The event with Refuge was really fantastic on June 29th!
More than 80 newcomers came – several community services and groups presented on various topics, people shared a meal and then came to the room where we (EN & Refuge volunteers) had set up clothing, shoes, bags, toiletries, kitchenware and linens.
People came in in small groups at a time and could choose whatever they selected. We had an abundance of clothing, more so women’s clothing. I think it was a good focus to spend the money EN folks donated on toiletries, and would recommend that for future such events as well.
Thank you to all who donated items, money and time. It’s a critical way to support the essential work Refuge is doing and a community of newcomers in Hamilton.
Four Years of Data and What Has Been Done? Hamilton Police are harmful, divisive and performative in their response to Anti-Black Hate
Black people are the most common victims of hate in Hamilton, while also being the most over-represented group of people when it comes to police's use of force — again. https://t.co/0nk2MuZn5Y#HamOnt
On Thursday June 27, 2024, Community Researcher Kojo Damptey delegated twice to the Hamilton Police Services Board (HPS). First was his deeply informative presentation in response to multi-year data demonstrating disproportionate police presence, use of force and over-policing of Black communities. Mr Damptey’s presentations start at 31:15. We encourage you to watch in its entirety including the time allotted for questions after. https://pub-hpsb.escribemeetings.com/Players/ISIStandAlonePlayer.aspx?Id=80455de2-9598-4862-9dac-41d8f37d8615
Mr. Damptey also delegated about problems with, and harm caused by HPS’s Hate Crimes Review Team process. We want to lift up Kojo Damptey’s work and we have added some of our own commentary. It’s crucial that the public engage with Mr. Damptey’s analysis and keep this data and the lack of any meaningful action by HPS in our awareness so we can take appropriate action.
K. Damptey started by setting the context, explaining that the federal government called for data to be collected across the country. “Yes, our police services are collecting data but sometimes there’s issues with the data…Sometimes it’s vague and we get the reports from the interpretation of the police officers and their supervisors…On the solicitor general’s website, there are some fields that are not filled”.
The challenge before the HPS Board, is “….the historical reluctance of the police or government to impart change unless in response to either a critical incident (the crosswalk syndrome) or the demands of vociferous interest groups makes it difficult to abandon the status quo.”
Beyond a split-second: An Exploratory Study of Police use of Force and Use of Force training in Canada” Kojo Damptey. Page 4 of Use Of Force Data Analysis
K. Damptey’s analysis renders undeniable the patterns and problem of overrepresentation and overpolicing. Why are there so many officers present and interacting with Black residents, so disproportionately? See graph 2021. “Use of force and presence is always overrepresented”
“The Black population in Hamilton is less than 30,000. If there is an interaction of 1% or less than 1% of our population and Black community members are overrepresented in that one per cent, we have a problem.”
Hamilton Police Services has an anti-Black Racism problem.
Mr Damptey asked, “If 80% of use of force interactions are reactions to calls, When we get the call are we actually thinking about what is provoking the call?…
…We ‘ve been told that there’s a community advisory panel, there’s a race identity based data strategy. I would say those are not silver bullets so as a board the question becomes what are you going to do about this data that keeps coming up?”
Mr Damptey shared an incident from 2023 to take us from the data to the personal. “It was a call, a parent dropping off their child at school, observed an individual holding what they believed to be a firearm and the parent advised school staff and the police were called.
Based on the description provided, two individuals who matched the description were detained at gunpoint. No firearms were located. Both individuals were released unconditionally…
…Again, that was a Black community member…
…I really think as a board, as a police service, there needs to be an action item addressing the first two quadrants. And thus far, I don’t think that is being done.” The two quadrants Mr. Damptey is referring to are under the heading INTERNAL- within the police service and are Officer Bias and Institutionaland Cultural Practices.
Next, Mr Damptey delegated about HPS’s Hate Crime’s Review Team (HCRT) K. Damptey has been part of this process since 2020, 2021 and expressed concern about what happened 2 weeks prior to this board meeting.
He recounted, “We were presented with a model where a review team will be made of 2 members of different demographics that are impacted by hate in our community here. We were asked to vote for specific groups of people in our community and prior to that voting being announced, some of us said this process is not a process that is inclusive. It’s not a process that respects different perspectives in different communities…
…There are members of the Black community that are queer, there are members of the Black community that are Jewish, we have members that are Indigenous and Black…
“I think the process for this hate crime review team is really challenging and I would say it’s also causing harm in certain communities. And if HPS is really about trust, building relationships, community building, it’s gonna be difficult because the process of the hate crime review team has really, really, really impacted certain people in different communities and it’s creating some dysfunction here in Hamilton.”
