RPTV WEEKLY NEWS (EP80) - Phase 4 Update; Dixon Hall's Storytelling Through Food; Housing Clinics

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RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 80 (April 30th to May 6th) - in this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Fred Alvarado, Jabin Haque, Gabriel Meissner and Kedar Ahmed, we present news that impacts Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas. In this episode, we present the following news:

0:00 Intro;

01:18 Demolition Progress in Regent Park; 02:27 The CL&D— Ask Series presents: Moss Park, A Case Study in Neighbourhood Change and Community Organizing;

07:26 Councillor Moise Hosts Housing Clinics to Aid Ward 13 Residents;

17:50 Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre Hosts Community Health Gathering 2024;

31:45 Dixon Hall's 'Storytelling Through Food' Celebrates Regent Park's Culinary Diversity;

35:27 RPNA Member Addresses Affordable Housing Challenges;

42:53 RPTV's Gabriel Meissner Covers Pro-Palestinian Encampment at the University of Toronto;

48:41 Regent Park Reacts Ontario's School Cellphone and Vaping Crackdown;

54:40 Events and Jobs in Regent Park Community.

This week's Lead story

Dixon Hall's recent event, "Storytelling Through Food," held on April 30, 2024, at the Daniels Spectrum Building, was a vibrant celebration of Regent Park's rich culinary diversity. Featuring delicacies from Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Somali cultures, the event offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore and indulge in the flavours of various cultural cuisines.


Caterers at the event not only showcased their delectable dishes but also shared personal stories and connections to the Regent Park community, adding a deeper dimension to the culinary experience. From traditional Bengali and South Asian cuisine by Banglar Saad to Somali delicacies prepared by Amina, each dish served as a testament to the cultural richness thriving within Regent Park. Ashrafi Ahmed, representing Banglar Saad, provided further insight into the significance of the event in showcasing Bengali culture through food. Sharing the menu prepared for the occasion, Ashrafi highlighted staple Bengali dishes such as plain rice with daktarin, a flavorful lentil-based curry, and rasgulla, a beloved Bengali dessert. Emphasizing the cultural importance of rasgulla, Ashrafi explained that it serves as a symbol of celebration in Bengali tradition, making it a fitting addition to the culinary showcase. Grateful for Dixon Hall's support, Ashrafi expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share Bengali cuisine with the broader community. Reflecting on the diverse backgrounds of attendees and the collaborative effort behind the catering initiative, Ashrafi underscored Regent Park's status as a melting pot of cultures, where mutual support and celebration of cultural heritage thrive.

Through events like "Storytelling Through Food," Ashrafi and others continue to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Regent Park's culinary landscape, fostering unity and appreciation for cultural diversity.

 

By Fred Alvarado

Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

 

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