Amanda Parris
Verified- On Air Host and Columnist, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
- Host, CBL-FM (Toronto, ON)
Toronto
Malcolm’s Mama. For the Culture and @revengebbf are streaming now on @cbcgem. Other Side of the Game is available to purchase at your local bookstore.
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Articles by Amanda Parris
LSR overexpression induces chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer cells through MDR1 upregulation and apoptosis attenuation
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Zhao M, Ma Z, Parris AB, Yang X (2025) LSR overexpression induces chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer cells through MDR1 upregulation and apoptosis attenuation. PLoS One 20(11): e0336124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0336124 Editor: Irina V.
It Was All A Dream - a dream hampton film
A visual memoir from director dream hampton's personal archives about the dawn of the golden era of hip hop. By Heart Lake Records Inc. The Royal 608 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1B4 Canada Refund Policy Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
Black films at TIFF 2022: The programmers share their favourites from this year's festival
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. Forget Christmas. In the city of Toronto, the most wonderful time of year happens during two weeks in September, when red carpets are rolled out, movie theaters are filled and fans are lined up hoping to catch a glimpse of a famous face.
Mashup Pon Di Road is a 'bashment circus variety show' bringing joy to Little Jamaica on a big truck
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. The first time I saw Bahia Watson and Liza Paul share the stage, I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and tears came to my eyes. It was well over a decade ago and they were performing an early version of their first critically acclaimed and globally celebrated production pomme is french for apple.
'This is liberation': Toronto R&B singer R. Flex wants to create a queertopia
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. The first time I saw the music video for R. Flex's song "Too Late," I was captivated. It had many of the familiar hallmarks of an R&B video: seductive looks into the camera, choreographed dance moves, elaborate eye makeup...
With her musical Dixon Road, Fatuma Adar is rewriting what it means to be from Toronto
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. When Fatuma Adar first began to conceive of the musical that would come to be known as Dixon Road, she dreamed big: this would be her very own version of Les Miserables.
Rita Shelton Deverell has been a Black woman in Canadian media for half a century
This is the second in a series of articles about the 2022 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards laureates. I don't often get nervous when interviewing people but I started stuttering — a lot — when I spoke to Rita Shelton Deverell.
Does it matter who owns Black art?
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. In 2017, Jean-Michel Basquiat's Untitled skull painting was purchased for $110.5 million US by Japanese entrepreneur and billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. The historic purchase joined a growing number of works by Black American artists that have skyrocketed in value on the art market.
Mental Health Advocate and Artist Ajani Charles Documents Toronto's Hip-Hop Community
In an era when a global pandemic has compounded feelings of loneliness and disconnect, taking care of our well-being is more crucial than ever.
Scarborough: The Backbone celebrates the dynamic suburb as 'this place that makes Toronto what it is'
The positive reception of Canadian indie film Scarborough points to a bigger cultural renaissance taking place in Toronto's eastern suburb Poets Randell Adjei, Paulina O’Kieffe and Dwayne Morgan at the launch of the Scarborough: The Backbone project at Scarborough Town Centre in Sept. 2021. (Vito Amati) After an impressive opening week box office on just two screens, the indie film Scarborough expanded to seventeen screens across the country this weekend.
The Porter finally centres Black ambition on Canadian television — and it's a revelation | CBC Arts
Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. The Porter premiered on CBC this week. Set in the heart of St. Antoine, a Black community in Montreal, it is inspired by the real history of Black Canadian train porters in the 1920s and their struggle to build a labour union across North America.
Sci-Fi/Futuristic Futurism (VOD)
H.E.N.R.I. Directed By: Katarzyna Kochany ⎥ Canada ⎥ 2020 ⎥ 7m⎥ Synopsis: After the tragic loss of his father, 7-year-old Simon turns to his home Artificial Intelligence communicator, to seek answers while his mother Mary-Anne and twin sister Simone try to readjust to their new reality. Spookwood Directed By: Jerry Wolf ⎥ Canada ⎥ 2020 ⎥ 9m Synopsis: When a ghost haunts the northern woods, and a young girl must journey deep into the woods to perform a ritual that will banish the vengeful spirit.
Amanda Parris' debut play 'Other Side of the Game' adapted for the ear
It’s not often that a first-time playwright wins the coveted Governor General’s Award for Drama, but Amanda Parris earned it with her debut show. Now that award-winning play has been adapted into an audio drama. Amanda Parris is a playwright, columnist and host of many shows, including The Exhibitionists and The Filmmakers.
