MMA Architect Inc. and Windsor Ontario architect, Stuart Miller hopes you enjoy our blog. We take a fresh approach to business blogging, highlighting a variety of topics.
In order to share an authentic piece reflecting our values and providing useful information on the celebration of Black History Month, we asked Irene Moore Davies to guest blog. Irene is a local author, historian, academic and prominent Afro-Canadian in our Windsor-Essex Community.
A Black History Month Reflection: What It Means to Be an Ally
by Irene Moore Davis
Nowadays, we often hear people refer to themselves as “allies…” whether supporting the efforts of Indigenous people, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, people with low income, members of LGBTQ communities, or those experiencing discrimination on the basis of religion.
“Ally” is a term that is sometimes misunderstood. Being an ally requires more than sharing the odd social media post or confronting someone who makes an inappropriate joke! Being an ally really involves:
- Supporting an oppressed person or group
- Being willing to listen and to be educated about others’ experiences
- Remaining in solidarity, without retreating into your own privilege when the going gets tough
- Educating people within your own group about what’s happening to others, and how they can help
In our efforts to be better, we can look to the past for inspiration. Black history, in particular, offers many examples of effective alliances and partnerships between people of African descent and others.
The Underground Railroad was a clandestine network made up of people of African, European, and sometimes Indigenous descent. They were committed to helping freedom seekers find their way north. With the help of these allies, many thousands crossed the Detroit River successfully to build new lives in what is now Ontario.
Efforts such as the Refugee Home Society (Essex County) along with the Elgin Settlement (Buxton) and the Dawn Settlement (Dresden) in Chatham-Kent were co-facilitated by people of African and European descent. These groups worked together to help formerly enslaved people own property, become successful farmers or tradespeople, and profit from their own skills for the first time.
In the 1940s and 50s, the Windsor Interracial Council or the Windsor Council on Group Relations–men and women of both African and European descent –collaborated to end racial segregation in local housing, restaurants, and hotels.
We can all do more to support people whose experiences aren’t exactly like our own. I regularly ask myself how effective I am as an ally to others. I encourage you to do the same!
There are many local Black-owned or Black co-owned businesses doing great work. These are a few:
AOR Risk Solutions: www.aorrisk.com 519-988-6216
Co-founded by an Underground Railroad descendant veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, AOR provides risk mitigation, commercial/residential/travel security services, and security consulting.
Caribbean Island Spice: 725 Wyandotte Street West, Windsor 519-915-5837
Essentially a take-out spot, with a small counter/seating area. Delicious Caribbean cuisine!
Glen’s Moving and Storage www.glensmoving.ca 519-945-3622
Specializing in local and long distance moving and heavy object relocation. Glen Cook is a member of the Order of Ontario and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient for his efforts to preserve Black pioneer cemeteries.
Jubba Restaurant: 2000 Wyandotte Street West, Windsor 519-253-6215
If you haven’t tried Somali cuisine, you don’t know what you’re missing!
World Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant: 61 University Avenue West, Windsor 519-253-2215
Delicious Ethiopian food in a charming atmosphere.
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In addition to Irene’s contribution as our guest blogger this week, MMA Architect suggests that you take advantage of the following resources.
Share Read Alouds with Your Children: 15 fantastic Black History books for families and children at Savvymom.ca
Take a Historic Road Trip: Amherstburg Freedom Museum, the Buxton National Historic Site, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and other Historical African American Cultural Destinations.
MMA Architect Inc. and Windsor Ontario Architect, Stuart Miller, enjoy working with Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Ontario businesses and homeowners to create efficiencies that promote business growth and improve lifestyles. MMA Architect Inc. looks forward to serving clients with a variety of quality services.
MMA Architect Inc., licensed professional architect, Windsor, Ontario aka @YQGArchitect, MMAarchBlog ~ ©MMA Architect Inc., February 12, 2018, Blog 14