A: I was introduced to OBHS by a friend who thought the organization would be a good fit. Three years later, while I did not intend to be president, during the Annual General Meeting l was quickly nominated as President of OBHS. I remained President because at the time I was concerned that if I'd left then OBHS would possibly cease to exist, and I believe the work that we were doing was important. The organization had challenges with funding after receiving a 90% cut in budget and dwindling membership, moreover, my unemployment due to systemic discrimination and sporadic opportunities in my field fueled my availability to volunteer.
Q: Why was it so important to have BHM celebrated nationally?
A: It's important in Canada because it raises awareness that Black people have not only been in the country for a long time, but we have contributed to the development as well.
Q: This year's theme is "Ours to Tell", is a there a story in your journey to securing BHM nationally and August 1st as Emancipation Day that you would like to share?
A: Shortly after becoming President, I realized that we had missed a deadline to request that the City of Toronto issue a proclamation for February as BHM. While I was not familiar with the inner workings of OBHS I was not prepared to lose the proclamation because of an administrative error. However, after numerous conversations the proclamation was approved. The administrative glitch presented an opportunity to permanently secure the proclamation provincially and nationally. After building up a community of interest by providing over 2000 presentations, etc., and building my success municipally and provincially, I also reached out to several MPs. Later, by chance, I was at an event with The Honorable Jean Augustine, and she agreed to take it to the House. I provided historical information that she used to support the motion and it was passed unanimously in December 1995.
February 1996 was such a proud moment when I stood on the stage with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other elected officials, as we addressed the nation and they Nationally declared February as BHM.
Q: In addition to your incredible catalogue of books, do you have anything new on the horizon?
A: Yes, I have written 7 books which includes bestsellers:
- Black History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas
- Harriet Tubman: Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader
- The kids book of Black Canadian history
I always have something on the horizon. I was recently successful at getting Thomas Peters recognized as a person of national historic significance in Canada. He was a Black Loyalist that became a "Founding Father" in Sierra Leone in West Africa. I also secured commemoration of the Jamaican Maroons.
Q: Do you think we have made much progress as a community since the 1990s to date?
A: There is always progress, but it never ends. To use an analogy, it's like filling up a bathtub, if you keep the drain open, you see the water rise but if you don’t keep the water running there will be no water in the bathtub. While we have made strides, we still have a lot of work to do.
Interviewed by Neisely Eugene, Co-Chair DEI Working Group