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.
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.
Equity Network has celebrated its one year anniversary. We started as a small group intent on learning about being co-conspirators and allies. We are equity seekers recognizing that we must operate in a decolonized space which focuses on anti-racism and anti-oppression through humility and kindness. Our membership has grown significantly. We continue to draw the circle wider to include all of Hamilton. Please take a good look at the website. There are numerous opportunities to provide support for many of the issues. We are requesting that members resubmit a request for membership by way of the website to ensure that you continue to be committed.
