This year for #BlackHistory Month, I'm again focusing on #BlackHistoryCanada. Specifically Jamaican Canadian history. I think with Jamaica still recovering from last year's devastating hurricane it's valuable to appreciate how deep Canada's history with Jamaica goes.
Today I'm thinking about Ben Johnson, whose name I grew up hearing.
At a young age I felt a sense of national pride watching the Olympics; Canada always did well per-capita in medals. As an adult I have a better appreciation for how much Canada's performance came at the expense of countries like Jamaica. Talented athletes like Ben Johnson immigrate here where they often have access to more training resources than back home, and we benefit from their talent during the games. Something we do well to remember in the present.
I wish I had heard less about Ben's struggles with steroids. He came up with a coach who was administering them systematically, and the bulk of the shame rightly rests with Charlie Francis.
Ben's career intersects with the IOC's last period of peak transphobia, having been disqualified for his testosterone levels being too high. The myth of T as a PED is wielded against trans women particularly, and Ben was treated shamefully as collateral damage to that end.
Jamaica is still recovering from hurricane Melissa, something that is going to take years.
Carney says we need to unionize with other middle powers; I say we can get comfortable being moved out of the Imperial Core. Let's build out our network of mutual aid. Canada's very urban, when disaster hits us it will hit a lot of us, just like this did Jamaica. Today them, tomorrow us.
https://torontocaribbean.com/the-truth-about-sending-humanitarian-relief-to-jamaica/
"For those in Canada ... leverage diaspora networks, or official diplomatic missions like the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto or the High Commission in Ottawa. Use platforms like https://supportjamaica.gov.jm to pledge cash or in-kind donations, ensuring that ODPEM can verify and coordinate the follow-up."
https://jcgtoronto.ca/melissa/
#BlackHistory #BlackHistoryCanada #HurricaneMelissa #Jamaica
🏳️🌈 Bri 🌞🚴🌱✨
