DAY 27
Adeola Egbeyemi holds an Arts & Science degree from McMaster University and is a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Scholarship through the J.C.H. Awards. She has numerous published works and is a co-author of the manuscript GRIOT: Sojourn into the Dark.
DAY 26
True Hamiltonian
https://www.truehamiltonian.ca/
Clothing made in Hamilton for Hamiltonians. A company that remains true to their roots, supporting our local community as their name grows beyond it.
DAY 25
Hamilton, Ontario poet Klyde Broox’s 2021 project, Little Africa: A Memory Journey Tour, was created in collaboration with Tottering Biped Theatre and supported by Concession BIA. Learn more about the early Black community in #HamOnt during #BlackHistoryMonth. https://www.concessionstreet.ca/black-history-audio-tour.html
DAY 24
Koubra Haggar is a community organizer. As a lead organizer at Hamilton Community Benefits Network, interim Executive Director of Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion & steering-committee member for Hamilton Encampment Support Network, she has led impactful advocacy work to promote justice and equity. Koubra is also a McMaster University student.
DAY 23
Kojo Damptey is a musician, interdisciplinary scholar practitioner & decolonial advocate. As the former executive director of
the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, instructor at McMaster University and advocate for racial justice & equity, he is one of the most impactful & visionary leaders in #HamOnt.
DAY 22
Kareem-Anthony Ferreira
Kareem-Anthony Ferreira uses large scale paintings, black portraiture, non indigenous patterning and mixed media collage to explore cultural divergence between displacement and indigeneity; divided, yet rooted in multiple places at once.
https://kareem-anthonyferreira.com/
DAY 21
Graduation Coaches for Black Students (HWDSB)
The Grad Coaches (@gradcoachhwdsb) for Black students play an integral role in helping HWDSB students navigate and find joy and success in their chosen pathways.
DAY 20
Jael Richardson
Jael is an advocate for Black writers in Canada. Her diverse works include a memoir (Stone Thrower), a dystopian fiction novel (Gutter Child), and a newly released picture book (Because You Are). She’s the founder of Festival Of Literary Diversity (FOLD).
www.jaelrichardson.com
DAY 19
Black Hamilton
Black Hamilton was born in response to systemic and systematic racism in our city, province, country and world. We aim to amplify community organizations, businesses, and events in our city, advocate for our people, and provide resources for all.
DAY 18
Ray Lewis, known as Rapid Ray, was a Hamilton-born sprinter and the first Canadian-born black Olympic medalist. Lewis won a bronze medal in the 4x 400m relay at the 1932 Olympics. Today, @RayLewisHWDSB Elementary is named in his honour.
DAY 17
Andrea Purnell, Personal Trainer and Co-Founder of Equity Network. She is the definition of advocacy and an inspiration to stand up and make change!
DAY 16
Day 16 ✊🏾💥📣❤️🔥Sarah Jama is the NDP candidate for MPP in Hamilton Centre. Sarah is the former executive director and a co-founder the Disability Justice Network of Ontario. Sarah is always working with and for the people. We appreciate and support you Sarah! https://www.sarahjama.ca/
DAY 15
Lyn’s Linstead Market (e. 1999) West Indian food, take out & groceries in Hamilton. Lyn shows deep care for community, noting that “kids can’t learn if they’re hungry” ensuring kids who came into the store had lunch. #BlackOwnedBusiness https://lynslinstead.com
DAY 14
Parents of Black Children, an advocacy group working to support families & facilitate equitable outcomes for Black children, through accountability & collaboration. Their focus is intentional, to eliminate anti-Black racism and de-colonize the education system.
DAY 13
Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre https://harrc.ca Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) is a non-profit that formed to combat growing incidences of hate & racism in Hamilton. Strong supporters of victims of police violence & renovictions.
DAY 12
AfroCoco Cakes (est. 2016) in Mississauga by Tosin Adetunji. It offers cakes that are gorgeous & delicious. Definitely worth popping in for a treat! Hone your own skills by attending one of her baking classes, or cake design & finishing. https://afrococo.ca/index.html
DAY 11
Together We Rise! started by The Hamilton Community Legal Clinic combating individual & systemic Anti-Black racism by providing a range of law services; by facilitating access to justice for people who identify as being of African descent in the Hamilton community.
DAY 10
Clarke’s Tea (Hamilton), a unique blend of Veggie Teas. Each sachet is filled with organically grown, dehydrated vegetables. The process preserves the full spectrum of nutrients & minerals, delivering an astounding taste & many health benefits. https://clarkestea.com
DAY 9
Disability Justice Network of Ontario Prison Project; A grassroots research project meant to amplify the voices/experiences of prisoners living with a disability and experiencing racism who are/have been in prisons.
DAY 8
Josh Taylor is an award winning dancer who specializes in Hip-Hop and Street dance. He is also a choreographer and storyteller. He is the owner and Artistic Director of Defining Movement Dance in Hamilton. Josh was born and raised in #HamOnt.
DAY 7
Sabreina Dahab is the first Black Muslim HWDSB trustee. She has been a relentless social justice advocate fighting for Hamilton youth, encampment residents & marginalized community members. Sabreina works at Hamilton’s Sexual Assault Centre and is a Masters student at McMaster University.
DAY 6
Dr. Natasha Johnson, Associate Chair, EDI & Assoc. Professor with the Dept. of Pediatrics & co-fdr. of Anti-Racism Coalition. In 2016 she created a clinical service providing gender affirming care to trans & gender diverse youth. A leader in transformative healthcare.
DAY 5
Dr. Kassia Johnson born in Hamilton. A Developmental Paediatrician & Senior Medical Director (EDI) at HHS. Volunteers with HARRC & nationally as the Physician Co-lead of the Canadian Paediatric Society Anti-racism Initiative.
DAY 4
Efa Etoroma, Jr., known professionally as Efajemue, is a #HamOnt-born Canadian jazz musician. In 2022, he was nominated for his first Juno for solo Jazz Album of the Year for the 2021 project Aesthetics. www.efajrmusic.com/
Twitter: @efajrmusic
DAY 3
Day 3/ Black excellence!
Amie Archibald-Varley, RN, MN-CP Women’s Health is a thought leader, medical contributor, emerging author, and keynote speaker. She is a health equity specialist, anti-racism educator and podcaster
DAY 2
Black History is Canadian History. Hamilton Black History Database. https://www.hbhc.ca/database The Hamilton Black History Database is dedicated to making information, resources, and archived materials pertaining to local Black history more accessible to our community.
DAY 1
Equity Network would like to recognize HWDSB grade 12 student, Olivia Purnell for her contribution to the community by continuously sharing her musical talent at school and in the community. #HamOnt Check out this talented artist.
