Steven Weir
Friday, June 26, 2020
The Peel District School Board has just fired its education director over his handling of anti-Black issues in Brampton schools. And the Peel Regional police are facing heavy criticism over two police shootings this month. While things are looking very bleak in Brampton, help is on the way.
Two days ago it was announced that popular columnist and photographer Gwynn Chapman has agreed to become a Senior Advisor of the just formed Black African and Caribbean Social, Cultural and Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit. The city of Brampton formed this new unit with the full support of its city council. It is the first of its kind in the city’s history.
It is estimated that there 80,000 Black African and Caribbean Canadian citizens living in Brampton. That is the second largest visible minority in the city. Ms. Chapman is a Caribbean Canadian who was born in St. Lucia.
“I am pleased to join the City of Brampton which is taking an active approach to addressing racism in the community. I’m looking forward to this leadership opportunity to work closely with the city’s employees, council and the local community, and bringing my experience to bear as we collaborate to effectively respond to and eradicate racism in Brampton,” said Chapman in a press release issued by the city.
In addition to her work with the community press outlets she has worked for CTV and Citytv producing programming aimed at highlighting and empowering the Black community. Politically she most recently served as president of the Canadian Black Caucus and has an extensive background in media and communications.
