One day I was asked to update my online biography. As I read through my work history (snooze-fest) my focus zeroed in on something else: a high school speaking series on non-violence and media literacy, initiated by me; a long form current affairs piece on how the Toronto District School Board’s zero-tolerance policy was unfairly targeting students of colour, written and reported by me; countless events aimed at boosting the self-esteem of young girls and boys, emceed by me. And then I thought, “What happened?”
I was an activist before I was a working mom. Nothing wrong with focusing on the mom thing but as my eldest is about to enter kindergarten (sigh) I should be able to get back to what attracted me to journalism to begin with…HELPING PEOPLE. As a mom, it’s behavior I should be modeling for my kids. And as a woman of colour (double whammy) I need to be using everything I can to help anyone who needs it.
So that’s how I found myself at a meeting of Ladies on the Rise at North Albion Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. Just under 50 girls ranging from ages 9 to 18 get together under the incredible leadership of Marcia Brown a couple of times a week to learn life skills and be active. How am I going to help? I have no clue! But I’m committed and will figure out a way to give these girls a little something that might help them in their journey. This photo is of me and the “ladies” yesterday.
I will also continue to support Girls On The Run, a nation-wide initiative to get girls interested in inner-strength and action rather than looks and gossip. You’ll also find me working with New Beginnings, a group led by Denise Whitter that transitions women from poverty to self-sufficiency without government funds.
What will you do? Inspire me! Submit a comment below or email submissions@cityline.ca.