Citizen Board Member Dr. Anjali Menezes framed a question for Dr. Rahim Salmi, who is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist for HPS. “My understanding of Kojo’s concerns, if i’m correct, is the concept of applying an equality lens to the selection committee versus an equity lens, understanding intersectionality of identities and how we put that together… with a knowledge of how we put that together through community partnerships and dialogues about who should be on a HCRT, that our (HPS’s) structural and historical practices have historically and continue to pitted communities against each other.”
The chair repeatedly interrupted Dr. Menezes, tried to control an important question and to silence the only racialized member of the board.
DIVISION HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TACTIC TO DESTABILIZE ANY OPPORTUNITY FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE!
Since the chair would not allow the question to be posed to Dr.Salmi, Mr Damptey answered, “If you are asking an applicant about intersectionality and the process to choose the applicant is not intersectional, then we have a problem. That’s what our concern is.”
THE LACK OF HOW TO PROPERLY REQUEST DATA NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE COMMUNITIES CAN EVEN BEGIN TO TRUST HPS.
The Chief of Police actually called the HCRT process one of “rigor”. You can’t make this stuff up.
Esther Pauls, a city councilor and board member, who’s son is a police officer, stated, “I did not know we had a separate team, a hate crime team”. Pauls went on to completely mischaracterize the case Mr. Damptey shared and in a surreal turn said that Damptey is trying to “impose” on the police and heavily implied that his points are not valid because he hasn’t taken the police officer course. Pauls ended her rant exclaiming that “It’s scary” for the police.
Esther Pauls, how dare you tell Black leaders advocating for their rights that they are “imposing”? If there was any true accountability, Pauls would be removed from this board and any institutional discussion about policing. She’s a walking thin blue line. Esther Pauls- Go. Away. Leave.
How in any universe, is a person allowed to be on the Police Services Board who demonstrates so much OVERT, UNAPOLOGETIC disregard, WHITEGRIEVANCEAND IGNORANCE for and about communities. Pauls is also clearly negligent, eg. fails to read reports.
Kojo Damptey answered, “What I do know is that when there’s data and when we analyze it , it tells us stuff. This study was done with police officers that carry out their training and this is one of the things they said in the report. Don’t take it from me, If you read the report you’ll get some more input about that.”
Dr. Menezes noted the difference between the data shared with Hamilton community and Board members and that which Mr Damptey has presented. What differs in terms of accessibility and why Mr. Damptey chose to present it as he did?
Mr Damptey explained that the data for his analysis was from the solicitor general’s website. It included much more detail and Mr. Damptey has made this available to the community.
Ontario use of force data is in the link below.
If Black/Racialized residents are over represented in Use of Force data, what is @ONsafety doing to address this?
— Kojo Easy Damptey (@EasyThePianoMan) June 27, 2024
Equity Network’s position is that HPS Board Treatment of Black and racialized board and community members is patronizing, dehumanizing, violent and we are beyond sick of it. We are extremely grateful for Mr. Damptey’s analysis and delegations.
What WE find scary is the audacity of a group of white men thinking they have any idea how to address systemic racism that has been deeply embedded for generations in this city. They are not the experts.
Hamilton Police, talk less, seek the expertise of those harmed and that have the lived experience and knowledge to address this harmful oppression. What we are seeing is merely performative bullshit. HPS does not appear to address systemic racism in good faith. We do not trust any initiatives coming out of policing based on the data and their actions thus far.
Equity Network continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian Movement for total liberation. In response to McMaster University’s proposed agreement to be held accountable, we offer the following additions, clarifications and reflections:
“McMaster’s International Strategy Advisory Committee (ISAC) will develop a framework for human rights considerations in international agreements. The first Committee meeting to discuss this issue is to occur before the end of May. A working group comprised of ISAC members and a member of the MSU and GSA will develop the framework beginning in the fall 2024. Student members of the working group will be selected by the chair of ISAC and from nominations made by the respective student union Presidents. Nominees will be selected based on their education and experience (1) .”
“Develop a framework”, “Advisory Committee”, “Committee Meeting”. This word salad from administrators of neoliberal institutions is too familiar. Again and again, institutions try to dilute and deflect from their complicity in genocide using jargon. Palestinians are being murdered in Rafah as we speak. There is no time for these long and winding lengthy processes. Stop deflecting and divest now!
“A meeting with the university’s Chief Financial Officer will occur in June to share information about McMaster’s investment strategy. Members of SPHR’s negotiating team and up to three faculty advisors will attend (2).”
