We have to confront Obstacles Black Communities face in Ontario-Premier Kathleen Weynne
The Ontario Liberal caucus celebrated Black History month at Queens Park . Premier of Ontario Kathleen Weynne came out strong in her call to end institutional and societal barriers on Black communities. “ Black communities are one of the systematically disenfranchised communities “ Weynne says .
She pointed out that more needs to be done to remove barriers reiterating the positive actions being taken by her government. An obvious example to Wynne’s speech mentioned was the Anti Black Racism Strategy being led by Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services. “Black History Month is it time to tell those stories that for too long were not told. It’s a time to tell the stories of extraordinary Canadians, who refused to waver in their pursuit of equality, freedom, and justice. We must listen to the voices of black leadership, past and present. We must do more to curb the prejudiced attitudes that build barriers between people and between communities” she says
The premier and other cabinet ministers joined in applauding some of the actions being taken by the Ontario government to address anti Black racism and other measures including free tuition, and free prescription medications for every one under 24 .
Activist groups such as Black Lives Matter Toronto have been voicing strong criticism on the treatment of black community members including fighting for the elimination of carding system by the police in Toronto.
Canada recently made a move to officially recognize Black racism in the country . Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a recent black history month event that Canadians need to acknowledge that racism and unconscious bias against black people exist in the country. He urged for more recruitment and election of black members of Parliament.
Children Choirs from the Scarborough area performed the Canadian anthem on the occasion and award winning poet Nadine Williams recited poems related to Black history and power.