Urbanology magazine is about urban culture

By FELICIA CARTY

Somewhere in between The Source , Vibe and XXL , sits Urbanology on the magazine racks.

Urbanology , a quarterly magazine that comes out of the Malvern community in Scarborough, Ontario, is the product of the journalistic efforts of Priya Ramanujam and the digital media art skills of her fellow publisher Adrian McKenzie.

Two years ago, after going to college, the high school friends started talking about putting out a magazine. Now with five issues to date, Urbanology is published on a quarterly basis and distributed throughout Canada and the United States. There are also plans to distribute the magazine in Britain.

While Urbanology is distributed throughout North America, says Ramanujam, it caters to the needs of Canadians interested in urban culture.

“There is a lot of Canadian content,” Ramanujam says. “Even when we feature an American, everything (questions and writing) comes from a Canadian perspective. It shows Canadians do have a place in the media market.”

Ramanujam also says that while Urbanology is based on the hip-hop culture, with R&B and reggae influences, it is not just about music.

“It’s a lifestyles magazine, with arts, sports, politics and fashion,” she says.

Through Urbanology we try to look at things differently and bring a new perspective to the urban culture.

“A lot of images in the mainstream media are negative because that’s what sells,” says Ramanujam. “People rely on that; they focus on that. But, if you dig deep into urban culture there are some beautiful things.

“We want to share the more positive vibe. I don’t know if we can solve the problem, but we try to make it a bit better.”

Like most new publications, Urbanology has also seen its share of struggles. Money is just one problem both Ramanujam and McKenzie — now in their 20s – must deal have to deal with.

Ramanujam says: “It’s a struggle to make ourselves noticed and to get people to take us seriously. We don’t look the corporate role. We have to put out really good quality to try and get the product to speak for itself. We just have to work that much harder.”

Keeping Track

Course for foreign-trained journalists
By JULES ELDER

A new academic program for internationally-trained journalists and writers in Canada is being launched at Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Oakville, Ontario. Courses will begin in January next year.

“This is a ground-breaking academic (program) that is designed, in particular, to help foreign-trained journalists living in Canada develop their media skills,” says Joyce Wayne, coordinator of the Sheridan’s journalism program.

“We are optimistic that the students will be able to resume their journalistic activity armed with this new designation.”

The one-year graduate certificate program is a partnership between Sheridan and PEN Canada.

Isobel Harry, PEN Canada’s executive director, says: “We are cognizant of the need for journalists from other countries living in Canada – either in exile or willingly – to enhance their skills before approaching potential employers in the Canadian media.”

Harry adds: “This program at Sheridan will…go a long way toward providing these talented individuals with the ‘Canadian experience’ that will eventually land them a job.”

Carola Vyhnak, a senior editor at the Toronto Star , says: “There is a tremendous need for more diversity in the print media.

“The workforce in Canadian newsrooms falls woefully short when it comes to representation of diverse communities, and I welcome any plan that addresses the inadequacy.”

Courses to be offered in the program include:

•  Writing for the freelance market
•  Re-inventing your writing career in Canada
•  Canadian literature and history.

A 14-week internship is also offered as part of the program.

For more information call Joyce Wayne at: 905- 845-9430 Ext. 2349;
or by e-mail at :joyce.wayne@sheridaninctitute.ca.