Information about the investment strategy is not needed. What is needed is full disclosure and an exhaustive list of companies participating in specific Israeli investments, and any investments complicit in the ongoing genocide. Disclose how much is being invested. There needs to be full transparency about investments and profits in dollars and cents immediately. No investigation or discussions are needed. Mr. Omer Ahmed (CFO) should have access to this information to offer transparency through a breakdown. Disclose now!
“McMaster will continue to be a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing, and will uphold these principles, which include human rights as part of the integration of environment, social and governance considerations. These principles are embedded in the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures – Investment Pool (section 5). The “Social Responsibility and McMaster’s Investment Policy” will be reviewed and amended as required to align with Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) considerations (3).”
The policy jargon here is unbearable. Policies exist for people, not the other way around. Let’s cut the bullshit. Does the UN’s responsible investing principles support genocide, epistemicide, scholasticide, femicide and white supremacy? If not, nothing needs to be “reviewed” while Palestinian children are being massacred. Divest now!
“The university will disclose annually a report of all direct investments and the names of the pooled funds held in the university’s Investment Pool to the Board of Governors at the first meeting in the Fall of 2024. The report will be made available on the Financial Affairs website. (4).”
Why is this disclosure process not quarterly? Annual disclosures allow institutions the time to create loopholes to hide dealings. Disclosure of profits should be quarterly so there is ongoing transparency of direct and indirect investments, and about where McMaster’s profits are coming from. All loopholes should be closed and prevented. This is a key necessity of proper disclosure.
“An open process will be implemented to allow any McMaster community member to raise questions or concerns about McMaster’s investments, including direct or pooled investments, divestment, and investment policies. The information will be shared with members of the Investment Pool Committee who will review and assess based on applicable Board policies. Concerns will be forwarded to the Board of Governors as appropriate. This process will be in place by the end of October (6).”
This statement resembles a con artist’s shell game. It sounds like a promise of a performative delegation process where the Board of Directors maintains power and makes decisions at their discretion. Based on precedents set by different Hamilton institutions, there is not much hope to be placed on this neoliberal governance process. The community has already spoken in response to genocide in Gaza. Echo their words and declare what Israel is doing the GENOCIDE of Palestinian peoples now!
We choose not to address numbers 7,8, and 9 as they are irrelevant to the original demands put forth.
Equity Network demands that McMaster declares, discloses and divests to end complicity to the ongoing genocide of Palestinians. We demand they hold themselves accountable in full transparency.
As parents, we resist our children attending a post secondary institution which finds loopholes to support genocide. We stand firmly with student movements across the world for justice, for the end of all genocide, and a free Palestine.
Please read this excellent blog post written by Michael Opoku-ForFieh
The Blog about Black History Month celebrates those who came before, their achievements. There is also a Black Future of seeing what life could look like beyond 2030. There is also a Black Now. A reality of living whilst Black that presents risk and reward often in unequal measures.
To focus on Black luminaries in February is not enough. Black history is deeply rooted in all aspects of life, health, engineering, technology/science, the arts & academia.
Centring Black excellence, Black experiences & Black joy must go beyond the month of February. #BHM.
February 27 – Valerie Thomas
An American scientist and inventor who, while working at the NASA. She invented a way to transmit three-dimensional images, or holograms. She also helped to develop processing software to convert scientific data captured by satellites into information that scientists could use. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Valerie-Thomas
February 26 – Thornton Blackburn
Notable facts: Date of birth: 1812; date of death: Feb. 26, 1890; escaped Kentucky with his wife Lucie Blackburn on Jul. 3, 1831; operated Toronto’s first taxi company called “The City.”
He was a self-emancipated formerly enslaved man whose case established the principle that Canada would not return slaves to their masters in the United States and thus established Canada as a safe terminus for the Underground Railroad. The Blackburns continued to be active in anti-slavery and community activities, helping to build the nearby Little Trinity Church, now the oldest-surviving church in Toronto
February 25 – bell hooks
A writer, scholar and social critic who was best known for her intersectional writings on race, feminism, and class. She assumed her pseudonym (the name of her great-grandmother) to honour female legacies. She preferred to spell it in all lowercase letters to focus attention on her message rather than herself. Some of her most famous insights include that “patriarchy has no gender” and that “feminism is for everybody.”
