Criticism of Robinson’s opinion piece regarding BLACK HISTORY MONTH dominated the Council Meeting; other delegations dealt with Transit accessibility, Digital privacy,
[Video of the full council meeting — > COUNCIL MTG Feb 26/24 VIDEO ]
There were 18 delegations listed on the agenda of this Council meeting and nearly all these delegates attended and presented. [Councillor Cook, absent]
Presentations followed a consistent pattern that made each subsequent one easy to comprehend: Delegation #, identification of the delegate, explanation of position/group association, and explanation of position regarding Councillor Robinson’s public statement. The delegates and a summary of their statements is presented below. [Errors and/or commissions are solely due to the reporter.]
________________________________
8.1 Carion Fenn
Durham Black Network/Carion Fenn Foundation
Re: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“Supports Black History Month as a celebration of Blacks; supports work of PABRT; thanked Mayor Ashe for his support”
8.2 Stephen Linton
Pickering Resident, School Board Trustee
Re: Comments Penned by LISA ROBINSON
“underlined role of City councillor; emphasized the importance of BLACK HISTORY Month; CALL TO ACTION: that Robinson withdraw her commentary; that Robinson undertake self-education relating to BHM”
8.3 Shakkoi Hibbert (no presentation)
Need Some Koi Inc
Re: The Importance of Celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Pickering
8.4 Belinda Gruber
Oshawa Resident
Re: The Impact of Recent Comments made by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“confirms that Robinson’s commentary is hateful and demeaning; commentary is an example of workplace harassment and poisons the workplace environment for everyone.”
8.5 Rochelle Thomas (no presentation)
Bowmanville Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor Robinson and Support for the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
8.6 Vidal Chavannes
Whitby Resident
Re: Response to Councillor Robinson’s Comments
“Explains issue is a difference of opinions between Robinson and the community; there is a need to respond to ignorance; Robinson should have praised BHM.
8.7 Mark Lewis
Aurora Resident
Re: The Importance of Celebrating BLACK HISTORY in Pickering
“BHM means celebration of Black contribution to the community; urges Pickering to continue its celebration of BHM”
8.8 Floyd Heath
Pickering Resident, Former Chair of PABRT
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“Robinson commentary is tragic incident; BMH remains relevant and justified; BMH is the praise of past and future of Pickering community; CALL TO ACTION: that Robinson remembers the meaning of BHM, that Robinson be reminded what Blacks have had to overcome.”
8.9 Joshua Heath
Pickering Resident
Re: Concerns regarding Issues of Racism in Pickering
“stated some examples of racism in Pickering; racism continues to be perpetuated in schools; condemns Robinson’s commentary; reminds everyone that “centuries of subjugation are not cancelled by decades of demands.”
8.10 Edward Cunningham
Pickering Resident
Re: The Importance of BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“Robinson fails to understand the significance and deep meaning of BHM as she has never walked in the shoes of a Black; Blacks have played a major role in the history and development of Canadian society and our community; Robinson has too narrow of a view of BHM; opposes Robinson implication that there be a rollback to pre-BHM time.”
8.11 Margaret Eskins
DARS
Re: Concerns regarding Remarks made by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“feels the Robinson ‘missed the memo on equality, and that should update herself on it; appalled by Robinson’s attitude on Council; feels Robinson is deliberately demeaning; DARS knows the meaning of marginalization as DARS clientele are marginalized as are the Blacks; CALL TO ACTION: demand for Robinson to resign.”
8.12 Esther Forde
President, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Sharon Croft, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Nicole Griffith, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Dane Lawrence, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc.
Re: Concerns regarding Comments made in Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Opinion Editorial
“Robinson’s commentary is hurtful; it brings out the ‘HATE’ within the community; BHM is the tool for breaking systemic barriers that are hurting the community; BHM helps community focus and be reminded of the contributors to Canadian History; critical of school system ignoring BLACK HISTORY in its curriculum though heartened by Ont. Govt. curriculum change announcement; her group is frightened by such commentary being made; Robinson has broken the code of conduct for her office.”
