Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning folks
Happy Canada Day! As we join in this unusual virtual celebration of our country’s national day , we need to reflect on the events of the last few weeks and months. To say that the last few months have been life-changing would be an understatement. The global reaction to the now infamous killing of George Floyd in the USA, has galvanized the entire world. So it is no wonder that our Top Story for July is the anti-racism march in Ottawa, with a focus on Canada’s homegrown brand of systemic racism. That some seven thousand people from all races and back grounds gathered in protest, speaks volumes about the significance of this unprecedented event.
On the theme of Black Lives Matter, community icons Ewart Walters and Andy Kusi-Appiah give their insights into how the country can move the agenda forward in dismantling anti-Black racism. We also have an interesting take on the subject by former Liberal MP Cellina Cesare Cavannes. Black youth has really pushed themselves to the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement, as evidenced by the beautiful article by Sisi Akhigbe and their successful fund-raiser for the cause.
As we go to press we are gratified with the news that the Ottawa Carleton District School Board has imposed severe sanctions on Trustee Donna Blackburn for racially insensitive remarks to a Black teenager she had encountered in a city park during the pandemic lock-down.
We also have contributions from Robin Browne one of the leaders of Ottawa 613/819 Black Hub, writing about the police. We also bring you news about the march led by the Justice for Abdirahman Coalition, to keep that infamous incident from 2016 on the public radar.
On a sad note we report on the passing of Abel Mengistab, one of our upcoming youth leaders. To his family, Black Ottawa Scene offers our condolences.
Here is the result of the June 2020 poll: Has the corona pandemic affected your mental and emotional health?
Yes 81% No 19%. Thank you to all who voted.
Here is the poll for July 2020: Do you believe the Black Lives Matter demonstrations will bring an end to anti-Black racism?
Also do keep the letters to the Editor coming. They help us shape our offerings to you our readers.
Have a blessed and enjoyable month of July.
Godwin Ifedi
Editor