Historic launch of the Canadian Council of Black Elder Trailblazers

BY PAUL JUNOR

Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2023, was a historic day in the African-Canadian community as it marked the launch of a positive development. It was an initiative of Build Black Canada, which is committed to the progress of Black Canada. The mission of Build Black Canada is to: promote, empower, inspire, and support initiatives focused on advancing Black Canadians. The launch of the Canadian Council of Black Elder Trailblazers (CCBET) was an inaugural event to show support for Victoria University, located in the heart of the University of Toronto.

The press release states that,

“The formation of the council aims to tap into the wisdom and experiences of elders from diverse sectors, such as: government education business, community organizations and religious organizations. It is hoped that CCBET will play a vital role through archiving and documenting the stories of Black elders. It will document and share the: personal stories, triumphs, challenges, and significant contributions of these remarkable elders.

Their narratives will be shared through various mediums including: print, podcasts, radio and TV interviews, documentaries, films, and speaking engagements. It is crucial to recognize and amplify the contributions of our esteemed elders, and history makers who are often overlooked in the past.”

Dr Rhonda McEwen (President & Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University gave the opening address. “Trailblazers are about: access, creating access, and points of entry for many, many people. I stand here today because of points of entry, little things, along the way, that you didn’t dream would lead to my standing here. I know that you have played a part in my standing here; I am extremely grateful and I am really thankful to you.”

It was largely due to the tireless work and passion of Gwyneth Chapman that the launch was made possible. Gwyneth has been active over the years and has served as: Special Advisor, as well as Youth Engagement & Development to John Tory. She currently serves as Senior Advisor in Brampton’s Social, Cultural and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit. “This launch is a vital step in creating a better future for all. By participating, you will have the opportunity to connect with, and learn from these trailblazers, as well as benefit from their wisdom and advice. This group will act as a bridge to our past and present Black Canadian leaders.”

In attendance were many community stalwarts and outstanding African-Canadians who as members of the panellists shared their stories and answered.

Zanana Akande, the first Black woman to serve in Bob Rae’s NDP government, emphasized the importance of overcoming new hurdles that are placed in one’s way by creatively coming up with new solutions. ”We’ve walked around these barriers before. We’ve climbed over them; and now we’re just going to knock them down and stand on top of them.”

Other elders who participated include: Dr. Winston Larose (Mr.Jane and Finch), Beverly Salmon (First Black Metro Councillor), Ken Jeffers, Spider Jones, Valerie Steele and Marjorie Taylor, Sam and Rita Burke, Dr. Jean Augustine, Francis Jeffers and Kingsley Gilliam.

The wisdom in their words and wealth of insights and information presented reveal that there is much that the younger generation can learn from them. Kingsley Gillian shared the importance of creating our own Baobab tree as a means of sharing the knowledge of the elders. This tree plays a significant role in African literature and traditional folk tales. It is believed that kings and elders would hold meetings under the Baobab tree and it is commonly used as a venue for community meetings, or even a classroom in contemporary settings.