian executives and established in 2020, the Black Opportunity Fund is Canada's most ambitious investor fund dedicated to ​supporting black community organizations, businesses ​and entrepreneurs. The fund's primary aim is to enable the black community to access a pool of long-term funds to help combat the impact of systemic anti-black racism and promote social and economic empowerment across Canada.

A conversation with social entrepreneur Sanaaj Mirrie, founder and director of Durham Region's Afiwi Groove School. She discusses her passion for traditional African dance and her community advocacy with black youth and women.