Many of us have shown our support for the Black community here in Toronto and around the world, but that is not enough. We all need to learn to create real change, take responsibility and commit to addressing these systemic issues together as Manitou family. Even at home in Toronto, Canada we are not immune to this global reality and we have an obligation to learn from those with lived experience so we can finally make real and lasting change in our communities. You will hear from several speakers about racism, prejudice and the Black experience here in our country and around the world. We are proud to hear the stories of Orlando Bowen, Jama Mahlalela, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa and Anthony Maclean who was a part of fireside speaker series last summer. They will teach us how to rise up and take those next steps so we can truly make a difference.
Orlando Bowen was a linebacker for the CFL in the 2000s. His career was sadly cut short after he suffered a severe concussion at the hands of two corrupt police officers. Orlando has turned his experience into a position and founded One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization to inspire and to teach resilience, leadership and teamwork to youth.
Jama Mahlalela started with the in 2006 as a member of the community development staff, leading the Raptors Basketball Academy and various clinics throughout Canada. Mahlalela is now the new head coach for the of the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. Jama will share with us the discrimination he and countless others have experienced throughout his career in Basketball.
When Chika Stacy Oriuwa started medical school at the U of T four years ago, she was the only Black person in a class of over 250 students. She triumphantly graduated this June as the valedictorian. We will learn about Dr. Oriuwa overcoming the adversity she has encountered and the success of her advocacy, which resulted in 24 Black medical students being admitted to the university’s medical program for the class of 2024, which is the largest group in Canadian history.
We are also thrilled to welcome back Anthony McLean. He is a rapper, YouTuber and motivational speaker and will remind us what it truly means to be an inclusive community where differences are celebrated, and issues like privilege and racism are things we can be open about. |