February 24 – Raymond Grey Lewis
The first Black born Canadian Olympic athlete to win an Olympic medal. Raymond was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1910 and passed in 2003.For 22 year Raymond also worked On the Canadian Pacific Railway
February 23 – Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
A molecular microbiologist & artist. One of her innovations enables microalgae to convert agricultural waste → biofuel! She has also contributed to the field of immunotherapy. A force in both the science & art worlds! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackInnovators https://www.arcac.ca/alexandra-merkx-jacques.html
February 22 – Nathaniel Alexander
On July 7, 1911, Nathaniel Alexander of Lynchburg, Virginia patented a folding chair. Mr. Alexander designed his chair to be used in schools, churches & other venues. His design included a book rest that was usable for the person sitting in the seat behind.#BHM https://twitter.com/AfricanArchives
February 21 – Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk
Born in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. In 1954, she became the first Black graduate of the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing. She also earned her post graduate psychiatric nursing certificate from the Nova Scotia Hospital and a Diploma in Adult Education from Saint Francis Xavier University.
Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk became the first ever elected, and only, Black president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Nova Scotia. She founded the Black Community Development Organization and advocated for Cape Breton University to create a nursing degree program. Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk received several awards for her cultural and community achievements. In 2003, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Nova Scotia.
February 20 – Thato Kgatlhanye
Created Repurpose Schoolbags, made from recycled plastic bags. The schoolbag integrates solar technology so that children may study for up to 12 hours. The retro-reflective material also makes the children more visible and safe on their walk to school after dark.
February 19 – Audra Lorde
A writer, academic and activist who dedicated her life and work to confronting all forms of injustice, including racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. She wrote extensively about her personal experiences as a Black Queer woman and how the intersection of those identities informed her writing, teaching and politics.
February 18 – Viola Desmond Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is best known for her bravery in the fight against segregation in 1946. Viola Desmond was a prominent business woman back in her time. Her courage and dignity is now never forgotten as her beautiful face is now the face of Canada’s $10 Bill.
February 17 – Bishop Curry V
After a baby in his neighbourhood died in a hot car, he developed and patented Oasis, a detection and response device that alerts parents and emergency responders if movement is detected in a car seat, and blows cool air on the child until help arrives.
February 16 – William Peyton Hubbard
William Peyton Hubbard created the first patented commercial bakers oven. In 1894 William became the first black councilor in the major cities after He was elected in Toronto.And last but not least he also co-founded the first hydroelectric company in Ontario.
February 15 – Garrett Mrogan
Invented a breathing device(a gas mask) a helmet to protect firefighters from smoke and ammonia inhalation in 1912. He invented the three way traffic signal, Stop,Go,and Stop in all directions, before it resumed Go to traffic in perpendicular directions. Mr. Morgan’s life saving inventions of the gas mask and traffic signals are still in use today.
February 14th – Tomorrow at Dundas Museum
Join us at the Dundas Museum and Archives on Thursday, February 15th, at 7pm for a Black History Month lecture!
In 1989, Computer Scientist Alan Emtage conceived of and built Archie, the first ever internet search engine! Many public search engines today continue to use the foundational techniques he developed. A 2017 Internet Hall of Fame Innovator
February 12 – Dr Rita Orji
A Canadian Research Chair in Persuasive Tech at Dalhousie, STEM diversity ambassador & mentor. She designs interactive systems to increase health/well-being, particularly for under-served populations. Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2021)! #BlackHistoryMonth
Feb 11 – Dr Anna Jarvis
Dr. Jarvis helped establish the field of paramedic services in Canada, teaching some of the 1st paramedics ever! Medical educator & mentor extraordinaire, she received the Order of Ontario for her work in paediatrics. #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth
February 10 – Gladys Mae West
Gladys Mae West is an American mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her work on the development of the satellite geodesy models that were eventually incorporated into the Global Positioning System(GPS).
February 9 – Lewis Howard Latimer
An American inventor and patent draftsman. His inventions included an evaporative air conditioner, an improved process for manufacturing carbon filaments for light bulbs, and an improved toilet system for railroad cars.
February 8 –Brittany Andrew-Amofah
Brittany Andrew-Amofah
Known for: Public affairs commentator
Notable facts: Hosted Word on the Street.
Brittany is a public policy professional based in Toronto. She is currently the Senior Policy and Research Analyst at the Broadbent Institute, where she is responsible for assisting with setting the research and policy direction of the organization, and managing the Broadbent Institute’s Fellow Program. With an expertise in applying policy principles to matters of Canada’s most pressing public affairs, Brittany is regularly sought out to provide research, analysis and consultation services with a focus on creating a more socially progressive Canada.
February 7 – Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy aka the Real Mckoy Invented in 1916 a special graphite lubrication.This is used to lubricate super heated machinery. Also the lawn sprinkler was another one Elijah’s inventions.
