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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.