[URBAN NOTE] What's going on along Bloor Street West from Landsowne to Dufferin?

[rfmcdonald]

Michael's Bloor Lansdowne Blog features an interview with a Nation of Islam representative who's active on this street. It's a fascinating bit of street ethnography, actually.

Sometimes when I go downtown I see representatives of the Nation of Islam selling literature. They are instantly recognizable by their dark suits and bow ties. I don't know when the Nation first came to Toronto, but it's only been in recent years that I've noticed them around the Eaton Centre. I used to only see NOI members on TV, but now I run into them fairly often.

Still, I was surprised a month ago to see a young man in the familiar dark suit and bow tie standing at the northwest corner of Dufferin and Bloor selling copies of the Final Call outside the subway station. I bought a copy of the newspaper out of curiosity. Since then I've run into him a few more times.

A few weeks ago I asked him if I could take his picture for my blog and he was kind enough to let me. He told me his name was Brother Richard. I learned he lives outside the neighbourhood and sells newspapers at other locations as well. When I approached him, he was willing to talk about his group. I've spoken to him a few times now and he's always friendly.

Michael's blog also covers the upcoming BIG on Bloor street festival this Saturday coming, from 1 pm to 9 in the evening.

On Saturday June 20, Bloor St. W. will be closed from Christie in the east to Lansdowne in the west for a giant street party. The festival hours are 1-9pm, but Bloor will be closed from 9am-11pm. This is the second year the festival is being held. Last year thousands gathered on Bloor to enjoy the displays and activities. This Saturday's festival promises to be even better. I'm looking forward to seeing the Fort York Fife and Drum Corps marching on Bloor.