Editor of Montreal's only newspaper for Black community, Egbert Gaye, dies at 67
Community Contact newspaper managing editor Egbert Gaye, a well-known leader in Montreal's Black community, has died after suffering a massive heart attack over the weekend.
He was 67.
The editor of the newspaper he founded 31 years ago that serves Montreal's English-speaking Black and Caribbean populations was a hands-on newspaperman who delivered the twice-a-month paper along with his son.
He was an active promoter of community journalism and dedicated to those he served.
Just four months ago, he told CTV News in an interview that the newspaper was about giving his community a voice and it was a labour of love.
"It’s the people that we meet and the stories that we tell. That’s what keeps us excited, and that’s what keeps us doing this," Gaye said in February.
Josa Maule, who runs the Montreal School of Performing Arts, said he was always there to promote excellence in the community.
"He was our voice and putting it in black and white, so to speak, and representing us as a community. He would also uplift what we were doing, what was going on. He was always there," Maule said.
Friends say Gaye was always attending fundraisers and other functions, and making time for the people.
"He wanted to see the best, not the better; he wanted to see the best for the Black community in Montreal, and for him, putting out the newspaper was a way for him to communicate and get the word out as to what was going on," said Brian Smith.
Print was just one medium. Gaye was also a regular contributor to CJAD 800 Radio, where he would often spar with host Elias Makos, and before that Tommy Schnurmacher
"When you came in the first time, the chemistry was incredible. We disagreed on absolutely everything. We wouldn’t agree that today was Monday. We would disagree on absolutely everything, but there was just the warmth. The warmth was there, and that’s not easy to do," the former radio host said Monday.
"This guy was such a kind-hearted, sweet soul."
Those words are echoed by the many journalists Gaye mentored over the years,
including CTV News Montreal anchor Maya Johnson, who started her career writing for Community Contact when she was 18.
"Egbert was so encouraging. Such a source of constant encouragement. He believed in us," she said.
"I got a text from a friend this morning, and she described him as a community father figure, and I think that is exactly it."
When asked if there was anything she wanted to share about her husband, Gaye's wife said his community was his heart and his love, and he would have done anything for the people.
- Listen on CJAD 800: CTV News anchor Maya Johnson remembers CJAD 800 contributor Egbert Gaye
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Local MP, MLA call on federal government to remove sunken vessel in Saint John River
An MP and an MLA are calling for the removal of a sunken vessel in the Saint John River.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.