As a young boy in the new world, Jimi’s dreams were heightened by endless possibilities. Growing up on Grace Street, the melting pot of a pulsing environment, made him street smart, with a passion to explore the newness of his surroundings. The hood had it all, musicians, athletes, politicians, actors, novelists. This eclectic gathering of determined ethnic opportunists would eventually roar to recognition. The struggles were those typical of newcomers to a culture that was complacent in many ways. His roots and traditions of his culture can be attributed to a community that made him feel secure and safe. The Italian Walk Of Fame will be a reminder of all those that dream and never stop dreaming.

Marisa was glued to the radio and television. She sang along with popular songs and imitated the boob tube celebrities. As a teen growing up in Trieste and Toronto, she would keep in touch with the world with her many subscriptions of teen magazines. Her bi-coastal lifestyle allowed her to have a good sense of fashion and trends. Her father was a proud man that served in the Italian Army and her mother was the loving caring protective Italian mom. A graduate of York University with a major in Psychology, she would soon discover that entertainment somehow still flowed through her creative senses. She decided to leave a successful career in Psychiatric research and form her own artist management company. Over the years, she would go on to manage some very important artists and administer an extensive catalog of music for James Bert Publishing, of which she is part owner. “I feel honored to be a part of this historic event. The IWOF represents hope and inspiration for the future of our heritage”.