Politics – Black Voice

The Story Behind Leonard Braithwaite

The history of Black Canadians goes back centuries. From enslavement to fights for rights and freedoms, there is a lot that Black Canadians have been through. Black leaders emerged and did what they could to make sure their community had the same access to resources as others (specifically white ones). One leader that emerged was Leonard Braithwaite. He was born in Toronto to Caribbean parents in October 1923. He was raised in the Kensington Market neighbourhood. According to Stanley C. Lartey’s documented visit with Braithwaite (for Ontario Black History Society), he had two brothers and two sisters. Lartey goes on to say that Braithwaite and his siblings attended Ryerson Public School (only a minority of people of colour attended the school). He says that Braithwaite “attended Harbord Collegiate from Grade 9 and graduated with his Senior Matriculation (Grade 13).” Lartey shares how Braithwaite was able to sell newspapers on Spadina Avenue while he was in Grade 10. By the end of high school, Braithwaite “bought the newspaper selling rights for Spadina Avenue (from College to Queen Streets) from Abie Steinberg [his boss].” After high school, Braithwaite became very eager to enlist in the Canadian Army. World War 2 (1939-1945) was ongoing, and Braithwaite strongly felt that he should be an airman. He would attempt to enlist almost every month of 1942 and early 1943. The recruiter constantly rejected him and said “No, sorry, we don’t take you people.” Once that recruiter was replaced with a Ukranian from western Canada, Braithwaite was finally able to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, though not as an airman since he was short-sighted. Braithwaite served in both Canada and overseas as an engine mechanic then safety equipment worker—he rarely saw other people of colour. In June 1946, Braithwaite was discharged from the army and worked until he went to attend the University of Toronto (UofT) in September. Braithwaite graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree in 1950. Right after, he went to Harvard Business School in the U.S. and graduated in 1952. Lartey shares that while in the U.S., Braithwaite was able to obtain employment. Braithwaite recalled a time where his white colleagues left a cafeteria table after he sat with them. He endured that workplace for a year before returning to Toronto. Braithwaite, according to Lartey, taught at UofT when he returned from the U.S. He only worked there for a year (1953-54). He went on to work for Phillips Canada as a Management Systems Analyst for the summer of 1954. He attended Osgoode Hall Law School that year and graduated in 1958. Braithwaite founded his own law firm in Etobicoke. He would begin his political career in 1960 when he became a school trustee and later “sat on the Etobicoke municipal council.” According to Lartey, Braithwaite was able to use his position as a trustee to get a high school built that parents had longed for. In 1963, Braithwaite ran, and won, for the provincial Liberal party. He became “Ontario’s first Black Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).” Lartey asserts that Braithwaite was the first Black Parliamentarian in Canada. This new role put Braithwaite in a position where he could speak up for Black people like himself. As mentioned earlier, Braithwaite and his family were some of the few people of colour to attend their elementary school. This was something that was common for many Black Canadians. Racist laws and rules barred them from attending school with their white counterparts. Black parents would constantly lobby for these rules to change so that their children could attend schools close by. The Canadian Encyclopedia states that Ontario and Nova Scotia had laws that enforced racial segregation. Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island practiced racial segregation even without laws. There was also community involvement that would hinder Black children from attending school. White residents would intimidate Black families in order to stop them from sending their children to the local public school. Many “schools” were just one-room spaces. One school, School Section #11 (S.S. #11), had extremely poor conditions. These restrictions went right up to post-secondary school. People like Bernice Redmon, the first Black nurse in Canada, were not able to study in Canada because colleges did not accept Black people. Leonard Braithwaite rose in the house on Feb. 4th, 1964 and gave his first speech. In it, he spoke against the segregation of Black students. As TVO puts it, “he raised the issue of language in the Separate Schools Act that continued to permit the existence of segregated Black schools.” Braithwaite said, “There has not been a need for such schools since before the beginning of this century, […] Those days have passed.” TVO says that he received applause from his colleagues and, the following month, “Minister of Education William Davis eliminated the provisions, and within a year the last de facto segregated school closed.” The last de facto segregated school was S.S. #11. It closed, but not without a fight. The local Black community had to make sure that the Black students were able to integrate into white schools. Leonard Braithwaite passed away in 2012 at age 88; he left a great legacy behind. The Canadian Encyclopedia lists these as his honours: Queen’s (now King’s) Counsel appointment in 1971, Member of the Order of Canada investment in 1998, becoming the first Black bencher in the history of The Law Society of Upper Canada in 1999, and Order of Ontario appointment in 2004. In 2012, a park in Etobicoke was renamed from Melody Park to Len Braithwaite Park. Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute in Scarborough began an Africentric (also Afrocentric) program under Braithwaite’s name (Leonard Braithwaite Program). It aims to help Black students learn through an Africentric lens instead of the Eurocentric one that dominates many high school courses. The site also states what the program isn’t, so check it out. It’s important to learn

