East York residents rally to combat hate
‘Reclaim Dentonia Park’ responds to racial attack on local couple in June
East-end residents will be coming together Saturday to colourfully Reclaim Dentonia Park, after two of their neighbours fell victim to a violent, racially charged assault there.
On June 25, Mark Austin was walking his dog in the 15-acre park with his partner Candace Zinkweg when an altercation broke out that resulted her being knocked to the ground and kicked in the head by two white people. Zinkweg, who was transported to hospital by ambulance, is still dealing with the effects of the concussion she sustained.
Austin, who is Black, said he was called the N-word and threatened with future gun violence by a third white person.
He alleges Toronto police, who on July 7 arrested and charged two men in connection with the incident, failed to respond promptly and appropriately to the situation because of the colour of his skin.
That same day, a coalition of groups held a rally outside 55 Division to demand racial justice. Organizers demanded Toronto police “immediately lay charges on the assailants, and publicly apologize for their shocking inaction in the face of a clear case of violent assault, racist abuse and ongoing threats to this couple.”
Toronto police have not apologized.
Since then, those same supporters have been planning a family-friendly event at Dentonia Park, where people can come together (in a physically distanced way) to speak out against hate and symbolically take back the space.
“We all feel unsafe, attacked by that hate crime. It hurt all of us,” said organizer Zahra Dhanani of Old’s Cool General Store, a community hub known for its social justice and antiracism work.
“Everyone can relate to this incident. It could have happened to anyone in this community.”
Dhanani, who is an immigration and refugee lawyer, said the event is all about encouraging people in the community to look out for each other, and letting those who attacked Austin and Zinkweg — and anyone else contemplating bringing harm to those enjoying the park — know their actions aren’t acceptable and won’t be tolerated.
She added the gathering will also call on the police to better investigate racially-motivated crimes, and treat everyone equally.
Brian Champ, of Toronto East Anti-Hate Mobilization, said the event has been organized to support those who live and work in the highly diverse Crescent Town area, many of whom have had experiences similar to that of Austin and Zinkweg.
“We want to help build support for people who want to come forward and tell their stories,” he said, adding the event is part of an ongoing effort to hold authorities and institutions accountable.
“It’s important to empower people in racialized communities, to remove fears when wrong things happen, to encourage them to speak up.”
Organizer Sultana Jahangir, the executive director of the South Asian Women’s Rights organization, said in the past three or four years there have been a lot of incidents in and around Dentonia Park that have left people feeling unsafe and unwelcome.
“We know there is systemic racism here and that can lead to violence,” she said.
“We have had some incidents where people have experienced racism and felt the police weren’t helping or taking their matter seriously. People in the community are feeling a bit discouraged and aren’t calling the cops.”
Jahangir said Reclaim Dentonia Park is part of a greater effort to create harmony, inclusivity and safety for people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds in the area.
“Let’s come together and stand up against racism. … We need to reject these racist attitudes and behaviours in our community,” she said.
As for Austin, he said the kindness they’ve been shown by various groups and area residents has meant a lot to him and his partner, and said they’re looking forward to taking part in Saturday’s event.
“The support of the community and social justice groups and the unions is what keeps us going,” said Austin, who said he still feels shaken by the incident and admitted they’re considering moving out of the city. Reclaim Dentonia Park, which is being dubbed a United Against Hate community art rally and call for justice, will run from 4 to 7 p.m.. All are welcome.