February 6 – Dr. Patricia Bath
An American ophthalmologist, inventor, humanitarian, and academic. She was an early pioneer of laser cataract surgery. She also founded the non-profit American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C. https://drpatriciabath.com/about/
February 5 – Charles R. Drew
An African American surgeon & researcher who pioneered in the field of blood transfusions and blood storage. He protested against blood donor segregation and campaigned for better treatment of Black doctors.
February 4 – Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
An American mathematician/computer programmer who made significant contributions to the US space program. She was the first Black manager at what later became NASA
February 3 – Annie Turo Malone/Madam C.J. Walker
Entrepreneurs of the groundbreaking Black cosmetics industry. Each woman developed haircare and beauty products, created beauty schools and launched highly successful businesses that employed hundreds of African Americans. #BHM
February 2 – Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott
Dundas resident doctor in the 1880’s, Dr. Anderson R. Abbott. The first Canadian-born Black doctor. Moving to Dundas in 1881, Dr. Abbott was President of the Mechanics Institute, Church Warden at St. James Church and Asst. Ed. of the Dundas True Banner. Prescriptions from H.W. Ralph’s Dundas Drug Co. shows he practiced in Dundas.
The aim is to address the growing distance between two arguments warring in education at the moment. The concerns centre on whether elementary aged children are to be introduced to information about gender, sexuality and gender expression at school.
Direction At the centre of the argument are 2 ideas. Should elementary aged children be taught about sexuality, gender and gender expression? In what grades would it be reasonable for children to learn about these aspects of identity?
Some parents, educators, politicians feel that the provision of complex information to impressionable children may confuse or at worse, permanently alter children’s ideas of themselves.
On the other hand information about 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus (2SLGBTQIA+) communities are already readily available in a range of formats and spaces (online). Curious minors could access information such as this unfiltered. Schools, I imagine, would be safe places to enable students to begin broadening their understanding of themselves initially, and wider presentations of identity. This is the alternative idea.
Panthers I will state that as long as a culture war is being viciously fought. With heavy casualties on all sides of the argument, those who hold power are able to hoot at our folly and continue to profit off of our continued enmity. Fred Hampton, he of the Black Panthers, had a singularly powerful idea. When diverse and disparate members of society co-ordinate and collaborate when fighting against a political power structure, notice has to be paid to that group! Who then are unified against a common scourge. Be it a political system, capitalism, corporate greed, poverty, substandard housing, unbalanced policing and cracks in the system of education .
Mesh Many in our global community are affected by some, if not all of the concerns listed above. In Canada a thin veil hovers between those who have and those who do not, providing some with the illusion of security and safety. Many live a paycheck or two away from homelessness! When beneath the chiffon, we become aware of how precariously peace holds there! A pendulum swings in this space, between apathy and outrage. Here the battle rages between educators, parents, students, councillors, the party politic and writers attempting to wrestle sense from the crush! What is to be decided – educators and schools sharing information with young students, the topic of identity. Specifically schools discussing gender expression and whether the sex one is assigned at birth, is the one a person is to remain being the for life.
Your Turn
@EquityNetworkD on X They don’t and won’t stop with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. This movement is white supremacist, anti-Black, anti-indigenous, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, eugenicist and misogynist 7/10. This X comment by the Equity Network reminds me of the Niemöller poem: First They Came…
Trust Relating to the concerns about educating the children, we the public, have a right to know that our children are being well educated. That the structures of education follow a code that is ethical, moral, balanced, illuminating, inspired and invite students to question their world. The point that appears to have caused the melee, is the idea of indoctrination. Doug Ford, current premier of Ontario, shared his thoughts on the current education concerns. He used the term indoctrination relating to school children learning about gender identity and gender expression. The term indoctrination used in this way is an incendiary dog whistle statement. Drawing a response from his party-political all faithful.
High Chair Indoctrination much like propaganda, pushes the idea of providing illicit, near illegal information to minors (as though a narcotic, or OxyContin). Do you hear the whistle now? The premise is that educators will influence students to consider significant internal changes. Of how they recognise themselves to be on a fundamental level. For me there is something interesting taking place in the arguments. Similarly to my previous blog on the causes of a person to unalive themselves. We would be wise to notice that influence is universal and continual. Adults are aware that a child’s mind is impressionable. A child is as willing to believe in magical thinking as well as to know that gravity is a real force. As a toddler they did the toast, rusk, bowl, bottle drop test! Gravity as a magical magnet.
