Initially I was somewhat resistant in having my name put forward for this award saying that others were far more deserving. Miss Shirley, a professor from York University who on a volunteer basis has been working with parents in the Firgrove Public housing community to develop a tutoring program, was insistent saying that members of the community wanted to nominate me and I should respect their wishes.
When I reflect on the twenty some years of working with the battered women’s movement or as a community youth worker or doing community development work in public housing communities I don’t think I can take credit for any outstanding achievement in the area of social justice. It is only through the various partnerships with residents, coalitions and networks that we have been able to accomplish things. So in essence I share this award with the vast community that I work with.
In the area of racial, gender and economic justice, have we changed the world? No, I don’t think so. Have we made a difference? Yes definitely so. Do we hope that we can change the world? Someday yes. As a minister working on behalf of the United Church of Canada in the Jane and Finch Community I am reminded of one of Bob Marley’s songs “Get up, Stand Up” in which he says “Preacher man don’t tell me that heaven is not on the earth”. In the social gospel tradition of the United Church our role is to see “how we can bring a little bit of heaven here on earth.” As we fight for affordable housing in our community, or when we stand with women in their right to say “no” and their right to say “yes” with their lives, or when we acknowledge the root causes of why young black youth are killing themselves or when we fight for those that have the least so that they have the dignity and respect that they deserve – we are bringing a little heaven to earth.
Working with the Jane and Finch Community has been a great privilege. The community has a rich diversity of culture and a wonderful caring spirit. Last summer the community ministry helped support one of the basketball teams, the Jane and Finch’s Finest, in purchasing some T-Shirts. On the sleeve of the t-shirt, is a crest with a basketball net made up of many people and with the words “One love”, “One heart” and “One Community”. The coach of the team gave me one of the t-shirts. Initially with tears in my eyes I wanted to give her back the t-shirt saying I don’t deserve this. She gave me back the t-shirt saying “Of course you do, you are one of us.” So in the spirit of “One Love” “One Heart” and “One Community” I accept this social justice award today.
Photos by Errol Young
