By Jay Sanni
Edmonton’s RISE organized an event called Stay WOC (Women of Colour) which took place on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the Mercury Room in central Edmonton. The event began at 1 pm and featured performances from women of colour (including indigenous women) such as Lady Vanessa, Aisha Amin, Nissan Patel, KALI, Chubby Cree, Sarah Chan (the mayor’s wife) and more.
The performers either sang recited poetry, rap, told stories/jokes, or played an instrument. “The aim of the event was to celebrate the diversity of Edmonton and to showcase the talent and strength of women of colour”. The meals served at the event which, were of Somali and Indian origin also emphasized the event’s celebration of diversity.
One of the notable attendees at the event included Sarah Chan, the wife of the mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson, and the mayor himself. Mrs Chan gave a speech about what it means to be a Chinese Canadian and woman of colour and she also gave a short performance by playing the guitar and singing. The event received the attention of the local media in the form of CTV news whose representatives were present at the event as well.