Sense The challenge is in providing information to all involved with educating children – gender is an aspect of identity we are to consciously process. With great sensitivity. Sexuality and gender expression could be introduced at a time when children are questioning these aspects of their identities. I can remember sex education in my primary school as being something that made me squirm – internally. I was 8 or 9 years old at the time. If either parent had had a conversation with me before this lesson, normalising and assisting my appreciation of how natural human reproduction was, I doubt my nervousness would have been as great.
Collapse Over 20 years ago I enjoyed wearing a sarong around the house and whenever I felt brave also out in public. I can remember meeting someone who I had served coffee to earlier in the day. At one point in my life I was a barista at a coffee shop in central London. And now this patron was seeing me in different clothes. They didn’t say anything to me, nor I to them, but there was this look. A disdain. A barely disguised sneer. They disapproving from their vantagepoint. An invisible yet loud message was passed. Stating in all caps: MEN SHOULD NOT BE SEEN LIKE YOU ARE, OUT IN PUBLIC! It was a momentary glance but it is one that invited me to be aware of shame, masculinity, fashion, gender and expression with discomfort.
Stroll Moving about Brixton on this warm Summer’s eve with little care of who noticed me. I had felt secure in my maleness before. That was until I met their sneer, and my confidence evaporated. Perhaps there was an element of envy in them that did not want to accept that Black men in London could wear whatever they liked. I wonder too if those to the right of the argument either fear or envy the choice some young people have of being able to live non gender conforming lives? Denying themselves decades of psychoanalysis and years of closeting parts of themselves away. Speaking with a student at PACE who supports me at the Mac MS Fit programme, shared with me her perspective “It’s like the young people of today have a choice to be whatever they want! Older generations never had that!”
@EquityNetworkD on X Confronting such Vitriol and violence seriously endangers queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, young folks and elders. The more of us show up, the safer we are. On the day and beyond. 8/10
Generosity I wonder what Fred Hampton would have made of these arguments. ‘Hold children away from identity information, or sensitively introduce and support learning?’ The Black Panthers were intensely interested in school and education. As well as collective social activism. The Black Panthers held a belief that education could free minds and help create a fair American society. Mr. Hampton knew that the Black Panthers could make change only if a collaborative effort, from disparate groups who were interested in revolutionizing everything, showed up in numbers. Change is always community lead I believe.
The Aye’s Have It What is at the centre of the disagreement is how much information should children know and at what age, if ever is the concern? Should gender expression be presented too early, could that information influence a child to choose one identity over another? There is a large element of the unknown in both arguments. Perhaps certainty is a last bastion of a colonial system that has outlived it’s usefulness. There is excitement, risk and endeavour in both camps protestations. What could both sides gain from what is in between – left and right of the concern, I wonder?
Side Step The podcasts and articles that follow are either directly related to the principle concerns and a few are not. For me, the problem with being right is we tend not to hear when someone is saying things we vehemently oppose. We shut them and their ideas down. We remain in sainthood whereby everybody else is seen as woefully wrong. We on the side of good, just and right. They on the wrong side of everything and will forever be more so. We stop having a sense of perspective when holding fast to being right.
Objective Truth The opposing side hold tightly to their ideas too. I am borrowing from Dr. Yvon Guest’s Art work here. In ‘No Man’s Land: Navigating a Black and white world’, if we were to meet there, some of what is shared could be given space to grow. In No Man’s Land, where no side holds any power or influence, opinions could be heard and given space to support understanding on both sides of the debate, perhaps assist in learning anew.
