Tangible responses to racism is goal of steelworkers’ roundable

Parking lot confrontations. Intimidation. Assault. Everyday awareness of being the “other.” These are some of the realities Hamiltonians reported when asked about their experiences of racism at the World Café Saturday.

The event, an anti-racism roundtable, was organized by the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council following an event earlier this year to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The goal was to “harness the energy” of that earlier standing-room-only event, and to identify tangible goals to combat racism in the city, said Kai Lai, the human rights co-ordinator for United Steel Workers of Canada.

The 30 or so attendees were tasked with responding to a series of questions about racism in Hamilton:

What sort of discrimination have they experienced? What are the key issues? What forums and organizations exist to help? And how can they reach them?

“One of the things that surprised me is the sense of actual fear. It’s tangible,” said participant Nancy Reyes. “But at the same time, I hear people wanting to come together to create (change). That’s also tangible. There’s a momentum and a need for action.”

Marlene Thomas-Osborne has worked with Hamilton’s Community Coalition against Racism for years. She said change needs to start on an individual level.

“Everybody must be involved. When there is a racist joke made in the workplace, at the water cooler, someone has to step in and say ‘Stop, you’re hurting someone.’”

The recent beating and mugging of a Muslim teen on the Mountain was brought up several times Saturday — a fresh wound for many in attendance.

While police have not called it a hate crime, Noah Rabbani’s family believes that hate could have been a motivator in the attack.

Coalition chair Ken Stone said the case certainly has the “markings” of a hate crime.

He noted the roundtable event “couldn’t have come at a better time, with all the backlash from the (Donald) Trump election.”

For Louise Noel-Ambrose, the first word that came to mind when asked about the importance of the event Saturday was “survival.”

“It’s about my survival, my children’s survival. As a mom, a woman and a community activist, I need to find the resources to help ensure I can live an enriched life.”

As the new administrator for the annual John C. Holland Awards, Noel-Ambrose appreciated the opportunity to network with other organizations promoting diversity.

“Coalition building is super important,” agreed Sarah Jama, co-president of the McMaster Womanists (a group that aims to provide a safe, positive and inclusive space for women of colour on and off campus).

“Racism is not a new topic in Hamilton, but it’s important to keep having these discussions ... they provide direction to fuel the passion and energy and anger.”

Jama stressed the importance of considering “intersectionality” — “race is not a onedimensional issue … it’s nuanced.”

Coun. Matthew Green, MPP Monique Taylor and MP Scott Duvall were at the Barton Street East gathering and applauded the steelworkers union for hosting the event.

“For Hamilton steelworkers, community matters. We like to think we play a strong, active role in our community,” said organizer Darren Green, president of the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council.

“The faces of our members are all different skin colours and religions. So in doing something for our community, we are doing something for our members as well.”