June 3, 2020
When enough is not enough
Statement from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Anti-Black racism is real. We need to do better.
In 2010, Markham Council approved our Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome. It was developed through extensive public consultation and further strengthens our commitment toward inclusion and celebrating our diversity. We worked with Black leaders in our community to establish Markham’s Race Relations Committee. We recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the Black community during Black History Month in collaboration with the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association, and we host events like the Many Faces of Markham, which commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. York Regional Police have forged strong relationships with marginalized communities. These are but a few instances of what we have accomplished collectively as a community. Some may say we do enough, but clearly enough is not enough.
We can always do more.
Let’s continue to show leadership as Canada’s most diverse community. It is what defines us. That is not to say that discrimination does not exist. That racism does not exist. There have been incidents in the past and sadly, they are still happening now, here at home and around the world.
We have all witnessed the tragedy and strife over the last several days as racism has devastated Black communities, causing pain and heartbreak. Clearly, enough is enough.
When incidents of hate, discrimination or bigotry come to light, that is exactly when we need to stand together, united as one community. We stand in solidarity. We stand against institutional racism, systemic racism, racial discrimination, prejudice, hostility, intolerance and any acts of violence against members of the Black community. We call them out.
We call out Anti-Black racism. We stand against Anti-Black racism. This is a just cause.
Now is the time to speak out, to listen, to learn and to understand. Be the change. Be a part of the solution.
Let’s come together to create a new reality for the Black community, and create an environment that is free of racism and full of respect for one another.
— 30 —
All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.
About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards. Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.
June 3, 2020
When enough is not enough
Statement from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Anti-Black racism is real. We need to do better.
In 2010, Markham Council approved our Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome. It was developed through extensive public consultation and further strengthens our commitment toward inclusion and celebrating our diversity. We worked with Black leaders in our community to establish Markham’s Race Relations Committee. We recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the Black community during Black History Month in collaboration with the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association, and we host events like the Many Faces of Markham, which commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. York Regional Police have forged strong relationships with marginalized communities. These are but a few instances of what we have accomplished collectively as a community. Some may say we do enough, but clearly enough is not enough.
We can always do more.
Let’s continue to show leadership as Canada’s most diverse community. It is what defines us. That is not to say that discrimination does not exist. That racism does not exist. There have been incidents in the past and sadly, they are still happening now, here at home and around the world.
We have all witnessed the tragedy and strife over the last several days as racism has devastated Black communities, causing pain and heartbreak. Clearly, enough is enough.
When incidents of hate, discrimination or bigotry come to light, that is exactly when we need to stand together, united as one community. We stand in solidarity. We stand against institutional racism, systemic racism, racial discrimination, prejudice, hostility, intolerance and any acts of violence against members of the Black community. We call them out.
We call out Anti-Black racism. We stand against Anti-Black racism. This is a just cause.
Now is the time to speak out, to listen, to learn and to understand. Be the change. Be a part of the solution.
Let’s come together to create a new reality for the Black community, and create an environment that is free of racism and full of respect for one another.
— 30 —
All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.
About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards. Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.