How Gen Z Black Canadians Are Reshaping Political Grounds

Systemic racism remains in all Canadian institutions. This includes healthcare, justice, education and employment standards. But a new generation of activists and everyday changemakers are actively confronting their inequities, building a bridge for political power and demanding accountability when it’s needed. Gen Z Black Canadians are leading a bold new wave of activism. They’re not waiting for change — they’re creating it. From organizing protests and launching businesses to developing legal tools and pushing for real representation, this generation is using their voice, vision, and values to reshape Canada. Systemic anti-Black racism in Canada is deeply rooted and institutionally reinforced. Black Canadians often encounter microaggressions and structural barriers that impact their well-being. This form of discrimination persists even as Canada publicly celebrates multiculturalism, which reveals tension between surface civil diversity and structural equity. What is systemic racism? Systemic racism isn’t always obvious, but it’s built into the rules and traditions of institutions. That’s why even if someone doesn’t mean to be racist, Black people are still treated unfairly in schools, when applying for jobs or when interacting with the police. Canada often claims to celebrate diversity, yet Black Canadians continue to face significant systemic barriers. Research has consistently shown how racism influences outcomes in healthcare, education and employment. In an article published by The Varsity titled Canada’s Public Health System Is Not Equal for All, the author explores how systemic racism plays out in everyday medical encounters. Black patients frequently report feeling dismissed, misdiagnosed or treated with suspicion when voicing their health concerns. The piece also highlights a deeper, long-standing mistrust toward the healthcare system rooted in generations of medical neglect and a persistent lack of representation within the field. Young Black Canadians are continuously using their creativity to challenge racism in bold and impactful ways. Sandy Hudson, one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter Toronto, has been a powerful force in the fight for racial justice in Canada. In 2017, she co-founded the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC), a non-profit organization that provides free legal aid and strategic litigation for Black Ontarians facing systemic discrimination. BLAC stands as a vital resource for challenging unfair treatment and advancing legal equity. Janaya Khan, a Black, queer, non-binary activist, public speaker and fellow co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto, also serves as the international ambassador for the global BLM network. They bring a unique lens to activism, one that blends political organizing with spirituality, and champions community empowerment through transformative justice, prison abolition and alternatives to policing. Together, Hudson and Khan represent two powerful examples of how Black Canadians are reshaping political landscapes from the ground up. Their work extends beyond protest—it’s about reimagining and rebuilding systems that have long marginalized Black communities. Hudson’s focus on legal reform and grassroots advocacy provides lasting support through initiatives like BLAC, while Khan brings a deeply intersectional and global perspective. Their leadership challenges conventional ideas of power and representation and redefines Canadian activism as part of a broader movement for racial, gender and social justice. Young Black Canadians aren’t just protesting. They’re also taking things to court and speaking out inside institutions. One big example is the Black class action lawsuit which is used by Black employees in the federal government who were treated unfairly, passed over for promotions and punished for speaking up. Since December 2020, the Black Class Action has aimed to fix decades of unfair treatment towards block workers in the federal government. Some of the demands are for 2.5 billion dollars in damages for Black employees passed over for promotions, a compensation fund for Black workers harmed by racism and mental stress, official government measures like establishing a separate Black category under the Employment Equity Act, and a formal apology from the prime minister and creation of a mental health fund. Unfortunately, the federal government has been pushing back. It spent nearly 8 million dollars in legal fees to fight the case. A big test came in March 2025 when a judge didn’t miss the class action certification, claiming federal workers already have other complaint systems to use. Despite the court ruling, the lawsuit is already influencing change. Now there’s better data collecting on race and more Blacks being represented at senior levels, though there’s still a small percentage overall. The Black class action Secretariat even made a complaint with the UN Human Rights Council, which brought the fight for racial justice to the international stage. Their efforts have already sparked national conversations, influenced new laws, and helped secure government funding. But they know that a real change takes more than just words — it takes action. Gen Z Black Canadians aren’t backing down until fairness and justice are a lived reality for everyone in this country.

