The Toronto Police Service (TPS) honoured generations of Black trailblazers on the official launch of Black Historical past Month (BHM) on January 30 at police headquarters.
“Black Historical past Month gives a chance to focus on the contributions of Black folks and to have fun their achievements,” mentioned Chief Myron Demkiw. “Additionally it is a time to mirror on the work we proceed to do to make sure everybody has a good likelihood to succeed.”
TPS has a protracted historical past of Black officers breaking boundaries, starting with the late Larry McLarty and Gloria Bartley, who joined in 1960. Amongst them was retired Sergeant Terry James, one in all 10 ladies in her coaching class in 1980—the most important on the time. James performed a pivotal position in establishing the BHM celebrations at police headquarters in 1994 and, in 2001, grew to become one of many first Black ladies to be promoted to sergeant alongside now-retired Inspector Sonia Thomas.
Recognizing her affect in fostering inclusion inside TPS, a Trailblazer Award was established in James’ title final 12 months. This 12 months’s recipient was Employees Superintendent Kelly Skinner, who credit James as a mentor who impressed her profession.
“To be the primary Black feminine promoted to Employees Superintendent at TPS is an achievement I owe to Terry’s steering and instance,” mentioned Skinner, a 25-year police veteran. “She taught me that management is about lifting others as you climb, preventing injustice, and standing up for these in our care. For that, I’m eternally grateful.”
Chief Demkiw emphasised the significance of variety inside the police service, noting that constructing belief and strengthening relationships is crucial for good policing. “We are going to proceed to work with Black communities, companions, and all Torontonians,” he mentioned.
For the second consecutive 12 months, the Pan-African flag was raised at police headquarters as a part of the ceremony. “The flag serves as a unifying image and honours the shared heritage that connects folks of African descent globally,” Demkiw added.
Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll, Toronto Police Affiliation President Clayton Campbell, and members of the Caribbean Consular Corps attended the occasion.
“As a Board, Black Historical past Month stays a major event to honour the contributions of Black communities to our metropolis, our nation, and this police service,” mentioned Carroll. “We have fun the previous whereas wanting forward.”
She highlighted the Board’s ongoing dedication to policing reform and fostering stronger connections with communities. “During the last a number of years, we have now intensified our give attention to incorporating public voices into our decision-making,” she mentioned. “This consists of constructing new neighborhood security response fashions, addressing systemic racism, and taking concrete steps to rebuild belief with Black communities.”
The occasion was coordinated by the Group Partnerships & Engagement Unit (CPEU), led by Constable Curtis Celestine.
Black Historical past Month originated from the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an American scholar who sought to unfold consciousness of African-American historical past. It was initially celebrated for every week in February, chosen as a result of delivery dates of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, earlier than increasing right into a month-long observance.
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