8.13 Marsha Hinds Myrie
Activist in Residence, University of Guelph (Virtual) Nneka Macgregor, Activist in Residence, University of Guelph (not presented)
Re: The Importance of Black Heritage Month and Concerns regarding Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Comments
“Robinson is acting from a position of ‘white privilege;’ Robinson plays with word games; Robinson demonstrates ignorance and lack of knowledge and training regarding BLACK community; CALL TO ACTION: Robinson should be removed.”
8.14 Nicole Emanuel
Ashburn Resident
Re: Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Public Statements
“stated examples of racism she has experienced; feels Councillor Robinson is racist; Robinson has a history of being Islamaphobic and bullying; Robinson’s commentary is an example of HATE speech, not free speech; CALL TO ACTION: Robinson go!”
8.15 Romina Diaz–Matus
Pickering Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“gave examples of her ‘passing’ as she has light skin colour; recounted brother’s racism incidents as he has darker skin colour; recounted father’s racist incidents with police; feels Robinson is exploiting her benefits of ‘white privilege;’ CALL TO ACTION: Robinson change her statements and message to current RACISM can be broken and ceased.”
8.16 Abdullah Mir
Pickering Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON regarding BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“shocked by Robinson’s comments; saddened that the media is making fun of our community; inconceivable that her words cannot be harmful; CALL TO ACTION: step aside, resign from Council.”
8.17 Nikki Samuel
Chair of Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce, Pita Garth (PG) Case, Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce
Re: Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Solidarity Response
“Robinson’s commentary is discriminatory; calls for bylaw changes based on provincial legislation [listed numerous examples which Mayor Ashe requested be submitted to the Council for study by the City]; CALL TO ACTION: professional development training of Councillors regarding racism and BLACK community.”
8.18 Odessa Grignon
Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Denise David, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Paul Martin, Member, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
Re: The Importance of BLACK HISTORY MONTH and Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Opinion Editorial
“praises the work of PBART; underlines the injustice with Robinson commentary; Robinson’s statement is racist; Councillor needs to learn to be more sensitive and empathetic to the BLACK community; society needs to LEARN, UNLEARN, RELEARN issues and history of BLACK in the community; Robinson is tone deaf regarding BLACK issues; CALL TO ACTION: City Integrity Commissioner have Robinson step down as Councillor.”
____________
Visitor comments
Site visitors can comment on the presentation by sending
comments to zippyonego@gmail.com
Comments will be added below and commenter identity will be included.
_____________
COMMENTS:
COMMENT #1
At our February Pickering Council meeting, we had a full house and heard from over 20 delegates who expressed serious concerns about an earlier op-ed by Councillor Lisa Robinson on the observance of Black History Month. Concerns were also raised regarding some of her prior and subsequent comments regarding other communities and subjects. It was important and powerful to hear from members of the community. The video of the meeting and the op-ed are readily available to view and I encourage residents to do so, I will let them speak for themselves.
Personally, I found the op-ed inappropriate, inflammatory and impudent. Mayor Ashe was quick to issue a statement on behalf of the City and Pickering Council renouncing the views expressed in the op-ed and I believe all other members of Council have supported this statement. This statement is also readily available and I think it is important for Pickering residents to be aware of and read our statement.
I agree with some of the delegates who noted Councillor Robinson’s op-ed resulted in hurt and harm in the Black and broader community and tarnished the image of Pickering. As well, it also takes away and distracts from the good work of the residents, organizations, and businesses of Pickering, the City and our staff, and the Council. I have heard from many residents and the vast majority of them share these views.
I celebrate our rich and diverse community. I enjoy attending many community observances and events which over the years have included Hindu, Pride, Black, Chinese, Afghan, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Accessibility, Tamal, Scottish, Seniors, Ukrainian, Italian, Youth, Philippino, … in no particular order and I could list many more, the point is such communities and their observances and events are important parts of our community of Pickering and Durham. I, with the Mayor and other Councillors, was pleased to attend the Black History Month event in Pickering. While it is always fun to participate in a celebration, including entertainment and food, as a Councillor it is also important to be there to learn and understand the community, their history and context, their achievements and struggles, how they see themselves in the community and how they contribute and can flourish in our community. To me, this is part of the job of being a Councillor and integral to performing the work for the constituents I represent as their Councillor.
