It’s in our power to speak up against hate

There are times when the news of the day can feel overwhelming. That has certainly been all too true as we learn of acts of violence and hatred experienced by members of Black and Asian communities, Indigenous peoples and members of different faith communities to name just a few recent examples.

This week, a family of five was senselessly run down by an individual who appears to have been motivated by hate and Islamophobia. A nine-year old child survived the attack and has been left orphaned and in hospital.

Outrage and heartbreak are very natural emotions to feel as we respond to these acts of hate, prejudice and discrimination. As the mayor of London, Ontario where this act of terror occurred said, “the magnitude of such hatred can make one question who we are...”.

Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian sentiment, homophobia, misogyny – any form of hate or discrimination aimed at us because of who we are or what we believe is wrong and diminishes us all.

And while it’s natural to feel powerless in the face of evil, it’s in our power to speak up against hate. We can find strength in listening to and learning from people who are different from ourselves, and understanding that our differences are not to be feared and to be valued.

I encourage you to reach out to a colleague or a neighbour from another faith or community today. Listen to their story and their perspective, and share yours. Small acts like these add up and stitch inclusion into our everyday interactions.  

Let’s support one another, listen, and open our hearts and minds to our differences. That is the path to a more caring and equitable society where we can all access opportunity and thrive.

Victor

#OurLondonFamily