The premier magazine for Canada’s black community, Sway, relaunched in April with a new look, a new feel, and a new publisher, Cheryl Phillips. The Spring issue, which flew off the shelves in mere days, was such a resounding success that the Summer 2007 issue has received double the advertising support. The new issue hits newsstands June 12, 2007.

“We knew we had a good product, but I never anticipated the response we’ve received,” said Phillips. “People can’t believe a magazine of this calibre is free! It goes to show how much Sway was needed in Canada.”

Published by Star Media Group, a division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, Sway’s mandate is to fill the void in Canadian magazine publishing for a smart, stylish magazine directed at Canada’s black community. While publications aimed at the community are so often about struggle, Sway is about success. The magazine is a celebration of all that African and Caribbean Canadians have achieved, and continue to achieve.

“Sway resonates with the community because everyone involved is so passionate about this project,” added Alan A. Vernon, the magazine’s editorial director. “Before now, the only magazines like this were American publications like Essence and Ebony. Sway is a Canadian magazine telling mostly Canadian stories.”

“African and Caribbean Canadians have arrived,” added Phillips. “They’re professionals. They work in finance and fashion, media and medicine. Sway is the first Canadian magazine that truly reflects this.”

The Spring 2007 issue featured interviews with R&B singer Tamia – who also graced the cover – rappers k-os and Chuck D of Public Enemy, and fitness guru Billy Blanks. The high-profile features don’t stop with the Summer 2007 issue, which features a cover story on Caribana, and interviews with Nas, best-selling author Eric Jerome Dickey, Fefe Dobson and Deborah Cox.

Also in the Summer 2007 issue: beautiful Barbados is featured in the inaugural Travel Guide; the inspiring story of Regent Park’s Renaissance; a community report on how community centres play an active role in the success of our children’s future; Sweet Emancipation, a tongue-in-chic fashion spread celebrating the bicentenary of the abolition of the British slave trade; and making the case that Oprah’s a…gangsta?

Sway’s back page is dedicated to a rotating series of commentaries from great Canadian thinkers. The Spring issue featured Giller Prize-winning author Austin Clarke. For Summer, Sway is proud to let Afua Cooper have the last word as she weighs in on the Legacy of Slavery.

The success of the previous issue has made Phillips and Vernon hungry for more. They are hoping to increase circulation, distribution and advertising support even further with coming issues. Currently, the magazine has a circulation of 50,000, with distribution concentrated in the GTA.

About Sway
Sway is the premier lifestyle magazine for African and Caribbean Canadians. Its mission is to entertain, empower and educate, with a voice that reflects the successes, accomplishments, and pride of Canada’s Black communities. Previous covers of Sway have featured Governor General Michaëlle Jean, businessman and philanthropist Michael Lee Chin, and supermodel Iman.

Sway, published quarterly, was launched in the winter of 2005 with an editorial lineup that is thought provoking, uplifting, inspirational, and motivational. Sway has a circulation of 50,000 with an exclusive distribution through the Gateway Newstand locations in the TTC, 2500 Dreamboxes and strategic retail outlets. The magazine is endorsed by the Black Business and Professional Association.