Trains We all lose if war prevents us from arriving at logical progressive solutions. The main similarity between the arguments is wanting the best for future generations of children. Blocking, banning and fashioning laws that prevent humanity at arriving, appears only to highlight our limited understanding of ourselves, each other and the complex world we live upon. In being right we dislocate our appreciation of truth. To move forward both left and right are to co-ordinate efforts with locomotion. Conflict is a catalyst to social change. The alternative is that we remain in a forever stalled position…
Resources Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam In this episode Shankar discuses with Linda Skitka moral convictions. Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell discusses Laundry Done Right. In this episode Malcolm and colleagues go to great lengths to share an idea about a cold wash! Wait for the dishwasher reveal that arrives at the end. We often feel we know what is best and I like that Malcolm is capable of showing us his learning. There is amazement and humour in unlearning what we held as truth! Poetry Unbound with Pádraig O Tuama shares Faisal Mohyuddin’s poem Prayer. There are a few lines that stand out in particular in reference to being right, which are summarized in the poem as a perfect emptiness describing the unknowable essence of everything we hold dear. Again I am troubling the idea of being right here. In the episode of Criminal Podcast I was intrigued by what Phoebe Judge and the team are able to discuss in this episode. ‘They Came for the Judges’ describes the horror of the Taliban seizing Afghanistan and releasing all prisoners from prisons in a city. Female Judges are forced to leave the country to secure their safety. In this story there are clear sides of being right and wrong. Code Switch Stepping Back Inside – Dream House. In this memoir Carmen Maria Machado shares her story as a writer about meeting Ms. Right who turns out to be so, so very wrong. What I enjoyed about this story is the interplay between Carmen’s multi-layered considerations about her identity and who she allowed herself to be when in company. I cannot wait to read more from this writer. Who is right is the question that floats throughout this podcast? It is as confusing as it is compelling. Questlove Supreme Podcast with Bonnie Raitt. What I love about this episode is how in tune the Dream Team are with their guest. Bonnie Raitt speaks on a number of issues including her music, being a hall of famer, activism and on paying legends in the music business their due. The conversation is nuanced, layered and ventures both left and right. My aim of listing this episode of Questlove Supreme, amongst the other points was to emphasise that through mutual appreciation a welcome understanding can be achieved. GTA 1000s Gather to Protest – A fact based article on a September protest in Toronto. The story looks at both sides of the argument offering readers a chance to review what they know. Presenting why so many people showed up to protest. Gender Identity Transgender Lessons in Schools. This article discusses the challenge schools and teachers face when presenting gender, identity, sex ed and education on LGBTQI+ communities. I enjoyed this quote from Kathleen Ethier who said “When you make a school environment safe and supportive for the most vulnerable youth, you improve the school environment for everyone.” Nuff said! Hidden Brain – Moral Combat Revisionist History – Laundry done Right Poetry Unbound – Prayer TheY came for the Judges Code Switch Stepping Back Inside Carmen Maria Machado’s Dream House Questlove Supreme with Bonnie Raitt GTA 1000s Gather to Protest Gender Identity Transgender Lessons in Schools
Equity Network member Michael Forfieh has written a powerful and educating article on his website addressing the attacks against the Kojo Institute and the pressures that are mounting to roll back gains made as a result of Anti-racist training and Diversity Equity and Inclusion programmes. The article is reposted below along with a list of resources.
LOSING TO INJUSTICE
Probable Cause In this blog post I want to address the attacks against the Kojo Institute and the pressures that are mounting to roll back gains made as a result of Anti-racist training and Diversity Equity and Inclusion programmes. The cause – white death and the heavy cost of enlightenment.
I am writing this blog on behalf of the Equity Network. In relation to a few articles that have responded to the event of a man’s suicide. My aim here is to explore the misuse of power exhibited by the media. Pitting mental illness and suicide against Equity Diversity and Inclusion training. That impacts on the provision of this much needed and overdue way of inviting dominant cultural groups to the practice of critical thinking. As discussed by Resmaa Menakem with Tani Simon.
There We Go The Blacklash that has taken place against the Kojo Institute, since Richard Bilkszto took his life, seems unfair, biased and looked to simplify a complex set of occurrences. What I am most disappointed by is the slim speed at which media outlets chose to discuss the story. Highlighting one possible cause as the likelihood of Mr. Bilkszto unaliving himself. What I am not surprised by is the lack of due regard to a Black woman who is the CEO of Kojo Institute. Dehumanizing and villainizing the training and the institute for stating a personal finding “Canada is as racist a country as the USA”. Evidence to highlight Canada as being a racist country similar to the US, could begin with looking at the media frenzy stirred after the story broke.
Truth V One concept that appears to stand out for me is the idea of whose lives matter more? The answer should be everyone’s lives matter and that there is equal rights for Black, Indigenous, Latin X, SE Asian, Asian and white people. The anger, vitriol and vicious comments raised against the Kojo Institute suggest otherwise. The court of social media appear to offer – that a white male is presented as being more valuable to Canada (the world) than a Black woman. Whatever gains through public declarations that many companies and organisations made after the public lynching of George Floyd, have been walked back. To the point where a sprint is taking place to move away from the promises of systemic change needed in Western societies. 3 years since George Floyd’s death the initiatives and the will to address the lie of white body supremacy has evaporated and we are left with just a mirage…
Complexity As a mental health professional, learning about difference, equity and inclusion is often a charged encounter. With the years of experience that the Kojo Institute has, I am confident that flash points would be appropriately managed and resolved. What I am not so confident with is the idea that a man took his life as a result of training that took place over 2 years ago. We cannot know the numerous reasons that Mr. Bilkszto took his life. There are other unknowable factors that are not being presented or observed by the media. These elements lay at the edges of many of the articles posted globally and are not used in discussion to complicate and responsibly report. One point is to be observed: Engaging with DEI training pokes at lies, uncovers truth and invites delegates to question systemic factors that negatively impact Black, Latin X, Indigenous, S. E. Asian and Asian peoples and should be stopped because it makes a dominant group uncomfortable.
