Showing posts with label Black-history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black-history. Show all posts
Friday, April 04, 2014
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Superintent Devon Clunis Wades in the Debate
Police feel lack of manager support
Posted: 02/16/2012 1:00 AM |
TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - Superintendent Devon Clunis. Development Support, Winnipeg Police Service. Supt. Clunis is the Chaplain and one of the highest ranking officers in the city. 10-12-23
The study, which was released by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), included feedback from more than 10,000 officers from 31 services across Canada, including the Winnipeg Police Service.
Authors Stephen Maguire and Lorraine Dyke of Carleton University found "most police officers are very familiar with their police service's values and really care about the reputation of their agency."
However, the study also suggested senior managers could learn to "demonstrate greater support for employees."
The study was done through an online survey completed by thousands of officers, from the rank of constable to staff sergeant.
"A number of questions suggest that police officers do not believe that the organization or its senior managers take an interest in their concerns. Lack of support is related to reduced trust and lower commitment to the organization's success. To enhance support, police agencies need to communicate their concern for employees' well-being, solicit employees' input on decisions affecting them and provide support for employees' goals," said the study, which is called the Professionalism in Policing Research Project.
It's billed as the first of its kind for its examination of "ethics and professionalism in Canadian police forces."
The typical respondent to the study was a white man older than 40; women made up 19 per cent of the sample. The study found ethics training for officers was "almost universal," with 93 per cent of officers who responded saying they'd received some.
Maguire also said there was a "very strong" response about organizational commitment, such as those who are "willing to do extra work and engage in helpful behaviours."
However, the study also said "over 40 per cent of respondents disagreed that the organization cares about their opinions, considers their goals and values, cares about their satisfaction or cares about their well-being" -- a finding Maguire said he found "quite surprising."
"When I was doing interviews across the country, it's quite clear to me that they do a lot for their employees. They have gyms... they have a very good response to critical incidents, they provide support and psychological counselling if it's necessary.
"They really do support people when they may be exposed to a critical incident," said Maguire, the acting director of the Centre on Values and Ethics at Carleton.
"On the other hand, in terms of just general support, do they listen to them? Do they take into account their values? Do they encourage developing their people? The responses were not as good."
Senior management can be "tied up with operational concerns," Maguire said, which can mean not "communicating very well their appreciation for what people are doing in the trenches."
Maguire didn't provide the number of Winnipeg Police Service officers involved in the study Wednesday.
Supt. Devon Clunis of the Winnipeg Police Service said city officers receive ethics training as recruits, as well as when they become field training officers or if they're promoted into supervisory roles.
The WPS is "very supportive" of its members, he said.
"I speak from personal experience that the members of our service are highly ethical individuals who serve in the best interest of the public," he said.
"No organization is perfect, but I can say with confidence that we strive for that perfection when it comes to operating in a moral and ethical framework."
gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A little Bit of Black History Fast Facts
Black History is about the struggle for freedom and equality. This makes all the men mentioned in the last line more relevant than all these inventions, which by and large are owned and controlled by a corporate few who use them as a source of plunder to enrich themselves, thereby maintaining unfreedom. It is also sad/inacurate that only Black men are mentioned. Louis
Life Without Black People
A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.
At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief.
'At last', they said, 'no more crime, drugs, violence and welfare.'
All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, reality set in. The 'NEW AMERICA' is not America at all - only a barren land.
1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.
2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.
3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man,
invented the traffic signals.
4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Albert R. Robinson.
5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper..
6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the
Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.
7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop.
8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.
9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis
Lattimer later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern, and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust Pan.
10. Their children met them at the door - barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board, and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.
11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.
Now, isn't that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'by the time we leave for work, millions of Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks.'
Black history includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey & W.E.B. Dubois.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Book Review - Black History in Canada
Did you know there was a black hockey league? Well it's about time you learn Canadian history, don't you think and Black History is very much a part of it. There was a Coloured Hockey League in Nova Scotia during the segregation era. Bringing history off the ice - check out the links and find out more for yourself.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Celebrating Black History - Diversity
Celebrating our Diversity - Black History Month
February is Black History Month
Proud of our History
Each February, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to take part in events that commemorate the legacy of black Canadians. The month was officially recognized by the Parliament of Canada in December 1995.
This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Proud of our History” and will celebrate the historic contributions of three black Canadians:
William Hall (1821 – 1904) was the first black person, the first Nova Scotian, and the first Canadian sailor to receive the Victoria Cross.
Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) was a runaway slave from the United States who led hundreds of slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad and guided many further north into Canada.
Mifflin Wistar Gibbs (1823 – 1915) was an example of successful black immigrants in British Columbia, both as a prosperous merchant and a member of the Victoria City Council.
Background on Black History Month
Click on the links below to find out about:
Background
1807 – Abolition of the Slave Trade in the British Empire
Mathieu Da Costa Challenge
Preserving and Promoting: Black Cultural Heritage in Canada
Historic events
The British Imperial Act of 1833 – the Act to Abolish Slavery in the British Empire
People – past and present
Demographics
Games and quizzes
Photo gallery
Other links
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Africville descendants gets a long overdue apology
HALIFAX, N.S. - The mayor of Halifax asked for forgiveness Wednesday as he apologized to the residents and descendants of Africville, a black community that was razed four decades ago.
Peter Kelly said he recognized that words could not express the depth of loss experienced since the destruction of Africville, recognized as a shameful chapter in the city's history.
"We realize words cannot undo what has been done. But we are profoundly sorry and apologize to each and everyone of you," Kelly told a news conference.
"The repercussions of what happened to Africville linger to this day. They haunt us in the form of lost opportunities for the young people who never were nurtured in the rich traditions, culture and heritage of Africville."
The city council has approved $3 million to be spent on the reconstruction of a church to serve as a memorial in an effort to compensate former residents and descendants of Africville.
Situated in Halifax's north end, Africville was established by former slaves in the early 1800s on the shore overlooking Bedford Basin. It was torn down in the 1960s to make way for the approaches to a bridge across Halifax harbour as part of an urban renewal initiative.
"You lost your homes, your church, all the places in which you gathered with your family and friends to share and mark the milestones of your lives," Kelly said. "For all of that, we apologize."
The former Africville land is now a park and a national heritage site.
Halifax mayor offers historic apology to residents and descendants of Africville - Yahoo! Canada News
Peter Kelly said he recognized that words could not express the depth of loss experienced since the destruction of Africville, recognized as a shameful chapter in the city's history.
"We realize words cannot undo what has been done. But we are profoundly sorry and apologize to each and everyone of you," Kelly told a news conference.
"The repercussions of what happened to Africville linger to this day. They haunt us in the form of lost opportunities for the young people who never were nurtured in the rich traditions, culture and heritage of Africville."
The city council has approved $3 million to be spent on the reconstruction of a church to serve as a memorial in an effort to compensate former residents and descendants of Africville.
Situated in Halifax's north end, Africville was established by former slaves in the early 1800s on the shore overlooking Bedford Basin. It was torn down in the 1960s to make way for the approaches to a bridge across Halifax harbour as part of an urban renewal initiative.
"You lost your homes, your church, all the places in which you gathered with your family and friends to share and mark the milestones of your lives," Kelly said. "For all of that, we apologize."
The former Africville land is now a park and a national heritage site.
Halifax mayor offers historic apology to residents and descendants of Africville - Yahoo! Canada News
Friday, February 12, 2010
Will the Olympic Opening Ceremonies honour the Father of British Columbia?
PRESS RELEASE
As a young person growing up in the suburbs of Ottawa, ON, long before then
MP Jean Augustine declared February “Black History Month” in Canada, I often
wondered if my family was one of the first persons of colour ever to set foot in this
country of ours – the Great White North. These are the days before multiculturalism
was feted in various colourful festivals in Ottawa and around the country.
Times have changed.
Yet, this month, as an coordinator for the Black Canadian Scholarship
Fund’s annual “Black Speakers’ series in Schools”, I was reminded of the
little-known Canadian hero named Sir James Douglas who is responsible
for keeping British Colombia in Canadian hands in the 1800s.
This Guyana-born Canadian brokered a peaceful living arrangement
between European settlers, blacks, aboriginals and a burgeoning
American immigrant presence during the Gold Rush. To me, this is the
foundation of Canadian values that differentiates us from our neighbours
to the south: the ability to integrate people from different cultures, and to
foster a collaborative environment where all can stake their claim on this
land, without the use of guns to settle disputes.
