Equity NetworkWe will continue to offer support to address food insecurity through ongoing donations to Community Fridges. We would like to support positive and important initiatives such as, specifically, The Graduation Coaches for Black Students as well as events celebrating and supporting First Nations.
This past year, Equity Network supported the Hamilton Encampment Support Network with donation drives and pushing for a just housing response from the city of Hamilton. EN stood against a violent hate rally at a Drag Story time at Terryberry Library. EN showed up consistently to canvass for and support candidates for municipal and provincial elections. Our members attended the swearing in ceremonies of Trustee Sabreina Dahab and MPP Sarah Jama.
It has been an empowering year of standing in our own power as people marginalized by systems. It has been a beautiful year of standing with community members who have been harmed. It has been a year of radical love and care. I want to thank Equity Network and founder Andrea Purnell for creating this safe and loving space for us. From education to healthcare to local politics, we are chipping away relentlessly to call out oppression and stand by those in our community who fight oppressive systems at the frontline. Looking forward to continuing the work next year!
The initiatives that were highlighted this year focused on working with HESN, challenging the schools boards’ colonial policies and food security, advocating directly in harmful systems that attempted to hide behind sketchy policies, practices and procedures.
What was challenging this year was, although we thought we had enough energy and resources to address the initiatives identified by the group, we sadly underestimated those who are holding on by their fingertips to the whiteness and the status quo.
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.
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
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.
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.
Respectfully submitted,
Equity Network
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.
