Recognizing Emancipation Month

BY: SHameera HUsain

The British Empire sought Black and Indigenous peoples for centuries for personal benefit. Through genocide and subjugation, they could not only dominate Indigenous lands but created a rift between various communities and their culture, religion, and way of life. Enduring pain beyond words can describe, the dark and twisted history of slavery across the British Empire and promoting a more Euro-Centric lifestyle continue to affect those that fall under these communities.

Recent studies have shown that across Toronto, Anti-Black racism thrives, affecting the livelihood of approximately 200,000 individuals of African descent/origin. Discrimination in the administration of justice (whether in policing, criminal prosecutions, trials, sentencing, or imprisonment) can cause extraordinary harm to individuals and society.

However, by exposing and scrutinizing the values that underlie our colonized society, we can implement the change we want to see. Starting with the oppression embedded in our social discourse and Canadian identity, we must critically analyze which voices are used to tell our story and which are excluded. We must work to broaden our perspective to see the context within which Canadians are living their lives and how life circumstances are differentially impacted by the oppressive, Eurocentric discourse that dominates.

August is recognized as Emancipation Month. We recognize the many repercussions that stemmed from the infamous legacy of slavery, including intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. But not only do we confront Anti-Black Racism, but we highlight and celebrate black success and resilience. Throughout the month, various events are taking place to honour those who came before us and empower black Torontonians.

A prime example of this is one of the largest events in the city, Caribana! Caribana is an annual festival during the first week of August that embodies Caribbean culture in Toronto and is considered a symbol of grave contributions and sacrifices that Caribbeans and Black communities have made across Canada. It reflects the resilience these communities have shown and celebrates life!

Some upcoming events include Exploring Emancipation from August 2 to August 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site and the East York Historical Society.

The Jeremiah Project Survey by Pastor Bill Sunberg spotlights community unity

BY:Pastor Bill Sunberg

In Maya Angelou’s famous poem, “Human Family,” she talks about the diverse world we live in. It is an inspiring work that ends with these words:

I note the obvious differences

between each sort and type,

but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

The Jeremiah Project is an anonymous survey based initiative that seeks to identify some of these ways we are more alike than unalike. Instead of spotlighting the things that divide us (race, culture, language, gender, sexual orientation, religious orientation), The Jeremiah Project puts the spotlight on the things that unite us (from major things like hopes and dreams or family to minor things like what keeps us awake at night, how we process important conversations, like our favourite ice cream).

You can help. You can join this important new conversation. You are invited to scan this QR code and take 20 minutes to fill out The Jeremiah Project Survey. Your voice is important. Your input is valuable. Your voice will make a difference.

We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike

Let’s find out how.