And Sir Douglas was black. Notably, Sir Douglas, he kept this beautiful province (and its gold) out of
American hands. If it weren’t for those heroic efforts, where would we be hosting the
Olympics today? Summary: On the eve of the much-anticipated Vancouver Olympic Games’ Opening
Ceremony, I am left to wonder if this unsung Canadian hero, a black man, will be given any
deserved tribute in the ceremony. Or will Canada miss yet another opportunity to acknowledge and affirm
inclusive nature of our rich history to the world. So often in our educational institutions, we’ve ignored the contribution of blacks to make this country great. I was not fortunate enough to learn of
these achievements when I was a student under the tutelage of Ottawa’s French School Board, but I am happy to facilitate black professionals’ appearances as guest speakers in local schools as part of the BCSF’s
annual volunteer-run initiative, allowing young Canadians to learn and appreciate the 400 years of contributions of black Canadians that made this country the envy of the world.
Long before our lovely Governor General Michaelle Jean took her historical seat in Canadian History, Sir Douglas was the first black provincial Governor of Canada. He also formed an integrated police force. In1858, no less. On the eve of the much-anticipated Vancouver Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony, I am left towonder if this unsung Canadian hero, a black man, will be given any deserved tribute in the ceremony. Or will Canada miss yet another opportunity to acknowledge and affirm inclusive nature of our rich history to the world.
Rachel Décoste
Motivational Speaker and community organizer
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. www.RachelDecoste.ca
__________________________________________
BCSF : Black Canadian Scholarship Fund. www.bcsf.ca
Each year, 2 Ottawa area highschool students with financial needs, the
talent and the desire to pursue university studies are awarded a $5,000
bursary. Our past recipients include three (3) Law School Students, two (2)
As a young person growing up in the suburbs of Ottawa, ON, long before then
MP Jean Augustine declared February “Black History Month” in Canada, I often
wondered if my family was one of the first persons of colour ever to set foot in this
country of ours – the Great White North. These are the days before multiculturalism
was feted in various colourful festivals in Ottawa and around the country.
Times have changed.
Yet, this month, as an coordinator for the Black Canadian Scholarship
Fund’s annual “Black Speakers’ series in Schools”, I was reminded of the
little-known Canadian hero named Sir James Douglas who is responsible
for keeping British Colombia in Canadian hands in the 1800s.
This Guyana-born Canadian brokered a peaceful living arrangement
between European settlers, blacks, aboriginals and a burgeoning
American immigrant presence during the Gold Rush. To me, this is the
foundation of Canadian values that differentiates us from our neighbours
to the south: the ability to integrate people from different cultures, and to
foster a collaborative environment where all can stake their claim on this
land, without the use of guns to settle disputes.
And Sir Douglas was black. Notably, Sir Douglas, he kept this beautiful province (and its gold) out of
American hands. If it weren’t for those heroic efforts, where would we be hosting the
Olympics today? Summary: On the eve of the much-anticipated Vancouver Olympic Games’ Opening
Ceremony, I am left to wonder if this unsung Canadian hero, a black man, will be given any
deserved tribute in the ceremony. Or will Canada miss yet another opportunity to acknowledge and affirm
inclusive nature of our rich history to the world. So often in our educational institutions, we’ve ignored the contribution of blacks to make this country great. I was not fortunate enough to learn of
these achievements when I was a student under the tutelage of Ottawa’s French School Board, but I am happy to facilitate black professionals’ appearances as guest speakers in local schools as part of the BCSF’s
annual volunteer-run initiative, allowing young Canadians to learn and appreciate the 400 years of contributions of black Canadians that made this country the envy of the world.
Long before our lovely Governor General Michaelle Jean took her historical seat in Canadian History, Sir Douglas was the first black provincial Governor of Canada. He also formed an integrated police force. In1858, no less. On the eve of the much-anticipated Vancouver Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony, I am left towonder if this unsung Canadian hero, a black man, will be given any deserved tribute in the ceremony. Or will Canada miss yet another opportunity to acknowledge and affirm inclusive nature of our rich history to the world.
Rachel Décoste
Motivational Speaker and community organizer
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. www.RachelDecoste.ca
__________________________________________
BCSF : Black Canadian Scholarship Fund. www.bcsf.ca
Each year, 2 Ottawa area highschool students with financial needs, the
talent and the desire to pursue university studies are awarded a $5,000
bursary. Our past recipients include three (3) Law School Students, two (2)
medical students, one (1) Ph.D. student, and one (1) Engineer, to name a
few. Through fundraising and careful investment, the fund, managed by
the Community Foundation, and has already helped 21 students achieve
higher education.
*Reference document for Sir Douglas:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/northern-star/033005-2301-e.html
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