Carol Bryant Syndrome

By Priscilla Wiredu Emmett Till, an African American, was kidnapped by Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam on August 28, 1955, when he was 14 years old. Bryant and Milam beat Till beyond recognition and ultimately lynched him. Why? Till allegedly whistled or made an inappropriate remark at Bryant’s wife, Carol Bryant, when she was working at their family store. Mamie Till, Emmett’s mother, knew the court case would end in an acquittal, and thought the most powerful thing she could do was have an open-casket funeral for Emmett for all of Chicago would see what racism did to her son. Till’s funeral triggered a powerful surge in the Civil Rights Movement, motivating African Americans to stand up to segregation, hate crimes, and all-around racism once and for all. Till never made any gesture or remark at Carol Bryant. Before dying in 2023, Bryant admitted yearslater that she had made it all up. What is Carol Bryant Syndrome? Carol Bryant Syndrome (CBS) is when White women (usually it’s women) cry or become intensely emotional when confronted by a person of color (usually a Black man) in a confrontation the former had started. White tears have been known to drive some of the biggest outrages in Western society. Crying is a manipulation tactic. White women, whether consciously or unconsciously, use as a weapon to protect themselves from criticism or actual punishment. Noted examples Carol Bryant Syndrome is a rampant issue in American society today. Here are some of the most infamous cases where White tears have been used and sensationalized. ‘BBQ Becky’— In 2018, Jennifer Schulte harassed a Black family having a picnic at a park for using “the wrong type of grill.” She even tried calling the police on them. The operator was questioning Schulte’s mental state for making such a call, and Schulte immediately burst into tears as though everyone was ganging up on her. The Central Park Five— In 1989 New York, the body of a White female jogger was found in Central Park. Her death was treated as a homicide. Five young Black boys were pointed out as the murderers and were sentenced to prison. However, the boys were proven innocent and released years later. They were collectively rewarded $20 million in a lawsuit. While no White tears were portrayed in this case, the White rage was rampant. New stories, hate crimes, and even remarks from New York celebrities all demonized these boys for attacking and murdering a White woman they had never met. It wasn’t until 2001 when Matias Reyes, who was already serving a life sentence for other crimes ,confessed to the murder. Susan Smith— In 1994, young mother Susan Smith claimed that one night in October, a Black man carjacked her while her infant sons, Alexander and Michael, were inside the vehicle. Smith appeared on television, tearfully pleading for the safe return of her boys. Millions of dollars went into the investigation.However, almost two days later, police found her vehicle submerged in a nearby lake with the bodies of the boys still inside. Smith, herself,drove the car into the lake with the kids still strapped inside. She made up the carjacking story. During the investigation, racial tension had risen between White and Black people, as Smith claimed it was a Black perpetrator in her first version of the story. The 2020 Bird Watching Incident – On May 25, 2020, Christian Cooper, a Black man, was bird watching in a New York park when he was suddenly approached by a friendly dog and offered it a dog treat. The dog’s owner, Amy Cooper, came running up and yelled at Christian for touching her dog. When Christian said she needed to keep the dog on a leash (for the dog and others’ safety), Amy responded by calling the police and making false claims that Christian was threatening her, and abusing her and her dog. Christian caught all of this on film. When the video finally surfaced online, the backlash against Cooper’s White tears was phenomenal. She lost her job, and when she tried to file a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, she lost that as well. She was faced with up to one year in jail, but this penalty was dropped after she took an educational course on racial identity. Christian Cooper received much support from people online and was even granted his own TV show, Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper, which won an Emmy in 2024. Why CBS is a problem and how to stop it White tears have evolved into a form of weaponry against Black people. Italso perpetuates the stereotype that tears are a form of White femininity that no other woman can copy on the premise that Black people tend to lack proper sympathy or the ability to express emotions. This is a problem that must be dealt with from the inside. Meaning white women need to stop using tears as a way to guilt people into avoiding talking about race and what white supremacy has done to marginalized groups for centuries. Dr.Teigha VanHester, a professor of race and gender studies at Butler University, claims that her syllabi for classes are not tailored forwhite, abled, cis women to weaponize their tears. People of color are put in a difficult and uncomfortable situationwhen dealing with white tears. The oppressed groups are faced with an emotional response and feel the need to comfort the aggressor. This permits society to remain quiet and ignorant of the historical privilege of white people, leaving Black people to step on eggshells because white peoples’ feelings are prioritized over our lived experiences. Everyone is personally responsible for learning how to navigate discomfort and stress productively. Ignoring institutional injustices and biases, and refusing to acknowledge different communities and identities, white women are comfortable when talking about race or dealing with tense situations. It is not Black people’s issue to feel apologetic for white tears or white fragility. If anything, it is mere gaslighting that must stop so we can progress as a society.

