For Milton Blake, music and activism were irrevocably intertwined.
It was on the airwaves, both in his native Jamaica and in Toronto, that the 63-year-old fought for the rights and the cultural identity of the black community, coupling the works of artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Marley with his own brand of social commentary.
As the host of "Musical Triangle," a music and talk show on CKLN, Blake informed and inspired listeners for 17 years before illness forced him to step down. Blake died Thursday after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
He spent his last three months at Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, surrounded by friends, relatives and many listeners intent on supporting the man they admired.
"Everyone knows the voice of Milton Blake," said Dudley Laws, Blake's long-time friend and co-founder of the Black Action Defence Committee, an activist group of which Blake was a founding member. The group was created in 1988 in response to several shootings of black men by Toronto-area police and led several protests to push for more progressive laws.
"His radio program was inspirational to a lot of people in the community," because it dealt with the issues and problems of the black diaspora, Laws said. "His commentary was very militant but you could see that he thought through every word that he uttered."
As co-founder of the Black Music Association's Toronto chapter, Blake helped promote the works of Canadian black artists and successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a black music category in the Juno music awards.
"He kept himself very busy," said Pauline Crooks, Blake's partner of 10 years. "I don't know how he did it."
She described Blake as a caring, dependable man with a passion for his work and a strong perfectionist streak. He loved to read about history and current events, she said.
The couple would often take long walks together near their home in Brampton. Blake also doted on his four children, as well as Crooks' two daughters, Crooks said.
Blake remained optimistic until the end, telling Crooks they would travel to his hometown of Fort George, in St. Ann, Jamaica. "Milton always believed in miracles," she said.
A viewing will be held at the Simple Alternative Centre in Mississauga on Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral will take place at the West-End Church of God of Prophecy in Etobicoke, Saturday at 1 p.m. Blake will be interred in St. Ann, Jamaica.
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