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On February 22, 2025, OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee (CoRW) Region 2 held its Annual Black History Month Celebration with the 2025 theme being, “Celebrating Black Resistance.”
This was a hybrid event with the venue at OPSEU/SEFPO membership centre at 5757 Coopers Avenue, Mississauga, ON, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The event was chaired by Maxwell Onukwufor, Region 2 Chair and Rosemarie Hall, Region 2 Co-Chair, accompanied by ceremonial host, Duc Vu and the social/event subcommittee.
In-person attendees were warmly greeted by Genea Hylton, CoRW R2 Treasurer and were provided a booklet on Black History in Canada, CoRW branded items, and a copy of the event’s agenda.
Chair, Maxwell Onukwufor, opened the event by reading a personal Land Acknowledgment honouring the Indigenous peoples of Canada and original caretakers of these lands we occupy. Maxwell reflected on the impact of colonialism and reaffirmed our collective responsibility to continue this journey of reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples, being an ally and to organize, educate, support, and empower all Black and Racialized workers within OPSEU/SEFPO.
OPSEU/SEFPO Statement of Respect video was played. We stood in solemnity for the playing of the Black National Anthem (written by James Weldon Johnson) video version by Alicia Keys.
Next, Chair, Maxwell Onukwufor gave welcoming remarks and introduced the members of CoRW Region 2 subcommittees.
In the face of adversity and political and social rhetoric and recent news aimed at destroying our progress and seeking to relegate us back to the so-called ideal times, we will continue our work of uplifting the lives of our racialized members, families and communities.
Region 2 CoRW remains committed to its members; “UNTIL OUR WORK IS DONE,” and so, this year we celebrate our “Black Resistance,” with the venerable Dr. George S. Dei, Professor of Social Justice Education, Ontario Institute for Studies and Education, University of Toronto, and the unstoppable, Nicholas Marcus Thompson delivering messages of encouragement, purpose, direction, Black pride, strength, and resilience.
Professor George Dei guided us on “Doing Race & Equity Work in the Current Climate: Towards a Politics of Resistance.” Professor Dei zoned in on our theme of “Black Resistance” and highlighted that “Blackness has ancestry: Blackness is resistance; not to resist is a “betrayal of our Ancestors.” Professor Dei encouraged everyone “To ‘speak back’ to the on-going assault on Race & Equity work.” Professor Dei gave a “Road Map” of history and context on the current reckoning of Race and Equity work, the importance of understanding race, equity, “EDI/DEI work – principles and practice.”
Professor Dei talked about the looming “cloaking of racist language in blatant lies and calculated attacks and negative undertones that dismisses our work as ‘woke,’ while spewing family values (and Christianity), but not the right to learn the truth, right to feel safe from oppression, or that diversity of our communities demand that we teach and learn about complexities and different histories.”
Professor Dei cautioned us about the trending distraction of “DEI-phobia” in public discourse. We are to remain steadfast in our commitment for advocating for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and not be discouraged and/or made to cede advocacy due to criticism that, for example, “Critical Race Theory is about teaching Black victimhood, and that teaching learners to hate White people…” We know that our work is steeped in a carefully constructed colonial system of violence, racism and oppressions and the fact that that in 2025, there is emerging discourse seeking to convince us otherwise shows that Black Resistance is working, Professor Dei left us with a message that our work is “about creating a safe environment of inclusiveness; according protection against harassment of all forms – race, class, gender, sexuality and disability.” He called upon us to have “strategic repositioning in our resistances, that change does not happen by itself, we must fight for it.” Be strategic and focused.
Nicholas Marcus Thompson delivered first-hand glimpse into his work in seeking justice for black workers within the federal government of Canada, his inspirational work of true activism and his unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, community, and anti-black racism work. Nicholas told us of how he led the fight against discrimination across 99 government departments and agencies in what has become one of the most significant human rights battles in Canadian history. Nicholas exemplifies how through advocacy, we can drive major policy and legislative reforms.
