Advocating for the Incarcerated – 7th Annual One Love Gala – Rehab

BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO

When we have been exposed to the news stories of hardened criminals, men, and women who have been sentenced to years in prison due to the unfortunate decisions they made, we sometimes find it difficult to sympathize with their situations.

We write them off, resolved to believe they deserve to serve their time incarcerated without considering the idea that they could have potentially been wrongfully accused or unlawfully imprisoned.

Regardless of their individual circumstances, not all considered criminals are without remorse. Their time in prison serves as a time to reflect, a time to repent and a time to potentially get the help they need to finally lead normal and meaningful lives.

The Diversity Chaplaincy Program offers crucial services in Canadian Prisons that celebrates Chaplaincy and it’s ability to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals.

In Canada, the criminally convicted and jailed individuals must get a second chance. This is reflective of the teachings of the various Faiths we follow. Chaplains do not sit in the jury box and they are not in the business of judging the convicted. They come with a compassionate heart, a listening ear, holding hands with the men and women who approach them for spiritual guidance as they navigate their life’s journey.

“I’ve been a chaplain for the past ten years,” shares Federal Prison Chaplain Habeeb Alli. “When Steven Harper wanted to get rid of the Diversity Chaplaincy Program in the federal prisons seven years ago, so we started this event as a form of activism which resulted in the government maintaining the program in the prison and we continued to serve the men who are incarcerated.”

Habeeb refers to The One Love Gala which serves as a keystone for the Chaplaincy community to collaborate and go beyond advocating and actively work to help create awareness for the program as well as share success stories from the diversity chaplains, of successfully reintegrated former inmates, and of the Interfaith communities. 

The Gala was founded when Chaplaincy in Canada was under serious threat.  “I was sitting, distraught when I heard Bob Marley’s One Love playing. At that moment the idea crystallized of an event to both celebrate our work with those incarcerated and advocate for the continuation of this crucial service,” Habeeb says.

“Based on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Chaplains are there to accommodate the religious rights of the inmates,” Habeeb explains, “As a Canadian citizen, you do not lose your rights after incarceration, and allow the Chaplains to journey along with the inmates on their spiritual path offering compassion and guide them through the process.”

Habeeb says that many inmates are released from prison and given a second chance at life. By working closely with the Chaplains they are given the tools to help with their potential reintegration into society.  Whether it be academic or career-focused programs, they are taught job skills, and social skills to manage their mental health as a part of the spiritual reformation journey they undertake.   

On Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Elite Banquet Hall, 1850 Albion Road, Etobicoke, ON, former inmates, current chaplains, award-winning leaders, and entertainers will be coming together for the 7th year in a row for the 2019 One Love Gala – Rehab.

This year’s keynote address will discuss the indispensable nature of Diversity Chaplains in Canadian Prisons! The Keynote will be delivered by the Associate Chaplain and Director of Interfaith Engagement at Northwestern University, Tahera Ahmed.

“It is a time to recognize exemplary members of our community with the Malcolm X, Tayyibah Taylor, Ghulam Sajan, Lyla Ali, and Carl Jadgunadan Awards. And, most of all, it is a time to celebrate our achievements over the year,” Habeeb says.

The Chaplaincy program allows incarcerated inmates to voluntarily choose a spiritual path for healing and reintegration, and the Chaplains fill the role of the person that inmate needs to help guide them along their path to making more positive decisions in their life. They facilitate things such as job searches, finding a place to live or just being there as a strong support system through trying times.

“We have witnessed many inmates who were once behind-bars successfully reintegrate into society,” Habeeb says. “Their stories inspire us all and for many, these transformation years have renewed their faith and given them a chance to forgive and be forgiven.”

The One Love Gala is a way to honor them for their courage to change the path they have taken for a better one. The One Love Gala brings people from all walks of life, races, and religions. They celebrate successes through awards and give back to deserving charities that help to further the success of inmate programming. The charity of choice this year is ‘Looking at the Stars Foundation’ an organization that takes classical music into prisons for free.

Tickets for the One Love Gala are still available online. Everyone, including children, are welcome to attend this event to learn something new and celebrate the positive achievements of the Chaplaincy Program as well as the successful reintegration of inmates in the community.