For Kaleab, we must all stand up to racism

We cannot tolerate complacency in our communities, Ted Jaleta writes.

Lately I have been consumed by the details and responses related to the coroner’s inquest into the suicide of 13-year-old Kaleab Schmidt. It breaks my heart as we hear about this misjustice

— a young boy who needed support, but authorities were deaf to his family’s outcries for help. Unquestionably, Kaleab and his family were failed by many. Sadly, we know these cries for help continue.

To his surviving family and their friends, we offer our heartfelt sympathy and pledge our ongoing support. We respect how even with overwhelming personal grief and incurring the pain of hateful comments on social media, they are courageously holding strong and sharing Kaleab’s story so that others will not suffer from similar mean-spiritedness and inaction. Through raising this awareness, they are ensuring Kaleab’s name and memory will indeed stand for much needed change. Each of us must learn from his tragic passing.

When I read Kaleab’s words of desperation, I am troubled. I see him as a bright, young individual with a charming smile and a face that exuded warmth. He already had dreams. He was an honour roll student and a developing athlete who loved football. Regrettably, racism beat those dreams down to despair, leaving him to feel as if he had no options for finding happiness in the world. This sense of hopelessness was despite his new family who surrounded him with love and fresh optimism.

I regret I had never met Kaleab. I feel I share his background in a personal way. I am a refugee from Ethiopia, arriving in Regina nearly four decades ago. I had survived unthinkable and horrific acts of inhumanity. Because of this, I fled a country I had loved and where many of my family remain. I have said countless times this country gave me my new life. I have been blessed as a citizen of Canada, with a loving family, wonderful friends and my career.

That said, there is a distressing parallel of racial discrimination even from 38 years ago. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Kaleab’s words made me realize how many newcomers and their families, including my own, have suffered similar violations. Shortly after I arrived in Canada, I was spit at, name-called, and even told to ignore racial slurs within my workplace.

I have witnessed children getting in trouble, punished and suspended for fighting back. They are worried to tell their parents about this as it could get back to the wrongdoer’s parents. I have witnessed taunting behaviour of elementary children during what should be fun events. I have witnessed the tears of despair of children praying for better days. As parents, we want the future for our children to be bright and we trust that when addressed in the proper way, inappropriate behaviours are stopped and with positive results for all.

This issue demands a significant shift in awareness and resources. We cannot tolerate complacency in our communities. Many people would prefer not to do anything because of looking too sensitive or that things will work themselves out.

We all need to be vigilant and stand up for those who are the most vulnerable. Doing nothing only adds to the problems someone may be facing.

I am encouraged by the resources published on a website for Stand Up for Human Rights with United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. The website information supports the importance of taking action to promote and defend human rights.

For Kaleab and his family, please commit to making a difference. Talk to our children. Listen. Be there swiftly for every child and family if ever you hear a call for help. Jaleta is world-class masters’ runner, athletic coach, humanitarian and motivational speaker.