Nicholas’s work is truly inspirational as he has mobilized unions to take action against systemic racism, bringing labor organizations together to establish the Coalition Against Workplace Discrimination. Nicholas’ message is that we must be united in our work to emancipate ourselves from racism, especially anti-Black Racism, which has caused and continues to cause irreparable lifelong harm to generations of Black people. We should also seek to hold the people in charge of policies accountable to do the right thing. For example, Canada promotes itself as an all-welcoming multicultural society, yet in reality, Canada’s socio-economic and judicial systems remain anchored in the rotted, bloodstained shackles of colonialism.
Nicholas told us about the rejections and the mental anguish, the moments of some levels of despair along his journey in this work, but that rejection prompted his innovation to “think outside the box.” One has to keep inspired in this work to explore all angles because as oppressed people, we are innately equipped to identify issues of oppression affecting others around us. Nicholas’s message is “Do not let rejection define you and your mission, let it refine you.” Nicholas reminded us that “Justice and fighting for justice is not a destination, it is not somewhere you get to, it is a continuous journey that is fueled by courage and sustained by collective action.”
Nicholas encouraged us to mobilize, become the union you want; as the union, you are the members. It is more important now than ever for us to become leaders, be resilient, be courageous, be strategic and mobilize our network. Nicholas reminded us that there will be rejections and challenges and that we should prepare ourselves to channel these in a way that pushes us forward together to enable us to address these and other issues in the labour movement and within the workplace.
Chair, Maxwell Onukwufor, graciously thanked the members of Region 2 Social/Event Subcommittee, and other volunteers who were instrumental in getting this celebration underway. Their talents, commitment and hard work are Region 2 CoRW’s greatest assets. From attending weekly Zoom meetings, doing research, gathering quotes, creating BHM flyer, preparing, cooking, decorating, attention to detail, reliable, funny, joyful, engaging, caring, brilliant, supportive, considerate, amazing, this team of volunteers outshine the best of the best, that Chair, Maxwell and Co-Chair, Region 2 CoRW and OPSEU/SEFPO are grateful at the good fortune to have you all as union family members and hopefully lifelong friends. Below, L-R: Maxwell, Duc, Donna, Amy, Geetha, Atiya, Genea, Rosemarie.
Maxwell proudly explained his attire that identifies his cultural position as Chief of one of Igbo councils representing community and ancestors in his Nigerian Community and as the custodian of his culture.
Maxwell was elected Region 2 Chair of CoRW in March 2024 at the CoRW summit.
Maxwell also introduced Vanessa Edwards, Alternate and co-chair Rosemarie Hall.
Equity Executive Board Member (EEBM):
Maxwell welcomed Equity Executive Board Member, Nicole Anozie, who welcomed everyone in attendance and explained her position as the representative for Black and Racialized members at the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board, in workspaces and communities, invites everyone to reach out as we are all here to support one another. Seven EEBM positions were created and constitutionally enshrined within OPSEU/SEFPO as a direct result of the hard work of CoRW and other equity committees’ collaboration and hard work.
Executive Board Members (EBMs):
Maxwell welcomed Region 2 EBMs, Vikki and Aisha who expressed positive support to everyone in attendance, CoRW’s work and today’s Black History celebration. Vice-President, Peter Figliola had to leave earlier and sent his greetings and regrets.
Educationals and Celebrations:
Maxwell gave an oral preview report of Region 2 CoRW’s work to date, and an overview on plans for 2025. Some events include Igbo Festival; Kiddies Carnival; Toronto Caribana Parade; Diwali event; R2 Annual Membership Summer Celebration; School Breakfast programs, and additional TBA educationals such as Black and Racialized Mental Health Wellness. Maxwell also spoke of the exciting educational lineup for Region 2 recently announced by the Region 2 Executive Board Members.
Maxwell stressed that while we meet to celebrate today, CoRW’s goal is to ensure that its work is grounded as an educational platform and that all events are themed as educational.
Everything that CoRW does is educational. It is imparting knowledge to meet all areas of CoRW promoting OPSEU/SEFPO’s agenda. CorW Region 2 has a very solid team who are active subcommittees working on projects together such as resolutions and constitutional amendments to present to the Provincial CoRW. The goal is to make the committee stronger and more representative of our Black and Racialized members and our members can truly identify with us. This work is to encourage members to come out and be part of what we are trying to achieve because we want to have a voice. If we want to have a voice, and a great start is to be part of this platform, this Committee. We are here to support each other because you are nothing without others; nothing without each other. This is CoRW’s collective mindset, our collective spirit of this moment is what we are aiming to achieve in Region 2.
