Below is the working group members’ thoughts and critiques of Equity Network’s 3rd year as an advocacy group. “A movement that’s rooted in love will always win.”
We are pleased with EN’s ongoing commitment in supporting other grassroots organizations to unapologetically push forward toward equity and justice in all spaces for Black, Indigenous, Brown and 2SLGBTQIA+ and marginalized members in community. EN played a role in establishing a de-colonized space filled with an energy and belief that organizing, advocacy and community collaboration is the key to achieving systemic and structural transformation. Our goals for this past year was to increase our Working Group membership to include those who are ready to contribute and support change. We will be blogging this rest of the month the members’ thoughts and critiques of Equity Network’ 3rd year as an advocacy group.
On April 18 we were privileged to have Psychotherapist and Counsellor Michael speak at our General Meeting for an inspiring, compelling and validating conversation.
Some of the highlights were the way this psychotherapist described his counselling methods, specifically by saying: He, “considers counselling an artistic outlet and through creativity he’s able to co-create with those he supports.”
And importantly: The acknowledgment of Black trauma and mental illness in diverse communities which many Black and racialized people are not acknowledged as having mental health issues.
Michael was empathetic, compassionate and clearly is committed to the health and wellness of the Hamilton community.
We are so very thankful to Michael for giving his time to us.
Michael works with a diverse client group and supports clients in addressing complex issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement and long term illnessess. He is an integrative practitioner and incorporates humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive approaches into his work.
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.
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).
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. #BlackOwnedBusinesshttps://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/
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.
Although we still have a ways to go, we are pleased to see more progressive candidates representing our community after this week’s municipal elections.
Equity Network is commited to ensuring accountability in schools and that racialized and marginalized students are protected in our school boards.
Election Results:
Mayor – Andrea Horwath
Ward 1 Councillor: Maureen Wilson
Ward 2 Councillor: Cameron Kroetsch
Ward 3 Councillor: Nrinder Nann
Ward 4 Councillor: Tammy Hwang
Ward 5 Councillor: Matt Francis
Ward 6 Councillor: Tom Jackson
Ward 7 Councillor: Esther Pauls
Ward 8 Councillor: John Paul Danko
Ward 9 Councillor: Brad Clark
Ward 10 Councillor: Jeff Beattie
Ward 11 Councillor: Mark Tadeson
Ward 12 Councillor: Craig Cassar
Ward 13 Councillor: Alex Wilson
Ward 14 Councillor: Mike Spadafora
Ward 15 Councillor: Ted McMeekin
English Public School Board Trustees
Ward 1: Elizabeth Wong
Ward 2: Sabreina Dahab
Ward 3: Maria Felix-Miller
Ward 4: Ray Mulholland
Wards 5 and 10: Todd White
Wards 6 and 9: Kathy Archer
Ward 7: Dawn Danko
Wards 8 and 14: Becky Buck
Wards 11 and 12: Amanda Fehrman
Ward 13: Paul Tut
Ward 15: Graeme Noble
English Catholic School Board Trustees
Wards 1,2 and 15: Mark Valvasori
Wards 3 and 4: Josie Angelini
Ward 5: Aldo D’Intino
Ward 6: Ellen Agostino
Ward 7: Pat Daly
Wards 8 and 14: John Valvasori
Wards 9 and 11: Louis Agro
Ward 10: Mary Nardini
Wards 12 and 13: Phil Homerski
Conseil scolaire Viamonde (French public) Pierre Gregory
Conseil scolaire Catholique MonAvenir (French public Catholic) Marcel Levesque
Equity Network’s letter to the @HWDSB & Trustees requesting that they ensure Black, Indigenous, Brown, racialized & marginalized students are protected, as well as their paths to success. Anti woke groups should not be legitimized by having a place at the HWDSB Board table.
Attention: Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Director of Education Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Cc: Yohana Otite (HWDSB), Mouna Bile (HWDSB)
Subject: Anti-Black racism displayed by anti-woke hate group organizations
Date: October 19, 2022
We are saddened to see anti woke hate groups using anti-Black racism to push their white supremacy propaganda.This is a dangerous tactic that they are choosing to use against our children.
Attempting to pit educators against our children’s path toward completing a secondary school milestone is an increasingly disturbing trend.
