EPISODE 3 | Anti-Black Racism in the Media & the Spaces that Create it
#BDRB EP:3: Anti-Black Racism in the Media & the Spaces that Create it #BREAKINGDOWNRACIALBARRIERS
SPEAKERS
TONY "MASTER T" YOUNG | @RXMusic @mastert_official
WAYNE WILLIAMS @w2images
DONALD ROBINS @donrob100
MARK STRONG @strizzzyeverywhere
SAJAE ELDER @JaeFiasco
DANAE PEART @MediaBizTO
ALICIA "ACE" WEST @aliciaacewest
Moderated by:
IAN ANDRE ESPINET | @ianandreespinet
DAVID “CLICK” COX | @davidclickcox
ALICIA “ACE” WEST
Radio Personality
Gail Phillip has a long-standing professional career in the North American music entertainment industry and is a lifelong advocate for the professional development of women.
Gail honed skills as a TV executive in Marketing & Sales at the top Television Networks in Canada; CTV, Global & CBC before diving into the music industry, and has held roles as a Radio Executive at G987FM (CKFG-FM) and as Director of Advertising Sales for JAZZ.FM 91 (CJRT-FM).
She has a proven track record in all facets of artist management, has owned an independent label responsible for launching the careers of Juno nominated artist; Ray Robinson and Kim Davis, and has obtained sponsorships and endorsement deals from various companies including Roots Canada, Honey Jam, Universal Music Canada and major radio and television outlets.
She has formerly held positions as juror of The Juno Awards & Factor, as Network manager of NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment - Canadian Chapter), and as Artist Relations Director for UMAC (The Urban Music Association of Canada).
Gail is currently Manager, Client Services for FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings) a non-for profit funding agency.
@aliciaacewest
TONY “MASTER T” YOUNG
Media Professional (Commercial Broadcaster | Instructor)
Originally from Leeds, England. Tony aka Master T was a decorated VJ at Much Music hosting, producing and interviewing some of the most popular artists in the world, including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Meat Loaf, Jay-Z, 2Pac and countless others.
Currently, he's the Director of Media Production for RX music, a music consultancy agency. Tony is also proud to be hosting and producing their online series, RX Music Live. Master T pulls back the curtain and brings a fresh perspective on the life, times, struggles and story behind some today's brightest stars.
@mastertofficial
DANAE PEART
Media Consultant | Peart Media + Business Consultant
A daughter of the Jamaican soil, Danae is an intelligent, resourceful, leader, coach and change maker.
She holds undergraduate degrees in Communications & Linguistics and Urban Studies (cum-laude) from York and a Masters of Applied Environmental Science (Local Economic Development) from University of Waterloo.
As Chief Executive Officer of CHRY Community Radio for over a decade, Danae was responsible for the successful reorganization and establishment of social enterprise VX3 Exchange Inc (for vocational training in media arts), and the creation of VIBE 105FM (Toronto's Diverse Music Mix). Her experiences at CHRY/VIBE were amongst the topics of her 2015 TEDx YorkU’ Ricochet series presentation.
Upon completion of CHRY's transition to VIBE, Danae successfully embarked on a professional transition to health care. Building on her educational background and tenure as past president/chair of Black Creek Community Health Centre, she is currently the Lead Administrator for a pair of Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics in Toronto.
She is the owner of Peart Media + Business Consulting, through which she consults to entities such as VX3, co-manages artists, and provides small business and entrepreneurial advisement. In her alternate business hours Danae may be found debating politics or ideology, hosting radio shows, events, concerts, panels or pursuing her love of acting and comedic ventures.
@mediabizTO
DONALD ROBINS
Radio Promotion And Publicity | Warner Music Canada
Donald "D" Robins has been involved in the Canadian music industry for the past 25 years & has been a contributor to Canada’s growing black music movement. He grew up listening to various genres and has a love of music.
He has worn hats as DJ, major record label promoter, former on-air radio & TV personality, tour manager, record importer, and entrepreneur.
While completing his college degree, Donald volunteered at CKVR college radio, becoming assitant station manager while there. During his DJ days, he was part of a music import and talent booking agency. As it grew, it sparked Donald's interest in major labels. In 1997, he joined Universal Music Canada as a street lifestyle consultant for the Quebec market. 3 years later he moved to EMI Music Canada as a radio promotion rep.
For over 13 years, Donald volunteered weekly at CKUT- Radio McGill as programmer of the popular Soul/R&B based Weekend Groove. In 2003, his experience led him to an invitation to join CBC Galaxie radio, a position he held until 2014. He held employment at Sony Music Canada, and has been at Warner Music Canada since 2005.
His pride in supporting Canadian talent has enabled him to understand how Canadian musicians are marketed to consumers here & in foreign markets.
