Black resident rethinks move to Wilmot because of mayor

‘That makes me feel like my son won’t be welcome in the schools, and my family will not be welcome in the neighbourhood,’ says Mychel Hendricks after mayor shares ‘White Lives Matter’ Facebook video

WATERLOO REGION — Mychel Hendricks was looking to buy a house in Wilmot Township, but changed his mind after Mayor Les Armstrong shared a “White Lives Matter” video on Facebook.

“I am intimidated now,” said Hendricks. “I don’t know if my family, my son would be welcome in the community.”

Hendricks is Black. He is married to a white woman, and they have a biracial son.

When the mayor shares a video like that on Facebook, it has a psychological impact on the Black community, said Hendricks.

“That is a sign saying: ‘Black people are not welcome,’ ” said Hendricks.

Hendricks is an educational assistant who works with children who have autism. He’s been with the Waterloo Region District School Board for 14 years. They recently put their Waterloo home up for sale, and had started the search for a new place to live. They liked the idea of moving to Wilmot Township because prices are lower.

They have lived in this area for more than 20 years and came here from their hometown of London, Ont.

“There wonderful opportunities here, and you do encounter some system-institutional racism, but for the most part we enjoy being here and raising a family here,” said Hendricks.

But the “White Lives Matter” video on a mayor’s Facebook page was something else altogether.

“I am numb right now because for the first time in this region I do not feel welcome,” he added.

His real estate agent was told to forget about looking at homes in Wilmot Township.

“Now, there is no way I would ever consider living there,” said Hendricks.

He first saw the post Monday. The video is from a Facebook group called Conservative Nation. It features two African American men. They say the Black Lives Matter movement is a lie that takes donations and funds candidates for the Democratic Party in the U.S.

Armstrong shared that with a brief comment: “Another view. Interesting.”

“I am in shock,” said Hendricks. “The underlying message, as the mayor, as the leader of the municipality: ‘Black people are not welcome, Black people are not safe.’ ” Armstrong announced he would remove the post from his Facebook page after other members of Wilmot Township council criticized the move during a Monday night meeting.

“As evidenced by the many messages and phone calls I have received, this has harmed our community,” said Coun. Jennifer Pfenning.

She asked Armstrong to acknowledge the hurt he caused and remove the post.

Saying he could not remain silent, Coun. Barry Fisher publicly endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement and Indigenous-led justice initiatives.

“But words are not enough for me to bring this about, so knowing I still have a lot to learn I will personally be donating to Black Lives Matter,” said Fisher.

Coun. Cheryl Gordijk and Coun. Angie Hallman endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement and pledged to support anti-racism initiatives in the community.

Armstrong said he understands he raised the ire of people by sharing the post. He added people mistake his sharing of that post with endorsing it. He did not apologize for sharing it, and said he only wanted to spark more conversations.

“I am more than willing to take it down, that is not a problem, I can do that,” said Armstrong.

Dr. Chris Stuart Taylor teaches history at the University of Waterloo. He researches racism, slavery, Black identity, multiculturalism and migration, among other subjects.

“Any elected official has to think critically before they share or retweet or repost or whatever, any type of social media,” said Taylor.

The term “White Lives Matter” is a form of violence that deflects the message from the Black Lives Matter movement, he added.