To round out our series of reports that seek to challenge entrenched stereotypes about Scarborough, we created a video featuring Malvern native and former Canadian Idol judge Farley Flex. In it, Farley describes how growing up in Scarborough shaped him as an athlete, a music entrepreneur and an engaged citizen with deep interest in community development. Now, I want to share some behind-the-scenes tidbits that reveal how this video came together.
I’d seen Farley in the community — once at a R.I.S.E. event where he told attendees about an upcoming workshop that aimed to facilitate honest conversations between Toronto police officers and black youth, and another time at Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre near Midland Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East, where I saw him giving daps to high school students before accompanying them to a weekly drop-in session. At the time, I didn’t know about this side of Farley.
Of course, I knew who Farley was due to his reputation as a music industry executive who’d managed award-winning Canadian rapper Maestro Fresh Wes and who’d later become a reality-television personality. So, when my colleague Anita Li and I came up with the idea of producing videos to reflect why Scarborough residents are proud of their hometown, we immediately thought of him.
When I asked Farley what place in Scarborough meant the most to him, he quickly replied, “Lester B. Pearson, my high school.” That’s why, on a wintry December afternoon, our videographer Paul Ohonsi, Farley and I met at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute to start the shoot. While walking through the hallways and gym, we ran into some people who knew about Farley and his connection to the school.
There were many outtakes that didn’t make it into the final video. Here’s one in which Farley recounts how he first met Maestro at a roadhouse restaurant near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue East:
This week, we published another video featuring upcoming writer Leanne Toshiko Simpson who talks about a hidden space in Scarborough: the Shoniker Clinic at Scarborough Health Network, which specializes in assessment and treatment services for young people with mental health problems. The clinic helped Leanne when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school.
What are some of your favourite Scarborough spaces? I’d love to learn more about the places that hold deep meaning for you. Email me your thoughts.
Spotlight
Hana Syed is a student at the University of Toronto Scarborough and vice-president external for the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union. Hana also founded a nonprofit organization called Global Youth Impact, and plays in a band with her three siblings, called Deys Official (check out this video they did for Canada’s 150th anniversary).
When it comes to describing Scarborough, Hana picks a musical metaphor. “Harmony. That’s the word that comes to mind. I even have a harmony banner up right now, in my office,” the 22-year-old says. “People with so many unique experiences and backgrounds all find home in Scarborough. It creates a beautiful mix.”
Although Hana views the diversity of her community as a strength, residents’ perspectives don’t get reflected in broader public discourse, especially when it comes to transit, she adds. “Whether they use the TTC or the GO, there’s a huge demographic of commuters in Scarborough. But it’s at the edge, so it gets left out.”
Story Circle: Transit edition
Last night, we held our Story Circle: Transit edition at the East Scarborough Storefront. A diverse group of more than 30 engaged community members came out on a wintry evening, including three city councillors representing Scarborough: Jim Karygiannis, Cynthia Lai and Jennifer McKelvie.
Everyone had been forewarned: We didn’t want to hear the usual talking points. Instead, we wanted to understand how public transit fits into the daily lives of Scarborough residents. Do they carry groceries on the bus? Do they drop off and pick up their kids from school using the subway? How do they cope with transit delays?
Many thanks to everyone who attended. I’ll reflect your community-driven solutions and insights in an upcoming article, so please look out for that. Anita and I hope to see you at our next Story Circle!
Let’s meet up
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March 2. Carnatic Youth Society of Canada annual showcase. The South Indian style of classical music takes years of rigorous training to master. CYSC’s mandate is to showcase young talent in the field, as well as provide workshops and mentorship with veteran artists.. Sathya Sai Centre Scarborough. 5 to 9.30 p.m.
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March 2. Auditions: Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts. This Halifax-based school offers many ways to study music. Students can explore classes in costume studies, acting and scenography, while also developing expertise in musical styles ranging from classical to popular. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 1. Yamaha Performance Centre. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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March 5. An evening with the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin. The former Chief Justice of Canada will discuss the history of Indigenous rights here to the present day. McLachlin was the longest-serving chief justice in Canadian history and the first woman to hold the position. Highland Hall Event Centre, University of Toronto Scarborough. 6 to 9 p.m.[end]
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