Roll Back The idea that seems pressing to me is that pausing DEI programmes will turn a tide of liberalism in Canada, into a militant police state that treats minoritised people as undesirables of the country. Since George Floyd’s public murder, the roots of systemic factors that impact visible minority communities were made undeniable. If DEI programmes are withdrawn across Canada mitigating against the harmful impact of systemic racism in public and private spaces, I wonder what the next steps will be? At the Equity Network we are not going to allow this to happen. Too much is at stake. Whilst Florida is a good distance away, there are echoes of what could be possible in Canada/globally. That is if enough wrong-footed rhetoric, based on untruths and faulty logic are permitted to win hearts minds and policies in Ontario specifically and around the world universally.
Responsible Journalism There is a need for good journalism to present facts, be based in providing unbiased or objective truth and present information with as much journalistic integrity as is possible to inform and allow members of the public to come to their own conclusions. Rather than be force fed information which can lead to doubling down on misinformation and holding these ideas as truth. As a member of public, I want journalists in our local community as well as nationally/globally to present information in ways that invite thought and a want and a need to get close to the truth.
As a member of the Equity Network who observe responsible journalism as an equitable concern, I am interested in what the haste is to roll back DEI programmes and hold these as likely causes for persons to unalive themselves and not as points where ignorance, challenging ideas and anti racism can be clearly addressed.
The resources below are a collection of ideas for what potentially lies ahead.
Resources Articles by Shree Paradkar and Sonja Fatah begin by unpacking the ‘misdirect’ in clear unbiased and responsible ways. Supporting ideas of slowly approaching rational choices. In 2021 after the Capital building in Washington DC, was taken under siege, Brené Brown offered her insights on people choosing to hide with their dirty pain, and not choosing clean pain instead. Resmaa Menakem and Robin Di Angelo discuss their books and what readers, activists and those willing to engage in Anti Black Racism work could gain from their ideas. I first came across the Zero Sum myth when Simon Sinek posed the concept a few years ago. Here Ibram X Kendi discusses the idea in a literal sense with Heather McGhee Tani Simon speaks with Resmaa Menakem on what Somatic Abolitionism is, and the theory of reps is given clarity. In the perfect storm I look at what has arrived for me since George Floyd’s murder. Shree Paradkar and Sonja Fatah articles Brené Brown Unlocking Us Dehumization and Accountability Resmaa Menakem and Robin Di Angelo Discuss their new Books Be Anti Racist with Ibram X Kendi The Zero Sum Myth Tani Simon and Resmaa Menakem Discuss Somatic Abolitionism Blog The Perfect Storm
Aspirations: In the upcoming year we are committed to act and understand that advocacy is a human right. We will support the work of others in the community who move towards justice; as Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” We’re looking forward to working with new members and seeing what new directions and strategies we take. Equity Network continues to embrace equity, while pushing against racism, ableism and all forms of oppression, with love and determination in our community.
Provision of space/time to discuss ideas in a group setting
My hopes for the network for the next year
To be recognised as an organisation involved with equitable change in Ontario
There is a trifecta of concerns around the experiences of people that are living beyond stable accommodation: Mental Illness, Substance misuse, Crime and imprisonment, law enforcement, Disability. Whilst these concerns affect specific populations of Hamilton, there may be more in the greater Hamilton area that are either unaware or believe the challenge remains with the individual not the systems of education, employment and housing that have an impact on a person’s wellbeing.
Personally, this year has been one of growth, learning, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I’ve learned how to be a better ally and advocate. I’ve taken more opportunities to actively support activists and strong community voices who will work towards creating tangible and much needed change for vulnerable groups. I’ve participated in activities that allow me to share my voice and influence changes in systems that often perpetuate harm to underserved communities. These steps forward are influenced largely by the Equity Network and are things that I can pass on to my children.
Equity Network has made large strides as an organization this year. The group has created a seat for itself at the table, and the community connections that come with it are so important. It’s amazing to see how regularly Equity Network is consulted for its expertise and input. From the elections that occurred this year to pushes for policy changes in various systems, the Equity Network has worked towards creating real change that will have strong impacts on our communities. I’m looking forward to seeing the results that come out of this continuous hard work that Equity Network puts into creating a better and more inclusive world for everyone.