The First Black Female Torontonian to…

By Thean Sargeant It’s common these days to see Black women in various positions throughout Toronto and Canada on the whole. However, this would not have been so common over 50 years ago when Black women had to overcome both racism and sexism to get to the positions they held. By doing so, they have paved the way for other Black women to fill those same roles today and achieve more. The level of racism that these women faced in their day was enough to bar them from pursuing their passions. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “many schools kept Black Canadians separate from White Canadians.” As we look at the women who had to overcome great challenges, remember, they faced inexplicable injustices and found a way to persevere. Nurse: Bernice Redmon Bernice Redmon was the first Black Torontonian nurse to practice nursing in Canada. She would later become the first Black woman inducted into the Victorian Order of Nurses. Redmon was born in 1917 in Toronto. Her Blackness barred her from nursing colleges in Toronto as they were not accepting Black students into their programs. She travelled across the border to Virginia to study at St. Philip Hospital Medical College in 1945. Upon her return to Canada, she worked at the Nova Scotia Department of Health in Halifax. Years later, after Redmon’s monumental move, Canadian nursing schools began to allow Black women to study at their institutions. Police officer: Gloria Bartley After serving as a police officer in Trinidad and Tobago, Gloria Bartley moved to Toronto in 1958. In 1960, she became Toronto’s first Black female police officer just months after the city found its first Black male officer, Larry McLarty. Although she was able to join the force despite her race, Bartley faced sexism when she was forced to resign because she got pregnant. Before 1972, it was mandatory for female officers to leave the workforce when they were starting a family. Bartley served until 1967. Although her career was relatively short, future police women would come to see her as a trailblazer. “I owe her a debt of gratitude,” now-retired inspector Sonia Thomas once said. “It’s because of her that I was able to attain historic heights.” Teacher: Millie Burgess Millicent Burgess is assumedly the first Black woman to obtain her teaching license in Canada and become a teacher in Toronto. Burgess’ journey began in 1950, when she was in Bermuda where she had won a scholarship to study in Canada. Her studies began in Hamilton and ended in Toronto, Ontario. Due to a stipulation in the scholarship she received, Burgess returned to Bermuda to teach for three years. Later on, she married Edward Burgess and moved to Toronto in 1955. She was discriminated against by an interviewer for the Toronto Board of Education who wanted to prioritize local Canadians. A fellow church member was later able to help Burgess get a job in 1957. She also went on to earn a degree from the University of Toronto. She taught for 32 years during which time she was also a consultant for the Toronto Board of Education. Politician: Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine Dr. Augustine was the first Black woman to become a Member of Parliament. Just like Burgess, Dr. Augustine became a certified teacher in 1963. She eventually worked her way up to becoming a school principal. Dr. Augustine would further her career by getting a Bachelors of Arts and Masters in Education by 1980. In 1993, she was elected in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore district and would be re-elected four more times thereafter. By 1995, Dr. Augustine put a motion forward in Parliament for Black History Month to be recognized in February across Canada. The motion passed unanimously. Please read about all of Dr. Augustine’s contributions in detail here. Honourable mention Although she isn’t Torontonian, it would be remiss of me not to mention Viola Desmond. She is seen on Canada’s $10 bank note. Desmond was a successful Nova Scotian beautician who owned a beauty school and created a line of complexion products for Black women. In 1946, after her car broke down in the small town of New Glasgow, she went to see a movie to pass some time while her car was being repaired. She originally wanted to sit at the front of the Roseland Theatre but the unspoken rule was that it was an area reserved for white people. The ticket she was given was one cent less than the floor ticket and it was for the balcony where Black people normally sat. Although she went back to ask for a floor ticket and said that she would be willing to pay the extra cent, she was denied. Desmond sat in the floor area anyway. The manager came to have her removed and when she wouldn’t comply, a police officer was called. Desmond was injured during her removal from the theatre. She was kept overnight in jail. The next morning, in court, she was charged $26 for an attempt to defraud the provincial government, despite being willing to pay the one-cent tax difference between ticket prices. The Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NSAACP) encouraged Desmond to try to overturn the conviction, however, this did not change anything. Desmond was posthumously pardoned by Lieutenant-Governor Mayann Francis in 2010, 64 years after the incident. Desmond’s story may have helped to change the racial landscape of Nova Scotia as the province legally ended racial segregation in 1954. For breaking/overcoming barriers, being inspirational, having made a significant change, and leaving a lasting legacy, Demond’s portrait was affixed to the $10 bill, replacing the collage of Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir George-Étienne Cartier, Agnes MacPhail, and James Gladstone.

