SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Black History Month
February 11, 2021
Honourable senators, it is an honour to stand before you today to recognize Black History Month. The national theme for this year is “The Future is Now.”
When I think of the future, I think of our youth — a generation with whom I’m continually impressed in terms of how they mobilize for change. They are at the forefront of innovation and they make the change they want to see. We saw this innovation throughout 2020 as many young people organized and participated in protests, demanding the change they want to see. Through these demonstrations, I saw strength and resilience.
Today, I bring to your attention a Black-led organization that is leading crucial work for change. Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today — referred to by the acronym DYLOTT — was developed by a Black social worker Candies Kotchapaw in the Greater Toronto Area. This organization works with young Black people in community engagement, grassroots leadership, self-actualization, systemic advocacy and intersectionality.
DYLOTT runs a program called the Black Diplomats Academy, which creates a space where young Black people ages 18 to 35 are guided by Black leaders. They learn about career spaces and those that are economically sustainable, along with the correct training, education and mentorship to help youth create sustainable development goals. A Black leading network leads to sustained systemic change through collaboration happening on a systems level, in policy and in the community. This model that focuses on Black mentorship and leadership will make sure that Black youth are equipped to take control of their future now.
Honourable colleagues, today I celebrate young Black excellence and thank Candies Kotchapaw for being the example of grassroots success in Black communities. DYLOTT is leading the way with Black leadership and creating intergenerational knowledge and mentorship. The voices of Black youth matter and their experiences matter.
Honourable senators, I believe in the power of Black youth, and each one has a potential to fulfil and lead the change they want to see in the world. Thank you.
Honourable colleagues, February is Black History Month and a time to celebrate the many achievements of Black Canadians who, past and present, continue to contribute to our rich culturally diverse country. And so, it brings me great pleasure to pay tribute to Vincent Churchill “Manny” McIntyre.
Manny McIntyre was born October 4, 1918, in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He grew up in the Fredericton area and from an early age excelled at sports. He played both hockey and baseball at a semi-professional level and he even played professional baseball with the New York Cubans at the Negro American League for a short time.
In 1942, during the Second World War, Manny enlisted in the Canadian Army and played on both baseball and hockey army teams. He was later honourably discharged due to a mining injury which was not identified when he first enlisted.
On May 30, 1946, he was the first Black Canadian in the modern era of baseball to sign a professional contract as a shortstop with the Sherbrooke Canadiens. He was just a few weeks behind the legendary Jackie Robinson, who broke the colour barrier in U.S. pro baseball earlier that year.
Manny had a remarkable hockey career, which began at home in 1937, playing senior hockey with the Fredericton Merchants in New Brunswick and the Truro Bearcats in Nova Scotia. Moving to Timmins, Ontario, where he worked in a goldmine, he met brothers Herb and Ossie Carnegie, who were also Black hockey players. The three of them formed a well-known forward line in semi-professional hockey and gave themselves the nickname “the Black Aces” to highlight their African roots. Manny and Ossie even played one season in Europe, joining the Racing Club de Paris team in France in 1947. Again, they were the only Black players on the team.
Needless to say, Manny suffered racism, discrimination and isolation during his athletic career, especially when travelling to the United States with the Sherbrooke Canadiens. There came a point in his career that these factors and a nagging injury resulted in his retirement and his return home, where he felt more respected.
Manny McIntyre’s athletic achievements have been recognized through his induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in the cities of Oromocto, Fredericton and Timmins. He was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. He has been nominated for induction into The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the Maritime Sport Hall of Fame in September 2021.
Thank you to my dear friend and fellow social worker John Lutz for bringing Manny McIntyre’s story to my attention, and for your dedication in having your childhood idol recognized. Thank you.
Honourable senators, I also want to speak about Black History Month and showcase the work of young leaders in my own backyard.
Over the summer, I had the absolute honour of virtually attending a forum featuring young leaders of African descent in British Columbia.
First, we heard from Fatima Diriye, who spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on young people of African descent. Fatima talked about the impacts she has faced as a Black small-business owner. In spite of the challenges she is facing during this pandemic, Fatima reminds us that “flowers don’t grow without rain.”
Samantha Musoki shared a moving presentation on the importance of communities building new opportunities for youth of African descent. Samantha highlighted her first-hand experiences of working with youth, as well as her own upbringing. Samantha urged all professionals and those in positions of power to ask themselves: “What can you do as a person to improve your community?”
Mariam Arafati spoke about the effects COVID-19 has had on young mothers who had been forced to stay at home either due to the lack of affordable options for child care, unemployment and loss of employment, or all of the above. She wants to know: “What can the B.C. and federal governments do for mothers to ease the stress and burden of COVID-19?” And what mental health supports are available to them?
Godas Muhoza is a performing musician and artist. She gave us a glimpse inside the impact COVID-19 has had on musicians and their financial well-being. Amid all these obstacles and uncertainty, she sees her community coming together against racism and she sees music as one of the things that is going to unify it.
Finally, we heard from Lilian Mayombo, a remarkable young woman and an incredibly talented poet. Lilian generously performed two original poems for the forum. I was moved by every word Lilian spoke. I want to leave you all with just one line from the second poem Lilian shared with us: “Together with our leaders, nothing is impossible.”
Honourable senators, after hearing these young peoples’ powerful presentations, I am confident that they are the ones who will continue the fight for a brighter future for Canada. Thank you.
