Rita Gayle – Our Secretary and organizer of this Black History Kick Off:
1995 The house of commons officially recognized February as Black History Month. Rita made reference to Kamala Harris appointment and invited Jacobson to give a poem on Martin Luther King- Awesome Poem that recognized the significance on the dream of Freedom.Alex from the office of Sonya Sidhu was invited to speak on behalf of our local government. Alex is a former Rotoractor passed on greetings on behalf Ms. Sidhu and recognized Dr Harewood and presented Govt Award to Dr Harewood for his contributions to the community in Brampton process when disaster happens. She recognized the Global impact of Rotary and its ability to connect and adapt to support the world initiatives on service to society. Major opening statement, and special comments; “In order to live in the kind of society you want to have you have to help to build it” and this was the message and mode of the meeting and a worthy theme.
Dr Glen Harewood
Recognized the contributions of women in today’s society “whistory” – acknowledging the contribution and on the contributions of black people in Canada, he listed the first black contributors to varying sectors of society beginning with Matthieu Dacosta , recognized as being the first black Canadian. He celebrated the first black family with 3 doctors , they are friends of Dr Harewood and he used them as an example of what can be achieved of the strength of a strong usually unrecognized black woman in this family. The matriarch of this family’s support led to the success of her husband and children in the medical field. The family of 3 doctors, the elder Dr Cecil Walkes, and the younger Dr John Cecil Walkes (Cardiac specialist), and his sister Dr Desmar Walkes. This family will be featured in Canada.ca
District Governor Michael Lawrie – Words on Diversity Equity and inclusion
4-way test recognized the diversity uniqueness of all people. Emphasis was made on communicating the diversity of all people. Canada was one of the first countries that declared themselves Multi-Cultural, the governor communicated very carefully the first nation responsibility, grouped black people, First nations and others as people of color, reinforced the message that all people should participate and be equally recognized.