Rosemary Brown: A Canadian Political Icon

By: Priscilla Wiredu Black Voice focuses on the impact Black people have contributed to the world in intellectual ways. Their legacies and contributions do not go unnoticed as we aim to facilitate modes of inclusion among various policies and community discussions. Their ability to use their skill, voice, and mind inspire the Black community to engage within a variety of different opportunities that help shape future generations. Given segregation, colonialism, and slavery aimed at Black people, the fight for an equal opportunity to engage in Canadian politics has not always been easy. Given these challenges, Black people have continued to break down barriers to achieve success by putting forth their hard work and talent to reach equality among all Black communities. A recognized Canadian politician that advocates on behalf of the Black community is Rosemary Brown, known as the first Black woman elected to the provincial government of British Columbia. For Brown, this achievement challenged political stereotypes centered around women entering politics. It also provides hope to the Black community that policies will include a perspective that will shift initiatives to focus on positive reforms in the education system, workplace, and between socioeconomic classes. Brown rightfully earned her title as a female Canadian politician through her efforts to work alongside the Black community to educate herself on the struggles they faced. She played an avid role in listening to the stories of those who suffered from oppression as well as speaking to her constituency. She wanted to provide Black people with equal housing, career, and education opportunities among all genders, ages, and socioeconomic classes. She was a firm believer in building a strong foundation for community involvement so that individuals would feel heard and obtain a successful future. Early Life and Education Brown was born on June 17, 1930, in Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in a family who was immersed in politics. In 1951, she immigrated to Canada to pursue an education and successfully completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work at McGill University. She inspired many Black students to obtain an education that was meaningful and aligned with their vocational passions and interests. Brown, along with many other Black Canadians at the time, struggled with adjusting to life especially as a new immigrant. Brown faced experiences that dealt with issues revolving around sexism and racism, whether it was applying for housing, a seasonal job, or trying to feel accepted during her studies at university. In 1955, Brown earned her Graduate Degree in social work at the University of British Columbia. She started working towards eliminating racial and sexist barriers in Canadian society among minority groups. Rise to Politics During the 60s, Brown worked as both a social worker and university counselor, where she was a founding member and Ombudswoman of the Vancouver Status of Women Council. In 1972, Brown competed and won a provincial general election, being elected as the New Democratic Party candidate in the Vancouver-Burrard riding. She undoubtedly made history for her devoted work as the first Black woman elected to a Canadian provincial legislature. This not only proved her credibility as a leader but provided a stark reputation among Black women entering politics. She won three elections and served until 1986. Impact Brown was known for implementing policy initiatives that centered around improving working and social conditions for women in the legislative assembly. She was one of the first Canadians to discuss intersectionality and the social issues that followed. She recognized that race, gender, and sexuality had the potential to overlap when addressing societal issues. She understood these perspectives and put her experience into practice when advocating on behalf of Black communities. Brown introduced anti-racist and anti-sexist measures into the British Columbian education system and curriculum. She succeeded in reducing discrimination based on their gender, marital status, and race, giving minorities a chance to advance and address their human rights within the province. In 1956, One of her most praiseworthy achievements was establishing the British Columbia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (BCAACP). This organization aimed to offer housing and employment opportunities for Black people in British Columbia, which encouraged discussions that dealt with human rights reforms in Parliament. on reforming human rights legislation in parliament. Brown also succeeded in prohibiting gender-based discrimination and obtaining improved services for a variety of different cohorts including seniors, the impoverished, immigrants, and persons with disabilities. After her retirement, Brown became a Professor of Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University. She also worked as the Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission from 1993 to 1996. She further published her own written works and speeches on efforts to foster transparency and accountability among citizens. Legacy On April 26, 2003, Rosemary Brown died from a heart attack at 72. During her life, she has created many opportunities for Black women in Canadian politics and received many awards for her hard work. A year after her passing, Simon Fraser University established the Rosemary Brown Award for Women. This annual award rewards work that encourages the same beliefs, values, and ideologies aligned with Brown’s vision of inclusivity. The work of Rosemary Brown is an inspiring story. Her achievements and policies have helped shape Canada’s human rights legislature and anti-racism practices for future generations. Rosemary Brown is a prime example of how Black excellence and intelligence should be recognized. Her work signifies change in the right direction for many lives due to her engagement and political participation within a field that is predominantly male oriented. To ensure legislative meetings are free from unwarranted bias, leaders like Brown provide credibility and inclusive practices among women of colour. “To be Black and female in a society which is both racist and sexist is to be in the unique position of having nowhere to go but up.” — Rosemary Brown.

