A coalition of community organizations is calling on the three levels of government to hold a summit on the violence that is wreaking havoc in various sectors of the city's Black community.
The coalition's principal position, says a news release we received this week, "is that the violence and criminal activity being experienced is symptomatic of the more deep rooted problems that are connected to the institutional racism, and anti-Black racism which systematically denies African Canadians equitable access to social, economic and political opportunities.
"It is an outcome of the high levels of sustained poverty, inadequate housing, high unemployment, all of which lead to more marginalization and alienation from the broader Toronto community.
"This is especially the case among our young people. The violence and criminal activity is indicative of how some individuals have incorrectly responded to the powerlessness and hopelessness they feel and the sense of systematic marginalization and exclusion they face."
The conclusion reached by members of the coalition - representing almost 20 respected community organizations - is that the violence we are experiencing is symptomatic of a much deeper problem in our community and one that requires "systemic and sustainable changes". The coalition is calling for "a community-driven action plan that is developed and implemented in partnership with" the three levels of government.
This is a laudable move on the part of these organizations and shows the depth of concern throughout our community.
The premier and mayor have already expressed their deep concern at the increase in violence in the community and their willingness to act decisively. We hope the federal government also shares their concern and will respond quickly and positively. We can't emphasize too strongly the urgency of this issue and the fact that whatever steps taken must be in close alliance with the community. So, we support this call by the coalition.
While Toronto police chief, Bill Blair, has committed to deploying more police officers to secure the safety of the at risk communities, a move we're sure will make a difference, the real issue is how are we going to stem this culture of violence? How are we going to steer the young ones coming up away from adopting a way of life which, for many, will end either in jail or in the grave?
Among those who have ventured to suggest solutions, none has done so more eloquently than Lennox Farrell, Chair of the Caribbean Cultural Committee, the organizers of the annual Caribana, when he spoke with Share earlier this week.
Farrell, who is now retired, has been a teacher in the Toronto area for some 30 years.
He suggested, among other things, that the men in our community must play a more positive role in the lives of our youth, especially the young boys.
We have a very strong church community, he said, and suggested that men in the church, who are among the best men in our community, should commit themselves to working with our young boys - not just their own children, but children in need of positive role models in our community.
"Commit time for them. Take them to the library, read with them. Take them to the zoo, to the museum. Be available to take their call when they need help with their school work or when they want to talk through some other issue. Make time to go to their school and meet with their teachers."
He suggested that the churches could also play an important role by forming reading clubs or providing other activities of interest to the youth where they could come in and spend an evening in a wholesome atmosphere.
The fact is, people are beginning to think about the problem of violence in our community and are seeking solutions. There is no easy fix. And it will take time. However, if we begin to lay the foundation now, we will see the results in time.
To do nothing is not an option if we need to heal our community.