Ten Published Plays by Black Canadian Playwrights
One of the most inspiring aspects of theatre is its trust in the power of a good story — as a mirror, as a window, as a force for change, an altar for truth and haven for comfort and healing. Here are ten incredible plays by Black Canadian playwrights that not only embody those very virtues but really resonated with me.
PlayME kicks off new season with sharp-tongued 'Winners and Losers'
Our audio fiction showcase is back with a new season of unforgettable stories, all of which speak to big themes of our times. James Long and Marcus Youssef are real-life friends who engage in dangerously personal debate in their critically acclaimed play "Winners and Losers." (Ben Shannon/CBC) PlayME36:03Winners and Losers (Part 1) When it comes to a battle of wits, be wary of challenging a friend. It's those who know us best who may show up most heavily armed.
New Season of Theatre Podcast 'PlayME' Announced
Nine months since theatres closed due to COVID-19, and the arts world went online - EXPECT THEATRE and CBC PODCASTS today announced a new season of PlayME, the podcast series that turns the hottest Canadian plays into audio fiction. PlayME kicks off its extraordinary new season today with a lineup of plays that speak to these uncertain times, exploring themes such as privilege, connection, urban / rural divide and mental health.
PlayMe Podcast - NOW Magazine
Expect Theatre and CBC Podcasts present the podcast series that turns the hottest Canadian plays into audio fiction with a lineup of plays that speak to these uncertain times, exploring themes such as privilege, connection, urban / rural divide and mental health. Each play will be released as three episodes, followed by an in-depth interview with the respective playwright.
CBC Arts columnists survey the year in Black arts, queer culture and the warm bath of nostalgia
We asked Amanda Parris, Peter Knegt and Anne T. Donahue to pick their best of the worst year. Still from Beyoncé's Black is King. (Disney+) We don't envy CBC Arts columnists Amanda Parris, Peter Knegt and Anne T. Donahue having to regularly try and make sense of this strange year with words. But try they did, and many words did arrive via Amanda's Black Light, Peter's Queeries and Anne's Anne-iversaries.
Searching for Canadian film's Black Radical Imagination
Black Radical Imagination is a curated touring program of visual shorts, traversing the fields of new media, video art and experimental narrative. Assembled by film programmers and curators Erin Christovale and Amir George, the series was inspired in part by the limitations of representation for people of colour in cinema. A scene from Swimming In Your Skin Again, directed by Terence Nance.
While she's away, Amanda Parris is sharing her column Black Light with a new voice every month
Meet the writers! These top artists and thinkers will each take on a guest edition of the column. Clockwise from top left: Makeda Silvera, Rodney Diverlus, Anique Jordan, Huda Hassan, Djanet Sears, Matthew Progress, Nehal E-Hadi, Amani Bin Shikhan. Watch for their columns on CBC Arts.
Nia Centre and the legacy of Black arts and culture spaces in Toronto
Nia Centre announced plans for expansion last month. Their Toronto venue will double in size. (L-R) Nia Centre's executive director Alica Hall, Toronto Mayor John Tory, Nation Cheong (United Way Greater Toronto), MPP Jill Andrew and MP Adam Vaughan stand outside the Nia Centre's home at 524 Oakwood. In October, Nia Centre announced plans for expansion. They are building Canada's first professional Black arts centre. (Nia Centre) I remember feeling like I had snuck into an exclusive secret society.
On the eve of its final season, Amanda Parris reflects on five years of CBC Arts: Exhibitionists
It's the show that launched her entire career, but it's time to say goodbye. Season 6 premieres tonight on CBC. Flashback to 2015! (Remember 2015?) Amanda Parris appears in first season of CBC Arts: Exhibitionists. (CBC Arts) Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. It's Friday, Oct. 16.
Still working on your TIFF schedule? Check out these must-see films by Black directors
Scene from One Night in Miami, Regina King's directorial debut. Following a premiere in Venice, it makes its way to the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. (TIFF) It's the most wonderful time of the year: the Toronto International Film Festival! But because it's 2020, it's a festival unlike any we've had before. Virtual panels, drive-in screenings and a scaled-down program reflect the reality of film festivals in the new COVID-19 era.
Is there a way to save Toronto's only Black-owned radio station G98.7FM?
