Like so many people, we’ve been following the news coming out of the US over the past two weeks with a wide range of emotions: heartbreak, anger, disbelief, helplessness. We’ve been asking ourselves what, if anything, we can do to make a small difference in what is obviously an incredibly difficult issue not just in the US, but also here in Canada and around the world.
Then we read Toronto Raptors’ General Manager Masai Ujiri’s Op-Ed in the Globe and Mail. Near the end of the article, he writes:
So many of you are asking: What can I do? There is a sense of helplessness, but that must not paralyze us. Your voice matters, especially when you are a leader or influential figure, and especially if you are white. Leaders have to be bold enough to state the obvious and call out racism.
It got us thinking. We have a platform where we can reach a wide range of influential people across the country. What if we create a virtual event where we feature a few of our speakers who have something to say on issues related to race, equality, and justice?
We’re obviously not going to solve these issues in an hour, but we think it’s important that the issue is discussed in a thoughtful way, to shed some light on the challenges, possible solutions, and what individuals and organizations can do to contribute to making our society better for everyone.
On Wednesday, June 10 at 1 pm (EST) join Marci Ien as she moderates an open dialogue with Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Tanya Talaga, Jamil Jivani, Hadiya Roderique, and Orlando Bowen on race, equality, justice, and hope.
We know how busy everyone is, and we hope you’ll take 60 minutes out of your day to participate in what we believe is an incredibly important issue that needs to be discussed in our homes and workplaces.
Click here to register for the event. We also invite you to share this with your colleagues, friends, and family, and join us in donating to these important organizations in support of Black and Indigenous lives today, tomorrow, and forever.
Take care and be well,
Martin, Farah, and the entire Speakers’ Spotlight team
Event Details
| Date: Wed., June 10
Time: 1-2 pm EST Format: A 60-minute, moderated virtual panel discussion. Register online here. |
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About the Speakers
Michael “Pinball” Clemons is a CFL legend, the general manager of the Toronto Argos, and founder of the Pinball Clemons Foundation — a non-profit organization that empowers youth through education.
An award-winning writer, and the First Ojibway woman to deliver the CBC Massey Lectures, Tanya Talaga shares global Indigenous stories in hopes of building a more inclusive and equitable future.
A lawyer, community organizer, and teacher, Jamil Jivani is the founder of the Citizen Empowerment Project, which leads initiatives related to policing, racial profiling, democratic participation, and more.
Hadiya Roderique delivered a wake-up call in her Globe and Mail essay, “Black on Bay Street.” With a Ph.D. in organizational behaviour, she explores how race, gender, and parenthood shape the workplace.
Over ten years ago, then-CFL linebacker Orlando Bowen endured a savage beating from two plainclothes police officers. Today, he empowers others to overcome adversity, find their passion, and use their gifts to serve.
About the Host
Deeply committed to humanitarian causes, Marci Ien was the co-host and news anchor of the national morning program, Canada AM, for 15 years. Today, she is a co-host on CTV’s The Social.