Reverse Racism: A Harmful Myth

By: Priscilla Wiredu In 2020, Gerber announced that the face of their products will be named after a Black baby named Magnolia Earl. Not only did Earl make history as the first Black baby to represent Gerber’s company, but also the first adopted baby to be their spokesperson at only one year old. Magnolia’s proud parents, Courtney and Russell Earl, claimed that Magnolia could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and her adoption brightened up the family’s lives and strengthened their family unity. Magnolia’s photogenic face attracts many and makes them question how someone so young, innocent, and beautiful challenged a systemic racial barrier and render a positive representation for many Black babies worldwide. Success breeds criticism, jealousy, and hate, especially when a person of colour is recognized for their unique talents and achievements. Many envied Magnolia for winning the contest. They expressed over social media their views on Gerber’s increasing popularity. Many believed that the company took advantage of a successful moment by exploiting Magnolia as a Token Black baby to appease the left. This is an example of reverse racism, where Magnolia was chosen as the face to market the brand because she was a Black baby, and the other qualified babies were robbed of a fair chance because they were white. ‘Reverse racism’ is a fairly new term that has been introduced to society. The term is commonly used amongst white supremacists to further propagate their own proposed victimhood. What is Reverse Racism? Reverse racism describes white people who have been discriminated against or subjected to racism by people of color. Reverse racism exists through stereotypes, such as, white people cannot dance, season their food, or attend BIPOC spaces. Upon the recent calls for book banning, and fighting against the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools, many white oppositionists have claimed that allowing specific books and CRT to be available exemplifies reverse racism. This is because these mediums put white people in a negative light. It displays racism amongst Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Latino populations at the hands of white supremacists. People have also claimed that there is reverse racism in South Africa due to Black civilians destroying the farms of white farmers and forcing them out. Here, we will debunk the myth and social lie that is reverse racism. Why it is Not Real Reverse racism is an oxymoron. Racism is a combination of two things, discrimination and power, and power can only come from the group who is the most dominant. Worku Nida, an assistant professor of anthropology at UCLA, defines racism as a “mechanism where resources and power, wealth, prestige, and even humanity receives distribution along a color line.” Nida claims that there are only two types of racism: individual and systemic. Individual racism is when a person in a privileged position shows prejudice against another person towards their skin color. For example, a shop owner who follows Black customers in their store, assuming that they are shoplifting. The problem with individual racism is that the beliefs of the privileged one become amplified and the norm. Systemic racism is racism rooted in institutions, with actions and policies that allow a specific group of people to advance in society and leaves other groups to be marginalized in gaining access to the same resources. It happens in courts, congress, schools, governments, businesses, and many other institutions. One recognizable example of systemic racism was the G.I. Bill of Rights passed after the Second World War. This bill outlined that veterans and their families would benefit from low-interest mortgage rates, access to loans, and other benefits. This bill excluded the millions of Black veterans who returned from the war seeking these resources to restructure their lives back to normalcy. This is due to Black veterans facing harassment and discrimination upon their return from war and settling in housing projects. The feeling of superiority over another race is simply the tip of the iceberg when defining racism. There needs to be an awareness of racism being rooted in systemic hierarchies. Historical institutions that have been made by, benefited, and catered to white people, simultaneously make it difficult for BIPOC to strive in society. The effects of these practices stem from police brutality, racial wealth gaps, slavery, colonialism, and home ownership. White people are limited in these forms of oppression. While they experience prejudice – i.e., being called a Karen and being told they do not know how to cook, etc. these stereotypes do not impact their lifestyle and future prospects to excel in society. Why it is Harmful Outside of it being a mockery to those who have experienced and are fighting against real racism, reverse racism can be harmful if validated. Misconceptions about affirmative action can fuel white resentment when viewing Black individuals in positions of power. Affirmative action can fuel the belief that Black people gained success because the institution needed a Black face to avoid being called discriminatory. It portrays a facade that the state favors Black people over well-qualified white people, instead of following fair procedures based on merit. It forces Black people to believe that their success is rewarded with inclusive practices as an apology for being born into a minority, and it undermines their intelligence and confidence. The most harmful effect of reverse racism is that white people mold a narrative in their own favor. White people are not used to being victims of oppression or racism, nor do they want that to happen. They claim that reverse racism protects themselves from backlash on racist views, and when things get too real for them, they can reignite their power over BIPOC groups and are no longer victims. Racist people like to manipulate and trivialize problems with race so that their path to finding a viable solution becomes difficult for anti-racist activists. The need to denounce reverse racism is legitimate and critical. People should address the issue of reverse racism and rebuke it as it being the same as actual racism suffered