Black-owned spaces in this city seem to be under constant threat. How do communities grow in their absence? Mark Strong, Fitzroy Gordon, and Jemeni on the day of G98.7 FM's first live broadcast, November 28, 2011. (G98.7/Facebook) Black Light is a column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
7 African artists share their feelings on the glory — and missteps — of Beyoncé's Black is King | CBC Arts
Black is King is Beyoncé's latest visual album. Now streaming on Disney+, it features music from her 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift. (Disney+) Of all the life-altering and terrifying changes that have occurred in 2020, one of the more fascinating shifts has been happening in celebrity culture. Stars have always been placed on a pedestal, and now that pedestal's being shaken. Maybe that's why I initially had little interest in watching Beyoncé's latest visual album, Black Is King.
Other Side of the Game
Scene 6 It is 1970-something and we are back at the meeting being held by the Movement. Throughout the meeting Khalil glances at Beverly and exchanges a smile or two. Akilah notices and is visibly uncomfortable. Beverly is taking notes. Khalil: What we need to do is start building a vision for the future. Elder: What does that mean? Khalil: We need to stop reacting and begin building. Elder: Who invited the poet? Akilah: Okay. Elder, what do you think we should do?
How to watch Being Black in Canada, other Emancipation Day programming on CBC
© CBC CBC is offering special programming in recognition of Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on Aug. 1. In recognition of Emancipation Day, CBC is airing special programming over the next week beginning on Sunday, including the hour-long special Being Black in Canada and an encore broadcast of the acclaimed CBC original miniseries The Book of Negroes. Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on Aug. 1.
Anti-racism is not a trend. To keep the movement strong, look out for these 3 roadblocks
Movements have been derailed in the past. Here are some things we should be watching for. Protesters march during an anti-racism demonstration on June 6, 2020 in Toronto. (Cole Burston/Getty Images) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. The past two months have been fascinating, to say the least.
Watch the Being Black in Canada one-hour special, three-night special encore broadcast of The Book of Negroes | CBC News
CBC will offer special programming this summer in recognition of Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on August 1. CBC will offer special programming this summer in recognition of Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire on August 1.
Black artists come first: Lessons from Philip Akin after 20 revolutionary years at Obsidian Theatre
The acclaimed artistic director talks to Amanda Parris. Watch their conversation. Philip Akin, artistic director of Obsidian Theatre Company. (Colin McConnell/Getty Images) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
Canadian cultural institutions have silenced Black voices for years. Can we write a new chapter?
Fighting the power comes at a cost. To better support today's activists, take a lesson from history. Rosie Douglas in the film Rosie, the Fearless Rebel. (Sonia Godding Togobo) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
This film shows just how easily our freedom can be taken away
Don't see yourself as a protestor? Kettle, a short doc by Lucius Dechausay, could be your wake-up call During the 2010 G20 in Toronto, filmmaker Lucius Dechausay was among hundreds of ordinary people held without charge at a downtown intersection. His short documentary, Kettle, captures that moment, an event he calls a "wake-up call" for Canadians. (CBC Short Docs) Last weekend, 673 Women's Marches took place around the world in response to the first day of Donald Trump's presidency.
TXN is a powerful new film capturing 10 years of Black culture in Toronto
Director Matthew Progress talks to Amanda Parris about the making of his short film. Matthew Progress will discuss his video essay TXN after an online screening Thursday, May 28. Visit niacentre.org for more info. (Matthew Progress) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface...Verzuz is what's getting me through lockdown
The culture's coming together to celebrate and heal, and we're doing it on Instagram Live. (L-R) Jill Scott and Erykah Badu battled it out on Instagram Live as part of Verzuz, a showdown series created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. (The Canadian Press) It took me approximately two and a half hours to get out of bed this morning to begin writing this article. The past few weeks of lockdown have been challenging for many.
An oral history of the Black Film and Video Collective
Including Claire Prieto, Clement Virgo and Cameron Bailey, they were the architects of Black filmmaking in Canada. (L-R) Maurice Dean Wint, Karen King, Clement Virgo and Damon D'Oliveira. (Courtesy of the CFC) The late '80s and early '90s were a truly exciting time for Black film around the world. In the United States, filmmakers including Spike Lee, Julie Dash and John Singleton were creating works that would forever reshape the concept of American cinema.
An oral history of the Black Film and Video Network
Including Claire Prieto, Clement Virgo and Cameron Bailey, they were the architects of Black filmmaking in Canada. (L-R) Maurice Dean Wint, Karen King, Clement Virgo and Damon D'Oliveira. (Courtesy of the CFC) The late '80s and early '90s were a truly exciting time for Black film around the world. In the United States, filmmakers including Spike Lee, Julie Dash and John Singleton were creating works that would forever reshape the concept of American cinema.