@donrob100
SAJAE ELDER
Culture Writer and Digital Producer
Sajae is a culture writer and digital producer with work that has appeared in publications like The FADER, Vice, Complex, Noisey, Buzzfeed, and Blavity over the last 5 years. She works cross-functionally with social media, marketing, and external communications teams to create content that resonates with audiences most.
@jaefiasco
MARK STRONG
Radio Personality | Voice & Raptors In-Arena Host
Mark Strong is a product of Toronto's celebrated "Fresh Arts" program of the early 90s - his cohort includes Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black, Saukrates and video director littlex.
After a stint in internet radio, Mark became co-host of the beloved morning show (alongside Jemeni) on Canada's 1st Urban music station.
As one of Canada's most in demand voice over talents, Mark's resume includes his role as voice of The Juno Awards (6 years), Canada's Walk of Fame (5 years), warm up talent for Howie Mandel's "Deal or No Deal", Collin Mochrie's "Are You Smarter than a Canadian 5th Grader", and YTV's "The Next Star" finales in 2008/2009.
An avid sports fan, Mark became host of NBAXL, a national NBA basketball/magazine show broadcast across Canada that exposes Mark’s energy from coast-to-coast by interviewing players though a basketball culture perspective. He is in-stadium host and hype man for Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Raptors home games.
Marks return to radio sparked the city once again. Back at the helm of morning radio on Toronto's G987fm, Strizzzy’s new and loyal audiences have grown with him and the new impactful station. G brings a blend of old school/new school, soul, groove, hip hop, R&B, Soca, Reggae all over a bed of Caribbean culture and flava - a perfect blend for Mark's charismatic character.
A dedicated family man, Strong works hard to be a positive role model in several communities. His persona has managed to captivate thousands of listeners and viewers with his humour, creative parodies, witty topics and commanding presence. He is always up for the challenge to push the creative envelope and there’s no telling where he’ll take it next.
@strizzzyeverywhere
David “Click” Cox started his career as a member of the MMVA winning and JUNO nominated group, The Maximum Definitive.
He created a reputation for his promotional and marketing efforts working closely with concert promotions company REMG.
Soon after, he started his career working with BMG Music Canada and then worked at Universal Music Canada as A&R. During his time with Universal, David founded the Stylus Awards to celebrate the Canadian urban music talents and recognition of DJs.
After 8 years with Universal, he created his own entertainment company, CLK Creative Works. Today, CLK is responsible for managing an eclectic roster of highly skilled and experienced artists. Along with management, David teaches music business at Metalworks and The Remix Project.
@davidclickcox
WAYNE WILLIAMS
Media Professional (Commercial Broadcaster, Instructor)
With over 30 years in the commercial radio business, Wayne was that guy falling to sleep with his radio tucked under his pillow listening to his favourite station (WBLK) back in the day.
Armed with a radio and television college degree Wayne has helped launch some iconic radio stations during his successful career.
From the ground breaking original Energy Radio, to Flow 93.5, G98.7 and hosting numerous T.V shows in between.
Wayne has had an extensive career in media and is extremely passionate about the industry.
Wayne now teaches new media at Humber College and owns his own Digital Marketing Company “Agency9.”
@w2images
Ian Andre Espinet is a Toronto born, serial entrepreneur and lifelong community advocate. A business professional with over 2 1/2 decades of combined expertise in various areas of business, he is a proficient marketer, graphic designer & creative director, social media specialist, entertainment impresario, public speaker and community servant.
More than the sum of his parts, he is a trusted and respected member of the Canadian entertainment scene.
He is owner, creative director/principle designer at Black Star Graphic Design & Communications, a boutique design & print agency established in 1996. Iconic Arts & Entertainment established in 2001, is one of Canada's most respected "Urban" club & concert promotions companies and has produced 100's of events for 10's of 1000's of patrons.
Amongst his signature brands are Toronto's World Renowned RNB event, The Soul Kitchen (est. 2003), Icon, The One, Carpe Diem, The B-Boy Document and The Legendary Amnesia Old School event (est. 1999), which boasts over 50 old performances and is one of the only EVENTS to sign a major label recording label deal in Canada (Universal Music).
In December 2018, Emancipation Consciouswear, his heritage clothing line established in 1993 was reinstated after a 15 year hiatus.
He frequently volunteers, and speaks to children/youth on entrepreneurship; has served on the board of CHRY/VIBE 105.5fm (4 years); Caras' JUNO hip hop jury; and FACTOR's Juror for Hip Hop & R&B for the last 5 sessions. He is recipient of the Government of Canada's "150 Neighbours" CityBuilder Award (for service in Scarborough) and a City of Toronto Volunteer & Community Service Award.
@ianandreespinet