The Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity held the second George Floyd Memorial Lecture

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity held the second George Floyd Memorial Lecture, which was coined the National Social Justice Action Day in honour of the May 19^th, 2019 death of George.

It is an annual empowerment forum where leaders in businesses, communities, academic and religious institutions deliberate over social, corporate, and cultural changes to eliminate racism, foster inclusive leadership and enable the economic empowerment of Black and minority people.

The event was hosted by Nosakhare Alex Ihama, Founder and Executive director of CCIDWE and moderated by Moy Fung. It started with Chrissy Benz and Henry Luyomba. Moy gave the welcome and land acknowledgment. After Liberty Silver sang the national anthem and civil rights song. Alex spoke about, “Why Black Lives Matter: The Inconvenient Truth about Anti-Black Discrimination, Racism, and Extremism.”

Afterward, Dr. Pat Francis, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Covenant Centre and founder of Canadian Confederate spoke about,” Healing the Soul of Canada: Spiritual Strategies for National Transformation, Unity & Greatness.”  She mentioned how her involvement with the Canadian Black Directorate (CABD) is making a difference in the lives of young people.

Roberto Hausman spoke about the importance of, “Unity in Diversity: The Fabric of Love & Humanity in Workplaces, Institutions, and Communities.” Speaker Ray Williams focused on, “Enabling Wealth Creation for People of African Descent A Change in Corporate Canada.” Later on, Senator Bernadette Clement highlighted, “Fundamentals of Equitable Justice in Canada Increasing Diversity, Empowering the Underrepresented,” followed by Rosemary Sadler on, “Black Canadian History: The Ongoing Pains, Plights & Remarkable Potential of People of African Descent.”

Tiffany Callender, founder, and executive director, spoke about the importance of the “Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE); The Catalyst of Black Generational Wealth Creation.” Dr. Patrice DeGuire, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) spoke about the importance of focusing on anti-Black racism with respect to systemic racism. She focused on the role of the OHRC with respect to, “Promoting Diversity, Protecting Black Lives and Upholding Human Dignity.”

The morning session ended with greetings from mayors across Canada. The afternoon session started with a presentation by Dr.Wesley Crichlow who focused on, “Critical Race Theory & White Supremacy: How to Deconstruct Anti-Black Racism & Dismantle Colonialism.” He highlights the importance of focusing on the Canadian context with respect to the work of BADC in fighting racial injustices and not simply looking to the U.S.

Pauline Christian, former President of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), gave insights into how systemic barriers to black recognition can be removed within corporate Canada, followed by Dr. Delores V. Mulings who spoke about, “Equitable Pathway for Black Academic Brilliance; Inclusive Admissions, Curriculum & Student Services.”

Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad gave an excellent presentation on, “Closing the Opportunity Gap: Increasing Accessibility & Affordability for Academic & Economic Brilliance.” Dr. Manju Varma, of New Brunswick spoke about, “A Provincial Strategy Against Racism & Discrimination: Embracing Diversity & Transforming Communities.”

Kevin Junor, Retired Captain, Canadian Armed Forces, Executive Director of KRJ Corp gave an interesting presentation recounting facts about the negative outcomes for Black students. His presentation was titled, “The Core & Cure of Anti-Black Racism: How to Eliminate Anti-Black Racism & Discrimination in Organizations.”

Later, Dr. Francis Mpindu, Executive Director, Niigon Abin Resolution Service & York Region, Police Chaplain spoke on, “The Framework for Healthier & Vibrant Communities.” He states, “We are not colours, we are people.”

There was an empowering presentation by Nevill Wright on “The Spirit of Resilience: A Critical Prerequisite for Social Justice Work & the Implementation of EDI Strategies.” Isaac Olowolafe Jr, Founder and CEO of The Dream Maker Realty and Dream Legacy Foundation presented some great ideas on “The Foundation of Black Generational Wealth: Black Innovation, Venture Capital & Real.”  Farley Flex gave some insightful ideas on “A Collaborative Approach to Black Empowerment Ways to Strengthen the Afro-Canadian Community.”

Nosakhare concluded the day by reiterating the importance of an EDI framework to eliminate racism and discrimination. The struggle for racial equity must be based on love.

Anyone interested in learning about the work of the Canadian Congress can check:

Website: www.canadiancongressondiversity.ca

Twitter:@CCIDWE