Let’s Talk About: Zanana Akande

By: Lavanya Kathirgamanathan Zanana Akande is a woman who embodies bravery, power, and strength as she represents one of the many voices in Canada who created a diverse environment in the political world. In 1937, Akande was born in the heart of Toronto, a city filled with diversity, innovation, and culture. While growing up in Toronto, Akande attended multiple post-secondary schools which included Harbord Collegiate, University of Toronto, and Ontario Institute for Studies and Education. During her education timeline, Akande was also a member of The Federation of Women Teachers Associations of Ontario. In 1918, this federation was created in Ontario to represent women in the school systems. Akande is a figure who mobilizes increased political engagement and participation to make the lives of many free and fair. Her academic accolades and knowledge inspire many to push for social change. Her parents immigrated from Saint Lucia and Barbados, where they pursued their careers working as teachers. Her parents’ success motivated Akande to pursue the same occupation in Canada. Inspired by her parents, Akande followed their passion and pursued her teaching career, working towards being a principal at Toronto District School Board (TDSB). While serving for the TDSB, Akande shared her prior knowledge on the disparities within the education system and created a program for students with special needs. Her initiative to provide equal education for special needs students is important because it addresses the barriers disabled students face. Often, special needs students require additional programs such as remediation that are not provided with the appropriate budget and funding. Akande’s program aims to provide special needs students with the appropriate program and environment for students to excel academically. Soon after becoming a principal, she was responsible for duties including overseeing the education agenda and mandate, focusing on equitable policy, and ensuring her students were situated in a positive and safe environment for academic success. From 1990 to 1994, Akande immersed herself into the political world where she served as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP). She represented the riding of St. Andrew-St. Patrick, and represented her cultural roots from where she grew up in the heart of downtown Toronto. Soon after, Akande was appointed as Minister of Community and Social Services. With her duty as a Minister, she created economic change for those in low-income communities. Akande raised the rate of social assistance from 5 per cent to 7 per cent. Akande also increased the shelter allowance for those in need. Although she resigned as Minister of Community and Social Services in 1991, she was then the Parliamentary Assistant to Bob Rae to create and implement JOYP, Jobs Ontario Youth Programme, to provide younger adults with more opportunities to find jobs at their age and help them create a path for their future. In 1994, Akande decided to resign from her political journey due to a conflict arising over an investigation that took place involving a dispute with Ontario’s previous civil servant, Carlton Masters. Zanana Akande notably became the first Black woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. She was also the first Black woman in Canada to serve as a Cabinet Minister in the country itself. This achievement inspired the Black community that a woman of colour can work in politics. Akande always believed in herself and took a step forward to create meaningful changes that helped others. This ended up making history in Canada, and will be remembered for future politicians in the Black community who want to immerse themselves in politics. Since 2009, Akande has been retired and continues to share her knowledge in the political realm through volunteer work with local organizations, such as the YWCA and Centennial College. Her efforts to immerse herself into the environments where citizens lacked the appropriate assistance fueled her drive to allocate funds to food banks and policies aimed at achieving welfare benefits. To learn more about Zanana Akande’s career history, click here.