CoRW’s Journey within OPSEU/SEFPO:
Maxwell spoke further about CoRW’s inception within OPSEU/SEFPO in recognizing that unions much like society, have historical challenges steeped in Canadian colonial history. In 2004, the Workers of Colour Caucus came to be, however, to rid ourselves of the cloak of colonialism language, we became The Coalition of Racialized Workers.
In 2008 the Social Mapping Project (SMP) Resolution passed at Convention to embark on a demographic profile of our membership. This was in response to The Coalition of Racialized Workers calling upon OPSEU/SEFPO to recognize that the attendees at Convention were not representative of the members when it came to Black, Indigenous and Racialized Workers, especially as delegates. This SMP enabled OPSEU/SEFPO to identify gaps and barriers by providing the necessary information to facilitate its obligation to ensure it met the needs of all its members.
Maxwell spoke of the sad story of unions deliberately excluding Black, Indigenous, and Racialized workers by employing inherently exploitative tools. Maxwell pointed out that OPSEU/SEFPO fortunately, came to acknowledge that it must do better in its work of negotiating better work terms, conditions, and benefits for all workers and to specifically include diverse and inclusive language for its disproportionate and negative impacts on Black, Indigenous, and Racialized workers.
OPSEU/SEFPO began to work to do better and promises to listen to its racialized and Indigenous members, such promise has been enshrined in the union’s Constitution in 2022.
CoRW’s Commitment to fighting Anti-Black and all forms of Racism:
Maxwell references CoRW Terms of Reference speaks of our aims to promote and uplift the presence of its Black and Racialized members within OPSEU/SEFPO so they have an integral voice within their union. We shall participate, yes, to be seen, however, we aim to be active as a committee working to move the union forward in a positive way for Black and Racialized members, especially, who continue to face harmful and negative experiences within the workplaces, the union and the community. CoRW acknowledges that Black and Racialized workers continue to be predominantly oppressed and face inequities in their workspaces and that is why some of us are elected to represent, support and encourage members wherever they are.
Region 2 CoRW continue to attend educational conferences, research, and engage experts in addressing identified issues that have plagued our members for generations. With much urgency and determination for our members’ mental, socio-economical and restorative well-being, we are looking forward to further collaborating with allies and other equity committees and equity groups working together for the betterment of marginalized and racialized members and a stronger OPSEU/SEFPO.
CoRW is happy to be having this year’s Black History celebration at the OPSEU/SEFPO Membership Centre in Mississauga. There are plans to convene upcoming educational events throughout Region 2 membership locations to meet the members in their communities whenever we can.
Maxwell also spoke about the added aims and purpose of CoRW’s work which is to prepare the next generation of union activists so that the next generation is well-equipped to successfully and competently carry on this advocacy work of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and betterment of Black and Racialized workers.
Special thanks to:
- R2 Social/Event Committee Members: Donna D’Abreau, Amy Joseph-Ralph; Genea Hylton, Duc Vu, Atiya Sohail, Geetha Thakur, Anupam Saurabh
- CORW Region 2 Treasurer, Genea Hylton and Secretary, Yvonne Hinds
- Linden Huizinga and the Disability Rights Caucus
- Region 2 Local Presidents for getting their members out.
- Thank you to Local 281 for their very generous support.
- Special thank you to Francisco Espino, Dedicated Volunteer Chef and reliable all-encompassing support at Region 2CoRW Events
- Thanks to OPSEU/SEFPO Region 2 Members for always showing up
- Thanks to our OPSEU/SEFPO family for always showing support
- Thank you to the Region 2 Executive Board Members, Peter Figliola, Vikki Poirier, and Aisha Jahangir, our Equity Executive Board Member, Nicole Anozie, also Jody Tsubouchi, Region 7 Executive Board Member for being part of our journey, speaking to attendees and putting a face to a name in support of CoRW members.
- Thank you to Provincial Chair, Carol Mundley for joining the event in person.
- Thank you to the OPSEU/SEFPO Staff who came out in support.
- Thank you to Hilda Namu, Human Rights Officer, for her tremendous behind the scenes support of our work.