COVID-19's impact on Canadian theatre: 3 artistic directors weigh in
Their finances have been hit, and so have their personal lives. How will the show go on? Aria Evans performs in Finding Wolastoq Voice. The show appeared at the NAC Indigenous Theatre in September 2019. (Fred Cattroll) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
12 of the best Black Cancon films you can stream for free right now
From dramas to short docs, there's plenty to binge. Find these titles on YouTube, CBC Gem and the NFB website. Nurse. Fighter. Boy. is now streaming on CBC Gem. (CBC ) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. The entire world is in lockdown, and a lot of us are turning more frequently to streaming entertainment.
Artists are getting us through COVID-19. Never question their value again
If this crisis is an opportunity for change, let's start paying artists their dues. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Toronto musician Tika launched a concert series on Instagram Live. (Alex Chan) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. Most of the country is in lockdown, attempting to slow the spread of COVID-19.
What is COVID-19's impact on Black culture and activism in Toronto?
Until We Are Free is a new book by Black Lives Matter Toronto. Amanda Parris speaks with three of its authors about art, activism and adapting to life in lockdown. Black Lives Matter Toronto activists take part in Pride Action at the Toronto Pride Parade, July 3, 2016. (Anique Jordan) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
3 reasons why Netflix's latest miniseries Self Made should be at the top of your weekend watch list
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker lands on Netflix March 20. (Amanda Matlovich/Netflix) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. These are strange and scary times. Amidst all the uncertainty, there are few things we can rely on with each breaking news cycle. But one thing that has remained consistent?
31 Black Canadian female playwrights you need to know
As a theatre lover and a playwright, Amanda Parris desperately wants to see more of their works on stage. Natasha Adiyana Morris's new play The Negroes Are Congregated is on stage at Toronto's Theatre Passe Muraille to March 14. (Submitted by Natasha Adiyana Morris) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
There are a million reasons to see 143, an art show on Black love that's taking over Union Station
On now in Toronto, the exhibition is a meditation on love as seen as through the eyes of eight Black artists. 143 (I Love You) is on at Toronto's Union Station to March 28. (Courtesy of Ishmil Waterman) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
It can be tough to break into a youth-obsessed art world. But in her 60s, 'Auntie Gloria' is shining
Amanda Parris visits beloved Toronto artist Gloria Swain (and her cat Patches!) in studio. See Gloria Swain's art at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. This Too Shall Pass is on to March 21. (CBC Arts) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
The Photograph (and 10 more Black love stories to watch this Valentine's Day)
Stella Meghie's latest feature film arrives in theatres Feb. 14. LaKeith Stanfield and Issa Rae star in The Photograph, the latest from Toronto filmmaker Stella Meghie. (Universal Pictures) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. This Valentine's Day, there's more to celebrate than a reduction in chocolate prices.
Why Canada's biggest R&B divas are doing musical theatre
It's more than just a gig. Jully Black, Janisa and Deborah Cox reveal why they love the stage. Jully Black stars in Caroline, Or Change. The musical, which takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, plays Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre to Feb. 16.
Black History Month 2020: The top events across Canada
See Ekow Nimako's Lego sculptures at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. (Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people. It's almost Black History Month, a.k.a. the 28 or 29 days when institutions make their token acknowledgements to the communities they ignore the rest of the year.
Watching Hip-Hop Evolution...with my mother | CBC Arts
"My mum is probably not the target audience," writes Amanda Parris. But they've bonded over the award-winning docuseries. Shad and Snoop have almost as much fun as Amanda Parris and her mum. (Courtesy of Netflix) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
2020's must-see projects by Black artists | CBC Arts
Scene from Utopia Falls. Aliyah (Robyn Alomar) and Bohdi (Akiel Julien) perform “My Kin” (Boi-1da Ft. Nikhil Seetharam & The New Babyl Orchestra) for the citizens of New Babyl. (Courtesy of CBC) Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
You could've tried harder, Little Women. Why better representation is needed when adapting classics | CBC Arts
Adaptations like Anne with an E have set a new standard, and Greta Gerwig's new film doesn't quite hit the bar. Little Women hits theatres Dec. 25. (Sony Pictures) When I was a child, I was obsessed with Little Women. I read the book over and over until my well-worn paperback fell apart — crying when Beth got sick, laughing with delight when Meg stands up to Aunt March, crying (again) when Amy burns Jo's book.
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