The Divestment Movement

By: Sydnee Walcott Everyone deserves to be accepted in society. Unfortunately, women feel unloved and ostracized from society. In an aim to address this, women have taken a stand to address this issue of inequality. “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman,” said Civil Rights Leader Malcolm X. On May 22, 1962, these words were announced when X was speaking to a crowd of Black women in Los Angeles, California. Sadly, over 60 years and these words are still spoken. Given efforts to reform policies, enforce greater justice in the court system, and uphold legislation, racism still remains a rampant issue. This issue has caused suffering on behalf of the Black community and many feel targeted when living a fair lifestyle. Historically, Black women have been subjected to disrespect, silenced dialogue, and limited protection to their safety. During the Civil Rights Movement, Feminist Movement, Black Lives Matter Movement and the MeToo Movement, Black women have been excluded, overlooked, and receive little to no advocacy for the work they have done. There have also been instances where Black girls and women have also struggled to receive the appropriate justice they deserve. For example, in the 1990s, it took many years before singer R. Kelly was tried in court and convicted of sexual abuse towards Black girls. For years, sexual abuse allegations go unresolved which places Black girls at a disadvantage when obtaining equal protection in the criminal justice system. Another issue Black girls and women are confronted with is facing negative comments towards their body. Many news stories have revealed that Black girls are being suspended or ridiculed by teachers for wearing their natural hair in an Afro or in a protective style, known as a low manipulated hairstyle such as braids and dreadlocks, which have been part of Black traditions for centuries. Black women have also been victims of unemployment and layoffs for wearing these styles and embracing their cultural roots and traditions at work. Celebrity children like Blue Ivy Carter face texturism from adults, a term used to explain discrimination against one’s hair type. Adults have repetitively criticized Carter’s hair since she was a baby. The negative implications of these comments place Carter at a disadvantage from embracing her natural hair as she will reflect on these harsh judgements in her adulthood. Featurism is also another issue Black women have endured. Black women have dealt with insulting comments about their nose, lips, and the overall shape of their face. For example, in January of 2020, a Twitter user compared Teyona Tayler and Ari Lennox’s face to the features of a Rottweiler. Both Taylor and Lennox expressed their concern over Twitter with respect to these emotionally abusive comments. Lennox also asked why people are so comfortable with damaging Black women and their reputation. Colourism is one of the biggest issues Black women have faced. This is an issue that dates back to the enslavement of Black people. Those who had a lighter complexion would be given domestic tasks while those of a darker complexion were given intensive, laborious, and gruelling tasks. Although slavery has ended, colourism still remains an issue with Black women being on the receiving end of it through different mediums including songs, television shows, movies, Tweets, Youtube videos, and as of recently, TikTok’s. A large majority of these colourist, featurist, and texturist comments have come from other Black men who resemble the same features. A commonality among these Black men is that they will degrade Black women through discriminatory comments while praising women who have a light-skinned, racially ambiguous, Hispanic, Asian, or White skin tone. Not only do these men make distasteful comments about Black women’s facial features, but they also stereotype them as “loud” and “ghetto.” It is acceptable to have a preference, however, it is not acceptable for people to disrespect their own or another group of people while stating what they prefer. The amount of disrespect aimed at Black women has prevented them from exploring their options in society and seeking avenues that appreciate the uniqueness they have to offer. Many want to be celebrated and not just tolerated, however, society has created this vicious cycle where Black culture is negatively scrutinized. In response to the anti-Blackness Black women face, many were able to find appreciation for their unique traits elsewhere. This movement is called the Divestment Movement. This movement recognizes and encourages Black women to date and marry men outside of their race who will accept them for their colour and tradition. Many Black women who engage in an interracial relationship have expressed that they feel included, loved, and protected by a man who rightfully chooses to disregard hurtful stereotypes. Unfortunately, the movement has faced backlash from Black men who do not want to be with a Black woman, but do not want to see them with a man of another race. Black men need to understand that their negative comments have set Black women on a quest to find love where it is appreciated. Their abusive and negative comments aimed to control Black women have done the opposite and encourage them to embrace their identity and seek romantic opportunities elsewhere. This is not to say that every Black man feels this way. It reiterates that although loving couples do exist, no one should feel envious or betrayed when Black women choose to date and marry outside of their culture.