ITHINK we’re beginning to get the hang of this thing.

This edition of The Magpie features an eclectic and interesting selection 0f stories about Edmonton’s City Centre.

Across the country we have been hearing stories about the COVID-19 virus inspiring acts of bigotry but, so far, members of Edmonton’s Chinese community report that this sickness about the sickness has yet to spread to our city.

As Black History Month draws to a close, Managing Editor Mariann Roberts looks back at one of the giants of provincial history – who happens to be African-Canadian – and asks why it is that we can’t just celebrate the accomplishments of all Albertans all of the time.

How do we help the homeless? Does a bit of pocket change make a difference, or should we be focusing on strengthening community services. The people whose job it is to help street people have one simple answer, whatever you decide: treat the people that you see panhandling as human beings.

For Valentine’s day … and after: we have a short and quirky history of chocolate, the seductive brown treat that has worked its way into our hearts, as it went from bitter drink to sweet confection.

All this and more (as they say) in this week’s edition of The City Centre Magpie.

As always, we welcome your feedback. Tell us what we’re doing right or wrong – and please send us your story ideas.

Brian Gorman,
Associate Professor,
MacEwan journalism
gormanb3@macewan.ca