This controversy brings to focus why observances such as Black History Month are important and necessary. It reinforces the need and work of many organizations such as our own Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce that combats ignorance and racism.
There will likely be more reaction and fall-out from Councillor Robinson’s op-ed and comments. I do hope she and our broader community learn from this situation and support and participate in positive ways forward. Clearly, work remains to be done by all of us, residents, organizations, City and Council.
Dave Pickles
Regional Councillor, Ward 3
________________________
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PICKERING: Council Meeting (2 26 24) dominated by community concerns regarding Councillor Robinson’s opinion piece regarding BLACK HISTORY MONTH
[Video of the full council meeting — > COUNCIL MTG Feb 26/24 VIDEO ]
There were 18 delegations listed on the agenda of this Council meeting and nearly all these delegates attended and presented. [Councillor Cook, absent]
Presentations followed a consistent pattern that made each subsequent one easy to comprehend: Delegation #, identification of the delegate, explanation of position/group association, and explanation of position regarding Councillor Robinson’s public statement. The delegates and a summary of their statements is presented below. [Errors and/or commissions are solely due to the reporter.]
________________________________
8.1 Carion Fenn
Durham Black Network/Carion Fenn Foundation
Re: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“Supports Black History Month as a celebration of Blacks; supports work of PABRT; thanked Mayor Ashe for his support”
8.2 Stephen Linton
Pickering Resident, School Board Trustee
Re: Comments Penned by LISA ROBINSON
“underlined role of City councillor; emphasized the importance of BLACK HISTORY Month; CALL TO ACTION: that Robinson withdraw her commentary; that Robinson undertake self-education relating to BHM”
8.3 Shakkoi Hibbert (no presentation)
Need Some Koi Inc
Re: The Importance of Celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH in Pickering
8.4 Belinda Gruber
Oshawa Resident
Re: The Impact of Recent Comments made by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“confirms that Robinson’s commentary is hateful and demeaning; commentary is an example of workplace harassment and poisons the workplace environment for everyone.”
8.5 Rochelle Thomas (no presentation)
Bowmanville Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor Robinson and Support for the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
8.6 Vidal Chavannes
Whitby Resident
Re: Response to Councillor Robinson’s Comments
“Explains issue is a difference of opinions between Robinson and the community; there is a need to respond to ignorance; Robinson should have praised BHM.
8.7 Mark Lewis
Aurora Resident
Re: The Importance of Celebrating BLACK HISTORY in Pickering
“BHM means celebration of Black contribution to the community; urges Pickering to continue its celebration of BHM”
8.8 Floyd Heath
Pickering Resident, Former Chair of PABRT
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“Robinson commentary is tragic incident; BMH remains relevant and justified; BMH is the praise of past and future of Pickering community; CALL TO ACTION: that Robinson remembers the meaning of BHM, that Robinson be reminded what Blacks have had to overcome.”
8.9 Joshua Heath
Pickering Resident
Re: Concerns regarding Issues of Racism in Pickering
“stated some examples of racism in Pickering; racism continues to be perpetuated in schools; condemns Robinson’s commentary; reminds everyone that “centuries of subjugation are not cancelled by decades of demands.”
8.10 Edward Cunningham
Pickering Resident
Re: The Importance of BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“Robinson fails to understand the significance and deep meaning of BHM as she has never walked in the shoes of a Black; Blacks have played a major role in the history and development of Canadian society and our community; Robinson has too narrow of a view of BHM; opposes Robinson implication that there be a rollback to pre-BHM time.”
