Dr. Julius Garvey inspires Toronto’s new economic renaissance

BY DAVE RANKIN

“One Aim, One God, and we can truly achieve One Destiny.” ~ Dr. Julius Garvey

You could sense that there was a different vibe in the room that Monday, as we all awaited the arrival of the son of Africa’s greatest leader, The Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Well-dressed members of the community were locked in delightful conversations; greeting each other’s colourful displays of affection that we, as Africans in the diaspora are well known for. On my way in, I had met two elders who showed their excitement to hear our esteemed keynote speaker. “Economics is needed,” one of them said, “but we can only do this together!” This togetherness the elder spoke of would be the theme of the night.

The auspicious event was a collaborative one with so many partners involved in making it special. I’d like to thank Andria Barret and her team from the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, Brother Simba Hanley, the members of the Global African Communities Network, and the Jamaican Canadian Association for their efforts. Like ants in a colony working towards “One Aim,” the members of the audience witnessed a first-hand glimpse of what can be done when we work together.

The event began with the singing of our national anthem. No not “O’ Canada”, but “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” A powerful ode from the past instilling us in the present to continue to “…March on till victory is won.” The spirit of the audience was already joyful and upbeat as the night began, but as soon as the very chair that Hon. Marcus Garvey sat on while the Toronto Chapter of the UNIA was active, was brought in the room; I could feel the joy grow.

Then the moment happened; the name of the keynote speaker was called, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you, Dr. Julius Garvey!” All able bodies stood up and cheered, waving the Red, Black, and Green flag of the UNIA as Dr. Garvey entered the room. He smiled and waved to all well-wishers and supporters, shaking a few hands along the way. He even managed to give a few hugs to some special people in the audience. As Dr. Garvey sat down with the panelists, the audience was still on their feet, excited to finally see the son of our hero. What a way to start the night.

Members of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce chipped in on the hosting duties; respectfully bringing each panelist to the podium. Renea Douglas, VP of the JCA began by honouring how important the organization was to the community, how they were so proud to be part of this well-organized collaborative group. Michael Forrest (co-founder of the CBCC) set the tone for the night when he said, “There is something about ownership that keeps your head high.”

MP Greg Fergus was the next speaker; his message was simple, yet powerful, ”We need to aim high and do better; but we can’t be crabs in a bucket. Let’s figure it out together.”

Following Mr. Fergus was MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, who took the time to challenge the federal government by saying, “Don’t just show me a $10 bill. We need tangible results for justice, business development and government procurement.”

MPP and chair of the NDP Black Caucus, Laura Mae Lindo was the last of the three members of parliament to speak to the audience. As much as she reminded us that “Economic development is needed,” and that she will “keep fighting” till we are no longer in languish,” The highlight of her speech came when she sang a song in the Nigerian Ifa tradition to honour Dr. Garvey through the wisdom of the creative spirit, Obatala.

As soon as Jamaican Consulate General Lloyd Wilks began to speak, you could see him channel his inner Marcus Garvey. Going back and forth between English and Patois, his fiery deliverance served as a hint that, “Unity is what founded the resistance, and it is time to be powerful in unity once again.”

Simba Hanley and the Global African Communities Network were the last speakers prior to Dr. Garvey. Simba’s message was so uplifting, that it had members of the audience participating without reservation. Not only did he urge the audience that “Sovereignty is a must,” he outlined that the “Biblical curse of 400 years in bondage is over,” and the audience roared, and rejoiced in unity.

Each speaker did exactly what they set out to do, which was to raise the spirit of the people who were waiting in anticipation for the man of the hour. Greeted with a standing ovation, Dr. Garvey took to the podium. He initiated his speech by saying, “There is no height to where we can climb.” This alone hushed a once spirited crowd that was now hanging on every word of this great orator. Dr. Garvey warned the audience that, “We would not dare to imitate what was here before, but forge a new path based on African humanism.” This humanism he referred to is a mixture of tradition and customs that allowed us to serve the community in harmony.

Dr. Garvey began to explain the importance of working together in practical terms. Vernam Field (located in the Clarendon Parish) is currently being redeveloped into a mega “Aerotropolis.” The former US military base is large enough to: house an aerodome, to provide international air cargo and logistical services, and hold an aeronautical training school. Sitting on approximately 170 acres, the public/private project will allow Vernam Field to be the largest airport on the island, creating thousands of jobs in the process. Currently in Phase One, we in the diaspora await patiently for its completion and what this will do for our beautiful island on the world’s stage.

Dr. Garvey concluded the night by asking, ”Are we going to unite as a community? Are we going to promote excellence within the community?”