We know this movement is inherently anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, ableist and trans/homophobic. “To some, woke is now a derisive stand-in for diversity, inclusion, empathy and, yes, Blackness.” -Ishena Robinson
The mental health and well being of students must be prioritized by assuring them, families/caregivers that you understand the importance of addressing these divisive and harmful tactics without hesitation. Most importantly, you will protect students.
We are grateful that you have taken the time to read and address our correspondence. For transparency and accountability, we will be posting our letter on our social media accounts.
Hamiltonians have been rightfully and deeply concerned about the many anti-woke trustee candidates in our municipal election, Catherine Kronas and Larry Masters being the most vocal of the bunch.
The anti-woke movement in Canada has roots in and near total overlap with The Campaign Life Coalition and Parents as First Educators. Both organizations are pro-conversion therapy, anti-gender affirming care and go so far as advocating to force teachers to out students to their parents for socially transitioning.
Furthermore, the anti-woke movement is inherently anti-Black. Their tactic is to deny systemic racism exists and to profess colour-blindness.
There’s a pattern of behaviour which reveals the overt and covert anti-woke agenda in candidates. The use of words like “equality,” or “civilized,” to minimize the oppression of marginalized groups and the co-opting and misuse of Civil Rights language are examples of these patterns. Kronas as attempted to use the Civil Rights movement to try to discredit Critical Race Theory (CRT). And by CRT she means any honest, developmentally appropriate teachings about racism and anti-racism. Why does this distorting and tarnishing the language of the Civil Rights movement seem so familiar to those who have been watching the HWDSB closely?
Last year, Becky Buck had the audacity to quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when attempting to defend her appointment as Vice Chair in the Bay Observer. While Becky Buck has been exposed and investigated multiple times for racist behaviour, literally at the board table, only recently were the dots connected between Buck and anti-woke when she was endorsed twice by anti-woke accounts. Buck has made zero attempt to distance herself from or denounce the anti-woke endorsement. At the time of writing, aside from Kronas, Masters and Buck, four (previously six) candidates in the public board alone have been endorsed by VoteAgainstWoke.ca.
We know that anti-woke candidates threaten the safety of the most underserved and vulnerablized of HWDSB students. We know that they support and work with incumbent trustees who hide their shared ideas and purpose.
The anti-woke candidates would bring a tsunami of antagonism and harm to HWDSB students, staff and communities. But it’s not enough to keep them away from the board table. The trustees we vote in must bring in equal measure of the opposite qualities and outcomes; integrity, collaboration and care. We need trustees who will create a culture of accountability and transparency, in the true sense of the words. Sabreina Dahab and Ahona Mehdi best exemplify these qualities.
Dahab and Mehdi prioritize real concerns impacting students and they offer research based and creative solutions. They bring imagination and illuminate possibilities. They each have long records of engaging, consulting and advocating with students, parents and school communities. Many other deserving and excellent candidates are running, but Ahona Mehdi and Sabreina Dahab bring something singularly valuable to board leadership.
Telling the truth about history, harm, privilege and power is actually an act of care. Students want to know the wrongs of history and of today and they want to end these wrongs and to repair the harms done. It’s not a kindness to deceive ourselves and our children and to pass the problems we have created or ignored repeatedly onto the next generation. True kindness and care is not always comfortable.
It’s time to be honest about how power operates in our school systems, who is served and who is harmed by the status quo. Anti-woke types will shapeshift into other iterations and update their cloaking devices but systemic oppression in the system will remain until we get serious about supporting courageous leadership that shows up with and for school communities.
We celebrate the advocacy and collaboration of EN.
Some of the highlights
1. Understanding the harm of colonialism and working within toward the goal to dismantle by mirroring a decolonized structure within our group.
2. Creating a working group with those who heard the many calls to actions.
3. Highlighting initiatives that seemed important to us: Racism, Indigenous issues, Education, Food insecurity, LGBTQIA+ and Disability Justice.
4. We’ve had the courage to face growing pains within the group/disagreements/changes.
5. Make more equitable space by drawing the circle wider and expanding our membership to include the greater Hamilton area.
6. We have been able to move EN into important decision making spaces- both invited and invaded.
(Sometimes we’ve formed collaborative relationships with institutions which have disrupted those who are not committed to equity.)
7. We’ve been amplifying community leaders/organizations who are doing impactful and decolonized work. Lifting up, connecting those organizations and leaders who have worked in isolation.