8.11 Margaret Eskins
DARS
Re: Concerns regarding Remarks made by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“feels the Robinson ‘missed the memo on equality, and that should update herself on it; appalled by Robinson’s attitude on Council; feels Robinson is deliberately demeaning; DARS knows the meaning of marginalization as DARS clientele are marginalized as are the Blacks; CALL TO ACTION: demand for Robinson to resign.”
8.12 Esther Forde
President, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Sharon Croft, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Nicole Griffith, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc. Dane Lawrence, Board Member, Cultural Expressions for CHANGE Inc.
Re: Concerns regarding Comments made in Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Opinion Editorial
“Robinson’s commentary is hurtful; it brings out the ‘HATE’ within the community; BHM is the tool for breaking systemic barriers that are hurting the community; BHM helps community focus and be reminded of the contributors to Canadian History; critical of school system ignoring BLACK HISTORY in its curriculum though heartened by Ont. Govt. curriculum change announcement; her group is frightened by such commentary being made; Robinson has broken the code of conduct for her office.”
8.13 Marsha Hinds Myrie
Activist in Residence, University of Guelph (Virtual) Nneka Macgregor, Activist in Residence, University of Guelph (not presented)
Re: The Importance of Black Heritage Month and Concerns regarding Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Comments
“Robinson is acting from a position of ‘white privilege;’ Robinson plays with word games; Robinson demonstrates ignorance and lack of knowledge and training regarding BLACK community; CALL TO ACTION: Robinson should be removed.”
8.14 Nicole Emanuel
Ashburn Resident
Re: Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Public Statements
“stated examples of racism she has experienced; feels Councillor Robinson is racist; Robinson has a history of being Islamaphobic and bullying; Robinson’s commentary is an example of HATE speech, not free speech; CALL TO ACTION: Robinson go!”
8.15 Romina Diaz–Matus
Pickering Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON
“gave examples of her ‘passing’ as she has light skin colour; recounted brother’s racism incidents as he has darker skin colour; recounted father’s racist incidents with police; feels Robinson is exploiting her benefits of ‘white privilege;’ CALL TO ACTION: Robinson change her statements and message to current RACISM can be broken and ceased.”
8.16 Abdullah Mir
Pickering Resident
Re: The Opinion Editorial by Councillor LISA ROBINSON regarding BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“shocked by Robinson’s comments; saddened that the media is making fun of our community; inconceivable that her words cannot be harmful; CALL TO ACTION: step aside, resign from Council.”
8.17 Nikki Samuel
Chair of Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce, Pita Garth (PG) Case, Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce
Re: Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Solidarity Response
“Robinson’s commentary is discriminatory; calls for bylaw changes based on provincial legislation [listed numerous examples which Mayor Ashe requested be submitted to the Council for study by the City]; CALL TO ACTION: professional development training of Councillors regarding racism and BLACK community.”
8.18 Odessa Grignon
Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Denise David, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Paul Martin, Member, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
Re: The Importance of BLACK HISTORY MONTH and Councillor LISA ROBINSON’s Opinion Editorial
“praises the work of PBART; underlines the injustice with Robinson commentary; Robinson’s statement is racist; Councillor needs to learn to be more sensitive and empathetic to the BLACK community; society needs to LEARN, UNLEARN, RELEARN issues and history of BLACK in the community; Robinson is tone deaf regarding BLACK issues; CALL TO ACTION: City Integrity Commissioner have Robinson step down as Councillor.”
____________
Visitor comments
Site visitors can comment on the presentation by sending
comments to zippyonego@gmail.com
Comments will be added below and commenter identity will be included.
_____________
COMMENTS:
COMMENT #1
At our February Pickering Council meeting, we had a full house and heard from over 20 delegates who expressed serious concerns about an earlier op-ed by Councillor Lisa Robinson on the observance of Black History Month. Concerns were also raised regarding some of her prior and subsequent comments regarding other communities and subjects. It was important and powerful to hear from members of the community. The video of the meeting and the op-ed are readily available to view and I encourage residents to do so, I will let them speak for themselves.
Regional Councillor, Ward 3
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