Editor of Montreal Community Contact, Egbert Gaye, has died

Egbert Gaye, known by many as the founder and managing editor of Montreal Community Contact newspaper, died on Sunday. He was 67 years old.

The paper gave a voice to Montreal’s English-speaking Black community – launched in 1992.

Egbert Gaye (Photo courtesy: Montreal Community Contact newspaper)

The publication is known for shedding light on the Black experience in Quebec and promoting positive news stories about the Montreal’s Black communities.

“I remember the first article that he wrote on me as a mentor, a young black man in our community,” said Mark Henry, president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal. “He was one of the first ones to reach out and wanted to know a little bit more about that and really put that program ‘Black Star’ on the map through writing about the needs for mentorship of young black men,” 

Gaye gave opportunities to many Black writers, some their very first jobs in journalism.

“I love writing. And he gave me that opportunity about 20 years ago to write for the paper,” said Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, president of the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, adding, “I started writing the beauty column, then I moved on to the things happening in the community from nonprofit organizations.”

Gemma Raeburn-Baynes (right) with Egbert Gaye (left) (Photo courtesy: Gemma Raeburn-Baynes)

He was also a regular contributor on local radio station CJAD.

On social media, many paying tribute.

One person writing: It was such a pleasure meeting Egbert. He was a force good and for the rights of Montreal’s Black community. RIP Egbert Gaye

Another: Thank You 4 ALWAYS Making Time Chat With Me. Thank You 4 Everything You Have Done 4 the Community. Thank You 4 Being One of the Nicest People I Have Ever Met. i Will Miss YOU a Lot. 

Jimmy Zoubris, advisor to the Mayor of Montreal tweeting: A community leader, straight talker, family man and he loved Montréal. It was a pleasure to know you. Thank you for always being there to listen and give advice. My heart is broken. You were a friend who I truly respected and admired.