8. Also creating affinity spaces for those people and organizations who have the same equity vision.
9. Our group became more cohesive, and more connected and that enabled us to be more focused and impactful. We developed a stronger sense of each of our roles. I felt particularly proud of how our group connected to other community organizations and showed up in solidarity with children and families in our community, and beyond. Two examples that stand out are showing up in solidarity with PoBC as they advocated a Black child in Waterloo and also with a Black student here in Hamilton. I do think that EN is exposing the violence of harmful systems and also helping to demonstrate what can be done to demand and make change, to more and more people.
10. We got our website up and running, blogs posted, figured out Twitter and how to effectively use it.
11. What I was very pleased to have done was stand in solidarity with, and listen to the parents of a young black girl who was the victim of racist abuse at school. Others carried the fight through more than I, but in showing up and speaking with her parents who were so very saddened and concerned for their daughter, talk about the racism they faced and their concerns being ignored, I sensed that they finally felt like they were being heard.
In part one of our Ontario election blog, we assessed the equity records and commitments of several parties. In this second piece we share the questions we’re asking of candidates and various ways to engage and evaluate what candidates deserve the votes of those of us demanding meaningful change.
When a party presents a platform, we must examine and evaluate what the implications will be. What are the equity impacts of their policies? In the decision-making, how are the needs of Black, Indigenous and racialised Ontarians prioritized? What are the ramifications for the groups of individuals we want to empower and support? Take the time and opportunity to put hard questions to any and all candidates.
When listening to the proposals of a candidate’s platform, consider who will be burdened by and who will benefit from these particular ambitions.
If you can’t engage face to face with candidates, write them an email, or call up their campaign office. Do a thorough review of what they are saying and doing via social and print media. Do they speak clearly about systems of oppression and structural violence or do they frame injustices as individual choices? What’s missing from their statements and analyses? Do they understand the systemic nature of dehumanization and violence? Do they understand that dehumanization and violence are systemic? Which candidate is going to make fighting for the survival of our communities easier? Will they open space to allow BIPOC and the underserved to speak and be heard? Have they built relationships based on trust and transparency?
At the end of the blog we provide links to organizations in Hamilton that are collaborating to evaluate candidates in each riding. In your community, check out who the advocates and organizers are. Who’s working for racial justice, disability justice, Indigenous rights, migrant rights, 2SLGBTQI rights? Who are the housing, worker and anti-poverty advocates? Follow these individuals and find out what they have to say about candidates in your area.
Here are questions we’ll be asking candidates, and that we recommend you ask as well. -What is your understanding of systemic racism in our province? What is your commitment to learning and action? -What is your commitment to justice for Indigenous peoples in Ontario?-How will you make schools safe and affirming for all students? What will you do to protect LGBTQI, Black, Indigenous and racialized staff, students and community from attacks on equity and human rights? -Disabled people in Ontario are asking to access MAiD because they are deprived of safe housing and basic needs. It should not be easier to access death than it is to access basic needs to live a safe and dignified life. What do you plan to do about this? -How will you work with marginalized communities and uplift and support community leadership? Can you give examples of how you have done this in the past? -What are your plans for addressing rising food insecurity? -What are your plans for the housing crisis? It’s not adequate to take measures to make buying a home easier. What about renters? What about unhoused folks? We want an expansive vision and plan for action, not incrementalism. Think ‘free housing now’ and eviction moratoriums. -What will you do to combat the rise of hate and hate crimes in Ontario? -How do you propose to use the money available in the budget to ensure equitable health outcomes, safe working conditions, and access to social service? -What do you currently do to support communities in your riding?
Here in Hamilton, The Disability Justice Network of Ontario, The Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic are collaborating on a series of live discussions in which they’ll discuss “the commitments of provincial candidates in each riding on systemic racism, hate, poverty and disability” The first livestream is this Friday.
Listen in to learn about advocates and activists in your community, and to gain insight from their tuned-in and knowledgeable perspectives. Incredibly valuable information about equity, and the actions we need to take to transform our systems to work for all communities, is now easy to attain. So we encourage you to dive in!
As we pay close attention to the provincial election, The Equity Network will be actively involved in municipal elections with the goal of ensuring the strongest candidates are elected as city councilors and school board trustees. We’re fortunate to have brilliant community organizers and a powerful grassroots community in Hamilton.
We are feeling confident about meaningful change and ready to hold leaders accountable between elections. . We’re hoping you’ll join us in working towards a better city that serves all so, keep watching and be ready to get involved.
