QUINTON ERIYA with our Publisher, Fred Antwi on the left and Quinton’s father, Wilfred Eriya on the right.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVITY ISSUE PUBLISHERS NOTE

We live in a country that is diverse in culture, language, food and religion. We have a visible cross-section of black and brown faces within our communities, spread from coast to coast. But we have mistaken visibility for voice. Seeing is not hearing. Only when we stop and listen, when people are heard, do we begin to break down the barriers of in equality and truly work towards social justice.

“OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER.”
– MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

As we enter a new year, with new hopes and new beginnings, and praying to leave the devastation of the pandemic behind us, we look to the racial reckoning that was long overdue, and know that we must do better. As a Black publisher, raising Black voices is an important mission for our magazine, and for me personally. This issue is our biggest yet, and we carved out a chunk, dedicating it to highlight and amplify Black voices. Our fitness and bodybuilding community is diverse and holds within it many esteemed Black athletes, Black mentors, and Black leaders who are helping to penetrate ceilings and overcome barriers. Lenda Murray takes one of our covers and is someone whom I’ve admired since my journey in bodybuilding began. She has shown insurmountable strength, legendary greatness, and dug a path for women of colour through her tenacity and longevity in the sport. Quinton Eriya is a Black Canadian phenom on the rise, and takes our other cover. He has much still to contribute to a sport that he will undoubtedly make his mark upon. He is young, gifted, and his authenticity and outspoken nature will surely have an impact for years to come. Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to change the world. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers.” We have much work to do, but we are focused in the right direction, with leadership and mentors guiding the way. As athletes, we have experience in rising up, moving beyond obstacles and we know how to rejoice in the victories that we work so hard for. This issue is about marking some notable achievements, and giving recognition that is long overdue…and we will continue to engage and encourage us as we move forward.