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Youth Hockey Racism in Western Quebec

It seems that more players are speaking openly about their experiences with racism on the ice, and the latest story shines a light on youth player Anthony Allain-Samaké’s experiences.  The reoccurring theme seems to be that these kids seek help from authoritative figures (refs, coaches), however, these problems tend to be unresolved. This usually leads to the harassed kids eventually leaving the team, which was what  Anthony Allain-Samaké chose to do.

Another youth hockey player, Blesson Ethan Citegetse, 14, who plays for Les Loups des Collines at the Bantam BB level, also expressed his experiences of being called the N – word while he was in the penalty box.  “I was sad because … hockey is a sport where we’re all a family. We’re all hockey players. We should all have respect for each other.” – Blesson Ethan Citegetse.  

These stories are disheartening to say the least, and the players that choose to endure the hardship, based on their inseparable love for the sport shouldn’t have to. This is because everyone has a breaking point, and kids can become unpredictable when that point is reached.

Hopefully with this constant media attention shining a light on this issue, a strong movement towards positive change can occur.  Ultimately education is the key to deconstruct racial narratives, which is especially true for our youth.  This will change their framework from hate to acceptance, which is ultimately the best way to stop the cycle. This is because reoccurring disciplinary actions without addressing the root cause of the hate, is just a band aid solution, and not long term one. We need to set the foundation for these kids with proper education so that they can be the positive example for future generations to come.

Sources:

  1. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/hockey-outaouais-black-hockey-racial-slurs-1.6409046
  2. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/aylmer-outaouais-hockey-racial-taunts-1.6402533
  3. https://www.ledroit.com/2022/04/04/allegations-de-racisme-deux-joueurs-quittent-lintrepide-bantam-aaa-a856426a269747184b34a697f89d5487

 

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CBC Host Wendy Mesley Suspended For Using ‘Careless’ Language

CBC News host Wendy Mesley has been suspended for using a “word that should never be used” during an editorial discussion about Black Lives Matter and media coverage of racism.

Mesley took to Twitter to explain herself, claiming she “quoted” another journalist she was planning to interview on a panel, but did not identify the word in question.

She said it “was not aimed at anyone” and “was wrong to say it.” She added that she is “deeply ashamed” and “immediately apologized to her co-workers.”

Responding to questions about the word she used, CBC’s Head of Public Affairs Chuck Thompson declined to go into detail.

Mesley, who hosts the Sunday program The Weekly, is now off the air pending the outcome of an investigation by CBC.

 

Source

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Toronto Declares Anti-Black Racism A Public Health Crisis

Toronto has officially declared anti-Black racism a public health crisis in the city. 

The move comes a week after a coalition of Black health leaders, backed by NDP leader Andrea Horwarth, called on the Ford government to formally recognize anti-Black racism as a public health crisis. 

The motion, introduced by Joe Cressy, was unanimously approved by the Toronto Board of Health on Monday, June 8.

It also asked for Board of Health members to affirm its commitment to support policies and programs that address inequities faced by Black communities; a request for the Medical Officer of Health to re-prioritize resources to address anti-Black racism in health inequity; and a request for the Civic Appointments Committee to promote diversity when filling positions on city boards and committees, including the Board of Health.

Cressy said he hoped the recent protests would provoke a change in policies that contribute to systemic racism and not just changes to behaviour.

Source

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Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders To Resign In July

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders will be stepping down from his position on July 31. He made the announcement during a news conference this afternoon.

Saunders has been Chief of Police since 2015 and was expected to remain in the position until at least 2021. His resignation comes after more than 37 years with the Toronto Police Service and eight months before his contract is set to expire.

He did not give a reason for his decision, but said he plans to spend more time with his family. 

As for what’s next, he says he’s not retiring altogether and wants to work for the City of Toronto for free on issues that are “near and dear” to him.

“I see a lot of young black boys getting killed by young black boys” said Saunders “Law enforcement deals with those symptoms and I want to help the cure for the disease and I think I have a ton of knowledge that can help keep governments in-check and do the right thing to make sure that we get it right.”

Watch the police chief’s comments below:

WATCH LIVE: Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders announces he is stepping down from his position as of July 31.

Posted by CBC Toronto on Monday, June 8, 2020

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