The provincial and municipal elections are upon us. In keeping with the goals of EN we want to ensure we’re doing all we can to fulfill the aims of equity, inclusion and diversity. The voting mechanism is one essential tool in our democratic system. If you believe in something and you want to see change, you need to speak up. One significant way in which to do that, is to vote and to vote beyond your own interests. In part one of this two part blog we’ll be discussing major and notable minor parties in Ontario. In the follow up blog, we’ll present questions that we’ve been asking candidates, and that we suggest you ask as well.
On a global scale we have seen the rise of the far-right; on a more local scale hate crimes have increased. In comparing 2020 to 2019, the number of hate crimes in Canada that were reported to police rose 37 percent, according to Statistics Canada. Hate crimes targeting ethnicity or race made up the bulk of the increase across the country, with a rise of 80 percent. Though there has been a tremendous wave of effort and awareness by many towards creating a more just society. It is imperative that the policies put forward by our government consider equitable outcomes with every single decision made.
So let’s have a look at the Ontario parties. It’s obvious to anyone paying attention that the two new far right parties are overtly, aggressively seeking to maintain inequities. Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios who is also the co-founder of the New Blue Party has already sponsored a petition that aims to forbid teachers from teaching anti-racist curriculum and curriculum about gender diversity and 2SLGBTQI rights. This attack is extremely dangerous for Black, racialized, gender diverse, gender non-comforming, and queer staff, students and families. The impact will be erasure of their identities and the invisibilization of systemic power structures that privilege white, straight, and gender conforming people. We know that where these sorts of attacks are openly being made, other equity deserving groups such as migrants, Muslim and Jewish Ontarians will soon be targeted. The far right populist Ontario Party (little brother to the PPC?) has hired former Trump advisor Roger Stone, who was implicated in The Jan 6 attack on the US Capitol. This is the mainstreaming of racism and bigotry. The OP must have some backers with deep pockets to be able to afford Stone.
Doug Ford’s ‘Progressive’ Conservatives have done tremendous harm to nurses with Bill 124 by suppressing wage increases and infringing on nurse’s bargaining rights. This is an attack on a workforce that is largely made up of Black and racialized women. In typical conservative fashion, they worship a budget surplus while people suffer. Over $4 billion of federal covid relief funds are nowhere to be found while people struggle to survive, don’t have their basic needs met, work sick with Covid and without paid sick days. All this while planning to sell off the Greenbelt and facilitate an unwanted mining project at Grassy Narrows First Nation. The recent revelation about Stephen Lecce’s abhorrent participation in a frat house “slave auction” is deeply problematic. Lecce couldn’t even say the word ‘racist’ in his ‘apology’ which is on brand for an MPP and party who seem to have no interest or understanding of systemic inequities or anti-Black racism.
The Ontario Liberals as usual demonstrate no deep or specific commitment to equity. They occasionally boast of a commitment to human rights and multiculturalism but this isn’t good enough. Worse, they slide to the right when it’s advantageous. The Liberals are a performative political party in their approach to equity. They like the diversity photo opportunities but don’t meaningfully show up to shift the balance of power. While they often promise and sometimes deliver on progressive policies with one hand, they are often doing something equally or more harmful with the other hand. Their platform promises to guarantee homecare for every senior who needs it, so time will tell if this comes to fruition.
The Ontario New Democrats have in their ranks many who work tirelessly for justice and equity who deserve our gratitude and support. Three outstanding MPPs are Laura Mae Lindo, Dr. Jill Andrews and Sol Mamakwa. The party does have a level of demonstrated commitment but problems with the party’s institutional culture and pre-election machinations reveal lack of integrity that tells us their commitment to equity needs to deepen.
The NDP has a serious problem with tokenism. Andrea Horvath was recently quoted saying “This team is strong. They’re ready to do the job. They are as diverse as Ontario is.” The party leans on the intelligence and talents of racialized candidates and MPPs to bolster their brand as a diverse party but do they support those candidates when they challenge racism within the party or when they no longer serve the needs of the institution? We need the NDP to realize it’s not immune to systemic racism, ableism, and cis heteropatriarchy. It is an institution, not a grassroots movement. It’s not free of problematic and harmful power dynamics.
The Green Party is the party of the environment and has some progressive policies in their platform but there’s not a clear and lasting commitment to equity. Jim Schreiner has been on CBC Radio One stating that he plans to court traditionally Conservative voters that are concerned about climate change. This leaves us wondering, what about climate JUSTICE? If climate change measures do not confront issues of justice- ie poverty, environmental racism, and Indigenous justice, which must include Land Back, they perpetuate the status quo and those most impacted by the climate crisis will continue to be the most harmed.
