Hi there,
I know it’s been awhile since I have posted anything.
I’ve been feeling out of sorts, and not really sure what to write about.
Then it happened in America again. A black man was killed by a white police officer. George Floyd’s death has sparked riots in Minneapolis, and has (re)started the conversation in this country about anti-Black racism in Canada.
Which brings me to a piece I watched on the news just this morning. A black, male, University of Ottawa student, who experienced racism on campus said that white people need to use our privilege, to speak up and get policies changed. E.g. The concept of race is false. I am sending you the link in case you'd like to check it out - https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1968301
Martin Luther said, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” (Or, at least he is given credit on the internet for saying this.)
I believe it is the artist’s calling to speak out against injustices of his/her time. Writers from every century have called out hypocrisy, misogyny, racism, etc. And, so I feel that it is part of my duty as a writer to do the same.
That said, a crucial piece to our understanding is the act of reading. In Canada, we are blessed to have a diverse group of writers, so I would encourage you to read. I will include a list of my favourites, below.
And, if you feel so inclined, to pick up your pen and write to your MP. We should expect better and justice for every person of colour in this country.
Books/Authors to check out:
1. Richard Wagamese (pretty much anything this man wrote is AMAZING) – I particularly liked Keeper’n Me and Medicine Walk.
2. Rachel Manley – The Black Peacock
3. Esi Edugyan – Washington Black
4. Jasmine Aziz – Sex & Samosas
5. Sonia Saikaley – The Allspice Bath
6. Thomas King – The Inconvenient Indian
7. Waubgeshig Rice – Moon of the Crusted Snow
8. Austin Clarke – The Polished Hoe (it’s on my list to read)
9. Mairuth Sarsfield – No Crystal Stair (also on my list)
10. Mordecai Richler – Barney’s Version
11. Joy Kogawa – Obasan (a must read for every Canadian)
12. Susan Juby - The Woefield Poultry Collective – the only white person to make the list (at least I think she is). It’s funny and offers some humour, as some of these books are emotionally weighted! Sex & Samosas, The Inconvenient Indian and Keeper’n Me also offer some humour.
Until next time,
Ellie