It must be said that all parties are coming up egregiously short when it comes to the rights of disabled people. Disabled folks are having an easier time accessing Medical Assistance in Dying than accessing the basic necessities to live a safe and dignified life- medicine, therapies, aids, housing, food, transportation. Of the major parties, the PC’s have made the most pathetic and insulting commitment to increasing the abysmally low Ontario Disability Support Program by FIVE PER CENT. The Liberals have pledged a 10% increase. The Greens and just recently the NDP have committed to doubling the monthly support.
EN is hopeful that there will be some change brought about by this election and that the focus will shift to justice and equity for marginalized and underserved folks, which makes life better for everyone. One way to keep the spotlight on equity is by asking candidates and leaders hard questions at every opportunity. In part two of this blog, we’ll share examples of questions we ask, and questions we hope you will ask, too. Let us know how you’re making equity a priority in this election!
Equity Network is excited to celebrate Black History Month. We will be highlighting Black Canadian contributions, both past and present.
Day 1: Bernie Custis. First black quarterback in the Canadian Football League.
Day 2 – Constance Scott (nee Farmer) Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in 1943. Connie has dedicated her life as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years, most of it as an Operating Room Nurse & First Assistant. As a lifelong advocate for marginalized community members navigating healthcare, she encourages the next generation of Black excellence “by calling up.” We stand on the shoulders of Connie Scott & are forever grateful for the wise & selfless ways she makes our community better.
Day 3 – Jean Augustine is the first Black woman elected into the House of Commons, serving from 1993-2006. She’s responsible for the legislation to recognize February as BlackHistoryMonth in Canada. Although not from Hamilton, our community is deeply impacted by her crucial work.
Day 4 – Lincoln Alexander was Canada’s 1st Black member of Parliament & federal cabinet minister, & Ontario’s 1st Black lieutenant-governor. He represented Hamilton West in the House of Commons for 12 years. His impact on the Hamiltoncommunity is immeasurable.
Day 5- Curtis Bell a 5th generation Hamiltonian with deep roots. The grandson of William Henson Holland, nephew to Lincoln Alexander, Rev. John Holland & cousin to Ray Lewis & Norman ‘ Pinky’ Lewis. He self identifies as BlackIndigenous, Chippewa, Potawatomi & Erie Nation. Curtis earned a scholarship to the US and went on to play football in the CFL for the Hamilton Ticats. He has given back as a coach for over 25 years, as an author of resources about addictions and recovery, and he developed and implemented programs to mentor Black boys. Curtis released a book called TrailTrain13, a story depicting his family’s triumphs from slavery to Parliament. He is most proud of his children, 2 of which earned academic/athletic scholarships and are currently following their dreams in the US.
Day 6 – Rev John C. Holland was the first Black Canadian to be named Distinguished Citizen of the Year by a major Canadian city for his impactful community work and activism in #Hamont. He was inducted into the Hamilton’s Gallery of Distinction in 2003.
Day 7 – Lawrence Hill is an award-winning Canadian novelist. His writings mostly focuse on “identity and belonging.” He lives in Hamilton and continues to impact the #HamOnt community through his work and advocacy.
Day 8- Dr. Gary Warner is a Professor Emeritus who has been active in the Hamilton community for over 50 years on issues related to international development, peace, poverty, human rights, antiracism, immigration and social justice.
Day 9 – Andrea Purnell Is the Co-founder of Equity Network. She relentlessly promotes equity, and fights against racism and injustice in society. Andrea models leading with generosity, compassion and love as she strives for a just and equitable Hamilton
Day 10 – Stewart Memorial Church is Hamilton’s oldest Black church. It was established in the 1830s (on Rebecca St Paul’s African Methodist). After a fire in 1879, its location moved to John St. The reverence for this church runs deep in Hamilton.
The first pastor was Abolitionist Josiah Henson. We have members who grew up in the church along with luminaries like the Holland, Alexander, Lewis and Washington families. In 1994, the property was designated an Ontario Heritage Site.
Day11- Raymond Gray Lewis was born October 8, 1910 in Hamilton. Known as “Rapid” Ray. He was proud to be the first Canadian-born Black athlete to win a bronze medal in the 4 x 400m relay at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Lewis was named an officer of the Order of Canada (2001). He had a Hamilton elementary school named after him in 2005 Most recently, the Ray Lewis Track and Field Centre received upgrades to honour his athletic legacy.
Day-12 Raymond Robert Emery was born September 28 1982, in Hamilton. As a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, he played in the National Hockey League for eleven seasons. Emery was chosen 99th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In 2013, he was awarded as the goaltender who give up the fewest goals in the season. His nickname was Razor” or “Sugar Ray” for his talented playing style.
Day 13- Jackie Washington was born in Hamilton in 1919. His performing debut was at age 5. The Washington family have deep roots in Hamilton & are world renowned. Several awards were created to honour his outstanding musicianship & contributions in Canada.
Day 14-Evelyn Myrie is a community activist and leader who’s crucial work has deeply impacted marginalized groups in #HamOnt. The current president of African Canadian Carribean Association in Hamilton and CEO of the Empower Strategy Group, she was one of the inaugural inductees into the Order of Hamilton award.
Day 15- Norman (Pinky) Lewis is a legend in Hamilton sport. His extraordinary contributions as a trainer and friend to McMaster athletes came after many years with the Hamilton Ticats. He was elected Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year in 1971.
Day 16 – Sarah Jama is a community organizer who relentlessly fights oppressive structures to defend the humanity of those unjustly marginalized. She is the cofounder of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario and Program Coordinator the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion. Sarah is a beacon of hope for many in Hamilton.
Day 17-Eleanor W Rodney was a passionate community leader & educator in Hamilton. As the founder of African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc, she relentlessly advocated for youth of African & Caribbean descent. She received many awards for her work in racial equity & justice.
Day 18-Sarah Nurse is a professional hockey player from Hamilton. She is the first Black woman to win a gold medal in hockey from any country. She also holds the record of most points in a single Olympic tournament scored by a woman. Congratulations Sarah!?
Day 19 – Kojo Damptey is a musician, interdisciplinary scholar practitioner & decolonial advocate. As the Executive Director of Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, he is one of the most influential leaders in Hamilton advocating for racial justice & equity.
Day 20-Matthew Green elected as a MP for Hamilton Centre (2019). He is a member of the Parliamentary Black Caucus. In 2014, he was the first Black person elected to Hamilton City Council. Green is an advocate & organizer for many issues effecting Canadians.
Day 21 – Dr. Ama deGraft-Johnson, the brilliant anesthetist retired from HHS after over 30 years. As the only Black woman in the department, she faced racism & sexism from patients & colleagues. She broke many barriers @ HHS & is a devoted humanitarian.
Day-22 Historian, archivist and choir member/musician, Evelyn Auchinvole, is a member Stewart Memorial Church. Through her work as a historian, she documents the deep history of Black Canadians and the numerous contributions woven into the Hamilton community.
Day 23-Kia Nurse is a Hamiltonian basketball player in the WNBA & a 2x Olympian for the Canada Women’s National Basketball team. She is also a basketball pundit featured on The Sports Network. The Nurse family is well known in Hamilton for their contributions.
Day 24- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a professional basketball player in the NBA. Son of a former Olympian, he grew up in Hamilton attending St. Thomas More and Sir Allan Macnab Secondary schools. He was named the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year for 2020.
Day 25-Yohana Otite is the Human Rights and Equity officer at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. In her previous role as Executive Director of Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, Yohana led many initiatives to make #HamOnt an inclusive community
Day 26- Sarah Adjekum is a social worker and community organizer in #HamOnt. She is also on the board of the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion. Sarah is a PhD student at @McMasterSocSci and won the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award in 2021.
Day 27 – Darnell Nurse is a professional hockey player for Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. He was drafted 7th overall in 2013. He grew up in Hamilton and attended St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. Darnell is from a family of very successful athletes.
Celebrate 365/24/7❤️
Day 28-On the Concession Street wall at the public library, a plaque reflects the deep history of Black communities. “Little Africa” started in the 1800s extending from Upper Wellington to Upper Sherman, between Concession and Fennell Avenue.
Historian Adrienne Shadd writes, initially at least seven Black families bought the land & owned 100 acres on the Mountain; some of these families subdivided the land & sold it to other Black families.“They bought their land like everybody else, they weren’t given free land”.
Black History in Hamilton is deeply entrenched. The historical photo is Julia Berry and her family. Berry operated the James Street tollgate. To find more facts, check out the book, The Journey from Tollgate to Parkway, African Canadians in Hamilton by Author Adrienne Shadd.
